Chapter 9: Glimmer of Light
The melodic notes of bird song graced the ears of the half elf as she walked blindfolded. The music of the birds combined with the gentlest whisper of wind in the trees to remind the elves' captive of her childhood in the southern reaches of Mirkwood. Valimar remembered how as a youngling she had watched the birds soar. Oh, how she had wished to be one of them, free to travel where she will, accountable to none and with the responsibility of none either. The trilling of the little feather folk became balm to the girl's spirit, for a moment they seemed to be talking to her, the half-elf shook her head at her own stupidity, as if birds could talk! Yet still the whistling comforted the girl for she was fearful of her captors and still no little stunned from her head blow.
Even as Vanaria's daughter walked the pain in her head grew greater. The cloth that was tied across the half-elf's eyes though dark became infused with flashes of light. Bright as shooting stars and as colourful as a dragon's hoard they danced to Valimar's brain, glinting, dashing, comets of light and pain. To the captured girl it suddenly seemed as if the world were spinning. Her feet became confused under her and the half-elf stumbled, pitching forward into her escort. Yet the girl's captors had led her thoughtfully, avoiding roots and bushes placed to trip the unwary and not once had the amber-eyed one cause to stumble. To Valimar everything was moving, her balance shattered and the half elf fell to the ground. Beneath her the grass lay cool and comforting, yet even then to her the world's rotation continued until she mercifully slipped into blankness.
Consciousness came back to Valimar slowly. Seeming for hours she drifted, surrounded by a grey fog. Slowly it began to clear and images to form. Great grey trees, woven thatch, silver lights, all jumbled and confusing. In this kaleidoscope of images Vanaria's daughter came to the heartland of the Galadhrim. Yet truthfully only a few moments had passed.
"Where?" croaked Vanaria's daughter, surprised at her weakness for she had meant to ask where she was but had no mastery over her voice and all the girl could manage was one pathetic word.
A merry laugh answered the girl, "You are in Lothlorien now friend or foe. So rise and come child, our lord and lady wish to speak with you. They will decided what you be" the smiling elf said, "Now do not tarry. You are fit enough to rise and greet them."
At this Valimar felt a shiver of fear and a tingle of cold burred her spine. These accursed creatures had destroyed her troop, scattering and slaying the honour guard with ruthless efficiency. Dark thoughts clouded the half-elf's mind as she suffered herself to be led onwards.
Up the great trees Valimar and her armed guard passed and soon all arrived at the hall of audience. Here the room was ringed by grey-cloaked guards of honour, weapons at the ready for any potential threat that the prisoner, for in truth so was Valimar, bore. The guard's swords were as gleaming as the half-elf's own blade, and which she now realised had been removed from her side. The lack of a weapon unsettled Vanaria's daughter, she did not appreciate standing defenceless before potential foes. Warily the amber- eyed one scanned the room, measuring the defences and possible routes of escape. Cautiously she glanced around at her captors and in doing so encountered the gaze of the rulers of the land.
Stood on steps of audience, awaiting the grace of their guest, with a dignity and patience that only agelessness can bring, were the lord and lady of Lorien. Beneath their piercing gaze, Vanaria's daughter felt strangely humble and she, before whom many had grovelled, bowed with stately dignity to the two elves.
Proud and regal Celeborn raised a hand in acknowledgement of the greeting from the half-elf. Tall and golden, the morning star, Galadriel fixed her gaze upon the half-elf. "Welcome my kindred," spoke the lady using the common tongue.
A murmur ran through the crowd of elves gathered. For they could perceive the shadow within the amber-eyed one and were greatly surprised that the lady of Lorien would acknowledge such a one as kin and using such a language.
However Valimar sensed something else. She felt the Lady of the Lorien probing her mind, a light touch, yet the half-elf greatly disliked the sensation. Too swiftly memories of her training at the hands of the Nazgul rose. The amber-eyed girl raised her Morgul trained defences, shut her mind to the gentle invader and mentally screamed, "No!" All of the girl's skill and last strength went into that chill call and with it her slit pupils dilated and the power to stand left her. Vanaria's daughter collapsed on the audience room floor.
