Prayer
By: SilverRose82
Information: at the end of the story
~~*~~
Everything had calmed down after the ring had left Rivendell, Serena was back to caring for all of her children, the elves were still getting ready to leave Middle Earth for the Undying Lands. It had been only months since the Fellowship had left, since Serena had seen people who she knew she would never meet again, or so she throught. Not many more children had been brought to her, which surprised her for she could feel the pain of many children who had lost their loved ones. Meredoc was the newest little hobbit to join their home, being brought by another ranger who had gone through Bree on his way to another part of the country side. He was quiet and stayed by her side, so different from the other children.
Nothing in Rivendell seemed to change, the birds still brought on a chorus in the morning light. The trees still had their leaves only they were slowly turning the brillant gold they had been last fall, never once did these glorious trees loose their leaves even in the dead of winter, they only seemed to become twice as beautiful. Vines that were once the colour of pine were turning silver as the summer season creapt into Rivendell.
Everyone seemed to be fixated on Mordor, awaiting the day that the ring would be destoried or the day Sauron took physical form once more. Most of the human children were of the age where they were ready to leave and start on their own, in other lands outside of the elven realm. Now they all just waited for word to come that the ring had been destoried and the threat was over.
"Will we ever see Frodo again?" Hanna asked Serena, the older woman smiled sweetly at the little girl she was currently tucking into bed. Pushing back some stray curls of hair from Hanna's forehead, she lay a kiss on the little girl's forehead before sitting back on the small bed. Lowing her eyes Serena though about everything she felt during the last few months.
"I do not know Hanna." She whispered silently as she gazed into the little girl's soft cornflower eyes. Hanna cluched her stuffed bunny closer to her chest as she looked in her adopted mother's kind gaze. "If we do, I fear that Frodo will not be the same. The quest that took him away is trying on his mind and soul."
"Then he can come and stay with us. You heal people." Hanna protested as she patted the head of her white stuffed toy. Serena smiled at her innocents, before leaning her head to the side and gazing out the window towards the rising moon. The silver white sphere shone brightly as she guided those that needed guidance.
"Maybe, Hanna, maybe." Serena whispered as she glanced down at the child who was descending into the warm folds of sleep, where she would be protected by the dream guardian. Standing up she cast one last look at her children before slowly making her way to the door, shutting the oak door with its splended carvings, she made her way to the gardens.
Looking around she watch as the white stallion shone in the moonlight that cascaded over his gleaming coat, his ruby eyes shone like diamonds in the night, as he watched her move silently towards the willow tree. Long branches swayed in the night breeze as the stallion snorted, pawing at the ground below his hooves. Serena turned as she watched him nodded his head twice, his icy silver blue mane danced around his neck. Smiling silently, Serena turned around before pushing the curtain of branches and leaves away and disappeared into the darkness of the willow.
Walking silently up the path, she listened to the sound of the brook to know where she was going. Motionlessly walking around the bushes she made her way onto the stone path in Rivendell. Looking around her she could see the white and gold wood that made the buildings of Rivendell. Everything was silent, all the people asleep in the late hour of the night, following the rock path before her, she turned to the right. Lifting her shirt up slightly so not to trip, she watched the stone below her sparkle like a thousand tiny stars had been captured in the rocks.
She slowly made her way into the garden that housed her mother's statue, looking around to make sure she was alone she calmly walked down the stairs to knell before the grande figure. Smoothing her mint shirt out she gazed up at her mother's soft features. Tears filled her eyes as they treatened to fall from captivating eyes, closing lids over her soul, a single tear made its way down her face, another one racing to follow the first one.
"Mother, I miss you so much. I do not know what to tell Hanna and the other hobbit children. They ask for Frodo all the time now. I fear to tell them the truth, that this quest may kill him. I fear for the others that have gone with him, Arwen has left for Lothlorien, the marriage between her and Estel will take place soon. Mother, I fear for my children. I will be going to the Undying Lands with the other elves, soon. Most of the children of men have paired off taking with them the younger children, the elven children will be able to sail with us but I am still needed here, with the halflings. I know other hobbits will take them in, but I have grown so close to them, I fear I cannot leave them. But I cannot stay in Middle Earth any longer in fear of father, I know he is still alive, searching. I need guidance mother." Serena passionantly told the stone figure, the moon flickered once before sending its loving glow onto her youngest child. Serena glanced up once more at the white marble before letting her fingertips run over the carved letters of her mother's name. Rising from her knelling position she sullenly started back for the glen.
