How can you see into my eyes
like open doors.
Leading you down into my core
where I've become so numb.
Without a soul
my spirit's sleeping somewhere cold
until you find it there and lead it back home.
(Wake me up.
Wake me up inside.
I can't wake up.
Wake me up inside.
Save me.
Call my name and save me from the dark.
Wake me up.
Bid my blood to run.
I can't wake up.
Before I come undone.
Save me.
Save me from the nothing I've become.)
Now that I know what I'm without
you can't just leave me.
Breathe into me and make me real
Bring me to life.
[Chorus]
Bring me to life.
I've been living a lie
There's nothing inside.
Bring me to life.
Frozen inside without your touch,
without your love, darling.
Only you are the life among the dead.
All of this sight
I can't believe I couldn't see
Kept in the dark
but you were there in front of me
I've been sleeping a 1000 years it seems.
I've got to open my eyes to everything.
Without a thought
Without a voice
Without a soul
Don't let me die here
There must be something wrong.
Bring me to life.
[Chorus]
Bring me to life.
I've been living a lie
There's nothing inside.
Bring me to life
Evanescence - "Bring Me To Life"
Lothlorien Part II
After having spent several hours with her parents, Legolas and Celebruthiel had returned to the room she had briefly called her own when she was a small child. They had found a warm bath and clean clothing awaiting them. Celebruthiel had crawled into the warm, soothing water first, but only a few minutes ticked by when Legolas joined her. Celebruthiel leaned back into his chest; seeking the solace only his arms could give her. She was just so tired, mentally more than anything else. She had spent so much energy trying to determine what her role in the world was, where her place was in the Ring's destruction, where she stood in the fight against Sauron. And she was still no closer to knowing any of the answers she sought. The reunion with her parents had only managed to confuse her further, if that was possible. And this talk of prophecies and riddles was unbelievably trite, even to her. Her life had turned into a bedtime story, right before her eyes. And everything she had believed had been blown away in just a few short days. Except for Legolas. He was the only thing Celebruthiel could count on.
She sighed as she tried desperately to forget, just for one evening. But she couldn't. She had been hurt that Legolas had lied to her about the encounter with the wolves. So many others had kept things from her.
"Why didn't you tell me the truth about setting the trees afire?" Celebruthiel asked quietly.
Legolas didn't seem surprised by her question. In fact, he'd been waiting for her to ask. "Mithrandir told me not to, that you wouldn't remember. And truthfully, I was afraid of harming you somehow by telling you. Mithrandir led me to believe that if you discovered the truth to soon, it might cause a breakdown. I did not like keeping it from you. I do not like the lies we have been forced to endure any more than you do, my love. For every lie against you has also been against me," he said softly, his warm breath tickling her neck as he spoke.
Celebruthiel sank even further against him as she closed her eyes. "I don't know what I would do without you," she confided, her voice tripping over the words as she felt all the tension of the day coming to a head and the tears began to fall.
"Oh love, I know this is so hard for you. But I am here. And we will get through this together," Legolas promised as he wrapped his arms tightly around her waist. Her sobs shook her small frame. Legolas was at a loss for words and he hoped his presence was enough to comfort her.
Celebruthiel thought she was having an emotional breakdown. She could not stop the tears from falling or the gut wrenching sobs from racking her body. It seemed to go on for an eternity and no matter how hard she tried to could not control her wayward body until the storm had blown over. She cried until there were no more tears left and she felt empty, drained. It wasn't until her body had settled down and she felt relatively calm again, that Celebruthiel realized she felt a strange sense of peace settle over her. Even if it just a temporary feeling, it was one she would cherish the rest of her days. It was then she finally heard Legolas chanting softly, broken-heartedly, "I'm so sorry," over and over.
Celebruthiel turned in his arms, looking at his crest-fallen face. Tears were brimming on his eyelashes, ready to tumble down his cheeks at any moment. It was then that Celebruthiel realized just how connected they were, how they both were affected by the joining of theirs lives. And she went from feeling isolated and alone to a element of something greater, something more than the mundane lives of all those around her, because she had the love of this Elf, complete and inexorable.
"Legolas, I will never be able to convey just how much your presence has saved me from going over the edge of despair," she said as she caressed his cheek. "No matter what happens from now to the end of time, I will always have this moment to reflect upon. I thank Valar every day for giving you to me."
Legolas nodded as he leaned into her caress. "I feel the same."
"Let us get dressed and join the others for a spell. I think we both could use the distraction. And it might be a nice change to concentrate on something other than me for a change," she said with a teasing smile. Legolas smiled in reply, for he knew if anyone could cheer Celebruthiel up, it would be Pippin and his Hobbit friends. And seeing Celebruthiel smile would ease the ache in his heart.
****
Legolas and Celebruthiel found the rest of their companions back on the forest floor. The Elves had lain out couches under a pavilion for the Company to sleep on. They were sitting around, whispering to one another when Pippin spotted her approaching.
"Celebruthiel!" he cried as he jumped up and ran to her, throwing his arms around her thighs.
"I told you I would return," she said cheerfully as she hugged the Halfling to her.