Galadriel, the golden haired lady of Lorien blinked in surprise and pain as the connection shattered, stumbling backwards. The lady was saved from falling only by the swift attention of Celeborn, for the lord stretched out and arm catch his lady. Gentled the elvish woman righted herself and regarded the cat-eyed girl sprawled before her with unmistakeable curiosity. Slowly she stepped down from her dais towards Valimar who remained lying face down on the chamber floor.
Even as the golden-haired elf approached the amber-eyed girl, Valimar sprang to her feet, eying her approacher narrowly. Tense and alert, the coiled energy, defiance and strength of will within the girl were apparent to all within the chamber. Guards held their weapons with earnest readiness.
However Galadriel was unbothered and slowly the lady circled the half elf. Observing the girl's warrior bearing, bronze hair, elvish features, cat- like eyes, the collar at her throat and the glimmer of gold upon her finger. "What have we here?" wondered the lady aloud.
Valimar's eyes burned with an unholy fire and the half-elf raised her chin. "Please ask Madam, for I shall tell you true," announced the girl, with definitive emphasis on the words, ask and true.
"Then who are you?" questioned the Lady; gently returning the half-elf's fierce gaze.
Sensing that this was not one to trifle with the half-elf answered courteously, "My name is Valimar."
A muted mutter could be felt within the chamber as the name was heard. Valimar cocked her head questioningly to the side, the girl's aura of tension in no way diminishing.
"An interesting name," politely commented Celeborn watching the girl as she surveyed the room.
"I believe it is farewell in your tongue," commented Valimar with equal politeness.
"True," stated the Lady Galadriel, "it is not a name of good fortune." Then gesturing elegantly towards Valimar's ring clad hand, " May I?" asked the lady.
Valimar, moved her hand behind her back and was about to utter a rapid denial, when she saw something surprising within the Lorien lady's eyes. Amidst the timeless gaze, care and concern mingled with a glimmer of empathy. Vanaria's daughter was astounded, what had the glowing, graceful creature in common with her? Surely there was nought in common between her warrior self and this courtly creature and yet. Self-doubt shook the proud half-elf.
All were surprised even the half-elf herself, for the girl moved with a swift grace, pulled the ring from her finger, bowed her head in acquiescence and placed the golden object upon the outstretched lady's hand.
The tall blonde elf woman nodded in grateful acceptance of the gesture and studied the ring cautiously. Reading the ring's inscription Galadriel's eyes widened and a frown began to mar the timeless elegance of her face. "Know ye what is written here?" she asked the amber-eyed girl.
Valimar shook her head warily and sullenly admitted, "I cannot read the script madam but I know it belonged to your Mother."
At this Galadriel delicately arched an eyebrow in query. "Interesting," spoke the lady of Lorien. "For I can read the script and it would proclaim you kin."
"What does it say?" questioned Valimar earnestly, "For I know naught of my kin and would happily learn."
The lady of the Lorien read out, "For Vanaria my daughter, Thranduil." At which there were shocked gasps in the audience chamber.
Celeborn raised his hands to still the murmurs and silence swiftly descended. "For the moment young one," he addressed Valimar, "it would appear that you are indeed kin. As such you will be treated with grace but forget not that the lands of the golden wood is both perilous and fair."
Valimar recognised the warning in the lord's address and half smiled ruefully. "So I am to be an honoured guest and not a prisoner then?" she questioned.
"Precisely," smiled Celeborn. The court tittered.
At that the half-elf laughed without humour, sounding like a crow amongst nightingales and shook her head.
"Nay," said the lady of Lorien, "be not bitter. There is always hope."
At that Valimar's laughter rang out genuine and for a moment, to all that gazed upon the half-elf, she was just another elf.