~~*~~
Morning came to quickly for the elven woman as she rose to meet the new day. The children would be rising in a few more hours. Strangly this day felt, free, joyful. Shaking her head, she moved to her chest to pull out a new dress, the silvery fabric was made of a fine silk one that had been said to not stain. Slipping into the cold smoothness, she ran a brush through her hair before leaving her room to get ready for breakfast. Glancing out the window she smiled brightly as she watched the stallion chase after small rabbits that ventured into his corral.
Turning towards the sound of voices she smiled at the elven children that were making their way to the table, they took a few berries before running out of the room to play. Watching them from the window she laughed at the stallion's startled look as he gazed at them. Shaking his head he slowly walked over to the gate, turning to eye the children he reached over to lift the latch. Pulling at the simple metal slip lock he had the gate open within seconds, it was not surprising that he wanted to join the others.
The stallion had been given to her by her father, before he had betrayed them. She smiled at the memories she had of the stallion, he had once been able to change into human form. But had sacrificed that power to stay with her and her mother as they ran to Rivendell. He had also lost the power to speak, however, his ruby orbs were able to betray his every thought and emotion. She could not have asked for a better companion than him, for like her, he was granted an immortal life as long as neither held injuries so serve that they would slowly loose all will to live, as happened to her mother.
Serena shook her head as she watched the children all turn to the willow tree. Placing down the bowl she had just put bread into, she rushed out the door in time to reach the glen as Elladan rushed through the trees. Only to be met with a silver dagger pointed centimeters from his throat, he froze not daring to move as he waited for Serena to sheath her short sword.
"What news do you bring in such rush?" Serena asked calmly as she slowly lowered the dagger. Elladan not bothered by her acts of protection, smiled brightly as he pushed his chestnut hair out of his face.
"The Fellowship has arrived back in Imladris, though one member short." He told her as she glanced over her shoulder at the children beside her. The stallion walked up behind her and pushed into her back with his head, turning to him, her eyes shining with laughter, she smiled at the group.
"Should I go? The other children have yet to awaken." Serena asked the older elf standing before her, moving to look back at her home, she turned back to face the young elf lord. Her azure eyes locking onto his sapphire eyes, Elladan smiled as he gazed down at the shorter elven woman. He remembered her mother, she having taking the placed of his mother when Celebrian had past over the sea, the once little princess having a sharp sting that would put anyone in place. She had grown over the years spend in Imladris had tamed her spirit. Though he dearly loved his sister Arwen, Serena he had come to care for as a little sister, some one who he could protect and guide.
"I think a few of the group would like to come to your secret garden, to rest." Elladan told her as he offered her his hand. Serena glanced at the callused hand before turning to the children, they all nodded as they ushered her to Elladan's side.
"Do not worry, Serena, we can take care of the other children." Selith told her as he smiled up at the woman before him, he being one of the older children, would be leaving with the others to the Undying Lands soon. For nothing kept him to the lands of Middle Earth but his friends and they were soon to leave.
"Thank you, Selith. Be mindful Meredoc might be a bit of a handful." She told them before the stallion gave her once last push, the two elves left for the courtyard where the Fellowship would once again enter Rivendell. Serena stared around her, the bushes lining the path were flowering with glorious red, white, and pink blossoms which covered the small plants leaving no sight for the small, diamond shaped forest green leaves which were normally seen in fall and winter. Gems sparkled in the brook as sunlight filtered through the leaves of the tall silver maple canopy. Serena and Elladan made their way into Rivendell silently as they followed after other noble elves who were going to greet the arriving guests.
"Master Samwise is going to have a shock when he sees who Elrohir and I found wondering through the wild lands." Elladan told her quietly as he pointed towards the small chestnut pony standing to the side of the yard, beside him stood Elrohir, the younger of the two twins born to the Lord Elrond and the Lady Celebrian. The little pony had been through quite a lot with the Fellowship and being a great friend to Sam, the two had recaptured Bill and brought him within the walls of Rivendell where he was treated like a king. Onyx eyes followed the two, a low nicker of greeting was heard from Bill, Serena smiled as they waited for the first of the Company to walk through the stone gates.
"Welcome back to Imladris, my friends." Elrond greeted the weary travelers as they slowly walked into the courtyard one by one. Serena studied the group before her, the Grey Pilgrim was no longer grey, but white, so he had past his trial. The hobbits looked sullen as they stood in a group in the center of the courtyard, not seeing Bill stand behind them proudly. She studied Estel, as he seached for his love among the group of elves.
