Hey everyone! This is my very first Lord of the Rings fan fics. There is one original chara that will be the main character. And there will be MANY different pairing featured in this fic. Also the angst will be in large abundance. I'm known for that unfortunately. Some of my pairing include Ithil/Elrond (kinda, but you'll see why I say that when you read it), Celebrian/Elrond, Aragorn and/or Elladan with Legolas (yet to be decided), Elrohir/Glorfindel (this will come along eventually)… that's just to give you all an idea. I won't tell any of the rest. Please tell me if it's worth finishing! And if it is, tell me what pairing you like better Elladan/Legolas or Aragorn/Legolas… Thanks again for reading! Please leave feed back good or bad!
Tears of the Moon
Chapter One: Arithil
[The end of the second age of Middle-Earth, the solar year 3441 – Plateau of Gorgoroth at the foot of Mt. Doom in Mordor]
War… How horrid it is… When one stands in the midst of unbelievable odds wrapped in the very intensity that you could cut with a blade it's so thick. The hopelessness that drowns you, chokes you until each breath feels like the last. And you just know, that there is no way to win. It's hard even to look to the east and pray that once again you will see the light of the dawning sun. For pain, blood, agony, and hatred have long blotted out even that welcome feeling. And that's when you question, 'will I ever see it again?' For most, it will never be, for war is an exchange of life in order to attain a people's beliefs. Or even to attain the right to live…
A smell of soot, ash, sulfur, and blood fill the nostrils. So much death and blood that one is nearly dizzied by the smell and sensation alone… And the sound that fills the ears is shrill with cries of pain and suffering as well as valiant calls of valor and battle. They were not the only sounds, for this battleground was that of Mount Doom, and the earth shook fiercely in response to the massive battle between Mordor and the races of men and elves.
Lines of elves stood still as stone along the lands of Mordor adorned in shining armor of gold that glimmered in the red light of the volcano and clouded sky. Among them stood one figure clad in silver rather than gold. Long silvery strands of platinum crowned the fair elven head laced with a few intricate braids that kept the silken locks from the eyes. This elf wasn't tall, nor grand in build, but the gracefulness seemed to pour off of the being in waves as the poise remained like a statue. All was still about this elf, even as the enemies came crashing toward them like a torrent wave upon a rocky cliff. "Thala…" The calm voice that erupted from the figure was smooth like a brook and undeniably feminine.
The gentle words encompassed her fellow elves as they stood fearlessly before the out pour and as they forced even breaths, her slender hand rose for them all too see. "Deri…" Miles melted into yards and it seemed only seconds until that would fade into feet, but it didn't happen. "Si!" With that a hail of arrows showered down upon the oncoming force felling a good many of the twisted foul creatures.
It was perfect fluid motion that kept the strings of the Elven bows singing, and it was hard to even see them reach to pull another arrow from the elegant quivers adorning their backs. The lady warrior too, joined in the attack aiming carefully for each mark with a delicate yet extraneous speed. But even with that precision, the foe was drawing far too close to their defensive line. Placing her bow to her back with lightning speed, she then unsheathed her sword quickly and brandished it for all the other elves to see. "Tî nîf! Magol!"
With a fluidity that none could fathom, hundreds of elves shouldered their bows and drew their swords. Working together and yet alone, the melee combat began with the back rows still showering the onslaught with arrows meant to slay the enemy. Spinning with finesse, the silver blade glinted as it sliced into her every target making her look as though she were dancing rather than fighting. But no matter the beauty of their combat, nor the abundance of their skill, she was still hit with the dreaded feeling of helplessness. The feeling that no matter how well they fought they wouldn't win…
Lifting eyes of silver blue to gaze down the line of elves, one figure stood out against the rest. Even though his armor was gold like all the others, it still gleamed brightest in her eyes. Much like herself he commanded his battalion of elves with poise and delicacy keeping all thoughts of their well being in mind. Ebony hair swirled about him as she felt her heart drop within her chest. This was the reason why she had fought for her right to be in battle. One did ridiculous things when it came to matters of the heart…
It was that moment, that her mind and body were thrust back into the present and the gaze that had remained on the dark haired ethereal being was now forced to look upon the orcs that wished to claim her life. Leaping once more into motion, she felt dizzy and forlorn as she was reminded just how lonely she was. No matter how large the host of elves was that surrounded her and obeyed her every word, she still felt singled out. But the moment was lost to her as a sudden cry rang forth shattering the atmosphere of battle to be replaced with anger and soon after, downfall.
