Chapter 8 - MANY MEETINGS
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Taelyra exhaled slowly and deeply as she lowered herself into the bath's warm waters. Her skin tingled as the hot water enveloped her body. It felt wonderful.
She rested her head back against the edge of the great tub and closed her eyes. She was exhausted though she had done little physically since incurring her injuries from the warg. She was emotionally spent. These past few days had been an emotional whirlwind.
Though she had not asked for it, the waiting-woman had drawn her a bath and led her here. She was most grateful to the woman now. And though, she had also not asked, the woman had informed her that Haldir had left the City and was expected to be gone several days on a lengthy patrol to the Southern borders of the Wood. This, Taelyra was equally grateful for.
Her heart desired a respite from his presence. He had the ability to send her senses spiralling and plummeting and she had lost patience with this foolishness. While she felt emotionally out-of-control, he was aloof and restrained. Yes, he had shown her great kindness and support after realizing she was neither a spy nor an attacker. But he had displayed only diplomatic courtesy and she was perplexed by her feelings of intense attraction that swept through her when he spoke her name or looked into her eyes.
It was folly to allow these indulgences to continue; especially considering what she had witnessed in Galadriel's Mirror this afternoon. A great evil was coming. Coming to destroy the Elves; and all good life upon Middle Earth. What use would a lovesick girl be, in the face of this destruction?
She needed to clear her mind of him and focus on her responsibilities. She was the Wielder of Artanis and she would be required to fight for the Lady of Light and help her father lead her people in the war against the Dark Lord.
She couldn't wait for her brothers to arrive so they could begin training again. She looked forward to it greatly. She felt well enough to swing a sword and she would welcome the fighting exercises. Revel in a renewed feeling of purpose. Enough of this leisurely swooning about, over a Lorien captain who had no interest in her. She had been silly and it was time to gather her wits and her skills - she would need them soon.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"Do you actually know where you're going?" asked Rumil.
"Of course, I do. We keep heading along this river," Kieran replied, "I feel that we're getting close."
Both Elves were tired. Bone tired. But they could not stop their search for their sister. The three Elves had been sent forth, under orders by their King, to find Lothlorien. The King's visions had indicated that its borders would be well guarded but that they were to somehow gain entry to the Sacred Wood and present Galadriel, Queen of the Elves with the sword Artanis.
The sword was entrusted to their sister and she alone had the innate power to use it.
Unfortunately, Rumil and Kieran had been parted from their sister when a party of Orcs with wargs swept down upon them several days ago. They had last seen Taelyra heading West towards Lorien. They could only hope she had arrived safely.
Rumil began to sing softly trying to keep his spirits up and take his mind off his fatigue. The sun was starting to settle in the West casting its golden glow around the forest ahead. Or was that just the sun? As they drew closer, both Elves could feel a mystical power emanating from the gigantic trees. As they entered amongst the first few trees, they noticed the change in light. The forest seemed to shimmer around them - was it possible that they'd finally found the enchanted wood belonging to the Elven Queen?
They stood beneath the trees breathing deeply of the rich air. It had been a long time since they'd stood in a great forest and their souls soared to be near such ancient and majestic trees. As they exhaled deeply, they were immediately aware of the unmistakeable sound of bowstrings being drawn taught. They turned slowly to see a number of arrowheads pointed in their direction.
"Would this be Lothlorien, then?" enquired Rumil politely.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Haldir had ridden his horse, Nénharma, to the southern borders of Lorien. It was customary for the Guards to usually walk everywhere, leaving no tracks behind, but he had wanted to get here quickly. Scouts had sighted strange activity far off to the south. Indeed, when he arrived he had confirmed that large plumes of smoke rose from the plains of Rohan. They were uncertain what it meant but it was not regarded as a good omen.
He had been gone from the City of Trees for a day now and he had welcomed the trip. He had needed some time alone and away from the bustle of the City. After Taelyra's meeting with Celeborn and Galadriel, word had flown through Caras Galadhon and swiftly preparations began in order to welcome the Teleri people. Their ancient kindred who would soon materialize on the Eastern horizon like a long-forgotten hope.