"I missed you," Pippin whispered. "You were gone far too long." Pippin looked up at her, happiness radiating from his face. "And you missed the most delicious meal we were served right after our introduction to the Lord and Lady of Lorien." He went on to describe in detail every morsel he placed in his mouth. Celebruthiel couldn't help but laugh at his enthusiasm. Pippin could turn eating into an art. "So how did your reunion go?" Pippin asked quickly as if he was afraid someone would stop him from asking what everyone desperately wanted to know. "I have to admit she scared me terribly. Were you scared, too?"
"I have to admit I was," Celebruthiel confided as Pippin took her hand and they joined the group. Gimli immediately jumped up so Celebruthiel could have his spot. The he sat a little farther behind the two beside Legolas. "But I now know I am home and it is a relief to have much settled." Aragorn smiled at her from across the circle. Celebruthiel returned his smile and hoped he understood she had much to reveal to him later. "So did my mother and father reveal anything that will be helpful to your quest?"
"I thought Lord Elrond was your father?" Merry interrupted, clearly confused. And he wasn't alone.
"Until recently, I thought he was. He took me into his home when I was a very small child. Until then, I was raised by Lord Celeborn," Celebruthiel explained. "It is all very confusing, I know. But at the time, they had their reasons for everything they did."
"We did not learn much," Aragorn stated, changing the subject. He wanted to prevent any more questions from being asked about Celebruthiel's parentage or the secrets surrounding it. Aragorn thought the Fellowship had all the information they needed concerning that subject. "We spoke of our travels through Moria. And of the quest that has befallen Frodo. Nothing more."
"You have your mother's look about you," Boromir commented from his seat next to Aragorn.
Celebruthiel laughed. "I'd always wondered why I looked nothing like Lord Elrond and Arwen. Now I know."
"Yes. You are as fair as our dear Lady, a lovely jewel that sparkles in the sun," Gimli declared loudly. Celebruthiel turned to him with a smile on her face.
"And you, Master Gimli, are a silver-tongued dear," she said as she watched the Dwarf fondly. "And I have to say you have made a lasting impression on my mother. If you are not careful, she will soon be as fond of you as I. Imagine having the affection of two Elves. What would the Dwarves back home think?" she teased.
A deep laugh eradiated from the Dwarf at the Elf's teasing. "They shall think me the luckiest Dwarf in Middle Earth or I shall have something to say about it." Gimli had never heard anything about the Lady of Lorien being a Dwarf-friend. But he felt there was more to her then the rumors spread among his kind. He felt honored to be called her friend. And now he knew where her daughter acquired her understanding of his people.
"Last Night, what were all the Elves laughing about?" Sam asked, watching Celebruthiel and Legolas expectantly. "We tried to see but couldn't make anything out." The other three Hobbits nodded their heads, all just as curious for the answer.
Boromir and Aragorn immediately began to snicker while Legolas folded his arms over his chest as both Elf and Dwarf sulked.
"Gimli had some trouble making his way up the ladder into the talan," Celebruthiel said, trying to maintain a straight face as she replied. But she made the mistake of looking back at Legolas and Gimli. The mutual disgruntled look on both faces caused her to lose the battle and Celebruthiel began to giggle in mid-sentence.
"It was not that funny," Gimli grumbled.
"Gimli, when the ladder spun around, the look on your face was unforgettable. And seeing Legolas trying to push you up with his shoulder, it was vastly amusing," Boromir teased.
As Boromir continued to paint a humorous picture for the Hobbits, Celebruthiel wondered at the look passed between Legolas and Gimli. It made her hopeful that once the Fellowship left Lorien, there would be someone other than Aragorn that Legolas could rely on.
"Finally Aragorn and Celebruthiel helped drag Gimli into the talan. And after all that hard work of being pushed and dragged about, he immediately fell asleep," Boromir concluded, much to the delight of everyone but Legolas and Gimli. Neither appreciated being the brunt of the laughter and each took a dent in their armor of pride.
Once the laughter had ceased, a silence fell over the group. The Hobbits seem to silently communicate something among them. Celebruthiel was about to comment on this when Merry directed his gaze to Legolas. It seemed he was the designated speaker for the present.
"Legolas, we," Merry began indicating the other Hobbits and himself, "were wondering if you would tell us of the occurrence this morning with Haldir. We got the impression you two were fighting. And while you told Pippin that it was nothing, we are still concerned about what happened."
Legolas looked at Celebruthiel wondering exactly how he should respond to this. Should he once again brush off the Hobbits concerns or should he respond to them? And if he did respond, should he tell them the truth? Celebruthiel just watched him silently. She wasn't about to open her mouth to answer Merry. She would have spoken plainly and truthfully to the Hobbits for the situation with Haldir did not alarm her, not as it did Legolas.
Legolas sighed, still not knowing how he was going to respond when he opened his mouth. "Like Aragorn stated, we were under the impression that no one would remember Celebruthiel other than Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel. We were shocked when she was recognized. Rumil reported some information that while no one was trying to keep from us, I do not think Lord Celeborn had any intention of informing us. Since Celebruthiel had not remembered, it would have been best forgotten."