The melodic notes of bird song graced the ears of the half elf as she walked blindfolded. The music of the birds combined with the gentlest whisper of wind in the trees to remind the elves' captive of her childhood in the southern reaches of Mirkwood. Valimar remembered how as a youngling she had watched the birds soar. Oh, how she had wished to be one of them, free to travel where she will, accountable to none and with the responsibility of none either. The trilling of the little feather folk became balm to the girl's spirit, for a moment they seemed to be talking to her, the half-elf shook her head at her own stupidity, as if birds could talk! Yet still the whistling comforted the girl for she was fearful of her captors and still no little stunned from her head blow.
Even as Vanaria's daughter walked the pain in her head grew greater. The cloth that was tied across the half-elf's eyes though dark became infused with flashes of light. Bright as shooting stars and as colourful as a dragon's hoard they danced to Valimar's brain, glinting, dashing, comets of light and pain. To the captured girl it suddenly seemed as if the world were spinning. Her feet became confused under her and the half-elf stumbled, pitching forward into her escort. Yet the girl's captors had led her thoughtfully, avoiding roots and bushes placed to trip the unwary and not once had the amber-eyed one cause to stumble. To Valimar everything was moving, her balance shattered and the half elf fell to the ground. Beneath her the grass lay cool and comforting, yet even then to her the world's rotation continued until she mercifully slipped into blankness.
Consciousness came back to Valimar slowly. Seeming for hours she drifted, surrounded by a grey fog. Slowly it began to clear and images to form. Great grey trees, woven thatch, silver lights, all jumbled and confusing. In this kaleidoscope of images Vanaria's daughter came to the heartland of the Galadhrim. Yet truthfully only a few moments had passed.
"Where?" croaked Vanaria's daughter, surprised at her weakness for she had meant to ask where she was but had no mastery over her voice and all the girl could manage was one pathetic word.
A merry laugh answered the girl, "You are in Lothlorien now friend or foe. So rise and come child, our lord and lady wish to speak with you. They will decided what you be" the smiling elf said, "Now do not tarry. You are fit enough to rise and greet them."
At this Valimar felt a shiver of fear and a tingle of cold burred her spine. These accursed creatures had destroyed her troop, scattering and slaying the honour guard with ruthless efficiency. Dark thoughts clouded the half-elf's mind as she suffered herself to be led onwards.
Up the great trees Valimar and her armed guard passed and soon all arrived at the hall of audience. Here the room was ringed by grey-cloaked guards of honour, weapons at the ready for any potential threat that the prisoner, for in truth so was Valimar, bore. The guard's swords were as gleaming as the half-elf's own blade, and which she now realised had been removed from her side. The lack of a weapon unsettled Vanaria's daughter, she did not appreciate standing defenceless before potential foes. Warily the amber- eyed one scanned the room, measuring the defences and possible routes of escape. Cautiously she glanced around at her captors and in doing so encountered the gaze of the rulers of the land.
Stood on steps of audience, awaiting the grace of their guest, with a dignity and patience that only agelessness can bring, were the lord and lady of Lorien. Beneath their piercing gaze, Vanaria's daughter felt strangely humble and she, before whom many had grovelled, bowed with stately dignity to the two elves.
Proud and regal Celeborn raised a hand in acknowledgement of the greeting from the half-elf. Tall and golden, the morning star, Galadriel fixed her gaze upon the half-elf. "Welcome my kindred," spoke the lady using the common tongue.
A murmur ran through the crowd of elves gathered. For they could perceive the shadow within the amber-eyed one and were greatly surprised that the lady of Lorien would acknowledge such a one as kin and using such a language.
However Valimar sensed something else. She felt the Lady of the Lorien probing her mind, a light touch, yet the half-elf greatly disliked the sensation. Too swiftly memories of her training at the hands of the Nazgul rose. The amber-eyed girl raised her Morgul trained defences, shut her mind to the gentle invader and mentally screamed, "No!" All of the girl's skill and last strength went into that chill call and with it her slit pupils dilated and the power to stand left her. Vanaria's daughter collapsed on the audience room floor.