While he rode Nénharma south, he had immersed himself in the sound of the horse's pounding hooves upon the ground and he'd fallen into a rhythm with the great beast, simply enjoying the feeling of flying over the land. Leaving his troubled thoughts behind and imagining that he was going back in time. Returning to his life of only a few days ago, when it had been a simple cycle of patrolling and defending. Action and reaction. Cause and effect.
He ordered that two Lorien scouts set forth across Rohan and see what news they could gather about the Enemy's activities upon the plains. If possible, they were to seek out the wizard, Gandalf, or any members of the Fellowship that had passed through their Wood only a few weeks ago and see how they were faring in their quest to destroy the evil Ring.
Although he did not want to return to the City, Haldir turned Nénharma back northwards. He had to inform the Lord and Lady of what he had seen and let them know he'd sent forth the Scouts to gain tidings of the hobbits' Quest.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Taelyra had enjoyed a couple of days to herself. The day after her upsetting experience looking into Galadriel's Mirror, she had woken early with energy to spare. She'd enjoyed a hearty breakfast and packed herself a light lunch. Then she'd set out to explore the wooded pathes and high walkways of the Lorien Wood.
It was truly breathtaking. For long ages, the Elves here had built a wonderful home interweaving it into the natural surroundings. Just when she'd delighted in some tiny wonder she would turn a corner and be confronted with a spectacular vista. To her inner satisfaction, her thoughts had drifted very little towards Haldir. The constant discovery and splendor of the days had pushed him from her mind.
She had spent a night reclining in the crook of a large limb of an enormous mallorn. She had fallen asleep to the sounds of the evening breeze rustling the leaves with crickets' songs in the distance.
Now she was on her way back to Caras Galadhon, the sun beginning to drop in the sky behind her bathing the city in its golden light. As she approached the stairway to her room, the waiting woman who'd helped her with her bath appeared.
"Lady," she said, "Galadriel wishes to see you urgently."
The simple statement struck dread into Taelyra's heart as the Mirror sprang to her mind. The lady-in-waiting noticed this and took Taelyra's hand encouragingly.
"I think you will be most joyous," the waiting woman said "to see who awaits your arrival with the Lady."
Realization sunk in and Taelyra's heart soared. She beamed at the woman and ran towards Galadriel's chambers as though her feet had wings.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Haldir had been back only moments when he'd gone to seek out the Lord and Lady. He'd given his news quickly and then the Lady had shared her news with him. She'd gestured behind him and he'd turned to see two strange Elves enter the room.
Both were tall and muscular, built like soldiers. One had hair of a deep russet shade, the colour of leaves deep in the autumn, and the other had hair identical in colour to Taelyra's, dark chestnut with flecks of gold from much time spent outdoors. Both had eyes the colour of moss, streaked with golden brown. Any hope Haldir had, of keeping Taelyra from his thoughts, was destroyed instantly. These two Elves clearly shared her same heritage.
Rumil and Kieran were their names. They were both gregarious and friendly by nature. Both were very likeable but extremely different in behaviour to the Elves of Lorien. As Haldir began speaking with them he noticed the striking similarities in their accents and even their laughter was identical to that of Taelyra. Taelyra's laugh - he not realized how much he missed it. He had not heard it in many days now. Indeed, she had not been in good humour when he'd last seen her. More like stark shock after witnessing, he knew not what, in the Lady's Mirror.
And suddenly, as though bidden from his mind, there was Taelyra before him. Entering the room with a loving smile spread across her face; although, he noted disappointedly, that the smile was not meant for him. She ran into the arms of her brothers and embraced them warmly.
What a strange sight - these Elves who wore their emotions like badges of honour. Displaying their deep affection for one another so openly. Clearly they had missed one another intensely and cared not, who witnessed their reunion. Taelyra had tears of joy running down her face and her brothers took turns lifting her in their arms and kissing her head with delight.
Haldir looked at Galadriel to see her reaction to all this reckless emotion. She was beaming warmly upon the Telerin Elves and she turned to one of her ladies-in-waiting. "We will need to host a fine feast this evening," was all she said.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Taelyra exhaled slowly and deeply as she lowered herself into the bath's warm waters. Her skin tingled as the hot water enveloped her body. It felt wonderful.
