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Chapter 8

Disclaimer- No, we don't own LOTR or anyone in it (We just wish we did). We also don't own Les Mis or the songs. We decided to add them since for the most part they fit well with the story. We did make minor changes to them to help them fit better. Don't bother suing us cause we got no money. Lisa owns Sitara Amaya, her necklace and powers. And Kellie owns Arlywren Emrys and her Gifts. By the way, Sitara means morning star in Sanskrit and Amaya means night rain. Please Read and Review: flame if you want, but flames will be sent to Mordor. Enjoy!

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Sitara awoke the next morning to an insistent voice calling her name. "I'm awake, Wren. Stop shaking me." She heard a soft laugh. "It's about time, Dove. I've been trying to wake you for awhile. You slept as only the dead sleep." Sitara cracked open one eye, braving the golden morning light that flooded the airy treehouses of Lorien. She grinned and slowly sat up to avoid causing unneeded pain in her shoulder. Sitara gave her friend a one armed hug, laying her head upon Arlywren's shoulder as her friend seated herself on the bedside. "It's wonderful to see you, Arly. What has happened to me though, I do not remember much after I shifted to dove form." Arlywren's smile faded, her eyes sad. "Feanaro hit you with an arrow. I teleported to you, froze your father, and transported the three of us to Galadriel's council. Once there, I healed most of your wounds. It seems that I am free of the safe house, but Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel are holding a meeting with the Fellowship, one that we must attend. I fear we will be made to remain here."

Sitara nodded grimly, slowly pulling her battered body from her warm caccon in the feather soft bed. "Wren?" She whispered softly as Arlywren stood. "Yes, Dove?" Sitara smiled "Could we go to the old sentry post, just for old times sake?" Sitara grinned as her friend nodded consent and both dressed and made their way to the old sentry post in the middle of the Golden Wood. It had been build long ago, at the top of the tallest tree in the Wood, in order to keep a close watch on the surrounding areas. Should there be danger at the edges of the Wood, a signal would come from other sentry posts and the alarm would be sounded in the city below.

Now Sitara and Arlywren climbed skyward, making their way up the many steps that twisted around the tree trunk. Upon reaching the top of the platform, the friends seated themselves side by side, facing the rising sun whose flaming fingers had only just begun to reach over the horizon and paint the sky in a pink glow.

Placing on arm around Sitara's shoulder, Arlywren began to hum softly, her bards voice filling the platform with sweet music. Sitara smiled lightly, placing her head on her friend's shoulder for a moment before sitting up and joining in, the tune of the familiar song spilling with ease from her lips.

"At the end of the day you're another day older and that's all you can say for the life of the poor. It's a struggle, it's a war, and there's nothing that anyone's giving. One more day standing about, what is it for? One day less to be living." Began Sitara, her voice rising and falling in time to her friend's soft humming. Her hazel orbs dark with anger and resentment that mirrored itself in her voice. "At the end of the day, you're another day colder, and the shirt on your back doesn't keep out the chill. And the righteous hurry past, they don't hear the little ones crying, and the winter is coming on fast, ready to kill. One day nearer to dying!" Arlywren took in as Sitara's voice cracked with the anger left in the wake of her beating, her hand resting on her friend's shoulder. "At the end of the day there's another day dawning, and the sun in the morning is waiting to rise." Sitara's willowy voice joined that of her bard friend, the anger slowly draining away. "Like the waves crash on the sand, like a storm that'll break any second, there's a hunger in the land. There's a reckoning still to be reckoned and there's gonna be hell to pay, at the end of the day!" The song slowed and Arlywren returned to softly humming while Sitara continued.

"There was a time when men were kind, when their voices were soft, and their words inviting. There was a time when love was blind, and the world was a song, and the song was exciting. There was a time, then it all went wrong." She gave a soft sigh and the duo continued, strengthened by Arlywren's voice. "I dreamed a dream in time gone by. When hope was high and life worth living. I dreamed that love would never die. I dreamed that God would be forgiving. But the tigers come at night, with their voices soft as thunder. As they tear tour hopes apart, as they turn your dream to shame."

Sitara's voice trailed off, her eyes distant as Arlywren carried on the song. " He slept a summer by my side, he filled my days with endless wonder. He took my childhood in his stride, but he was gone when autumn came. And still I dream he'll come to me, that we will live the years together." With a slight shake of her head, Sitara rejoined her friend. " But there are dreams that cannot be, and there are storms we cannot weather....I had a dream my life would be, so different from this hell I'm living. So different from what it seemed. Now life has killed the dream I dreamed..."

By now, their lilting song had drifted down to the elven ears below. A small crowd began to gather at the base of the great tree. The Fellowship, who were passing, heading to their council with the Lady of the Wood, paused behind the muttering crowd of elves. Murmurs of "It has been to long...." and "It is good the duo is together again..." could be heard as the Fellowship strained to listen, and failed. "What's going on, Mr. Frodo?" inquired Sam. Frodo shrugged, straining his ears to make out what the excited crowd was making such a fuse over. "Master Elf? What can you hear?" grumbled Gimli "We shouldn't keep the Lady Galadriel waiting." Legolas glanced down at the Dwarf and Hobbits. "There's someone, or two someone's as it seems, singing on the old look out post up yonder. Listen carefully." The elves around them quieted as the duet began again.