At that time, Narsil had taken the ring from the dark lord, and all of Mordor fell. Like an explosion, a shockwave washed over the rocky terrain shoving many to the ground hard. Taking many of the lives that still remained… Eyes wide, she awaited it to hit, but in the last moments she cried to her people in a hurried tone. "Get down!" Instantly many fell to the ground avoiding the hit, but as a leader, she took it head on as she jumped before an injured elf to protect him. The feeling was excruciating as it tore through her lithe frame leaving her insides feeling cold as ice. And in that moment, she didn't even realize the Mordor blade that swept past her and sliced through the armor piercing her fair skin.
A hush fell over the whole area, as many remained fearful to even move. Trembling slightly, the lady elf took a deep breath and pulled back enough to gaze down at the injured elf in her arms smiling coolly never allowing the gesture to touch her pain filled eyes. "Are you all right?" The fair golden haired elf mutely nodded as his eyes then drifted to the cut on her shoulder causing them to widen.
"Hiril nin! You've been injured." Fear was evident in his voice as he voiced his concern for his lady and leader, but she merely shook her head hushing him quickly.
"It is naught…" Looking up to another elf close by, she ordered him to move the injured one back in the ranks. It would take time to regroup, but it seemed the time for haste was for the moment far from them. Taking a deep breath, she then gazed over the battlefield surveying the fallen and wounded as well as the dazed and weary orcs that had survived. It was then that she wondered, was it really worth it…
~*~
The mood was dark as the large mass of remaining elves slowly made their way out of Mordor in the direction of Gondor in hopes of finding some haven for rest there. The elf in silver slowly allowed her tired eyes to glance over her weary people before she finally shook her head. From aloft her white horse, she felt alien in a sense and too far from her own kind. Drifting deep into her troubled thoughts, she hadn't even noticed the other general of elves ride up to trot slowly at her side. "Are you all right Lady Ithil? They say you were hit in the explosion…"
Lifting widened eyes to meet the familiar face of the voice she knew so well, she could only note the deep concern and sadness that filled his dark eyes. "It is nothing to worry about Lord Elrond. There are many others worse off than I."
Laughing a bit dryly to this, the dark haired elf then sighed as he looked on ahead with weariness. "But not all of them are the offspring of the Lady Galadriel and Lord Celeborn. You don't worry enough about yourself I fear."
A feeling of warmth entered her cheeks briefly before a wave of cold swept through her as well. Swooning slightly at this, she merely narrowed her eyes trying to remain focused. She knew very well that the blade that sliced her may have been poisoned, but her loyalty to her people out weighed any worry she could hold for herself. "You may be right Lord Elrond… But I worry more for those that fight and die at my command…" Drifting off slowly, she didn't even realize that her vision was failing or that she was swaying to the side. "What kind of leader… would I…. Be… if I didn't…" With that the words cut off and her body swayed causing her to tumble off her horse only to be caught by the elven lord at her side.
"My Lady! Ithil! Can you hear me?" Elrond looked down at her lose form, dark eyes wide in both fear and dismay. Though, one couldn't be angry with her in truth for her neglect was of nobleness even if a bit foolish. Pulling her from her horse, he then directed another elf to take it into his care as he then urged his horse on in hopes of reaching the Lord and Lady, Ithil's parents. "Noro lim!" Like a bird on the strength of the breeze, he then rode off in great haste.
~*~
In her mind all was dark for a long time and a deep frost seemed to surround her heart. If she could move, she couldn't feel it, for the pain alone drowned all other feeling out. Opening one silvery eye in order to test her vision, she was forced to close it again as the bright light hit her. Furrowing her brow slightly, she then tried to think of where she was, and just how she got there. And it hit her all too quickly.