She rested her head back against the edge of the great tub and closed her eyes. She was exhausted though she had done little physically since incurring her injuries from the warg. She was emotionally spent. These past few days had been an emotional whirlwind.
Though she had not asked for it, the waiting-woman had drawn her a bath and led her here. She was most grateful to the woman now. And though, she had also not asked, the woman had informed her that Haldir had left the City and was expected to be gone several days on a lengthy patrol to the Southern borders of the Wood. This, Taelyra was equally grateful for.
Her heart desired a respite from his presence. He had the ability to send her senses spiralling and plummeting and she had lost patience with this foolishness. While she felt emotionally out-of-control, he was aloof and restrained. Yes, he had shown her great kindness and support after realizing she was neither a spy nor an attacker. But he had displayed only diplomatic courtesy and she was perplexed by her feelings of intense attraction that swept through her when he spoke her name or looked into her eyes.
It was folly to allow these indulgences to continue; especially considering what she had witnessed in Galadriel's Mirror this afternoon. A great evil was coming. Coming to destroy the Elves; and all good life upon Middle Earth. What use would a lovesick girl be, in the face of this destruction?
She needed to clear her mind of him and focus on her responsibilities. She was the Wielder of Artanis and she would be required to fight for the Lady of Light and help her father lead her people in the war against the Dark Lord.
She couldn't wait for her brothers to arrive so they could begin training again. She looked forward to it greatly. She felt well enough to swing a sword and she would welcome the fighting exercises. Revel in a renewed feeling of purpose. Enough of this leisurely swooning about, over a Lorien captain who had no interest in her. She had been silly and it was time to gather her wits and her skills - she would need them soon.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"Do you actually know where you're going?" asked Rumil.
"Of course, I do. We keep heading along this river," Kieran replied, "I feel that we're getting close."
Both Elves were tired. Bone tired. But they could not stop their search for their sister. The three Elves had been sent forth, under orders by their King, to find Lothlorien. The King's visions had indicated that its borders would be well guarded but that they were to somehow gain entry to the Sacred Wood and present Galadriel, Queen of the Elves with the sword Artanis.
The sword was entrusted to their sister and she alone had the innate power to use it.
Unfortunately, Rumil and Kieran had been parted from their sister when a party of Orcs with wargs swept down upon them several days ago. They had last seen Taelyra heading West towards Lorien. They could only hope she had arrived safely.
Rumil began to sing softly trying to keep his spirits up and take his mind off his fatigue. The sun was starting to settle in the West casting its golden glow around the forest ahead. Or was that just the sun? As they drew closer, both Elves could feel a mystical power emanating from the gigantic trees. As they entered amongst the first few trees, they noticed the change in light. The forest seemed to shimmer around them - was it possible that they'd finally found the enchanted wood belonging to the Elven Queen?
They stood beneath the trees breathing deeply of the rich air. It had been a long time since they'd stood in a great forest and their souls soared to be near such ancient and majestic trees. As they exhaled deeply, they were immediately aware of the unmistakeable sound of bowstrings being drawn taught. They turned slowly to see a number of arrowheads pointed in their direction.
"Would this be Lothlorien, then?" enquired Rumil politely.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Haldir had ridden his horse, Nénharma, to the southern borders of Lorien. It was customary for the Guards to usually walk everywhere, leaving no tracks behind, but he had wanted to get here quickly. Scouts had sighted strange activity far off to the south. Indeed, when he arrived he had confirmed that large plumes of smoke rose from the plains of Rohan. They were uncertain what it meant but it was not regarded as a good omen.
He had been gone from the City of Trees for a day now and he had welcomed the trip. He had needed some time alone and away from the bustle of the City. After Taelyra's meeting with Celeborn and Galadriel, word had flown through Caras Galadhon and swiftly preparations began in order to welcome the Teleri people. Their ancient kindred who would soon materialize on the Eastern horizon like a long-forgotten hope.
