A/N: Sorry about stopping the story where I had. School's been hectic
lately but here's a new chapter and I hope you enjoy it!
A/N: Sorry for any further delay of this story but a good friend of the family and one of my teachers passed away on April 8, 2003. So, I apologize for any delay or rather bad writing that occurs. If you wish to know more, you are encouraged to read my profile.
Summary of before chapters: Remember Pippin just looked into the crystal ball (hee hee) and Arway had just told Legolas her prophecy.
Chapter 8: Her History
Something inside Arway's mind struck out at that moment. The possibility grew inside of her and as it did so, the doubt grew also. There were too many things occurring at once. The doubts and fears becoming reality. The impossible becoming plausible. But she had known long ago it had always been possible, possible and very likely. Still was this what Middle-earth was suppose to become? A world of chaos. She shook herself, hoping it would clear her thoughts. Even the wisest could not foresee the end. Nothing was for sure, it never was.
With their keen ears, both elves heard what the orb was. Gandalf was now sure of it. It was a planatir. With the word, they hurried over to the group where Aragorn and Gandalf stood.
Then the air changed. Becoming heavy and full of fear. Many a man crouched in fear as a shadow passed over the face of the moon. For a few seconds all of Middle-earth was cloaked in black. Then the fear passed far above their heads with the direction of Isenguard.
"The Nazgul have crossed the river!" Gandalf cried. "It is no longer safe to ride in any group or singularly at any time. Hurry, gather your belongings and ride hard." The second he finished; Gandalf gathered both Shadowfax and Pippin to him. He mounted with the hobbit before him, but he gave them something more to heed before he left. "Watch over yourselves and the young hobbit. We shall await you in Minas Tirith." Then he vanished.
Legolas gathered the three horses; Arway and Gimli gathered their little equipment. Then, the three waited for Aragorn. He soon returned with Merry at his side. And the five set out for Helm's Deep. No longer did the swift wait for the slow. All men rode in turns from the camp. But the small group rode swiftly with each other, Arway in front with her horse, which contained blood from the breeds of the Rohirrium and the Elves. Next, came Aragorn and Merry, and Legolas with Gimli. As quickly as the steeds of Rohan could muster did they travel over the plains.
Before the sun was waking in the sky, they were many leagues from the camp. When they had departed it had been the change between night and dark morning. The sun was just fully in the sky, at the time when they did arrive at the strong hold, Aragorn shut himself away.
"How long will he cast himself away?" Gimli questioned.
"As long as it takes to understand." Arway stated. Abruptly she left the two.
Legolas and Gimli looked at one another. "Go my friend. Let us hope the understanding of Elves runs deeper when it is between two of the race." Gimli pushed Legolas off in the direction Arway had taken.
Long Legolas searched through the Hornburg for any sign of Arway. And long into that search he found her, sitting on the steps of a concealed staircase. The same staircase she had defended Gimli on. "I would give any grace I have to know the facts and feelings of others as you do."
"No Legolas," she murmured. "You only perceive that you do. If you knew what a burden these "gifts" are you would beg me to take them back. To clear your mind of such things."
Legolas parted his lips but Arway silenced him with a single gesture.
"Sit my friend, there is much to be told. You know I am one of the Nameless Elves. I can see it in your eyes and you told me long ago, though I do not know if you remember. My mother was but slightly one of this race. She was a strong Elf in earlier days, but the weight of being who she was diminished her. She fell deeper and deeper into the gloom, until all she saw was what everyone else saw.
"Elrond saw it earlier than anyone else and took her in. To do so took much courage form him, for few would take an exiled Elf back when they have been away from others so long. Through the time spent with her, he realized how he missed his own wife. Something grew between the two that was not so pure. And in the time, they had myself. Now understand this, time was neither long nor short, it was just long enough. But a year after I was born, two after she came to Imladris she died. I was left stranded in Middle-earth. There was a choice to be made about my future; Elrond was unwilling to make this choice. So, he raised me with the help of a few people in his city. But majority did not know anything about me.
"They soon discovered that though there is but a small amount of Man blood in my veins it still affected how I grew. And so, the day came when I was of the age to choose my life. I looked nine-years-old. This aging though, had no affect on my maturity, and when the paths were set before me, I was ready, as anyone could be, to choose. I could give up what I knew of, of being an Elf, and become mortal. Then I could stay in Imladris be loved, and I would grow as a mortal should. Or I could keep my immortality and stay an Elf. I would age in inconsistency and live in exile, but I would still be Elvish. Also, I would not be in anyway unable to make the journey to the Grey Havens when I became wearied of this world. But my time on Middle-earth would be a lonely life, with secrecy and pain. I chose this rode, however difficult it may prove to be.