Jolting up from the bed, her muscles and joints screeched in horror but all she did was frown as she forced her eyes to open. Looking about wildly she inwardly cursed herself for the situation she was now in. What sort of general or leader for that matter let a poisoned blade draw them from duty? Gritting her teeth, she hadn't even noticed the worried figure beside her bed pinning her with wide eyes. "My lady?"
The unsure tone mixed with fear then brought her eyes to finally rest on the fair-haired elf at her side. Blinking a few times, realization hit her. This was the same elf she had protected on the battlefield. Swallowing in order to clear her dry throat, she then pinned on a weak smile and slowly nodded her head sending a river of platinum silver hair slipping over her shoulders. "Do not worry so. I am fine… Nana was the one that healed me, am I right?"
"Yes my lady. I begged her to let me stay and make sure you awoke… I want only to thank you." Still looking a bit worried, the blonde then wrung his hands in his lap for a short moment. "You wouldn't have been hurt had you not helped me…"
The smile brightened only slightly as she placed a cool hand upon his trembling ones. "Be calm my friend. What sort of leader would I be if I did not put the lives of those who follow me before my own? Enough have died and I didn't wish to lose anymore. Tell me your name please?"
At this, the nervousness slowly began to fade from his eyes as he lifted his head to meet her gaze fully for the first time. "I am Elen, hiril nin."
"I thank the Valar that you are able to be here again today and that your wounds were not grievous." Nodding after saying this, she watched a brilliant smile spread over the elven fair face. It was all the thanks that she needed. For even though she herself could not find such a smile, it eased her to know she had helped another enough to warrant such brilliance.
He moved to speak, but the opening of the door caught her attention and soon a lovely elf with long blonde locks entered the room. Her presence alone seemed to light the room with radiant sunlight. "Thank you Elen… I wish to speak with my daughter alone now."
Jumping to his feet, Elen bowed lowly before the elven lady before scurrying to the door. "Yes Lady Galadriel! Call on me should you need anything." That said, the blonde elf disappeared within the blink of an eye.
"Nana…" Ithil looked up at Galadriel with a dim smile and dull eyes as one of the noblest of her people sat upon the edge of her bed. "I thank you for caring for me. Please forgive me though, my weaknesses."
"That is not something you could control." Neutrality reigned in the fair lady's face as her blue eyes stayed pinned on her eldest daughter. "I would not be a mother if I had not cared for you in your time of need."
Nodding quickly, Ithil then looked down to her pale hands, as they lay motionless in her lap. "How is Lord Elrond?"
A flicker of surprise sifted through Galadriel's features as a touch of worry entered her voice. "Bruises and weariness is all that ails him. He was the one that brought you to me."
"I thought it was his voice I heard in my dreams…" A great chasm seemed to rift between them as Ithil slowly leaned back into the soft white sheets and stared at the ceiling. "Can you call for him Nana? I wish to speak with him…"
"Ithil… there is something you should know."
Looking up into her mother's porcelain face, it worried her that she found no touch of emotion present. Galadriel looked away slowly in thought, as her ethereal profile became super imposed on Ithil's memory. "What is it Nana?"
"Celeborn and I… We requested that Lord Elrond marry Celebrian. His acts and deeds in this battle are thought of highly. He is also the inheritor of Gil-Galad's…" Before she could finish her unwavering statement, Galadriel found a trembling hand gripping her arm as well as wide pools of silver blue staring up at her.
"Did he consent?" The shaken words left dry lips as Ithil stared up at her mother in fear, her heart ever slowly shattering.
"He did…"
Withdrawing her grip instantly, Ithil suddenly wilted like a flower under the desert sun. A cold wind swept through her causing her to suddenly tremble as though the temperature had dropped. "He… did…" Choking softly, she then closed her eyes as she balled her hands into fists.
