A/N: The longest chapter yet. For my inspiration for Galadriel, I have to
direct you to Jocelyn's Trumpet of the Swan. Anything in between ~ is a
flashback, to Galadriel's past. And please remember, Gimli was besotted
with Galadriel, especially in the books. Still, I may have exaggerated
slightly..
And everybody say thank you to Aliir. I had lost all hope of posting this today, until she gave up her Sunday afternoon to help me beta and edit. If she hadn't done that, it would have been probably Tuesday before you got this.
* * * * *
"Lord Elrond," Aragorn began, "We wish for an audience with you and Lady Galadriel. We have much we desire to tell you."
"And I can guarantee," Gandalf, of course, did not sound at all worried. Amused, kindly, wise, yes; worried, no. "That you will find what we have to say most interesting."
"Because I know and respect you, Gandalf, I will respect your wishes." He took another look at us, dark eyes lingering on Aragorn, before he turned to the guards surrounding us. "Take them to the small conference chamber. One of you report to the Lady Galadriel. Tell her of these events, and that I wish to meet her there."
* * * * *
The conference room, proved to be a rather plain, circular room. There were no walls, just pillars supporting the roof, openings leading to a small private garden. Inside, chairs stood in a circle, a carved stone table standing in the centre of the ring.
Each of us were led (except Elrond, who walked ahead of us all) to one of these chairs, and asked (or told, depending on how you interpreted it) to sit down by the guards, who then withdrew into the garden at a signal from Elrond.
We then waited.
And waited.
And waited.
From what I'd heard, I surmised we were waiting for the Lady Galadriel. Whoever she was, she seemed content to take her own sweet time.
When she finally arrived, I knew that everything, everything I had ever done to lead up to this point, was worth it, and that I would repeat it all, just for another chance to gaze upon her radiant beauty.
Wavy hair, like long streams of pure, finely spun gold hung down past her waist. Eyes, so brightly blue and stunningly beautiful seemed both wise and shrewd, yet kindly and filled with delighting humour. A long, finely spun white dress hung swirling around her lissom form, embroidered gold patterns catching the sun, which seemed to create a halo around her, drawn to the magnificence of her beauty.
A sharp jab to my arm drew my attention away from her wondrous glory. Glaring at Aragorn, who looked like he was trying to decide whether amusement or worry was the appropriate emotion, I realised the Lady was probably as humble and modest as she was glorious, and might appreciate discretion on my part. There was of course, no chance that she would be unmarried. Even the Elves, foolish as they were, could not miss her noble splendour.
I fixed my eyes firmly on the floor, not wishing to embarrass or offend the indescribable Lady before me.
"I apologise for any inconvenience caused by my late arrival." Her voice was the finest melody, light and rippling and honey-smooth. "Gandalf, you wished to speak?"
"No, not I. It was Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli who wished to do that. Indeed, I would not be here now if it hadn't been for them."
"Very well." Elrond's tone was still severe. Aragorn, though, did not look noticeably worried. I took that to be a good sign, instead of letting pessimism rule and regarding it as recklessness. The great Lady was, no doubt, an optimist. After all, how could such a fair creature foresee anything but light?
"We wished to talk of peace." Would it impress the Lady if I spoke up, or would she like it better if I let Aragorn talk, for now? Legolas did not seem inclined to say anything, which worried me slightly. Generally, from him quietness meant pathos.
"We have come to believe that peace is possible between the Noldor and the Sindar. Real peace, not enforced peace such as we have at the minute. Peace that could lead to happiness for all."
"At the minute, everyone is kept in suffering. The Noldor, through worry of guerrilla attacks. The Sindar, through imprisonment or enslavement. And the dwarves, through being split apart from their kin, and forced to watch over beings they hate, a task that prevents them from employing their skills in the pursuit of art." Aragorn looked between Elrond and the shining beacon of goodness that sat beside him. "Surely you can see that peace would be better for everyone?"
I could see that Elrond was not convinced. I did not dare look at the Lady, through respect for her power and wisdom. Therefore, I did not have any warning before she spoke again. "Legolas, tell us of your story. For I am most interested to know how you all arrived here."