Both women continued the serenade, the music floating to the listeners below in soft snatches of melodic notes. "Wow" breathed Pippin, his eyes wide. "Their good..." The other Hobbits nodded enthusiastically. "Indeed they are..." replied Gimli, watching the Hobbits, amused. "Tell me, Master Elf, who is it up there? Elves?" Legolas shook his head. "Two humans. Lady Arlywren and Lady Sitara no doubt. They are, after all, the only other humans in the Golden Wood at this time. Boromir opened his mouth to speak, but was shushed as one of the singers began the next part of their song.

"There is a castle on a cloud. I like to go there in my sleep. Aren't any floors for me to sweep. Not in my castle on a cloud." sung Sitara, struggling to keep back the tears that threatened to brim over. "There is a room that's full of toys. There are a hundred boys and girls. Nobody shouts or talks too loud, not in my castle on a cloud." Arlywren frowned, giving Sitara's shoulder a quick squeeze and joined her. "There is a lady all in white, holds me and sings a lullaby. She's nice to see and she's soft to touch. She says: 'Dear one, I love you very much." Sitara regained herself and continued alone "I know a place where no ones lost. I know a place where no one cries. Crying at all is not allowed, not in my castle on a cloud..."

A tear trickled down her cheek and she reached up to angrily brush it away. It only resulted in more pushing their way out of her tightly shut eyes. Arlywren pulled Sitara close and continued. "Do you hear the people sing? Singing the song of angry men? It is the music of a people who will not be slaves again! When the beating of your heart echoes the beating of the drums. There is a life about to start when tomorrow comes!" She gave Sitara's shoulder another squeeze. "Will you join in our crusade? Who will be strong and stand with me? Beyond the barricade, is there a world you long to see?' Arlywren could see Sitara's face brighten. "Then join in the fight that will give you the right to be free!" Sitara grinned and joined her friend, though her eyes remained sad. "Do you hear the people sing? Singing a song of angry men? It is the music of a people who will not be slaves again! When the beating of your heart echoes the beating of the drums, there is a life about to start when tomorrow comes!

Smiling down at her friend, Arlywren continued alone. "On my own, pretending he's beside me. All alone, I walk with him till morning. Without him, I feel his arms around me. And when I lose my way I close my eyes and he has found me." She paused and Sitara picked up the song. "In the rain the pavement shines like silver. All the lights are misty in the river. In the darkness, the trees are full of starlight, and all I see is him and me for ever and forever." Together the two lifted their voices, pouring their heart into the music. "And I know it's only in my mind, that I'm talking to myself and not to him. And although I know that he is blind, still I say, there's a way for us... I love him, but every day I'm learning, all my life I've only been pretending. Without me his world will go on turning. A world that's full of happiness that I have never known! I love him, I love him, I love him, But only on my own." Both women turned, smiles on their faces, eyes distant with dreams of the one man meant for them as they continue. "God on high, hear my prayer, in my need, you have always been there. You can take, you can give. Let him be. let him live. If I die, let me die. Let him live, bring him home, bring him home, bring him home...." A soft sigh escapes Arlywren's lips as she continues alone. "On this page, I write my last confession. Read it well, when I at last am sleeping. It's the story of those who always loved you. Your mother gave her life for you, then gave you to my keeping. Come with me, where chains will never bind you. All your grief at last, at last behind you. Lord in Heaven, look down on her in mercy. Forgive me all my trespasses and take me to your glory." Sitara smiled, teary eyed at her friend, picking up her normal solo as Arlywren stood and helped her to her feet.. "Take my hand and lead me to salvation. Take my love, for love is everlasting." She smiled at Arlywren, who joined in for their final duet. "And remember the truth that once was spoken. To love another person is to see the face of God! Do you hear the people sing, lost in the valley of the night? It is the music of a people who are climbing to the light. For the wretched of the earth, there is a flame that never dies. Even the darkest night will end and the sun will rise. They will live again in freedom in the garden of the Lord. They will walk behind the plough-share, they will put away the sword. The chain will be broken and all men will have their reward! Will you join in our crusade? Who will be strong and stand with me? Somewhere beyond the barricade s there a world you long to see? Do you hear the people sing? Say, do you hear the distant drums? It is the future that they bring when tomorrow comes...."