"My daughter… Why do you react like so?" Sudden upset hit her mother then as she shied away from pulling Ithil into her arms. It was all so clear now to the bearer of one of the three Elven rings. Her daughter had been in love with Elrond, and now both she and her husband had made a terrible error. "Sweet Ithil… Forgive us… we did not know…"
No reply came as Ithil felt her nails digging into the palms of her hand producing tiny droplets of crimson blood to build upon the pale skin. Taking a deep breath, Ithil made herself still as a doll before turning a cold gaze upon her mother. "Ithil… We thought that you didn't wish to marry."
Nodding slowly at this, Ithil could see why they would think this. To her people she was duty bound, and now that any hope of love had been ripped from her grasp, it was all she was left with. "My loyalties lie with you my lady and the lord Celeborn. I will support this union and continue to lead our people nobly."
Remaining silent, Galadriel felt her heart sink slightly. She should have known that her eldest daughter harbored feelings for the half-elf Elrond. For, ever since they had met, Ithil had been smiling far more often and nearly cried as she begged to accompany the ebony haired elf into battle. But it all made sense far too late. Perhaps had she paid more attention, she wouldn't have cleaved her daughter's heart so horridly. Yet, even still, Galadriel reassured both her daughter as well as herself. "Look ever onward Ithil… For maybe in the future, you will find that there is something greater set aside for you."
Nodding her head slowly, her mother's words did nothing to lighten her heart. For all she could feel was the great loss of the one elf she had learned to love. Not only did she lose him, but also he was lost to her beloved younger sister. For that reason alone, she couldn't be angry, and the agony would have to be kept locked inside. "Yes, Nana…"
~*~
[The beginning of the third age of Middle-Earth, the solar year 1, Caras Galadon in Lothlorien]
Probably the most painful day in her long life and the loneliest, Ithil felt no urge or reason to be happy. The reason to smile was long gone, and swept up into the arms of sunlight where the moon could never reach. That was the long story of Ithil and Celebrian. Yet even though the younger sister, whom bore a beauty that was only rivaled by their mother and herself, could not know why her elder sister was in such deep distress. For since the beginning of her life, Ithil could deny nothing to her sweet sister. Not even the one she loved.
Watching the fair elven maiden before a decorated mirror, Ithil numbed her senses and covered her expression with a soft yet unfeeling smile. A few attendants were busying themselves with the golden locks that crowned Celebrian's hair and only paused now and again to ask Ithil if she would like them to do hers as well. But ever since she was old enough to make her own decisions, Ithil had let none other than her sister and her parents touch her hair. Today was the day they would announce the engagement of Elrond and her sister, and she could only grieve silently and inwardly for her presence was required. It wouldn't due for one of her status to fall apart before her people and the lords of friendly nations.
This event was supposed to be that of joy after the dark of the war against Mordor, but no joy could she feel. Except maybe for the joy she saw radiating off of Celebrian's features. Celebrian… she was her father's joy… But she was also Ithil's. It was then that the younger of the two caught her eyes in the mirror with dazzling sapphire orbs. "What is tormenting you muinthel nin, Ithil?"
Blinking a few times at the gentle voice so full of love and concern, Ithil then slowly shook her head causing her long her to sway slightly. "Nothing is wrong er-nith." Smiling a bit more convincingly, Ithil then stood from the chair she'd been sitting in and crossed the room to stand behind Celebrian. It took a persistent wave to get the attendants to stand aside, but Ithil let no one stand between herself and Celebrian. "You're heart is ever open to others isn't it? You are one of few that know me so well." The smile became a bit melancholic as Ithil aimlessly finished a braid that she'd taken from the other doing Celebrian's hair.
"I would be ashamed if I didn't know you well Ithil." Celebrian beamed at her sister's reflection before reaching up to touch the braid that Ithil finished. "I think you're far better at braiding than my stylists." Laughing softly she then turned to face Ithil fully. "Now tell me the truth, tell me what's wrong."
Shaking her head slowly, the being of the night merely half smiled at her counterpart and kin. "I am just still wearied and troubled over the outcome of the war." It was a half-truth, for it did concern her that the ring of power still existed.