Serena turned to Elladan questionly, he only placed the tips of his fingers to her lips to silence her question before glancing off to the side. Turning back to the group, Serena cast a small glance over into the shadowy hall to her left, she could just make out the form of an elven woman hiding within the shadows. Smiling she glanced back at the others, looking over at the elf prince and dwarf she pierced her lips together, so they two had past their tests as well.
Bill having been the center of attention for the last few months pulled away from Elrohir, who tried to conceil his laughter as he purposely let the pony go. The little chestnut pushed past Legolas as he made his way over to the hobbits, Legolas gave the little horse a confused and startled glance before turning to watch Elrohir, smile brightly, before jogging up the stairs to stand by his brother and Serena. Everyone watched as the four hobbits jumped before turning around to face their old friend.
"Bill!" Sam cried as he hugged the little pony around the neck. He hugged his friend the way horses do, before stepping backwards to check out his hobbit friends, sniffing all of them he moved to Frodo. The oldest of the four glanced up silently, his eyes dull, Bill took one look at Frodo then glanced over at Serena before lowering his head for Frodo to pet him.
"You father is not going to be happy." Serena whispered as she poked Elrohir in the side, she had remembered hearing the lord tell the boy that the pony could be here as long as he wasn't allowed to roam around the courtyard as he pleased. Elrohir only raised his eyebrows before giving her a cheeky grin and turning to look up at his father. Elrond gave his son a stern look before going back to speak with Gandalf.
"He shall have to yell at me at a later date then." He told her before walking down a couple of steps, turning to Serena he held out his hand for her to take. She smiled at him before placing her milky white hand into his peach one, walking down the stairs with Elladan after her they walked over to talk with the others. "Now, we cannot have you not knowing our other elven friend."
"Elrohir, go talk to Estel." Serena laughed as she smiled before being pulled towards the elven prince. Looking back Elladan she mouthed for help but he only shook his head, she stiffened up before stopping next to Elrohir and before the dwarf lord and prince. Closing her eyes in a silent pray she opened her eyes to gaze at the two before her.
"You wound me with your words Lady Serena, that you do not wish to met my friend." Elrohir laughed as he winked at Legolas, the youngest elf of the group smiled as he glanced at Gimli who stared at the woman before him in wonder.
"Only you, Lord Elrohir would be wounded by my words. I have lost the bite that I once had." Serena told him with a bright smile, looking at the two before her she bowed her head politely. Elladan snickered as she glared at the three elves around her. "I am short yes, but you do not have to make fun of me for it."
"Ah, another wound to my heart, dearest lady." Elrohir laughed, Serena huffed as she took a step back, glancing at them she curtied before leaving the group to talk to Frodo and the other halflings.
"A joyful lady." Gimli spoke up as the twins glanced over at him their eyes wide as they turned to Serena then to each other.
"Very." Elrohir told him silently as he watched the young woman stiffen before making the last few steps towards the halflings. Turning back to the others he grinned brightly, Elladan only shook his head as he watched his brother in silence.
"Pardon my brother's insanity, I believe he took a hit to the head in our spar a few days prior." Elladan told them, as Elrohir whipped his head around to glare at his older brother, his chestnut hair flying about his shoulders as he turned to Legolas who was hidding a smile with a small coughing fit.
"As if you would not be thinking along the same lines as I." Elrohir huffed as Elladan raised an eyebrow before shrugging. Elladan could only sigh as he turned back to Legolas and Gimli, leaving his brother to pout.
"Last time I tried that, dear brother. I became more confused then the rabbit you startled so much that it ran into a wall." Elladan told them as Legolas raised an eyebrow while Elrohir muttered something darkly before turning and sautering away. "He's still sore about that and it happened quite a time ago."
"Startled a rabbit?" Gimli asked as Elladan laughed brightly, a nod from the older elf lord was all the answer Gimli needed. Elves still were not as graceful and intuned to nature as Legolas spoke.
"It appears that I was wrong, Frodo Baggins of the Shire." Serena told the hobbit quietly as she placed a hand on his shoulder. He glanced over at her a spark of warmth appeared in his eyes as he gazed at her. "The little ones ask for you."
"Hello once again, Lady Serena." Frodo whispered as he hugged her, Serena returned the gesture whole heartedly. Pulling away from her Frodo motioned for his friends to move forward. Merry and Pippin smiled in awe of the woman before them, Sam more bashful was pushed forward by Bill.
"I remember you," Pippin spoke up suddenly, "you're the lady who brought Frodo here when we left."
"I am." Serena smiled as she gazed at him, he walked up to her much like Lily did but was less hessitant about it. Holding out his hand, for her to shake, she grasped in within her own. Though only a few seconds long, that hand shake was all Serena needed, to know that the hobbit before her, had become something more during the quest.