"With the chosen future came 300 years of preparation. As soon as I answered, I was readied and sent to Mirkwood. The leaves had fallen 100 times since my birth when I arrived. At your home, I learned the ways of your people, of your innocence and knowledge, your skills and tracking, how to hunt and wield a bow, and many others. I remember now the first time I saw you, though long it has been forgotten. I had been out learning in a hunting party with Thranduil. On our return, you ran up to him greeting him with your custom. I was in the back of the group, being a small child in everyone's eyes. Your father was the only one who knew about me and kept me hidden from the eyes of those in Mirkwood. The days spent in Mirkwood, in your kingdom, are not easily forgotten.
"Then I was sent to Lothlórien. Here I learned to perfect my skills with a bow and learn of sword skill. I also learned how to live off the land more. Galadriel taught me how to use my gift. You have known of it since I used it on Merry, I saw it. I saw you had connected the two. Much time was spent achieving grace; much more than one would think. Galadriel said I would need it with dealings I would have to make. She saw something early on about my future and prepared me for what she had seen. I learned of my people. Few were left in Lórien who were full blood and little had part blood. They helped me as they could, but were unwilling to give much since I am "spoiled" as one said.
"Understand that it was difficult to leave these places. They became my home as I was there. When I reached Imladris, I questioned myself. Did I really wish to give up all I knew of life and peace, just to remain Elvish? Would it be so bad to be mortal? But then I realized that if I were meant to be mortal, I would have been. There was some role I yet had to play upon Middle-earth and the only way to accomplish this was to continue down the path I had chosen. So, as I crossed back into the boarders of Rivendell, it was with a heavy heart, knowing that never again would I come to be in those halls and woods again.
"That hundred years was the hardest of all, I was learning of Middle-earth, healing, and life. Much time was spent with Lord Elrond testing and stretching my mind; learning all that I could from him. I spent hours of everyday in that library. I read any book I could find within its walls, but still I did not read everything it had to offer. There was much sorrow in me in those days. Knowing that soon I would be on my own was a hard fact to face.
"I went to my mother's grave. It was over grown with moss and bushes. Forgotten by all inhabitants. And I knew just like her, I too would soon be forgotten. So, I walked away leaving the overgrowth. To remove it would be to open a grave wound in the Elven world. My mother gave up her life, having no reason to live, and being too weary to care if she did. Too tired of being ridiculed for who and what she was.
"My last day with the Elves was by far the hardest of my life so far. That night was that of a hundred years. I looked my last upon the Hall of Fire. And then watched the sky and walked the woods of Imladris for my last time. Elrond planned to send me off in the morning but I would not wait for it. It would be too sad, too shameful. I proceeded back to my room and gathered all that was precious to me.
"My jewel I received in Lórien given by Celeborn and Galadriel. I was clothed in a grey cloak as I left their land, similarly as you had been." As she spoke these words, she began to smile and she pointed to the descending stairs. Legolas heard Gimli at the bottom muttering to himself, as Arway took a breath. "Also at Lothórien I received a bow of the Galadrim, like yours and a long dagger.
"Thranduil gave generously also. My knife was given to me there, also a quiver for he had taught me how to craft my own arrows, and a bow to use while I was still small in size. A shirt of immense strength, from where I am unsure, but your father said it was to remember a time of forgotten trade. Along with these gifts, more were given for when I grew in age and size. A headpiece was wrought of silver and amethyst gems. And lastly, a dress of great beauty, it was just so that the headpiece matched. White with flowing arms and skirt and a tight fitting bodice-or what would have been. Designs of sliver were sown in, while amethyst gems enhanced the seam of the bodice. I only remember the details so well because never was I able to wear them and your father said they would have fit me perfectly if I would put them on as I now am. Thranduil was a kind Elf; I wish to look upon his face once more for he had treated me as a daughter while I was with him. But I know he has long forgotten about me.
"And last at Imladris I was given a sword, tough leather, and good shoes. I was given another dagger also. And I received my mother's headpiece and one of her dresses. It was a simple dress of cream. The sleeves slit until the elbow with a simple neckline. The only touch to the dress was a belt crafted to look like light blue lilies attached together.