It was enough though for Celebrian whom nodded slowly before embracing her sister. "I know how duty bound you are Ithil and our people as well as I, love you dearly."
No wonder Ithil could harbor no ill thoughts toward the fair elf in her embrace. Releasing her sister quickly she then backed away and brushed inerrant strands of gold from the younger's face. "I will see you soon in the great hall… I must prepare myself as well. Call me if you need me."
"Then I must remind myself that I can not call for the mere need of company for I know you have your own life." Laughing softly, Celebrian then nodded as her attendants took that chance to resume their duty. Nothing else could be said, so Ithil slowly drifted from the room and into the elegant halls of Lothlorien.
The soft padding of her feet on elegant floors was the only sound she heeded as her eyes remained on the floor. She had only gone to her sister's side because Galadriel had asked her to. It seemed that Celebrian was worried sick about her and needed reassurance. That in itself didn't bother her, for she knew that Celebrian would do the same for her. But the thought that it was her beloved sister that made up a great portion of her grief made it hard to agree to.
Lost in her thought, one slender hand suddenly began to tug at the black tunic that lay over a satin dark blue shirt idly. It was most common to see her dressed like a warrior instead of a maiden much to the dismay of her father. Celeborn had nearly fainted the day Ithil had proclaimed that she wished to be a warrior and that no matter what he said she would be. At first the people had found it funny to humor her, but in time many of the higher warriors respected her even more than some of the best among them. She was strong and talented and yet to be beaten in any sparring match. Ithil was amazing. Pausing as she crossed the open door of a large balcony, she then turned and gazed out into the darkening day. She preferred the night… everyone knew that, but now she abhorred it.
Tapping a boot-encased foot on the floor, she felt a wave of uneasiness wash over her, which she blamed on the still lingering poison in her blood. Spinning away from the door quickly she then marched toward her room only to collide head first into another heading in the same direction. Gasping in surprise she hurriedly bowed her head in apology. "Forgive my thoughtlessness!"
"You are the last person I would wish to hear apologizing." The familiar tone tickled her senses as she was hit with both humor and sadness all at once. Looking up quickly she then met the steel colored eyes of Elrond as he smiled at her gently. "Where do you head off to so urgently? I've been trying to find you ever since your mother granted you leave, hiril nin."
Giving him a deep frown she unconsciously took a step backward her features hardening. "I need to ready myself hîr nin… please excuse me." With that she pushed past him only to have him gently grab her arm out of reflex and alarm.
"Never have I seen you so flustered Ithil… What is it? Will you not speak with me?" Elrond gave her a perplexed look that only deepened when she withdrew from his grip.
"I will speak with you later…" Unwilling to look into his face any longer, she then briskly walked into her room quickly closing the door and locking it. Falling heavily against it, she then slid down to the ground as she hugged herself tightly. "Much… much later… meleth nin."
~*~
Of all the things that Ithil wished to end quickly, this one was the worst. The dinner was so full of excitement and joyous talking, that she felt sorely out of place. For once she was dressed appropriately, and contrary to popular belief, she did love her father. Thus she would suffer a dress when he deemed it absolutely necessary. This particular one seemed different though. Normally Celeborn took the liberty to pick out dresses he liked, but this one was soft, simple… and a deep shade of midnight blue, which brought out her moonlight kissed hair. "You look lovely, hiril nin."
Drawn from her somber thoughts, she found her eyes meeting with the form of a familiar fair-haired elf. "You need not flatter me so Elen." Smiling weakly she then waved for him to take a seat beside her only to receive a look of uncertainty.
"I don't know if that is a good idea Lady Ithil." Finally smiling slightly, he then lowered his voice as he whispered excitedly. "I merely wished to make sure you were well. For my wife awaits me at another table."
For some reason that hit her oddly but she smiled still. "Your wife? I'm sure she is thrilled to have you safely home. I would like to meet her sometime." At this, Elen seemed to shine like the sun in happiness as he nodded his head.
"That would be delightful hiril nin! Sûllaer will be greatly honored." Smiling proudly, Elen then dipped down closer and whispered into Ithil's ear. "We are expecting a child! And I want to know if it's a girl, can I name her after you?"