"I'm Pippin." He told her before pointing over at his cousin. "He's Merry and that's Sam."
"It is nice to meet the three of you." She smiled before standing up once more, glancing at Elrond, the older elf nodded. With a final sweep of the area, Serena returned her gaze onto the halflings and Bill. The small pony nodded as he turned to find Elrohir. Gazing at the group before her she lowered her eyes to the ground, for a few seconds. Turning to Frodo she smiled sweetly at the hobbit. "Would you and your friends like to come to the glen?"
Frodo smiled before turning to the others who wore similar looks of confusion. Thinking back to the time he had spent in the secret haven within the haven of the elves he could only smile brightly. It had been one of the only sweet memories that he had carried with him throughout the quest. Thinking about the bright faces of the young hobbit children, the picture and beauty of comfort and love surrounding everything. The one thing he remembered most was the tranquility that was emitted from the meadow.
"I believe that it would be an honor." Frodo told her as he gazed at his friends, Merry and Pippin seemed open to the idea while Sam looked apprehensive about the offer. Frodo watched his friend as Sam mull over the idea in his head, Merry and Pippin turned to glance at Sam as they moved to stand beside Frodo. The gardener sigh before smiling up at his friends, looking over at Serena he nodded his head, he would go with them. "You will not regret visiting the glen, Sam. It's a mighty beautiful place."
"I don't doubt that Mister Frodo, everything here is beautiful." Sam told Frodo as they slowly followed Serena out of the courtyard. The silver blonde woman smiled silently as she listened to conversation between the two hobbits. Taking in the beauty around her she lifted her hand up slightly to welcome a small blue and orange song bird to land. The little bird gazed at her with tiny black eyes, puffing his chest out, proudly, so the orange shone out brightly against his azure feathers. Turning around she knelt down so the hobbits to gaze at the little creature, he showed no fear as he began serenading them with his voice.
"And magical." Merry murmured as he studied the little bird sitting in Serena's open palm. It showed no qualm against his perch, no fear. He knew he would not be caged for his bravery but welcomed for it. Lifting her hand up they watched silently as blue wings melted into the sky above, only the orange belly allowed the little bird to be seen. Fluttering away from them, the blue bird continued to sing as he flew past the waterfalls, past the mountain valley until he could no longer be seen nor heard.
"Come, this way." Serena whispered as she pushed past some evergreen bushes, the four hobbits followed after her without question. The path they walked down, was surrounded by greens bushes and rocks, the wood chip path smelled of pine as it cruntched below their feet. After loosing sight of the elven dwellings the path wove though sloping hills, the hobbits gasped as they eyes landed on the blossoms that lay before them. The vibrant colours leaving them breathless, following behind Serena they dare not talk for fear of illusion.
Serena smiled as she slowly parted the curtains of the willow, a soft mossy covered the ground creating a comfortable carpet beneath their feet, filtered light danced apon the green as the leaves swayed in the breeze. Laughter filled their ears as the three hobbits glanced at each other. It had been long since they had heard the joyous laughter of children or even laughed their self since they had set out. In a few meaningful strides Serena was standing beside long willowy branches, turning towards the four hobbits she smiled sweetly at them before motioning they towards her. Reaching out, long delicate fingers curled around the thin branches, pulling the natural drapery back. Allowing them to see into the glen.
Taking a few tentative steps into the meadow before them, they shaded their eyes as the early morning sunlight hit them, having gotten use to the dim light that seeped past the canopy. They were met with loud chatter and cries of hello, a whiny greeted them as they spied the large stallion, standing chest high in the tall grasses, searching for the little ones he was playing with. Butterflies of all size, colour and shape fluttered around lazily from flower to flower. Little hummingbirds could be seen chasing after each other as they wove though the flowers on the climbing vines.
"Frodo!" a little voice cried out as a little hobbit child ran full force into the older hobbit. Frodo chuckled as he disintangled Hanna from him. Holding the little girl out in front of him, he watched as her eyes lit up at the sight of him. Wrapping her arms around his neck she started talking to him rappedly. Hanna stopped suddenly as she caught sight of the others, cocking her head to the side she smiled brightly at them, waving, she turned around to gaze into the grasses in which she had sprouted from. "Camellia, Wilibald, Lily, Mirabella, and Peregrin! Frodo's back!"
