The Eye of the Ice Dragon
by Elarin
author's note: yay… I'm going to give you some more info on the exact time of the story… now that I've referenced Appendix B in LOTR and now that I've actually bothered to count out the years. And for those of you who haven't ever looked at the chronology I'm also telling you where Arwen is right now as well.
*
Chapter 10 | Wandering in Hopelessness
The Log of Ithilion, Guard Captain of the Northern Marches of Mirkwood
Orgilion, 22 Lothron 2939 S.A.*
[Saturday, 22 May 2939 S.A]
In the year 2911 of the Second Age a Fell Winter came over the world that is known freezing all streams and great rivers, including the Baranduin, and casting a blanket of white over all lands from the southernmost of Rohan, up through Rhovanion, and west into Eriador bringing with it a stinging cold wind that carries a silent though strange voice that only elves may hear. White wolves had invaded the north of Eriador moving swiftly in great packs from Ered Mithrin letting out their ghostly howls and calling for something unknown to us.
Today, in the middle of Lothron [May] where once the world was warm and flowering a cold wind blew in from the north carrying the same strange voice and the white wolves of Ered Mithrin now sing out loudly their dreadful notes sounding almost… mournful. It has begun to snow and it is getting harder by every minute. I know not what ails the world to which spring has been interrupted by a frozen winter something that has not happened in twenty eight years.
I don't know what triggered the strange storm then. I don't know what triggers it now. But the howl of the wolves and the frozen winds now haunt us something curious out of my memory of twenty eight years ago, and our guards too grow cold and weary beneath its white veil.
-Ithilion of Mirkwood
*
The Journal of Arwen, Lothlorien
Orgilion, 22 Lothron 2939 S.A.
What has come over the world? Everything is white… strangely beautiful… but so sad, in the middle of spring before the flowers have barely had time to bloom.
-Arwen of Imladris
*
"Telperiel," Elrond said softly the next morning, feeling her brow and was satisfied to see that it had risen somewhat over the night. He had not left her. "Telperiel," he repeated softly, "Wake up, my nimloth, you need something warm to eat." He told her quietly. His heart nearly broke as she opened her eyes, they were filled with sadness and at the thought of what Sauron did to her he shivered in anger.
"Elrond…" She said quietly her voice rasped and her eyes still heavy with a haunted sleepiness.
"I am here." He told her gently clasping one of her hands. Her eyes turned to the sound of his voice and he then realized that her vision had faded once again. Elrond then moved the tray of food by her bed, "Oh little one," He said kindly, "You need your strength, you must eat." She smiled sadly at him though some amusement sparkled in her eyes.
"Little one?" She asked sounding as if it pained her even to speak, "Why only a few days ago I was a lady… and now I am little again?" Elrond managed a smile.
"When I am taking care of you, then I suppose you are little again, but always a lady nonetheless." He replied helping her sit up, "How do you feel today?" Telperiel put a hand to her head.
"Faint." She whispered, "And I cannot see a thing." She added sadly. Elrond let out a deep sigh stroking some of the stray hairs from the side of her face looking at her mournfully.
"Were I better healer," He said sadly, "I would give you back your sight." She smiled at him then.
"You are the best healer in all the world." She told him softly. Elrond was not able to smile, he felt as if he would cry for her at any moment so pained was he with the idea that she would die at the end of this, and that was precisely the healing she needed… and that she would remember her pain as well and the torment of her life.
"Will you need help eating?" He asked her managing to bring out the words as calmly as possible, but Telperiel was too observant not to miss the sad sound in his voice.
"You weep for me?" She asked knowingly turning to the source of his voice, "Why?"
How can I make you understand? He wondered sorrowfully closing his eyes for a moment. He forced a smile on his face to some how brighten the tone of his voice.
"I do not weep." He said, "Not as long as I see you better." Her expression seemed suspicious and she knitted her brows, he quickly changed the subject, "I care not if you have no appetite at the moment, you need food, warm food." He helped move the tray over her lap and she managed to eat by herself but she gave a deep sigh.
"Where is Estel?" She asked quietly.
"I'm here." Elrond looked out the door to see the mortal boy quickly come in and stay by her bed side. Elrond sighed, he was gaining elvish attributes all right, being able to move without a sound and being distracted by other things Elrond had missed his presence outside the door, "Are you feeling better Telperiel?" asked Estel looking at her curiously worry crossing his features. Telperiel gave a deep sigh.
"Indeed I am, Estel." She told him with a smile, "I hope you haven't been worryng over me, that's your step-father's job." Elrond managed a small smile in Estel's direction but the boy did not smile so easily in return. Elrond knew that the son of Arathorn sensed something was strangely amiss.