Nodding her head slowly, Ithil could feel the heat rising into her cheeks at the mere thought of such an honor. "I congratulate you… and if that is your wish then I dare not deny it." Smiling at him with a touch of brilliance, she was pleased to see him almost shine with his newfound pride. And she was thankful that she had saved him so he could enjoy this moment.
"It is good to see you smile iell nin…" Looking up from her conversation, she made note of how Elen straightened quickly in respect the glee melting from his features. There to their side stood the lord Celeborn with a rather blank look on his fair elven face. "I believe I do not know your name mellon nin… But I wish to know it as I thank you for bestowing a touch of happiness to my Ithil."
Bowing lowly, the younger blonde elf looked upon his lord with awe. "I am Elen, hîr nin. And your thanks are unnecessary for it was my pleasure. I would not be here now had it not been for Lady Ithil." Smiling then quickly at Ithil, Elen then looked back to Celeborn and sheepishly gave the high elven lord a hopeful look. "May I beg your leave sir? I wish to rejoin my wife now."
"You need not ask Elen." Smiling slightly at the younger elf, Celeborn then took the seat beside his daughter silently before adding to his answer. "Even still you have my thanks and give my regards to your wife." With that, Elen nodded before almost running back to his wife. "A nice young elf." The slightly monotone met Ithil's ears only to draw her gaze to her father.
"Adar…" A touch of reverence was in the fair lady's voice as she leaned closer to lightly kiss her father's cheek.
"You have seemed far too unhappy this evening iell nin… Forgive me." Celeborn turned to her with a remorseful smile as he gently reached out to tug on a braid that adorned her moonlit hair.
"It is not your fault adar… Why do you ask me for forgiveness? My grief is my own…"
"You shouldn't tune out those that care Ithil. I don't wish to see my eldest daughter fell unto grief." The fair haired lord of Lorien gave her a piercing gaze before he then turned to look up at his younger daughter as she danced with her future husband.
It was a sight that Ithil had managed to avoid looking at all evening, but when her father turned his attention in that direction she did so as well. And greatly regretted it as well. "Hir nin… May I have your excuse to leave? I do not wish to tarry here any longer."
Celeborn did not look to her as he slowly nodded in consent. But as she stood, he stood as well and slowly turned to look at her with concerned blue eyes. "Iell nin…beloved you are to me, just as Celebrian is… And to lose either of you would be a deep wound I do not know if I can handle…"
There was a deeper meaning in those words and it was deathly clear to Ithil that her parents had discussed her upset at Celebrian marrying Elrond. "I do not plan to die anytime soon adar…" The tone was cold and rather unfeeling as she turned away eyes closed. "You need not fear. Now please excuse me."
As she started to walk away, Celeborn suddenly called out to her gently in a tone she heard usually when they were only in the council of family alone. "Did you like the dress?"
Pausing in her fleet, she didn't answer for a long time. "I do adar. You chose well."
"I did not choose it." The flat answer caused Ithil to jump slightly but still remain turned from his view. "Lord Elrond advised me on it… and I thought maybe you should thank him later."
Still not turning, Ithil merely gritted her teeth together before intoning a displeased response. "Why did he have a say in my attire, hîr nin?"
There was a long silence until Celeborn finally spoke with an equally displeased tone. "He came to me while I searched and voiced his concern over not being able to speak with you. At which time he idly said that it would suit you best." Resting a gentle hand on her shoulder, Celeborn then allowed a touch of love and concern to enter his voice. "You should speak with him. You can not avoid him forever especially when he will be your brother soon."
"I will consider it. I must go…" With that she shrugged from his grip and nearly ran from the room. Had she not a name to live up to, she was sure she would have. Though none seemed to really notice her exit, that is, except one. And her fleeing from the hall caused great distress to ripple through his steel colored eyes.
