Wherever You Are
By Kalina
Disclaimer: This story is based on characters, settings, and situations created and owned by J.R.R. Tolkien, various publishers including, but not limited to, New Line Cinema and Ballantine Books. Silmarwen was born in the depths of my twisted imagination and, therefore, belongs to me. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.
Author's Note: Elen sila lumenn' omentielvo means "A star shines on the hour of our meeting."
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Chapter Two: The Secret Council
Arwen stood on one of Rivendell's numerous balconies, quietly watching the sun rise above the far mountains. The pale sky was streaked with gold and faded blue, and warmth began to pervade the chilly air as daybreak came, claiming the land back from the night.
A single clear bell rang out, disrupting the ethereal silence.
"The warning bell for the Council of Elrond…" murmured Arwen, idly running a slender white hand over the cool stone pillar. She had wanted to attend, but her father had sternly forbidden her to do so. She wondered what they would discuss. It would concern the One Ring, of course, and a shiver of foreboding ran down her spine. Middle-earth was in peril, of that she was absolutely certain.
Several minutes passed, and soon the valley of Imladris was glowing in the light of the autumn morning, ringing with the sharp, cheerful symphonies of birdsong mixed with the noise of bubbling waters from the foaming riverbed. Arwen sighed, perfectly content to let the splendor of the day distract her from her worries, when she heard the clatter of hooves and a frantic neigh.
Her gray eyes widened in surprise when a slender figure clad in brown rode into Rivendell on a jet-black mare. Lifting her skirt slightly so she would not trip on its edges, she ran down the curving staircase to greet the new arrival.
Silmarwen had just dismounted when she saw the lady dressed in gray coming toward her, and she knew without a doubt that this was Arwen Evenstar. Long dark hair cascaded neatly down her back, framing a face of mesmerizing beauty. Her skin was flawless and as white as the purest snow, and her gray eyes glimmered with the white light of stars, while at the same time reflecting the golden rays of the sun.
The Lady Arwen was truly something to behold. Silmarwen was suddenly mortifyingly conscious of her own bedraggled state. Her red hair hung loose and uncombed, strands of it clinging to pale cheeks moist with sweat. She was sure that her face held smudges of dirt, and that her clothes--- actually, her brother's clothes--- were covered in dust and grime. She cringed inwardly as the vision of perfect loveliness floated to her and smiled.
"Welcome to the Last Homely House," said Arwen in a warm voice, carefully hiding her shock at seeing a travel-worn female dressed in male garments. "If it is Lord Elrond you seek, he is busy…" She trailed off when the other Elf maiden shook her head.
"I am looking for Legolas."
"The Prince of Mirkwood is also occupied," Arwen told her with a trace of apology. "Come inside while waiting, and I will fix you some refreshment. I am Arwen, daughter of Lord Elrond."
Silmarwen automatically dipped into a curtsey. At first she was puzzled by the strange look Arwen gave her, and then she barely managed to stifle a horrified gasp when she remembered her lack of a skirt. She must have looked ridiculous, curtseying in her ragged travel attire. Cheeks flushing deep red in embarrassment, she stammered out her name, "I am Si---silmarwen of the Silvan Woodland Elves."
Arwen's enchanting smile lit up her entire face. "Elen sila lumenn' omentielvo, Silmarwen. Now, let us go inside." She took the redheaded maiden by the hand and led her into the elegant building.
Forgetting good manners and proper etiquette due to her anxiety, Silmarwen blurted out, "I must see Legolas at once! It is a matter of utmost importance."
"What is wrong?" Arwen questioned, concern knitting her brow.
I just want him to know I am here, Silmarwen replied silently. The words sounded foolish even inside her head. "Please, Lady Arwen, I beseech you. Tell me where he is."
Sensing her desperation, Arwen reluctantly revealed the prince's whereabouts. "They are having a meeting at the back of the house," she said softly, almost conspiratorially. "I must warn you that it is a secret council, and they will not be---"
"Many thanks, my lady!" interrupted Silmarwen, before turning and rushing down the winding path leading to the back of the house, leaving an extremely puzzled Evenstar staring after her in bewilderment.
Silmarwen halted at the sound of deep voices speaking solemnly, then dropped to her knees and crawled behind a nearby bush. Peeking through the spaces in between the spiky green leaves, she caught sight of Legolas seated amongst the small gathering, and her heart leapt with joy. His blue eyes were narrowed slightly and there was an intense, focused expression on his handsome face as he listened to what a dark-haired man with a collar of silver and a fur-lined cloak was saying. A sigh escaped past Silmarwen's lips, which immediately surprised her.
Why am I sighing over Legolas? she asked herself furiously. Her friend was inarguably attractive, but he was just her friend, and nothing more. Besides, she had been around him practically ever since the day they were born. Why were his good looks affecting her only now?
She raised an eyebrow when she spotted a curly-haired being, smaller than a Dwarf, sitting quietly in a corner, gazing at the council with wide eyes. She was pretty sure he wasn't invited--- but then again, neither was she.
Hours passed and soon the noon-bell rang. All the Council sat with downcast eyes, deep in thought. Silmarwen shifted uncomfortably, her aching muscles demanding her to stand up and stretch them, but she was afraid that if she moved too much, she would be discovered spying. Again, she looked at the curly-haired being who was in plain sight of some, if not all, the company. Why hadn't anyone noticed him yet?
And suddenly, a small voice putting to words an astonishing declaration reverted Silmarwen's attention back to the Council.
"I will take the Ring… though I do not know the way."