"Many gifts for an exiled Elf but precious all were and have been.
"I gathered all of these things together in the dead of the night. The dresses and headpieces I had to leave behind. There was no way I could have taken them.
"So without a second glance at these lovely things I readied myself. None of the gifts fit me, being more for when I was of complete size. I was then but the size of a twelve-year-old. So, I took a pair of pants and a shirt I had found and wore those. I put on the knife and one dagger. The quiver, sword, bow of the Galadrim, leather, shirt, cloak, and shoes were all too large for me. I had the smaller bow and slung that on my back. I placed the necklace around my neck. Then as I looked at the small reflection in the mirror, I saw a piece of paper there. It was a letter to the Steward of Gondor from Elrond telling him to let me into their libraries. Elrond had known I was leaving that night, as he knows most things. It was his last gift to me.
"I gathered everything I was taking with me, and took it outside. My horse was near, as when I whistled quietly he had come quickly. I packed everything that was too large on him and mounted. I left Rivendell just as the sun peaked the surface of Middle-earth.
"I traveled to Gondor and stayed a year, having only that long to search the libraries. Then afterward I spent hundreds of years wandering through the wilds. I had a couple friends but watched them all grow old and die. Sometimes I stayed the same age their entire life. And though I only experienced it three times, each was more bitter than the next.
"Soon I gave up any connections with Man and just traveled. I went through Middle-earth observing every free race. Then in disguise, I lived with some of these free peoples. I learned a great amount while traveling. All of the time spent preparing for that still did not prepare me for it. Through the years, I have learned all of the free tongues, the speech in Gondor, Rohan, and many others. I have even learned the tongue of the Elves long forgotten and the speech of the Dwarves.
"But through all I questioned the decision I had made. Even now, I question it. Should I have become mortal and be long dead as this world turns back into shadow. I cannot change it but still it burns deep in my mind.
"After the traveling became lonesome and I had seen and done all I could I settled in the Riddermark. I found their land beautiful and in a way calming. Every few years I would travel, both around Rohan and throughout Middle-earth, catching up with the happenings of each land. Never did I allow myself any time to create friendships with mortals. Not wishing for more exile than I already had, I hide my race from the Rohirrim, and all.
"This is what I have done for so many years I have lost count. Yet, I still remember the days in Imladris, Mirkwood, and Lothlórien like they were yesterday. The world around me changes day by day but I rarely do the same."
"Why am I the one you chose to share this with?" Legolas questioned.
"Long has it been since I've seen and talked to another immortal who was not on their way to the Grey Havens. You wish to know, I felt you asking me, whether you knew it or not. And something told me to share it with you. You did wish to know, didn't you?"
"Yes, but never did I think you would tell me the full story."
"Bits and pieces do not fulfill the mind. Long years I have wandered and long you would have wondered."
"Where are all the things you took with you when you left Rivendell?"
"They are in Edoras, where I left them in the hands of a worthy recipient. They keep them and await my return. If ever, I shall. It has been long since I have thought of these things." Arway wiped tears from her cheeks.
"Long it has been since you've had someone to tell." Legolas said pulling her towards him. He had noticed through the story that Arway had been crying since she mentioned her mother. And he gave her an embrace of friendship that she had not received in many, many years, a hug. As they pulled from the embrace, Legolas kissed her brow. Standing up, he left her to ponder what she needed.
Once he reached the end of the stairs, he called Gimli to him in the way Elves can without speaking. And Gimli arrived soon for he had only been on the other end of the hall. He had been leaving since he had become impatient hearing only the murmur of voices.
"Do not despair Master Dwarf, you will be told when she herself can bear to tell the tale again." Legolas put a hand on his shoulder and the two went to find young Merry.
Arway spent much of the day on the staircase. Long and clear, she recalled her memories of better times. Long she went over the images of Thranduil, Celeborn, Galadriel, and Elrond, wondering if they remembered her. But she doubted it, knowing well that Elrond's life would permit and order him to forget. Thranduil had much to do with Mirkwood, creating a path through it and making it safer for his people. Celeborn would not remember her either, as she thought, for long had he been involved with watching over Middle- earth. And the White Lady? Arway believed the Lady would have more to do than remember a young Elf who she had prepared for exile. Little did she know that through the years that passed all had forgotten about her in their minds. But right then, their hearts made them recall the she-Elf who impressed them all with her strength, and acceptance of what she was, and the road she had chosen to live.