"As am I. It must be an unusual tale, to say the least." Elrond fixed his eyes onto Legolas, who started to speak.
"I lived in Greenwood all my life. I was training to be a warrior, but still was considered too young to fight at the time of the final battle. After that.." He trailed off, swallowing. "My grand-father was executed, my father imprisoned, and I was sent to the dwarf mines. It was there I met Gimli." His voice, softly telling these past events, sent me back, remembering my initial reactions and impressions to him.
"After many events.." And that brought guilt. Now, he defended me, would not tarnish my name before the greatest of Elves, but how I had treated him.. "We escaped together, as Gimli was to face prosecution for befriending me. Aided by one of his friends.." Dilse. Not for the first time, I wondered about her. Had her role in our departure been discovered? If so, I feared for her life. "We got away. It was only a while later when we met Aragorn. He told us of Gandalf, and after a long and hard journey we met in the man-village of Bree. From there, we came here."
"Am I to surmise that your coming here was deliberate?" Elrond sounded surprised.
"Yes." Now Aragorn took over once more. "We wanted to talk to you about peace, and how it is possible." He gave a laugh, but it sounded forced. "If an Elf and a dwarf can become friends, surely nothings impossible."
"Peace is." Elrond's voice was harsher than before, and I wondered what we had done to anger him. "The Noldor and the Sindar have always been at war. It is our doom to fight, and be enemies."
"No, Elrond. The Noldor and the Sindar have not always been at war." In surprise, I looked at her, the glorious one. What did she mean?
He looked at her, obviously uncertain. "If you refer to the very brief time when peace was made.."
"I do. And it is not as irrelevant as you may think. Events that happened then prove that the Noldor and the Sindar do not have to live in discord. Events that showed that trust, friendship, and even love can grow between them. Gandalf knows what I mean."
Gandalf smiled, gently. "I do, but it is not my tale to tell."
"Very well. Please listen then, as I have no desire to tell this twice. I wish to prove my point, which is the only reason I tell you this once." She paused, swallowing; her eyes fixed dreamily on some far-off point. "It all began not long after Gandalf arrived on these shores.."
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
My white dress floated round my legs, brushing sensitised skin. I enjoyed the rustling noises it made, but gave myself little time to savour them. Gazing around the packed lawn was so much more interesting.
For the first time in living memory, Noldor and Sindar were meeting in peace, mingling and talking, sharing cultures and snippets of history. To me, it was a whirling storm of opportunities and possibilities..
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"I was tired of being kept back because of my gender. I knew what I wanted and how to get it, but that was unacceptable for most Noldor nobles.
The Sindar were called savages - living in trees, letting maidens fight and gain power, using mostly wooden weapons with guerrilla tactics - but that was how I wanted to live.
It was then I met Celeborn.."
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"So, Galadriel, what do you want for your future?"
I laughed, giddy, content to walk with him as he continued his not-so- subtle courting of me.
"I want to rule my own realm, of course." Light, teasing, but serious all the same. It was what I wanted. "Unfortunately, that will never happen."
"Why not?"
"Because rulers are expected to marry, and have a heir in case they are killed, or tire of ruling, and if I married then my husband would take all my power for himself."
"Then marry me," with a teasing grin, "I don't care about power. You can rule, and I'll be content to gaze at your wondrous beauty every hour of the day."
I laughed, lightening his words. Still, I knew they had been meant, and I knew the never before felt sensation that was blossoming inside of me.
I was in love.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"It was only a few months later when it happened." She paused here, swallowing, suddenly seeming much, much older. "Gil-Galad was killed. It was a foolish accident, something that should never have happened, but that didn't matter. War was declared, and we were torn apart."
"Innocent victims." Gandalf's murmur hardened something in her eyes. Galadriel, strong and proud, did not receive pity.
"It was a very long time ago. Celeborn is probably dead by now."
"He's not." Legolas' words, softly spoken, gained him the full attention of everyone in that room.
"What?" Galadriel's voice was just as soft, but notes of strain harshened it.
"Lord Celeborn isn't dead, or as far as I know he isn't. I believe he escaped capture, and is currently in hiding."
"How do you know?" Aragorn asked the question the was on everyone's lips.