"And may I ask what that information was?" Boromir asked, very interested in the turn of conversation. The scene this morning had also been bothering him. Aragorn had brushed off Boromir's questions, which had only raised his disquiet. Boromir felt Aragorn, Legolas, and Celebruthiel knew much that they were not telling the others and so Boromir could not trust his companions completely.
Legolas watched Boromir silently, seeing the distrust in the Human's eyes. Since what had occurred affected nothing but Legolas' pride, the Elf decided to appease the Man, hoping the truth would ease his unrest. "This morning we were told Celebruthiel had been betrothed to Haldir before she was sent to live with Lord Elrond."
The only one not surprised by Legolas' answer was Legolas himself. Both Aragorn and Celebruthiel were surprised Legolas had revealed the truth to their companions. And the rest of the Fellowship were shocked by this new piece of information.
"There is much I do not remember about my childhood, as Gandalf thought it best that I not remember where I came from," Celebruthiel confessed. "But this has no real implications on the task you have set out to accomplish." Celebruthiel looked each member in the eyes, hoping they believed her lies. She couldn't bring herself to tell them the truth. She did not want to see the look of revulsion when they discovered who she really was.
Frodo grew thoughtful for a moment. Something seemed to be not quite right, but he couldn't place his finger on it. He felt there was something that was being left out, but he concluded they had gotten all the information they were going to from Legolas and Celebruthiel this evening. His thoughts turned back to the night before to an encounter he'd had while in the talan. "I do not think I dreamt this, so I must ask Legolas or Celebruthiel about the Orcs. I am fairly certain an Elf warned us of passing Orcs during the night," Frodo asked.
"That is correct, Frodo. There was a band of Orcs that passed right under us during the night," Celebruthiel answered as Pippin clutched her hand at the mention of Orcs. "They were defeated and the Elves pursued those that escaped. So no longer give worry to that threat. Anyway we are safe here in Lorien," Celebruthiel reassured, the last two statements mostly for Pippin's benefit as she squeezed his hand. Celebruthiel was silent for a moment, contemplating whether or not she should mention what else she had learned about that night. Finally she concluded that the Fellowship should be aware of the situation, for it could prove dangerous. "At Cerin Amroth, there was mention of a creature having been spotted in the trees near us, one not of beast shape but that ran on all fours. The Elves did not know what this creature was, but pursued it southward, where it evaded them."
There was stunned silence as each member considered Celebruthiel's words. It was possible that the creature seen was of no consequence and unknown to the Lorien Elves only because they were so isolated from the rest of Middle Earth. Then again, maybe it was some new creation Sauron had sent after them.
Boromir sighed. "Now what new sort of evil do we have to worry about following us?"
Pippin, Merry, and Sam looked frightened at this new information. Legolas and Gimli pondered Boromir's question, for it was the same thing they wondered. Aragorn seemed not quite surprised, but resigned. He expected from the first for things to get more difficult the closer to Mordor they came. The fact that a strange creature might be pursuing them was just another trial to bear.
"It was Gollum," Frodo said softly.
Every head turned to Frodo in surprise.
"You are positive of this?" Aragorn asked as he watched Frodo closely.
Frodo nodded. "I have seen him before," he replied as sadness overcame him as his thoughts turned to Gandalf.
"Where!" Boromir exclaimed, unable to conceive that Frodo had been aware of Gollum's presence and had not shared the knowledge with them. He was shocked and wondered what else Frodo knew but had not mentioned.
Celebruthiel, having been watching Frodo's expression carefully, saw the look overtake Frodo's features and said, " Let us not worry about that now. It does not matter."
"How can you say it does not matter?" Boromir hissed as he leaned forward. "I think it of the most importance. Just what else has the little Hobbit kept from us." Boromir stormed over to where Frodo sat and leaned down over him. Frodo jumped to his feet and made a move to retreat, but Boromir grabbed his cloak.
"Nothing that Gandalf himself did not demand. I think we all carry with us a little piece of the puzzle that Gandalf thought best remains with us. We should not upset that balance now. It's not the time," Celebruthiel stated as she stepped in front of Frodo and pried his cloak from Boromir's hand. "It would be best that you return to your seat," she said quietly.
For the first time, Boromir glanced around him. Legolas and Gimli were standing at few feet from Celebruthiel's side. Gimli was already clutching his axe in his hand, ready to attack if need be. Legolas' hands were free of weapons, but the look on his face spoke volumes. He would kill Boromir with his bear hands if needed. And Aragorn, though unseen, was just behind Boromir, ready to strike.
"I am sorry, Frodo." Boromir whispered as he stepped back from the Hobbit.
"It is all right," Frodo replied softly as he looked around Celebruthiel's protective form. Frodo was relieved that she had stepped in between them. She hadn't been as close to him as the others, but she'd moved so quickly he hadn't even realized her intentions until she was there.
Boromir nodded as he returned to the spot he had been sitting at moments before. The tension was eased once Boromir was once again sitting and the rest of the group returned to their seats also.
"Let us speak of more pleasant things for tonight," Aragorn suggested. "We have many days to speak of the more harsher realities that plague us. For tonight, let us forget."