"I worry about you as well," Estel said, "Because you are one of my dearest friends and I would not leave your side either in spite of the fact Glorfindel attempted to drag me to bed." Telperiel managed a small laugh which caused Elrond to smile.
"'Tis a surprise you're still around then." Telperiel replied, "Because 'tis not easy disobeying Lord Glorfindel."
"Well I've had a few years to figure out how." Estel replied musingly. Elrond's eyes wandered to the doorway where Gandalf walked by catching his gaze in reminder. Elrond gave an inward sigh.
"Estel, might you excuse us for a moment?" He asked his mortal foster son. Estel nodded.
"Get better, Telperiel." He said before he left.
"I shall." She replied and for a second time Elrond found that his voice might falter. After the door was closed behind Estel, Telperiel was the first to look toward Elrond's direction, "Why is your voice so heavy with sorrow?" she asked him quietly, "You need not worry, my nightmares shall fade."
Elrond swallowed in hopes to quell the dryness of his throat.
"You and I are going to make a journey, Telperiel." He told her gently almost unable to look at her in spite of her blindness, even though she reads everything in my heart through my voice, he thought. Her brow knitted in puzzlement, "And we are leaving tonight." He added.
"Why?" She asked confused.
"Mithrandir thinks he knows the remedy to your ailment, but we shall need to travel to find it." Elrond told her, and I cannot reveal to her everything in danger of hurting her and yet all this hurts me more, the Halfelven lord winced inwardly.
"Where are we going?" Telperiel asked finished her soup. Elrond took the bowl from her.
"Far from here." He replied softly and stood up slowly walking away not able to provide anymore explanation nor able to meet with the expression on her face.
*
Glorfindel was already waiting outside for him leaning against the wall, his arms crossed as Elrond came out.
"You did not tell her everything." Glorfindel said. His voice carried no judgement nor accusation but he simply stated a fact.
"Could you?" Elrond replied as he walked past one of the former lords of Gondolin heading toward his library where Gandalf waited for them.
"I don't like this anymore than you do," Glorfindel whispered, "But now the decision is layed before us: She lives with us until the end of her days in Imladris where her soul will eventually perish in the end or we free her from her torment in this world and suffer a moment of torment ourselves. Is it so complicated a dilemna?"
Elrond stopped in the middle of the Halls of Fire that they walked through gazing at a tapestry in which one of the elven weavers had depicted the wheel of life, the way things in the world worked in strange harmony.
The center sphere was that of men who held the gift of death. The wheel outside the one of men was that of elves who had the gift of immortality. Then outside their wheel was the wheel of the Valar, fourteen with watchful eyes, each with their own power and will. Outside that wheel was the endless infinity of the black void and stars and the depiction of the power of Iluvatar above, and that of Melkor, apart from the Valar, below.*
Elrond stared at it for a long moment thoughtfully.
"No," Elrond whispered still gazing at the tapestry then he slowly turned toward Glorfindel, "But the thought that I shall never see her again after this lifetime of hers ends so soon, nor in any second lifetime in Aman, is what makes it complicated." Glorfindel raised an eyebrow in mild surprise.
"You have fallen in love with her?" It was more of a statement on his part.
"Haven't you as well?" Elrond countered. Glorfindel gave a sigh.
"We cannot keep our mortal friends forever," He said quietly, "Even those we truly love, Elrond, and even now the decision was given to us by Gandalf and we both know what is best for her fate even though it will tear us with grief for many long days ahead. She needs release from the confines of this world, or she will literally fade away from all existense. At least with this hope, you may have the knowledge when you pass over to Aman that the will of Iluvatar has been done, that we have spared her from the non-existense Mithrandir told us threatens her, and know that somewhere beyond the world she shall find a bliss of her own."
Glorfindel's words seemed logical to Elrond, and he knew he spoke the truth, even when the truth is terribly painful, he thought closing his eyes.
Are you no better than the Witch King then? asked his conscience, For desiring that she lives out of your own selfish gain for her company in your loneliness?
No, Elrond thought, I shall not do that… though I would see her live in happiness and not in the death that surrounds her.
He said that in his pride, said his conscience, he thought he would be protecting her from Sauron… he thought he would be taking her away from all the pains in the world by leaving her there… and now you ask to do the same at the cost of the life she will live beyond this one?
Elrond glanced at the tapestry once more and it seemed to him that the depictions of the Valar seemed to come to life and it was the eyes of Mandos* that seemed to look at him warningly, a gaze unmoving and almost commanding, let her go if you truly love her, whispered a voice outside of his mind, for true love and friendship in its purest form are always bound to sacrifice…
"Come," Glorfindel said softly putting a hand on the raven-haired elf's shoulder interrupting his ominous thoughts, "Mithrandir awaits us."