"When we were first captured, all the high-ranking prisoners were kept together.. and Celeborn was not there. Also, at the time of the attack, he was away reviewing our Southern defences - well away from any fighting." He paused, looking unsure as whether or not to continue. "If peace was made, you could meet him again."
Galadriel smiled. "Aye, I could. But that decision does not rest with me. Elrond, old friend, this is your choice to make."
"What would you do, if I agree?"
"I would find Celeborn, if he is to be found." I could only feel happy for her. She deserved a fellow Elf, who would do nonsensical Elven things with her, and Celeborn did sound properly admiring. "And then? I would follow my dreams." It was if a weight had been lifted, allowing her to smile, laugh and be happy again. I prayed Legolas was right.
"Choices like this are not meant to be made so quickly! There are centuries of strife behind us, I can't just.." Elrond sounded worried, but also hopeful.
"But you can. And if you do, our people will," reassured Galadriel.
"And I am sure that the Sindar will return to Greenwood. You needn't worry about them." Gandalf joined in.
"Out of sight, out of mind?" Elrond did not sound convinced. But then, he turned to a guard, "Take Thranduil of Greenwood to another conference chamber. Take this Elf, Legolas, there as well. He can explain the situation, while I talk to other high-ranking Noldor Elves."
I think Legolas was about to faint.
* * * * *
Well, something seems to have gone wrong with ff.net (shock.) See, I normally read the reviews when they're e-mailed to me by the bot, then have a nice time re-reading them off the site when it comes to replying. Unfortunately, the vast majority of reviews I received aren't there!
I've sent an e-mail to ff.net, but am not holding my breath in hopes of a reply. Meanwhile, the best I can do is reply to the reviews I have, and send a massive apology to everybody else. Thank you so much to everybody who reviewed, I wish I could reply to you all.
Ele - Well, you could always lie on the printer.. And I'm glad you liked the chapter!
MoroTheWolfGod - Don't worry! Elrond's not evil, just a little concerned about his foster-sons choice of company.. After all, how would your parents feel if you brought home a dwarf, Sindar Elf and Wizard?
katiestar - Thanks! And wow, I'm honoured that you'd put me on your favourites list. And, here, an update.
Whitecoyote - And guess how I've ended this chapter? It's not a very big cliffie.. But here, more.
And everybody say thank you to Aliir. I had lost all hope of posting this today, until she gave up her Sunday afternoon to help me beta and edit. If she hadn't done that, it would have been probably Tuesday before you got this.
* * * * *
"Lord Elrond," Aragorn began, "We wish for an audience with you and Lady Galadriel. We have much we desire to tell you."
"And I can guarantee," Gandalf, of course, did not sound at all worried. Amused, kindly, wise, yes; worried, no. "That you will find what we have to say most interesting."
"Because I know and respect you, Gandalf, I will respect your wishes." He took another look at us, dark eyes lingering on Aragorn, before he turned to the guards surrounding us. "Take them to the small conference chamber. One of you report to the Lady Galadriel. Tell her of these events, and that I wish to meet her there."
* * * * *
The conference room, proved to be a rather plain, circular room. There were no walls, just pillars supporting the roof, openings leading to a small private garden. Inside, chairs stood in a circle, a carved stone table standing in the centre of the ring.
Each of us were led (except Elrond, who walked ahead of us all) to one of these chairs, and asked (or told, depending on how you interpreted it) to sit down by the guards, who then withdrew into the garden at a signal from Elrond.
We then waited.
And waited.
And waited.
From what I'd heard, I surmised we were waiting for the Lady Galadriel. Whoever she was, she seemed content to take her own sweet time.
When she finally arrived, I knew that everything, everything I had ever done to lead up to this point, was worth it, and that I would repeat it all, just for another chance to gaze upon her radiant beauty.
Wavy hair, like long streams of pure, finely spun gold hung down past her waist. Eyes, so brightly blue and stunningly beautiful seemed both wise and shrewd, yet kindly and filled with delighting humour. A long, finely spun white dress hung swirling around her lissom form, embroidered gold patterns catching the sun, which seemed to create a halo around her, drawn to the magnificence of her beauty.