"Did I mention the delicious little sausages at supper this evening? Do you suppose we will be served more tomorrow?" Pippin asked, always able to lighten the mood with his child-like innocence.
As the laughter surrounded the group, Celebruthiel looked at Pippin shrewdly, wondering for the first time just how aware Pippin was of the moods of those around him. It crept into her head that Pippin might not be as silly as he appeared. And Pippin entrenched even deeper into her heart.
Celebruthiel wondered if she should try to convince Pippin to stay in Lorien. She knew she wouldn't be able to bear it if anything happened to the little Hobbit. But was it fair to use that knowledge against him, to use his love for her to her advantage? And what if he did stay and he was meant to go? Would the outcome change because of her selfishness? It was something Celebruthiel decided she should give more thought to before acting.
""What did you blush for, Sam?" said Pippin. "You soon broke down. Anyone would have thought you had a guilty conscience. I hope it was nothing worse than a wicked plot to steal one of my blankets.""
Celebruthiel had been deep in thought and when her consciousness returned to her surroundings, she tried to determine exactly what the company was discussing.
""I never thought no such thing," answered Sam, in no mood for jest. "If you want to know, I felt as if I hadn't got nothing on, and I didn't like it. She seemed to be looking inside me and asking me what I would do if she gave me the chance of flying back to the Shire to a nice little hole with- with a bit of garden of my own."
"That's funny," said Merry. "Almost exactly what I felt myself; only, only well, I don't think I'll say any more," he ended lamely."
It finally dawned on Celebruthiel that they were once again discussing the meeting with her mother. She looked to Legolas, wondering what his experience had been. He silently shrugged his shoulders. Then she glanced at Aragorn. He held her eyes a moment before looking away. He seemed almost embarrassed by the conversation and Celebruthiel felt the need to apologize for her mother's actions. But she didn't. She couldn't bring herself to open her mouth.
""And it seemed to me, too," said Gimli, "that my choice would remain secret and known only to myself."
"To me it seemed exceedingly strange," said Boromir. "Maybe it was only a test, and she thought to read our thoughts for her own good purpose; but almost I should have said that she was tempting us, and offering what she pretended to have the power to give. It need not be said that I refused to listen. The Men of Minas Tirith are true to their word. She held your gaze long, Ringbearer."
"Yes," said Frodo, "but whatever came into my mind then I will keep there.""
Noticing Celebruthiel's discomfort over the present topic, Aragorn stopped the conversation, announcing that he was going to sleep. The others followed suit quickly enough and all was quiet.
****
After that first night, Celebruthiel and Legolas spent little time with the Fellowship as a whole. They spent many days off wandering Galadrim, sometimes just the two of them, sometimes they took Gimli, Pippin, or Aragorn with them, other times one or both would wander off alone. The nights they reserved for themselves, knowing their time together was falling away like the petals of a rose, one after another until nothing remained.
All throughout Lorien, the Elves mourned the loss of Gandalf for he had been much loved. They were often heard singing songs of lamentation. The Fellowship also grieved the loss of his presence. Once the weariness had left their bodies, the unbelievable sadness had set in. They talked among themselves, but Celebruthiel always walked away when his name came up. She was not ready to accept that he was truly gone. She kept hoping he would return, and though in her head she knew this was impossible, her heart refused to accept the words.
The Company was sitting around a grand fountain, only a stone's throw from the pavilion where they slept when Celebruthiel came breaking through the bushes, squealing in delight, as she ran past the fountain and stopped behind Aragorn, her hands on his shoulders. Legolas came crashing through behind her, laughing as he gave chase. He slowed down once he saw his companions but did not stop as he rounded the company from the other side. The two circled Aragorn several times before what sounded like a herd of wild animals compared to the soft patter of Elven feet. It broke through the shrubbery and turned out to be Gimli, mumbling under his breath at the Elven antics. He stopped, resting his hands on his thighs as he leaned forward, trying to catch his breath. Suddenly Legolas looked around and spotting Pippin, he grinned mischievously. He ran up to the Hobbit, tapped his shoulder, and ran off, calling over his shoulder, "You're it!"
Pippin immediately jumped to his feet and ran after Legolas. Celebruthiel squealed at the new threat and took off in a different direction. Gimli once again mumbled under his breath as he straightened and proceeded to follow at a slower pace.
Those who remained sat in stunned silence. Slowly laughter made it's way around the circle, starting with Aragorn. It had been a very long time since he'd seen Celebruthiel and Legolas like this and it was a refreshing change of pace.
Celebruthiel returned a short time later. "My brother, do you have a moment?"
What remained of the Fellowship looked amongst them, wondering to whom she referred until Aragorn stood. Aragorn followed silently behind Celebruthiel as she walked to the far edge of Galadriem at a steady pace. She slowed as they reached a tall silver tree and proceeded to climb up the ladder. At the top was a three-room enclosure. Aragorn wouldn't have gone as far as to call it a house, but it was sparsely furnished. He noticed many articles that belonged to both Celebruthiel and Legolas and realized this was where they'd been spending their nights.