A/N: Sorry for any further delay of this story but a good friend of the family and one of my teachers passed away on April 8, 2003. So, I apologize for any delay or rather bad writing that occurs. If you wish to know more, you are encouraged to read my profile.
Summary of before chapters: Remember Pippin just looked into the crystal ball (hee hee) and Arway had just told Legolas her prophecy.
Chapter 8: Her History
Something inside Arway's mind struck out at that moment. The possibility grew inside of her and as it did so, the doubt grew also. There were too many things occurring at once. The doubts and fears becoming reality. The impossible becoming plausible. But she had known long ago it had always been possible, possible and very likely. Still was this what Middle-earth was suppose to become? A world of chaos. She shook herself, hoping it would clear her thoughts. Even the wisest could not foresee the end. Nothing was for sure, it never was.
With their keen ears, both elves heard what the orb was. Gandalf was now sure of it. It was a planatir. With the word, they hurried over to the group where Aragorn and Gandalf stood.
Then the air changed. Becoming heavy and full of fear. Many a man crouched in fear as a shadow passed over the face of the moon. For a few seconds all of Middle-earth was cloaked in black. Then the fear passed far above their heads with the direction of Isenguard.
"The Nazgul have crossed the river!" Gandalf cried. "It is no longer safe to ride in any group or singularly at any time. Hurry, gather your belongings and ride hard." The second he finished; Gandalf gathered both Shadowfax and Pippin to him. He mounted with the hobbit before him, but he gave them something more to heed before he left. "Watch over yourselves and the young hobbit. We shall await you in Minas Tirith." Then he vanished.
Legolas gathered the three horses; Arway and Gimli gathered their little equipment. Then, the three waited for Aragorn. He soon returned with Merry at his side. And the five set out for Helm's Deep. No longer did the swift wait for the slow. All men rode in turns from the camp. But the small group rode swiftly with each other, Arway in front with her horse, which contained blood from the breeds of the Rohirrium and the Elves. Next, came Aragorn and Merry, and Legolas with Gimli. As quickly as the steeds of Rohan could muster did they travel over the plains.
Before the sun was waking in the sky, they were many leagues from the camp. When they had departed it had been the change between night and dark morning. The sun was just fully in the sky, at the time when they did arrive at the strong hold, Aragorn shut himself away.
"How long will he cast himself away?" Gimli questioned.
"As long as it takes to understand." Arway stated. Abruptly she left the two.
Legolas and Gimli looked at one another. "Go my friend. Let us hope the understanding of Elves runs deeper when it is between two of the race." Gimli pushed Legolas off in the direction Arway had taken.
Long Legolas searched through the Hornburg for any sign of Arway. And long into that search he found her, sitting on the steps of a concealed staircase. The same staircase she had defended Gimli on. "I would give any grace I have to know the facts and feelings of others as you do."
"No Legolas," she murmured. "You only perceive that you do. If you knew what a burden these "gifts" are you would beg me to take them back. To clear your mind of such things."
Legolas parted his lips but Arway silenced him with a single gesture.
"Sit my friend, there is much to be told. You know I am one of the Nameless Elves. I can see it in your eyes and you told me long ago, though I do not know if you remember. My mother was but slightly one of this race. She was a strong Elf in earlier days, but the weight of being who she was diminished her. She fell deeper and deeper into the gloom, until all she saw was what everyone else saw.
"Elrond saw it earlier than anyone else and took her in. To do so took much courage form him, for few would take an exiled Elf back when they have been away from others so long. Through the time spent with her, he realized how he missed his own wife. Something grew between the two that was not so pure. And in the time, they had myself. Now understand this, time was neither long nor short, it was just long enough. But a year after I was born, two after she came to Imladris she died. I was left stranded in Middle-earth. There was a choice to be made about my future; Elrond was unwilling to make this choice. So, he raised me with the help of a few people in his city. But majority did not know anything about me.
"They soon discovered that though there is but a small amount of Man blood in my veins it still affected how I grew. And so, the day came when I was of the age to choose my life. I looked nine-years-old. This aging though, had no affect on my maturity, and when the paths were set before me, I was ready, as anyone could be, to choose. I could give up what I knew of, of being an Elf, and become mortal. Then I could stay in Imladris be loved, and I would grow as a mortal should. Or I could keep my immortality and stay an Elf. I would age in inconsistency and live in exile, but I would still be Elvish. Also, I would not be in anyway unable to make the journey to the Grey Havens when I became wearied of this world. But my time on Middle-earth would be a lonely life, with secrecy and pain. I chose this rode, however difficult it may prove to be.