*
Glorfindel and Elrond both greeted Gandalf in the library of the Last Homely House. Gandalf sat by the snowy balcony puffing on his twisted wooden pipe. "So what needs to be done?" asked Elrond a deep sigh in his eyes. Gandalf turned toward both of them putting out the pipe and tucking it within one of the pockets of his robe.
"I have no doubt that the Witch King will try to seek her out again." Gandalf answered, "And there shall be the danger of the wargs in this storm," He added, "The White Ones who travel dangerously through the snow with swift feet." His gaze fell on Elrond then, "You shall take Silme to Ered Mithrin, and travel with her into the cave where you first found her. Meanwhile Glorfindel and I shall travel to Angmar to settle other matters."
Elrond raised an eyebrow, "What matters are these?" Glorfindel turned to him.
"For give me for not updating you last night. While you were on your vigil caring for Telperiel I was called out by one of the rangers from the north who brought ill news with them. A shriek of a single Nazgul was heard near Angmar and eight other calls from the south and the east answered to it." Elrond looked at him in shock.
"The Nazgul are coming here?" He asked. Gandalf frowned shaking his head in sympathy.
"We are running short on time," said the Grey Wizard, "While Glorfindel and I keep the wraiths entertained you must make your way up the snow paths back to where you found her, Elrond, only then can this all be settled, but I would strongly sugest you keep your sword close by you for I fear there may be some fighting before the end of this."
"Should we not have a party go with Elrond?" asked Glorfindel, "Would it not be safer?"
Gandalf shook his head, "So far it is only Elrond, you, and I who know of what Telperiel truly is. We cannot risk anyone else knowing. If news of this reaches outside the borders of Imladris this task is done for. Already do the elves of Mirkwood suspect a connection between Telperiel and the ice and snow. Already do they have a dreaded feeling that something dark still lies in Ered Mithrin. We cannot have so many knowing so I'd rather it be simply the four of us, let it be a hidden thing that history shall not speak of and that none should ever know."
Gandalf got up and slipped a silver chain with a round silver filigreed crystal pendant on it, "You shall take this with you, and wear it. It is a blessing from the House of Varda, given to me when I left Aman to come here, the dragon's gaze shall not affect you while you wear it."
"Thank you," said Elrond quietly looking at the star shaped white jewel then he looked up, "We have decided our itinerary, but you have not exactly explained to me what I must do once I reach the cave and meet with this dragon?"
At that moment Gandalf's eyes darkened in thought and his expression somber.
"You shall know what needs to be done."
*
He had changed into his winter riding gear, his grey breeches and his dark grey boots embroidered with silver thread. He wore a long tunic and beneath it a white woven sweater and he slipped on his soft leather grey gauntlets and his arm guards. Elrond slipped on the belt that held his sword and his two knives and then threw his grey wool cloak over his shoulders looking out at the snow skeptically.
How ironic, he thought, that we first arrived in Ered Mithrin in the deep of a winter storm and we shall return there under such conditions. He slung his quiver over his shoulder and packed his bow with it. He felt terribly reluctant to leave, not only for the fact that what lied ahead would bring him great grief but also because he didn't like to leave the safety of his home. Elrond the Lore Master indeed, he thought dryly. But never in all his years had he seen this coming before him, to deal with a dragon.
"Are you ready to leave, Master of Imladris?" came Glorfindel's voice.
"Have you left everything with Erestor?" Elrond asked simply out of pleasantry. He knew everything was already done. Glorfindel nodded.
"Indeed, he has taken care of everything, no one shall know the purpose of our journey and Imladris shall be in safe hands." Elrond nodded.
"And Telperiel?" He asked more quietly.
"She waits for us outside," Glorfindel told him softly, "With Mithrandir, though she was upset at seeing the snow and she is fearful of something." Elrond sighed.
"How come it seems to me you're taking this far more easily than I am?" Elrond asked looking up at his friend. Glorfindel smiled gently.
"I have lived three lives, meldir. One in Gondolin in the First Age in Beleriand where I, young and fearful, went up against a Balrog and even as I say it now I don't quite believe I did that, and there I fell and died. My second life was within the Halls of Mandos where I saw my own life, saw the cries of others, and was judged. The third is now with you, in the Second and Third Age in Endore, where I have seen the rise and fall of men and where death and torment plagues us all with only a few moments of joy and I have come to understand better both the lives of elves and men. Elves who live to see everything, and men who I was scorned but I have learned to pity. The fates of both of the kindreds of Iluvatar are bound as much as it may not seem so and I think, sometime at the end of this all those who we thought we would never see again would one day return to us. I don't think darkness shall sway over the hearts of men even though many a time it may seem so."
Elrond looked at Glorfindel thoughtfully especially how he did not wish to refer to it as 'the end of days.'
"And what think you, then," began Elrond, "of the fate of men?"
"I think," Glorfindel replied, "That men shall rise and fall many times before they finally understand what it is they are here to accomplish."