"I will return to my parents once you leave Galadriem. But until then, this has become home," Celebruthiel said softly after observing Aragorn as he scrutinized their surroundings.
"I hope this will be a place where the memories will bring you joy," Aragorn said softly thinking of Arwen. While they both had accepted his leaving gracefully, their parting had still been difficult. And Aragorn still worried about her in the wee hours of the morning, if she was okay, if she was worried, lonely, missing him.
"Do you mean like Cerin Amroth is for you?" Celebruthiel asked, a slight smile gracing her lips as she took a seat on a small pale green couch. Aragorn was taken back by her comment and he looked at Celebruthiel sharply. "Arwen is my sister," she replied with a laugh. "She told me of your meeting the moment she returned to Rivendell. Only at the time, she hadn't been aware that you were known to me. Imagine my surprise to find my baby sister in love with my fondest brother."
Aragorn shook his head, not at all certain why he was surprised. He knew Arwen and Celebruthiel confided much in each other. It was just an odd feeling being the individual on the other side of those confidences.
"Sit," Celebruthiel commanded softly as she patted the seat next to her. "There is much I need to tell you and I have put it off long enough."
"You are under no obligation," Aragorn stated as he sat beside her. He looked deeply into the Elf's eyes, this one who was dearer to him than any natural sister could have been. He tried to determine exactly what was troubling her. But for once Celebruthiel's pale blue depths were barred to him.
"Yes I am," she whispered. "I am going to expect much of you, Aragorn, regarding Arwen." She paused a moment as she stared back at him. His eyes were penetrating hers, searching for an indicator to her mood. She had to glance away; afraid he would see too much. She last thing she wanted to do was further burden him with her fears. She glanced to the pendant swinging from his neck. "I am quite aware of what my sister has done, of the pledge to you," she murmured as she fingered the piece of jewelry, the one Arwen had given to him when she had pledged to live and grow old by his side. As she glanced back up, she noticed Aragorn's guilt ridden expression and was almost sorry she'd brought it up. "I do not mention this to distress you. I want your pledge that if Frodo fails, you will do what you can to keep my sister safe."
"Of course," he insisted, slightly upset that she would even need his word on this, for he loved Arwen with his whole being. He would do all to keep her safe.
"And if it required giving up your kingdom, would you really be able to do so?" she asked softly, as if ready his thoughts.
He looked at her sharply, wondering how she could dare ask such a thing of him. Did she really think so little of him as to believe that being King was more important than Arwen? The Kingdom was want everyone else seemed to be preoccupied with. To Aragorn, it had never mattered. It had been more an embarrassment than anything, just a reminder of how weak the blood running in his veins truly was. Aragorn stood; prepared to storm away from Celebruthiel, an action he'd never contemplating doing before in her presence.
Celebruthiel grabbed his arm and while he refused to look at her, he did stop from deserting her. "Aragorn, you must understand that I believe Sauron will come after Arwen and why," she whispered so softly Aragorn's ears had to strain to hear her. She now had Aragorn's full attention as his gaze snapped back to her face and he sank back into the couch. "He hates my mother and has vowed to destroy her. My parents believe Celebrian's kidnapping long ago was a blatant act of revenge against my mother for she opposed him long before the Great War." She stood and walked into the next room. She grabbed a quilt off the bed she shared with Legolas and returned to Aragorn's side. She wrapped herself in a quilt cocoon and resumed her seat. Just thinking of Sauron chilled her to the bone.
Aragorn watched silently, a worried expression overtaking his noble features. All this talk of Arwen needing his protection was truly frightening, even more so than the thought of his falling victim to the Ring.
"Arwen is safe in Rivendell," he stated, trying to assure himself of this more than anything. He needed her confirmation of this if he was to continue on the path he knew he must walk.
Celebruthiel nodded before saying fatefully, "For now."
"What is that supposed to mean?" Aragorn cried as his hands reached out and grasped her shoulders roughly.
"There was a prophecy long before my birth. It is tedious to go into detail as you would neither recognize nor understand those involved. But I believe it predicts my death," she cried. After the words were out, Celebruthiel sat there shell-shocked. She had opened her mouth to calmly explain to Aragorn one thing and something completely different had popped right out, something she hadn't intended on telling anyone.
"What!" Aragorn exclaimed as he shook her slightly, so distressed was he by the confession that sounded as if it had been ripped from her body.
Celebruthiel placed her hand lightly on his knee. "Please say nothing to Legolas, I beg you," she whispered hoarsely. "He knows of the prophecy but we have not discussed it since my parents told us of it. He must leave with you. If he learns of my fear, he will not be willing to leave my side. And in my heart I know he must go. Something tells me the Halfings' lives depend on it." She patted his knee and smiled sadly as she said, "Isn't that silly. Here I am concerned about something happening to Pippin and Merry when it's Frodo who has been targeted." She shook her head in attempt to clear the dark images from her mind.
"Celebruthiel, how can you be sure it is your death this prophecy predicts?" Aragorn asked quietly, praying she was mistaken.