"With the chosen future came 300 years of preparation. As soon as I answered, I was readied and sent to Mirkwood. The leaves had fallen 100 times since my birth when I arrived. At your home, I learned the ways of your people, of your innocence and knowledge, your skills and tracking, how to hunt and wield a bow, and many others. I remember now the first time I saw you, though long it has been forgotten. I had been out learning in a hunting party with Thranduil. On our return, you ran up to him greeting him with your custom. I was in the back of the group, being a small child in everyone's eyes. Your father was the only one who knew about me and kept me hidden from the eyes of those in Mirkwood. The days spent in Mirkwood, in your kingdom, are not easily forgotten.
"Then I was sent to Lothlórien. Here I learned to perfect my skills with a bow and learn of sword skill. I also learned how to live off the land more. Galadriel taught me how to use my gift. You have known of it since I used it on Merry, I saw it. I saw you had connected the two. Much time was spent achieving grace; much more than one would think. Galadriel said I would need it with dealings I would have to make. She saw something early on about my future and prepared me for what she had seen. I learned of my people. Few were left in Lórien who were full blood and little had part blood. They helped me as they could, but were unwilling to give much since I am "spoiled" as one said.
"Understand that it was difficult to leave these places. They became my home as I was there. When I reached Imladris, I questioned myself. Did I really wish to give up all I knew of life and peace, just to remain Elvish? Would it be so bad to be mortal? But then I realized that if I were meant to be mortal, I would have been. There was some role I yet had to play upon Middle-earth and the only way to accomplish this was to continue down the path I had chosen. So, as I crossed back into the boarders of Rivendell, it was with a heavy heart, knowing that never again would I come to be in those halls and woods again.
"That hundred years was the hardest of all, I was learning of Middle-earth, healing, and life. Much time was spent with Lord Elrond testing and stretching my mind; learning all that I could from him. I spent hours of everyday in that library. I read any book I could find within its walls, but still I did not read everything it had to offer. There was much sorrow in me in those days. Knowing that soon I would be on my own was a hard fact to face.
"I went to my mother's grave. It was over grown with moss and bushes. Forgotten by all inhabitants. And I knew just like her, I too would soon be forgotten. So, I walked away leaving the overgrowth. To remove it would be to open a grave wound in the Elven world. My mother gave up her life, having no reason to live, and being too weary to care if she did. Too tired of being ridiculed for who and what she was.
"My last day with the Elves was by far the hardest of my life so far. That night was that of a hundred years. I looked my last upon the Hall of Fire. And then watched the sky and walked the woods of Imladris for my last time. Elrond planned to send me off in the morning but I would not wait for it. It would be too sad, too shameful. I proceeded back to my room and gathered all that was precious to me.
"My jewel I received in Lórien given by Celeborn and Galadriel. I was clothed in a grey cloak as I left their land, similarly as you had been." As she spoke these words, she began to smile and she pointed to the descending stairs. Legolas heard Gimli at the bottom muttering to himself, as Arway took a breath. "Also at Lothórien I received a bow of the Galadrim, like yours and a long dagger.
"Thranduil gave generously also. My knife was given to me there, also a quiver for he had taught me how to craft my own arrows, and a bow to use while I was still small in size. A shirt of immense strength, from where I am unsure, but your father said it was to remember a time of forgotten trade. Along with these gifts, more were given for when I grew in age and size. A headpiece was wrought of silver and amethyst gems. And lastly, a dress of great beauty, it was just so that the headpiece matched. White with flowing arms and skirt and a tight fitting bodice-or what would have been. Designs of sliver were sown in, while amethyst gems enhanced the seam of the bodice. I only remember the details so well because never was I able to wear them and your father said they would have fit me perfectly if I would put them on as I now am. Thranduil was a kind Elf; I wish to look upon his face once more for he had treated me as a daughter while I was with him. But I know he has long forgotten about me.
"And last at Imladris I was given a sword, tough leather, and good shoes. I was given another dagger also. And I received my mother's headpiece and one of her dresses. It was a simple dress of cream. The sleeves slit until the elbow with a simple neckline. The only touch to the dress was a belt crafted to look like light blue lilies attached together.