Elrond cocked an eyebrow, "Are you saying we know what we are here to accomplish?"
Glorfindel smiled and Elrond saw a familiar amusement lighting in his old friend's eyes.
"Of course," Glorfindel replied, "We are here to make men laugh."
Elrond looked at him puzzled and Glorfindel laughed.
"I am telling you the pure truth of it," Glorfindel said, "Elves were created to see beauty and spread it, to bring joy where they walk and to remind the younger race that the world still has beauty and hope if mortals only open their eyes to see and their ears to listen."
Elrond sighed, "I suppose it shall be a long time before that should come to be."
"Ah! But the years fly swiftly for the elves, and when it does come pass you and I will wonder what ever happened to the yester-years."
"Come," said Elrond with a sigh at the thought, "Night is falling." Glorfindel frowned staring out the window.
"Aye," He replied, "And the snow is falling harder."
"All the more reason we should leave now."
*
They neared the three horses. Where Gandalf and Telperiel stood, both holding staffs but for two entirely different reasons. "Elrond? Glorfindel? Is that you?" Telperiel asked looking to the source of the footsteps crunching in the snow.
"Aye, 'tis us." said Elrond with a smile at seeing her up and well. "I am glad the cloak fits you well, my lady." Elrond replied. She reached over to hug both of them fondly.
"Shall I ride with you, my lord?" Telperiel asked amused looking at Elrond. Elrond managed a smile though he felt some tension radiate from her. She was indeed fearful. Elrond took her saff and packed it at the side of their horse horse.
"Yes, you shall, my lady." Elrond said quietly as he mounted his horse soon after Glorfindel mounted Asfaloth. He grasped her hand and helped her up infront of him. The snow fell heavy over their cloaks but the elven cloaks kept them warm. They rode out toward the Bruinen together in a slow gallop and as soon as they reached the Ford, which had frozen over, Gandalf stopped his horse and looked Elrond and Telperiel.
"Here is where we part ways," said the wizard, "I pray your journey shall be safe and the Valar keep you."
Glorfindel gave a similar blessing and they both headed on their roadtoward Angmar.
Elrond did not head off so quickly sensing Telperiel's silence as somewhat strange.
"Are you alright?" Elrond asked her concerned.She nodded slowly.
"Yes," she said quietly, her hand stretching out to feel the snow falling, "I'll be fine, you need not worry." She told him, "Ride on, Elrond! Where ever we go we go together!"
Elrond stiffled the sigh that was bound to escape him.
"Aye, my lady," He said quietly, "We go together."
And so they rode forth, into the northern wild, toward Ered Mithrin where the Ice Dragon slumbered.
*
AN: I know… I'm terrible… beat me! But just out of curiosity: What do you expect will happen near the end? I'm really interested in hearing this from all of you…
NOTES: the elven tapestry- think of the Wheel of Fortune tarot card except a lot more beautiful.
Mandos- for those who haven't read the Silmarillion, Mandos is the god of Judgement and rules over the House of the Dead.
The Valar- once more for the above type readers… they are the gods of the world
Iluvatar – the One Great God of the world also known as Eru by the elves, he is the creator of the world that is known and the third theme of the world which includes the end of days. He is the maker of the Secret Flame which the Valar ever strive to attain (I'm guessing this is something like buddhist enlightenment or something… but don't mark my words on it)
TIMELINE NOTES:
[excerpts from Appendix B in dates referring to the chronology of the Second Age; anything in parentheses is part of my fic, outside of that is part of the cannon.]
2911 – the Fell Winter. The Baranduin and other rivers are frozen. White Wolves invade Eriador from the North.
2912 – Great floods devastate Enedwaith and Minhiriath. Tharbad is ruined and deserted.
2920 – Death of Old Took.
2929 – Arathorn II, Son of Arador, weds Gilraen.
2930 – Arador is slain by trolls. Birth of Denethor II, Son of Ecthelion II, in Minas Tirith.
2931 – Aragorn, Son of Arathorn II, born on March 1st.
2933 – Arathorn II is slain. Gilraen takes Aragorn to Imladris. Elrond receives him as a foster-son and gives him the name Estel (Hope); his ancestry is concealed.
2936 – (my fan fic: 'Telperiel' is found by Elrond and Glorfindel in Ered Mithren, travel to Mirkwood, return to Imladris)
2939 – (my fan fic: the 2nd Fell Winter) Saruman discovers that Sauron's servants are searching the Anduin near Gladden Fields, and that Sauron therefore has learned of Isildur's end. Saruman is alarmed but says nothing to the White Council.
2940 – (my fan fic is still taking place… of course there are no spoilers here so stop hoping ;)
2941 – (my fan fic has an epilogue) the events of "The Hobbit" takes place.