Five more little hobbits ran out of the grass as they raced over to where the small group was standing. Behind them, Meredoc followed slowly he ran into Serena's arms as the other children got reacquainted with their missing friend. Frodo introduced his friends to the others and soon the four older hobbits were telling them stories of old, the children listening with apt attention their eyes widening with joy as they gazed apon the older hobbits. Merry, seeing the youngest little hobbit not joining the group slowly moved to stand next to Ren, glancing back to see that the children were entertained by one of Pippin's tales.
"Why's he not with the others?" Merry asked as he gazed over at Serena, she smiled at Merry before letting her eyes fall onto Meredoc. The little one gazed up at her with glossy green blue eyes, his blonde hair in tangled curls around his head.
"He does not appear to care much for them. I do not force him or any of them to do something they do not wish to do, only after they have tried it a few." Serena told the hobbit next to her, gazing down at Meredoc she smiled at the shy little boy in her arms. Merry stared intently at the young hobbit, glancing over at Pippin he smiled, the little one acted just like Pippin had when they had first met, barely a year older as well.
"May I?" Merry asked as he glanced over at the blonde haired hobbit, Serena looked indecisive for a moment, but gazing into Merry's eyes she could see the understanding and compassion he held. Nodding her head she bent down to place Meredoc on the ground, placing her hands on his back she slowly pushed the little boy forward. Meredoc looked startled as he glanced between the two.
"Lleuva n'tereva, Melamin." Serena whispered softly to Meredoc, gazing up at Merry she smiled sweetly before backing away silently and moving off to stand beside the stallion. "His name is Meredoc."
Merry sat down on the ground so that he was eye level with the young hobbit child. Startling green blue eyes gazed at him, eyes filled with amounts of pain and loss that even Merry had never imagined possible for anyone let alone a child to carry. Smiling brightly so not to deter Meredoc from coming anywhere near him, he held out his hand for the little one to take. Meredoc gazed at the larger hand infront of him, not sure whether to move closer to the elder hobbit or run and hide. Looking at the older hobbit once more he gulped, before taking tentative steps towards Merry. Placing his tiny hand into the larger, calloused one, Meredoc gave a small smile that lasted only a few seconds. Merry not being put out by the small smile, stood slowly and started to lead the little hobbit over to the others.
Serena placed her head on the stallion's magestic neck and smiled softly as she watched everything that was going on around her. Studying the four older hobbits she smiled to herself as she watched Sam gaze around at the gardens, Frodo was having an animated conversation with Hanna and her stuffed bunny, while Pippin entertained the others with stories of the Shire. Turning away from the hobbits she searched the trees for the other children, pushing away from the stallion she lifted up her skirt before making her way through the meadow over to a thicket of flowering trees. Standing under the shade of a white flowering tree she watched her other children, all almost grown and ready to leave the glen. Watching as the young pairs sat off by theirselves whispering to each other or laughing among friends.
~~*~~
Can we touch the soul of heaven
Can we unite a sacred lesson
Every child creates a skylight of beauty
Can you hear cathedrals falling
All the universe is calling
Cry a single cello from your heart
Since the world has lost her way
Loneliness journey endlessly
Yet the promised chance remains
Gifts of what could be
So let the children remember the sun
Let them dance let them soar
For their lives have begun
Let the children engender the rain
As the river runs through fields
Forever subsiding their pain
Prayer
~~*Translation*~~
Lleuva n'tereva, Melamin : You will be fine, my love
~~*Authoress Babble*~~
I hope this didn't take away from anything in the first story.
I actually think I'm going to continue this into a full fledged story. Seeing as I had to stop my self from making it longer than it's four/five pages. It'll be on the side burner, for my story, A Bed of Stars has top prority. I'm actually gonna do this. You can vote for who you want Serena to be with…….. I normally don't do this.
~~*Votes*~~
Legolas : 2
Elladan or Elohir
One of the hobbits (Except Sam)
~~*Answers to Reviews*~~
Cassie-bear01
Zackire
Kiwi
Tarren : Erm, coupling maybe.
Bluejello : It's still taking a long time to understand that Legolas' has a sense of humor.
frostyangeleyes
Solus Nox : Thank you, I did actually.
Nikko S.P : Haven't really decided, but this is the sequel.
Jewelclaw Lady of Wind : Thanks
LadyKatherine16 : I try to make what I see come into my writing, which still happens to be a bit hard.
~~*Ending credits*~~
~~*(Disclaimer)*~~
First Chapter :
Song used for inspration : Martina McBride : Concrete Angel
This Chapter :
Song used for inspration : Celine Dion : Pray
Review, Thanks, and Goodnight:
~*~ SilverRose82 ~*~