~*~
The moonlight fell like a silver rain through the shelter of leaves that adorned the mellyrn. Yet as beautiful as the sight was, the one that witnessed it did not appreciate it. Still adorned in the shimmering material of deep blue, the only thing visible was the silvery hair that lay upon her back and shoulders. Pale skin seemed to almost glow in the night as she paced soundlessly between the well-known trees of the golden realm of Galadriel.
Delicate hands were loosely laced together at the small of her back as her eyes slowly traveled to the night sky. Even through the canopy of silvered leaves she could make out the moon quite clearly and to her it never failed to remind her of magic. Letting a soft sigh escape her lips, Ithil allowed her head to tip to the side slightly as her vision blurred with unshed tears. It had been very much like this night that she had met the one that changed her view on life. The one that caused her to realize that even she could be in love without changing who she was.
Shaking her head slowly, she looked to the ground and glared at it unjustly. Her favorite time of day had suddenly become dark and foreboding ever since her mother told her about the arrangement. There was no good thing she could think of about the evening now, for all the joy had suddenly taken a turn into a forbidden realm. To think on them happily would be to betray both herself and Celebrian. "Ai! Naeth nan!"
The soft cry came as merely a choke and equally faded into the dark as her hands fell loosely to her sides. Closing her eyes tightly, she then blindly allowed her feet to carry her to the tree she often sat beneath and collapsed there pulling her knees to her chest. It was here that she had met him…
A single tear slipped then from her eye, which she quickly swiped away. One of her status shouldn't let grief overcome, not under any circumstances whatsoever. So, she then allowed herself to sing in hopes of drawing her thoughts elsewhere, though it was a futile battle. "Ai! Laurië lantar lassi súrinen," Taking a deep breath, a pause was made before she forced out another line. "Yéni ú-nót-imë ve rámar aldaron!"
Here she stopped and soon her head fell bracing her forehead upon her knees as she nearly gave way to tears. Singing did not help, not this time. But as she was about to give in, a clear tenor broke the silence and added to her song ever so softly. "Yéni ve lintë yuldar avánier…" It was then that she finally heard his footsteps.
Lifting her eyes slowly in order to gaze upon the familiar face, she felt her heart both leap and wince at whom she beheld. "Lord Elrond…" At her recognition and lack of words, the ebony haired elf took the opportunity to kneel before her smiling softly. "I didn't expect you hîr nin."
Frowning slightly at her soft words, he then allowed the gaze to melt into one of concern. "As soon as we were dismissed I decided to seek you out. And when I did not find you in your room, this was my next choice. Being this is where I first met you and you oft frequent this area beneath the beautiful canopy of the mellyrn. Ithil…?"
Looking away from him slowly, Ithil tried hard not to think of whom he was to her much less how they had met. "What is it, hîr nin?"
"What is it that grieves you so? Why do you run from me when I call upon you? Have I done something ill toward you that I am not aware of?" Pain seemed to pour from his expression as he looked to her with wide eyes of steel color.
"You've done naught, hîr nin." Ithil gave him a hard look once again but stopped as she noted just how much pain and concern he laid open to her.
"Ithil… Why do you suddenly only call me 'hîr nin'? Before you called me by my name and it pleased me so… You're actions puzzle me." Elrond could only sigh as he rocked back to sit upon his haunches while tugging at the elegant robes he seemed most uncomfortable in.
"It matters no longer Elrond. If it so pleases you I shall call you by name…"
Even as she spoke and planned to continue, he stopped her with a twitch of a smile on his lips. "Do you remember how we met Lady Ithil?"
Taken back by this, Ithil barely managed to nod. "I do… but..."
"You were walking beneath this very tree the night my army came to Lorien. I was here to herald the coming of Lord Gil-Galad in a layover in his route to Gondor." Falling silent after saying this, it was clear to Ithil that he was lamenting the loss of his beloved king and friend.
"You were troubled… I saw it in your eyes just as I see it now." Smiling sadly at Elrond, she reflexively shifted to her knees. From there she reached out to gently tuck a wayward strand of ebony behind one of his pointed ears. In that moment she wasn't sure, but it felt as though Elrond shivered at the miniscule touch.