"Many gifts for an exiled Elf but precious all were and have been.
"I gathered all of these things together in the dead of the night. The dresses and headpieces I had to leave behind. There was no way I could have taken them.
"So without a second glance at these lovely things I readied myself. None of the gifts fit me, being more for when I was of complete size. I was then but the size of a twelve-year-old. So, I took a pair of pants and a shirt I had found and wore those. I put on the knife and one dagger. The quiver, sword, bow of the Galadrim, leather, shirt, cloak, and shoes were all too large for me. I had the smaller bow and slung that on my back. I placed the necklace around my neck. Then as I looked at the small reflection in the mirror, I saw a piece of paper there. It was a letter to the Steward of Gondor from Elrond telling him to let me into their libraries. Elrond had known I was leaving that night, as he knows most things. It was his last gift to me.
"I gathered everything I was taking with me, and took it outside. My horse was near, as when I whistled quietly he had come quickly. I packed everything that was too large on him and mounted. I left Rivendell just as the sun peaked the surface of Middle-earth.
"I traveled to Gondor and stayed a year, having only that long to search the libraries. Then afterward I spent hundreds of years wandering through the wilds. I had a couple friends but watched them all grow old and die. Sometimes I stayed the same age their entire life. And though I only experienced it three times, each was more bitter than the next.
"Soon I gave up any connections with Man and just traveled. I went through Middle-earth observing every free race. Then in disguise, I lived with some of these free peoples. I learned a great amount while traveling. All of the time spent preparing for that still did not prepare me for it. Through the years, I have learned all of the free tongues, the speech in Gondor, Rohan, and many others. I have even learned the tongue of the Elves long forgotten and the speech of the Dwarves.
"But through all I questioned the decision I had made. Even now, I question it. Should I have become mortal and be long dead as this world turns back into shadow. I cannot change it but still it burns deep in my mind.
"After the traveling became lonesome and I had seen and done all I could I settled in the Riddermark. I found their land beautiful and in a way calming. Every few years I would travel, both around Rohan and throughout Middle-earth, catching up with the happenings of each land. Never did I allow myself any time to create friendships with mortals. Not wishing for more exile than I already had, I hide my race from the Rohirrim, and all.
"This is what I have done for so many years I have lost count. Yet, I still remember the days in Imladris, Mirkwood, and Lothlórien like they were yesterday. The world around me changes day by day but I rarely do the same."
"Why am I the one you chose to share this with?" Legolas questioned.
"Long has it been since I've seen and talked to another immortal who was not on their way to the Grey Havens. You wish to know, I felt you asking me, whether you knew it or not. And something told me to share it with you. You did wish to know, didn't you?"
"Yes, but never did I think you would tell me the full story."
"Bits and pieces do not fulfill the mind. Long years I have wandered and long you would have wondered."
"Where are all the things you took with you when you left Rivendell?"
"They are in Edoras, where I left them in the hands of a worthy recipient. They keep them and await my return. If ever, I shall. It has been long since I have thought of these things." Arway wiped tears from her cheeks.
"Long it has been since you've had someone to tell." Legolas said pulling her towards him. He had noticed through the story that Arway had been crying since she mentioned her mother. And he gave her an embrace of friendship that she had not received in many, many years, a hug. As they pulled from the embrace, Legolas kissed her brow. Standing up, he left her to ponder what she needed.
Once he reached the end of the stairs, he called Gimli to him in the way Elves can without speaking. And Gimli arrived soon for he had only been on the other end of the hall. He had been leaving since he had become impatient hearing only the murmur of voices.
"Do not despair Master Dwarf, you will be told when she herself can bear to tell the tale again." Legolas put a hand on his shoulder and the two went to find young Merry.
Arway spent much of the day on the staircase. Long and clear, she recalled her memories of better times. Long she went over the images of Thranduil, Celeborn, Galadriel, and Elrond, wondering if they remembered her. But she doubted it, knowing well that Elrond's life would permit and order him to forget. Thranduil had much to do with Mirkwood, creating a path through it and making it safer for his people. Celeborn would not remember her either, as she thought, for long had he been involved with watching over Middle- earth. And the White Lady? Arway believed the Lady would have more to do than remember a young Elf who she had prepared for exile. Little did she know that through the years that passed all had forgotten about her in their minds. But right then, their hearts made them recall the she-Elf who impressed them all with her strength, and acceptance of what she was, and the road she had chosen to live.