A sharp jab to my arm drew my attention away from her wondrous glory. Glaring at Aragorn, who looked like he was trying to decide whether amusement or worry was the appropriate emotion, I realised the Lady was probably as humble and modest as she was glorious, and might appreciate discretion on my part. There was of course, no chance that she would be unmarried. Even the Elves, foolish as they were, could not miss her noble splendour.
I fixed my eyes firmly on the floor, not wishing to embarrass or offend the indescribable Lady before me.
"I apologise for any inconvenience caused by my late arrival." Her voice was the finest melody, light and rippling and honey-smooth. "Gandalf, you wished to speak?"
"No, not I. It was Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli who wished to do that. Indeed, I would not be here now if it hadn't been for them."
"Very well." Elrond's tone was still severe. Aragorn, though, did not look noticeably worried. I took that to be a good sign, instead of letting pessimism rule and regarding it as recklessness. The great Lady was, no doubt, an optimist. After all, how could such a fair creature foresee anything but light?
"We wished to talk of peace." Would it impress the Lady if I spoke up, or would she like it better if I let Aragorn talk, for now? Legolas did not seem inclined to say anything, which worried me slightly. Generally, from him quietness meant pathos.
"We have come to believe that peace is possible between the Noldor and the Sindar. Real peace, not enforced peace such as we have at the minute. Peace that could lead to happiness for all."
"At the minute, everyone is kept in suffering. The Noldor, through worry of guerrilla attacks. The Sindar, through imprisonment or enslavement. And the dwarves, through being split apart from their kin, and forced to watch over beings they hate, a task that prevents them from employing their skills in the pursuit of art." Aragorn looked between Elrond and the shining beacon of goodness that sat beside him. "Surely you can see that peace would be better for everyone?"
I could see that Elrond was not convinced. I did not dare look at the Lady, through respect for her power and wisdom. Therefore, I did not have any warning before she spoke again. "Legolas, tell us of your story. For I am most interested to know how you all arrived here."
"As am I. It must be an unusual tale, to say the least." Elrond fixed his eyes onto Legolas, who started to speak.
"I lived in Greenwood all my life. I was training to be a warrior, but still was considered too young to fight at the time of the final battle. After that.." He trailed off, swallowing. "My grand-father was executed, my father imprisoned, and I was sent to the dwarf mines. It was there I met Gimli." His voice, softly telling these past events, sent me back, remembering my initial reactions and impressions to him.
"After many events.." And that brought guilt. Now, he defended me, would not tarnish my name before the greatest of Elves, but how I had treated him.. "We escaped together, as Gimli was to face prosecution for befriending me. Aided by one of his friends.." Dilse. Not for the first time, I wondered about her. Had her role in our departure been discovered? If so, I feared for her life. "We got away. It was only a while later when we met Aragorn. He told us of Gandalf, and after a long and hard journey we met in the man-village of Bree. From there, we came here."
"Am I to surmise that your coming here was deliberate?" Elrond sounded surprised.
"Yes." Now Aragorn took over once more. "We wanted to talk to you about peace, and how it is possible." He gave a laugh, but it sounded forced. "If an Elf and a dwarf can become friends, surely nothings impossible."
"Peace is." Elrond's voice was harsher than before, and I wondered what we had done to anger him. "The Noldor and the Sindar have always been at war. It is our doom to fight, and be enemies."
"No, Elrond. The Noldor and the Sindar have not always been at war." In surprise, I looked at her, the glorious one. What did she mean?
He looked at her, obviously uncertain. "If you refer to the very brief time when peace was made.."
"I do. And it is not as irrelevant as you may think. Events that happened then prove that the Noldor and the Sindar do not have to live in discord. Events that showed that trust, friendship, and even love can grow between them. Gandalf knows what I mean."
Gandalf smiled, gently. "I do, but it is not my tale to tell."
"Very well. Please listen then, as I have no desire to tell this twice. I wish to prove my point, which is the only reason I tell you this once." She paused, swallowing; her eyes fixed dreamily on some far-off point. "It all began not long after Gandalf arrived on these shores.."
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
My white dress floated round my legs, brushing sensitised skin. I enjoyed the rustling noises it made, but gave myself little time to savour them. Gazing around the packed lawn was so much more interesting.