Galadriel, the golden haired lady of Lorien blinked in surprise and pain as the connection shattered, stumbling backwards. The lady was saved from falling only by the swift attention of Celeborn, for the lord stretched out and arm catch his lady. Gentled the elvish woman righted herself and regarded the cat-eyed girl sprawled before her with unmistakeable curiosity. Slowly she stepped down from her dais towards Valimar who remained lying face down on the chamber floor.
Even as the golden-haired elf approached the amber-eyed girl, Valimar sprang to her feet, eying her approacher narrowly. Tense and alert, the coiled energy, defiance and strength of will within the girl were apparent to all within the chamber. Guards held their weapons with earnest readiness.
However Galadriel was unbothered and slowly the lady circled the half elf. Observing the girl's warrior bearing, bronze hair, elvish features, cat- like eyes, the collar at her throat and the glimmer of gold upon her finger. "What have we here?" wondered the lady aloud.
Valimar's eyes burned with an unholy fire and the half-elf raised her chin. "Please ask Madam, for I shall tell you true," announced the girl, with definitive emphasis on the words, ask and true.
"Then who are you?" questioned the Lady; gently returning the half-elf's fierce gaze.
Sensing that this was not one to trifle with the half-elf answered courteously, "My name is Valimar."
A muted mutter could be felt within the chamber as the name was heard. Valimar cocked her head questioningly to the side, the girl's aura of tension in no way diminishing.
"An interesting name," politely commented Celeborn watching the girl as she surveyed the room.
"I believe it is farewell in your tongue," commented Valimar with equal politeness.
"True," stated the Lady Galadriel, "it is not a name of good fortune." Then gesturing elegantly towards Valimar's ring clad hand, " May I?" asked the lady.
Valimar, moved her hand behind her back and was about to utter a rapid denial, when she saw something surprising within the Lorien lady's eyes. Amidst the timeless gaze, care and concern mingled with a glimmer of empathy. Vanaria's daughter was astounded, what had the glowing, graceful creature in common with her? Surely there was nought in common between her warrior self and this courtly creature and yet. Self-doubt shook the proud half-elf.
All were surprised even the half-elf herself, for the girl moved with a swift grace, pulled the ring from her finger, bowed her head in acquiescence and placed the golden object upon the outstretched lady's hand.
The tall blonde elf woman nodded in grateful acceptance of the gesture and studied the ring cautiously. Reading the ring's inscription Galadriel's eyes widened and a frown began to mar the timeless elegance of her face. "Know ye what is written here?" she asked the amber-eyed girl.
Valimar shook her head warily and sullenly admitted, "I cannot read the script madam but I know it belonged to your Mother."
At this Galadriel delicately arched an eyebrow in query. "Interesting," spoke the lady of Lorien. "For I can read the script and it would proclaim you kin."
"What does it say?" questioned Valimar earnestly, "For I know naught of my kin and would happily learn."
The lady of the Lorien read out, "For Vanaria my daughter, Thranduil." At which there were shocked gasps in the audience chamber.
Celeborn raised his hands to still the murmurs and silence swiftly descended. "For the moment young one," he addressed Valimar, "it would appear that you are indeed kin. As such you will be treated with grace but forget not that the lands of the golden wood is both perilous and fair."
Valimar recognised the warning in the lord's address and half smiled ruefully. "So I am to be an honoured guest and not a prisoner then?" she questioned.
"Precisely," smiled Celeborn. The court tittered.
At that the half-elf laughed without humour, sounding like a crow amongst nightingales and shook her head.
"Nay," said the lady of Lorien, "be not bitter. There is always hope."
At that Valimar's laughter rang out genuine and for a moment, to all that gazed upon the half-elf, she was just another elf.