"I am not," she conceded with a sigh and relief washed over Aragorn. "I just have this overwhelming feeling of darkness settling over me. I cannot explain it. Anyway, I am not what is important. Arwen," she said decisively. "If something happens to me it is because I have taken a stand against Sauron. And I know my mother and father, Lord Elrond that is, will not let me do this alone. Our destruction will leave Arwen vulnerable. That is when he will strike. And it won't just be a strike against my mother. It will also be one against you for he harbors deep hatred against you as well. You must be prepared."
"I do not believe you are telling me this," Aragorn whispered desperately. "How do you expect me to leaving knowing this."
"Aragorn, I do not know if any of this will come to pass. But you have the right to know it could. I do not plan to die so easily." Celebruthiel stood and walked her quilt-clad form to the entrance of the house. She wrapped the quilt tighter around her as the cool breeze lifted her hair from around her face. "I do not know if I am just being paranoid because Gandalf is no longer with us, but I think if he was still here, I would not feel such doom," she whispered.
Aragorn sighed. "Celebruthiel, if what you say does come to pass, I will protect Arwen until my death," he promised.
Celebruthiel turned to find Aragorn standing right behind her. She touched his cheek and smiled fondly. "I expect nothing less from you, my brother. I have always felt safe in the knowledge that Arwen has your love. Even when my father, Lord Elrond, has not."
Celebruthiel moved away from Aragorn as she heard footsteps approaching from a distance. She recognized the light patter of Legolas and the heavy stomp of Gimli. As they drew closer, she heard Gimli ask,
"Are you sure she is here?" The dwarf sounded out of breath and Celebruthiel smiled. "I hope so for it was an awfully long walk. Why you two feel the need to stay way out here is beyond me," Gimli grumbled as they stopped below the tree Celebruthiel and Legolas now called home.
"Gimli, must you complain about everything?" Legolas asked, his exasperation evident in his tone. "It only shows how superior Elves are to Dwarves, you know."
"Well. I. That is an insult!" Gimli cried indignantly.
"Well, then how about you climb on up and prove me wrong?" Legolas asked, gesturing to the ladder before them. He smiled at the Dwarf, feigning innocence. But Gimli didn't believe that look at all. He knew the Elf well enough to recognize a challenge when he heard one.
"I shall do just that!" he insisted as he stepped up to the ladder. Gimli looked up, pondering exactly how he was going to make it to the top without appearing the fool. Again. He'd already decided days ago Legolas had a definite advantage over him in Galadriem. He almost couldn't wait until they continued on their journey just to burst the bubble of that Elf's ego, even a little bit.
"Must you two turn everything into a competition?" Celebruthiel called down from the structures doorway.
Gimli looked up but could not see her through the tree branches and leaves. He heard a movement from above his head and then the ladder began to sway gently. Soon Celebruthiel could be seen descending the ladder with Aragorn not far behind. And Gimli sighed with relief.
"You lucked out, my friend," Legolas said good-naturedly as he slapped Gimli hard on the back. Gimli was unprepared and pitched forward a step or two.
"Annoying, obnoxious Elf," Gimli mumbled under his breath.
Legolas only laughed robustly. "When will you not learn, Gimli? I can hear you."
"Eavesdropping, obnoxious Elf," Gimli mumbled again as he looked directly at Legolas this time, not even attempting to hide his annoyance.
Celebruthiel dropped to the ground, chuckling over the exchange between Legolas and Gimli. The two would never admit their fondness for one another, but their companionship more than allured to it. Sometimes it made Celebruthiel feel almost jealous and then she had to berate herself. This was exactly what she'd wanted.
"Well I am now safely on the ground, Master Gimli. To what do I owe the pleasure? I assume you both were looking for me."
"My Lady," Gimli said with a bow." The furry little Halfling deserted us to eat once again and so your husband decided he wanted to go explore the Eastern side of Galadriem, as we have not been there yet. You must join us. Otherwise I cannot guarantee he will return to you in one piece," Gimli said lightly as he fingered the handle of his axe.
"As long as you do not cut his hair. You know that it renders an Elf as weak as a babe?" Celebruthiel stated.
The Dwarf turned to her in true surprise. "Truly?" he asked in disbelief.
The other three laughed at the Dwarf's gullibility. "No," Celebruthiel said through her laughter. "I was only teasing. And please do not return my husband to me in pieces." Legolas beamed at Celebruthiel and then snickered at Gimli. "The mess would be difficult to clean up." Legolas' face fell and Gimli laughed heartily at the Elf's expense.
"Only you, my dear, could cause an Elf such pain," Legolas said, feigning sadness as he dramatically placed a hand over his heart.
"You'll get over it soon enough," Aragorn replied as he clasped his hand on Legolas' shoulder.
"Ouch," Legolas replied, pretending to be hurt by his reply. Then he smiled wickedly at Aragorn and said, "Just remember who has pledged himself to her sister. When her sharp tongue has stung you to the core, I am the only one who will understand the pain."
Aragorn stopped and contemplated his words for a moment. "You have a point there, my friend," he replied in a mock seriousness. "Sorry, my dear sister, but I must side with Legolas on this."
"That is only because Arwen is not here at this moment," Celebruthiel commented in a teasing tone.