By now, the crowd that had gathered below began to dissipate. They had grown used to hearing that song and other songs, and knew it best to leave before the pair returned to the forest floor. The Fellowship didn't know that, though they guessed it best to tred softly. "Greetings Lady Arlywren, Lady Sitara. We were on our way to seek a council with Lady Galadriel when we heard your singing. We decided to wait and accompany you to the council." said Aragorn, choosing to ignore Sitara's sad and distant gaze. She only nodded in greeting to the gathered group, giving them a half smile. Arlywren, however, smiled and replied. "Good morning, Fellowship. I trust you enjoyed our duet?" She received energetic nods from the Hobbits and several words of praise from Gimli, Legolas and Aragorn. Only Boromir remained silent at the back of the Fellowship. "Good." Arlywren continued with a smile "Sitara and I often greet the sun as such. It helps relieve tension as well. A trait, I suppose, is often found in elves and bards. Not to mention we both find that the songs that we pick are reflective of our life in some way or another, or atleast to our moods." She laughed softly "Now then, shall we continue to the council?" The Fellowship agreed, and the group made their way through the Golden Wood to meet with the Lord and Lady.

Upon arriving, the Fellowship gathered into a semicircle before Celeborn and Galadriel, while Sitara and Arlywren stood off to one side to await their turn to speak. "Greetings! I have seen it that three boats will be prepared for your departure whenever you decide to leave us." Galadriel smiled calmly and continued, informing them that those who wished to remain in Lothlorien could do so. She then turned to the two waiting women. "I have spent some time thinking over this matter and find that I've come to the best way to solve the problem of what to do with the both of you." Her assessing blue orbs rounded on Sitara. "You shall accompany the Fellowship on their journey. As you have stated, I believe you will be of great use to the Fellowship." Sitara nodded, a slight smile appearing on her face. The Lady then turned to Arlywren. "Arlywren, you shall also accompany the Fellowship. In this way you shall be able to keep an eye on your friend, as well as continue her studies in the magic that you had begun to teach her once."

A slight cry of disapproval rose from the gathered Fellowship. Borormir, an odd scowl on his face, stepped forward. "Surely you are joking, Lady! A Fellowship of nine, with representatives from each race, was appointed this task. What good could two women do in a Fellowship of capable men?" His voice held anger as much as confusion, the emotion in his eyes covering some deeper feeling. The Lady turned toward him, face as calm as ever. Holding his gaze, she asked. "Do you challenge Lord Elrond's judgment, as well as my own?" Boromir faltered, breaking his gaze with the Lady and falling into an uneasy silence. "No, milady Galadriel." he muttered after a moment. Aragorn stepped forward "We shall be happy to have these ladies accompany us. They have already proven their worth and have shown themselves able to care for themselves." Galadriel nodded and continued "Now then. You are all welcome here for as long as you feel you can delay in you journey. Rest well, Fellowship." she smiled, a clear dismissal. One by one, the Fellowship, followed by Sitara and Arlywren, filed past the Lord and Lady, thanking them before they moved down the steps to return to their treehouses to finish planning.

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Days past quietly, with the members of the Fellowship planning and exploring the Golden Wood. Sitara and Arlywren, when not off alone to work on Sitara's magical skills or just catching up on things missed when they were separated, often accompanied the Fellowship on tours of the forest. These days blended together into weeks, which blended into a month or so. And it was after this month that the company gathered their things to leave. It was on this day that the Lady met them on the riverside to see them off. She also gifted each member, including the two women, received an elven made leaf pin to use on their cloaks, also given by the Lady. Then Lady Galadriel granted each member one wish, weather rope, or a strand of her hair, or a bow and quiver. Upon arriving at Sitara and Arlywren, a smile on her face, she questioned the friends on their gifts. Arlywren spoke first. "I require only a weapon. I seem to remember a certain elf taking my staff from me..." Galadriel nodded and motioned to an elf near by. The elf nodded and moved into the woods. "He will return with your gift in a moment." She said before turning to Sitara. "And last but not least, Sitara Amaya. What gift do you wish to bestowed upon you?" Sitara hesitated only a moment before giving her reply. "Only a promise, Milady Galadriel. I wish for you to promise me that you will hold my father within a safe house till he has seen the error of his ways and made a promise, signed in blood, that he will no longer haunt me."

Galadriel watched Sitara for a moment, eyes intent and assessing. "I shall grant your wish." She said at last. She motioned to the same runner, who had just returned and presented Arlywren with her staff. The elf stepped forward, a sheathed blade in hand. He presented it to Sitara and stepped back. "This is Gwaedh. (A/N- Elvish word for promise) Take it as a sign of my promise to you. Should I willingly break this promise, the blade will break away from the hilt." Sitara held the sheathed Gwardh in gentle hands, running her fingers over the finely crafted scabbard and hilt. Upon close examination, Sitara found that an opal had been set upon the hilt. She smiled and caught the Lady's gaze "Thank you, Lady."

Galadriel nodded, smiling, as she ushered the Fellowship into their waiting boats. Aragon, Frodo, and Sam took one boat. Boromir, Gimli and the remaining two Hobbits in the next, and Sitara, Arlywren and Legolas with most of the bags in the last. "Be well, Fellowship, and may fate smile upon you." called the Lady as the elven boats pushed off the shore, into the Great River.

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A/N- Gotta Luv it! If you don't that's your problem, lol. Anyways, hope your enjoying this! If you have any questions or comments, please ask them in your review or e-mail me! R/R!