While he rode Nénharma south, he had immersed himself in the sound of the horse's pounding hooves upon the ground and he'd fallen into a rhythm with the great beast, simply enjoying the feeling of flying over the land. Leaving his troubled thoughts behind and imagining that he was going back in time. Returning to his life of only a few days ago, when it had been a simple cycle of patrolling and defending. Action and reaction. Cause and effect.
He ordered that two Lorien scouts set forth across Rohan and see what news they could gather about the Enemy's activities upon the plains. If possible, they were to seek out the wizard, Gandalf, or any members of the Fellowship that had passed through their Wood only a few weeks ago and see how they were faring in their quest to destroy the evil Ring.
Although he did not want to return to the City, Haldir turned Nénharma back northwards. He had to inform the Lord and Lady of what he had seen and let them know he'd sent forth the Scouts to gain tidings of the hobbits' Quest.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Taelyra had enjoyed a couple of days to herself. The day after her upsetting experience looking into Galadriel's Mirror, she had woken early with energy to spare. She'd enjoyed a hearty breakfast and packed herself a light lunch. Then she'd set out to explore the wooded pathes and high walkways of the Lorien Wood.
It was truly breathtaking. For long ages, the Elves here had built a wonderful home interweaving it into the natural surroundings. Just when she'd delighted in some tiny wonder she would turn a corner and be confronted with a spectacular vista. To her inner satisfaction, her thoughts had drifted very little towards Haldir. The constant discovery and splendor of the days had pushed him from her mind.
She had spent a night reclining in the crook of a large limb of an enormous mallorn. She had fallen asleep to the sounds of the evening breeze rustling the leaves with crickets' songs in the distance.
Now she was on her way back to Caras Galadhon, the sun beginning to drop in the sky behind her bathing the city in its golden light. As she approached the stairway to her room, the waiting woman who'd helped her with her bath appeared.
"Lady," she said, "Galadriel wishes to see you urgently."
The simple statement struck dread into Taelyra's heart as the Mirror sprang to her mind. The lady-in-waiting noticed this and took Taelyra's hand encouragingly.
"I think you will be most joyous," the waiting woman said "to see who awaits your arrival with the Lady."
Realization sunk in and Taelyra's heart soared. She beamed at the woman and ran towards Galadriel's chambers as though her feet had wings.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Haldir had been back only moments when he'd gone to seek out the Lord and Lady. He'd given his news quickly and then the Lady had shared her news with him. She'd gestured behind him and he'd turned to see two strange Elves enter the room.
Both were tall and muscular, built like soldiers. One had hair of a deep russet shade, the colour of leaves deep in the autumn, and the other had hair identical in colour to Taelyra's, dark chestnut with flecks of gold from much time spent outdoors. Both had eyes the colour of moss, streaked with golden brown. Any hope Haldir had, of keeping Taelyra from his thoughts, was destroyed instantly. These two Elves clearly shared her same heritage.
Rumil and Kieran were their names. They were both gregarious and friendly by nature. Both were very likeable but extremely different in behaviour to the Elves of Lorien. As Haldir began speaking with them he noticed the striking similarities in their accents and even their laughter was identical to that of Taelyra. Taelyra's laugh - he not realized how much he missed it. He had not heard it in many days now. Indeed, she had not been in good humour when he'd last seen her. More like stark shock after witnessing, he knew not what, in the Lady's Mirror.
And suddenly, as though bidden from his mind, there was Taelyra before him. Entering the room with a loving smile spread across her face; although, he noted disappointedly, that the smile was not meant for him. She ran into the arms of her brothers and embraced them warmly.
What a strange sight - these Elves who wore their emotions like badges of honour. Displaying their deep affection for one another so openly. Clearly they had missed one another intensely and cared not, who witnessed their reunion. Taelyra had tears of joy running down her face and her brothers took turns lifting her in their arms and kissing her head with delight.
Haldir looked at Galadriel to see her reaction to all this reckless emotion. She was beaming warmly upon the Telerin Elves and she turned to one of her ladies-in-waiting. "We will need to host a fine feast this evening," was all she said.