Aragorn winced at her statement and nodded with a grin. "I should get back before I dig myself in any deeper. I should check on the others, anyway. I will see the three of you at supper?" he asked hopefully. They always seemed to lighten the mood when they decided to join the Company.
Celebruthiel nodded in reply before Aragorn hugged her quickly. Then he turned and with a last wave, left the three. When he was out of sight, Legolas turned to his companions.
"Shall we?" he asked, indicating with a sweeping gesture the direction they would be heading.
"Yes, let's." Celebruthiel replied as she linked arms with Legolas and Gimli.
The Lorien Elves wondered at the sight as the three progressed through the city. It wasn't the first time they'd seen their Princess or the Prince of Mirkwood with the Dwarf. They had arrived together. But it had been so long since a Dwarf had been seen in Galadriem. And for those who did remember, they were wary for the memories they held of the Dwarves of Moria were not pleasant ones. And so to see their Princess with one such as he was a troublesome sight. They would all be relieved when the strangers left.
At the east edge of Galadriem, they found a crystal clear pond. Celebruthiel walked to the edge and sat down, letting her feet dangle in the sun kissed water. Legolas and Gimli wandered off to explore the perimeter. Once they had returned from the opposite direction that they'd started, both sat beside her.
"How is the water?" Legolas asked as he gazed longingly out over the pond.
"Surprisingly warm," Celebruthiel answered as she reached her hand into the water then bringing it back out quickly, splashing Legolas in the process.
He was startled for the briefest second and then a sly smiled crept over his features. "It is pleasant," he said evenly enough as his arm snaked around her waist. Before she realized his intentions, he had scooped her into his arms.
"What are you doing?" Celebruthiel questioned as Legolas took one step into the water. "You wouldn't," she hissed as he continued to walk further into the pond. When Celebruthiel realized he would, she began to panic and tried to extricate herself from his hold. She hated water. Not in the sense of bathing, but in any body of water that went over her head. She'd had an unreasonable fear as long as she could remember. "Do not, Legolas, please!" she begged right before she felt her foundation falter and she began to fall. If she had been standing, she would have felt secure in the waist deep water. But the angle she fell caused her to become emerged. As she came up for air, sputtering and flailing, she heard the laughter of Legolas and Gimli. Enraged, she launched herself at Legolas, hitting him in the knees, and sending him falling backwards. This time, when Celebruthiel returned to the surface, Legolas was no longer laughing; He looked at her sullenly as Gimli continued to laugh, even harder this time. He always enjoyed when Legolas got his due.
The two Elves studied each other silently before both turned and slowly headed to shore. If Gimli hadn't been laughing so hard, he would have recognized the threat in their eyes and he would have run. Instead, he didn't understand the gravity of the situation until the two were dragging him into the warm water.
"You two are crazy! Let me go!" Gimli yelled as he struggled against the hands that held him captive. "Why I ever." he sputtered as he hit the water. Gimli surfaced a moment later, spitting out the water he'd inhaled as he'd gone in. Wordlessly he marched out of the pond.
"Gimli, were are you going?" Legolas called after the Dwarf as he glanced at Celebruthiel. One look at her face told him she was worried they'd gone too far. "Gimli," Legolas called once again as he sloshed out of the pond, quickly trying to overtake the Dwarf.
Gimli faced Legolas just as the Elf had caught up to him. Quickly, quicker than anyone would have given Gimli credit, he rammed his shoulder into Legolas' side, lifting the Elf in the process. Gimli rushed into the water, dumping the shocked Elf in.
"Ha!" Gimli yelled. "That will teach you to mess with a Dwarf." Gimli slapped his hands together in satisfaction and then laughed at the look of surprise on Legolas' face. "Now let's go eat. I am starving." With that announcement, Gimli turned his back on the two and headed toward camp.
Celebruthiel reached a hand out to Legolas as she reached his side. He grasped it and let her help him up. He didn't comment on the fact that she was biting her lip to keep from laughing. He just shook his head and followed the crazy Dwarf. And no one dared to comment at their appearances as the three arrived to supper, looking like drowned rats.
like open doors.
Leading you down into my core
where I've become so numb.
Without a soul
my spirit's sleeping somewhere cold
until you find it there and lead it back home.
(Wake me up.
Wake me up inside.
I can't wake up.
Wake me up inside.
Save me.
Call my name and save me from the dark.
Wake me up.
Bid my blood to run.
I can't wake up.
Before I come undone.
Save me.
Save me from the nothing I've become.)
Now that I know what I'm without
you can't just leave me.
Breathe into me and make me real
Bring me to life.
[Chorus]
Bring me to life.
I've been living a lie
There's nothing inside.
Bring me to life.
Frozen inside without your touch,
without your love, darling.
Only you are the life among the dead.
All of this sight
I can't believe I couldn't see
Kept in the dark
but you were there in front of me
I've been sleeping a 1000 years it seems.
I've got to open my eyes to everything.
Without a thought
Without a voice
Without a soul
Don't let me die here
There must be something wrong.
Bring me to life.
[Chorus]
Bring me to life.
I've been living a lie
There's nothing inside.