Looking up at her with a touch of uncertainty, Elrond finally smiled as his expression took on a look of nostalgia. "Do you remember what I said to you when I found you here?"
This caused Ithil to laugh softly as she nodded her head a touch recklessly causing some of the silver hair to fall from its braids. "'Alas! The moon has fallen from the heavens to earth! I beseech you Elbereth! Such beauty you have gifted to arda!'" Still laughing after this, her eyes seemed to dance as they met his. "You flattered me so then… Why do you bring that up now?"
"For I felt the need to call out those words again Lady Ithil. For seeing you in such a state of grief made me wish to bring light to your darkness. Though you must forgive me for I have little to give."
"Ai! You belittle yourself! You flatter me but deny yourself the praise you deserve. Dear Elrond… You have it all wrong."
"I do not think so hiril nin. If I am of any help or importance, then why have you been running from me?" Suddenly the pain that she had momentarily forgotten instantly washed over her countenance causing him to regret his words. "Forgive me… I've said something wrong."
Shaking her head curtly, the daughter of Galadriel could only sigh at his determination. "Why must you keep apologizing to me? You are important Elrond. More so than you will ever know. Other wise adar would not have agreed to let you marry his beloved daughter."
"But I must ask you Ithil, am I important to you?" Confusion washed over her features before she suddenly jerked to her feet shaking her head.
"Why do you ask such things? You are soon to be my brother! You're marrying my sister! My sweet Celebrian! How could you not be? I grow tired… I will now take my leave." Bowing to him slightly, Ithil was about to run off into the night but she merely paused for a moment. "Namárië, hîr nin."
Watching her walk briskly away, Elrond could only gape slightly before shaking his head woefully. "Is that all I am to you Ithil? Nay… I fear you are not telling me everything."
As Ithil drew farther from him, she felt her heart pound in her chest to a point that it made her ears hurt dreadfully. Covering them in discomfort she then suddenly broke into a run stumbling now and again as she tripped over the hem of her dress. It wasn't until she heard a voice that she finally stopped. "Hiril nin! Hiril nin! Straggling hordes of orcs are traveling around our borders!"
It was then that she instantly transferred over into warrior mode and the confusion and pain on her face faded away. "Yes! I will ready myself immediately!" The sentry nodded to her and together they ran back to her room where she methodically prepared for battle. The elven warrior stood outside her door as she quickly changed into her black leggings and gray colored tunic. Never had she used such haste as she quickly wrapped her Lorien cape over her shoulders.
Bursting from her room, she was still in the process of buckling the strap that held her bow and quiver to her back with nimble fingers. Those same nimble fingers then adjusted the sword at her side before checking the two short swords adorning her back. She was ready for battle yet again, and oddly she felt more comfortable then than any other point in her life. And it would remain that way. In order to forget Elrond, she would have to bury herself deep into her duty. So deep, that she was sure she would lose herself.
~*~
Elven Dialect: (Sindarin)
Chapter One:
Arithil – roughly means 'noble/royal moon'
Thala – Steady
Deri – Wait
Si – Now
Tî nîf – Front line
Magol – sword (anyone know how to plural that one?)
Hiril nin – my lady
Noro lim – ride on
Nana – mother
* the name Elen is my form of 'star'
* the name Ithil means 'moon' in Sindarin
Muinthel nin – my sister
Er-nith – young one
Meleth nin – my love
* the name Sûllaer roughly means 'wind song'
Iell nin – my daughter
Mellon nin – my friend
Adar – father
"Ai! Naeth nan!" – Alas! I am woe!
* Song that Ithil sings – Altariello naine Lóriendesse: Galadriel's lament in Lorien
"Ai! Laurië lantar lassi súrinen,"
"Alas! The fall of the golden leaves in the wind,
"Yéni ú-nót-imë ve rámar aldaron!"
Uncountable years as wings of trees! (that is rough but I dare not assume anything)
Elrond's addition:
"Yéni ve lintë yuldar avánier…"
Years like swift draughts have passed away…
Mellyrn – Golden trees of Lorien
Arda – Middle Earth (Quenya)