For the first time in living memory, Noldor and Sindar were meeting in peace, mingling and talking, sharing cultures and snippets of history. To me, it was a whirling storm of opportunities and possibilities..
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"I was tired of being kept back because of my gender. I knew what I wanted and how to get it, but that was unacceptable for most Noldor nobles.
The Sindar were called savages - living in trees, letting maidens fight and gain power, using mostly wooden weapons with guerrilla tactics - but that was how I wanted to live.
It was then I met Celeborn.."
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"So, Galadriel, what do you want for your future?"
I laughed, giddy, content to walk with him as he continued his not-so- subtle courting of me.
"I want to rule my own realm, of course." Light, teasing, but serious all the same. It was what I wanted. "Unfortunately, that will never happen."
"Why not?"
"Because rulers are expected to marry, and have a heir in case they are killed, or tire of ruling, and if I married then my husband would take all my power for himself."
"Then marry me," with a teasing grin, "I don't care about power. You can rule, and I'll be content to gaze at your wondrous beauty every hour of the day."
I laughed, lightening his words. Still, I knew they had been meant, and I knew the never before felt sensation that was blossoming inside of me.
I was in love.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"It was only a few months later when it happened." She paused here, swallowing, suddenly seeming much, much older. "Gil-Galad was killed. It was a foolish accident, something that should never have happened, but that didn't matter. War was declared, and we were torn apart."
"Innocent victims." Gandalf's murmur hardened something in her eyes. Galadriel, strong and proud, did not receive pity.
"It was a very long time ago. Celeborn is probably dead by now."
"He's not." Legolas' words, softly spoken, gained him the full attention of everyone in that room.
"What?" Galadriel's voice was just as soft, but notes of strain harshened it.
"Lord Celeborn isn't dead, or as far as I know he isn't. I believe he escaped capture, and is currently in hiding."
"How do you know?" Aragorn asked the question the was on everyone's lips.
"When we were first captured, all the high-ranking prisoners were kept together.. and Celeborn was not there. Also, at the time of the attack, he was away reviewing our Southern defences - well away from any fighting." He paused, looking unsure as whether or not to continue. "If peace was made, you could meet him again."
Galadriel smiled. "Aye, I could. But that decision does not rest with me. Elrond, old friend, this is your choice to make."
"What would you do, if I agree?"
"I would find Celeborn, if he is to be found." I could only feel happy for her. She deserved a fellow Elf, who would do nonsensical Elven things with her, and Celeborn did sound properly admiring. "And then? I would follow my dreams." It was if a weight had been lifted, allowing her to smile, laugh and be happy again. I prayed Legolas was right.
"Choices like this are not meant to be made so quickly! There are centuries of strife behind us, I can't just.." Elrond sounded worried, but also hopeful.
"But you can. And if you do, our people will," reassured Galadriel.
"And I am sure that the Sindar will return to Greenwood. You needn't worry about them." Gandalf joined in.
"Out of sight, out of mind?" Elrond did not sound convinced. But then, he turned to a guard, "Take Thranduil of Greenwood to another conference chamber. Take this Elf, Legolas, there as well. He can explain the situation, while I talk to other high-ranking Noldor Elves."
I think Legolas was about to faint.
* * * * *
Well, something seems to have gone wrong with ff.net (shock.) See, I normally read the reviews when they're e-mailed to me by the bot, then have a nice time re-reading them off the site when it comes to replying. Unfortunately, the vast majority of reviews I received aren't there!
I've sent an e-mail to ff.net, but am not holding my breath in hopes of a reply. Meanwhile, the best I can do is reply to the reviews I have, and send a massive apology to everybody else. Thank you so much to everybody who reviewed, I wish I could reply to you all.
Ele - Well, you could always lie on the printer.. And I'm glad you liked the chapter!
MoroTheWolfGod - Don't worry! Elrond's not evil, just a little concerned about his foster-sons choice of company.. After all, how would your parents feel if you brought home a dwarf, Sindar Elf and Wizard?
katiestar - Thanks! And wow, I'm honoured that you'd put me on your favourites list. And, here, an update.
Whitecoyote - And guess how I've ended this chapter? It's not a very big cliffie.. But here, more.