Bring me to life
Evanescence - "Bring Me To Life"
Lothlorien Part II
After having spent several hours with her parents, Legolas and Celebruthiel had returned to the room she had briefly called her own when she was a small child. They had found a warm bath and clean clothing awaiting them. Celebruthiel had crawled into the warm, soothing water first, but only a few minutes ticked by when Legolas joined her. Celebruthiel leaned back into his chest; seeking the solace only his arms could give her. She was just so tired, mentally more than anything else. She had spent so much energy trying to determine what her role in the world was, where her place was in the Ring's destruction, where she stood in the fight against Sauron. And she was still no closer to knowing any of the answers she sought. The reunion with her parents had only managed to confuse her further, if that was possible. And this talk of prophecies and riddles was unbelievably trite, even to her. Her life had turned into a bedtime story, right before her eyes. And everything she had believed had been blown away in just a few short days. Except for Legolas. He was the only thing Celebruthiel could count on.
She sighed as she tried desperately to forget, just for one evening. But she couldn't. She had been hurt that Legolas had lied to her about the encounter with the wolves. So many others had kept things from her.
"Why didn't you tell me the truth about setting the trees afire?" Celebruthiel asked quietly.
Legolas didn't seem surprised by her question. In fact, he'd been waiting for her to ask. "Mithrandir told me not to, that you wouldn't remember. And truthfully, I was afraid of harming you somehow by telling you. Mithrandir led me to believe that if you discovered the truth to soon, it might cause a breakdown. I did not like keeping it from you. I do not like the lies we have been forced to endure any more than you do, my love. For every lie against you has also been against me," he said softly, his warm breath tickling her neck as he spoke.
Celebruthiel sank even further against him as she closed her eyes. "I don't know what I would do without you," she confided, her voice tripping over the words as she felt all the tension of the day coming to a head and the tears began to fall.
"Oh love, I know this is so hard for you. But I am here. And we will get through this together," Legolas promised as he wrapped his arms tightly around her waist. Her sobs shook her small frame. Legolas was at a loss for words and he hoped his presence was enough to comfort her.
Celebruthiel thought she was having an emotional breakdown. She could not stop the tears from falling or the gut wrenching sobs from racking her body. It seemed to go on for an eternity and no matter how hard she tried to could not control her wayward body until the storm had blown over. She cried until there were no more tears left and she felt empty, drained. It wasn't until her body had settled down and she felt relatively calm again, that Celebruthiel realized she felt a strange sense of peace settle over her. Even if it just a temporary feeling, it was one she would cherish the rest of her days. It was then she finally heard Legolas chanting softly, broken-heartedly, "I'm so sorry," over and over.
Celebruthiel turned in his arms, looking at his crest-fallen face. Tears were brimming on his eyelashes, ready to tumble down his cheeks at any moment. It was then that Celebruthiel realized just how connected they were, how they both were affected by the joining of theirs lives. And she went from feeling isolated and alone to a element of something greater, something more than the mundane lives of all those around her, because she had the love of this Elf, complete and inexorable.
"Legolas, I will never be able to convey just how much your presence has saved me from going over the edge of despair," she said as she caressed his cheek. "No matter what happens from now to the end of time, I will always have this moment to reflect upon. I thank Valar every day for giving you to me."
Legolas nodded as he leaned into her caress. "I feel the same."
"Let us get dressed and join the others for a spell. I think we both could use the distraction. And it might be a nice change to concentrate on something other than me for a change," she said with a teasing smile. Legolas smiled in reply, for he knew if anyone could cheer Celebruthiel up, it would be Pippin and his Hobbit friends. And seeing Celebruthiel smile would ease the ache in his heart.
****
Legolas and Celebruthiel found the rest of their companions back on the forest floor. The Elves had lain out couches under a pavilion for the Company to sleep on. They were sitting around, whispering to one another when Pippin spotted her approaching.
"Celebruthiel!" he cried as he jumped up and ran to her, throwing his arms around her thighs.
"I told you I would return," she said cheerfully as she hugged the Halfling to her.
"I missed you," Pippin whispered. "You were gone far too long." Pippin looked up at her, happiness radiating from his face. "And you missed the most delicious meal we were served right after our introduction to the Lord and Lady of Lorien." He went on to describe in detail every morsel he placed in his mouth. Celebruthiel couldn't help but laugh at his enthusiasm. Pippin could turn eating into an art. "So how did your reunion go?" Pippin asked quickly as if he was afraid someone would stop him from asking what everyone desperately wanted to know. "I have to admit she scared me terribly. Were you scared, too?"
"I have to admit I was," Celebruthiel confided as Pippin took her hand and they joined the group. Gimli immediately jumped up so Celebruthiel could have his spot. The he sat a little farther behind the two beside Legolas. "But I now know I am home and it is a relief to have much settled." Aragorn smiled at her from across the circle. Celebruthiel returned his smile and hoped he understood she had much to reveal to him later. "So did my mother and father reveal anything that will be helpful to your quest?"
"I thought Lord Elrond was your father?" Merry interrupted, clearly confused. And he wasn't alone.
"Until recently, I thought he was. He took me into his home when I was a very small child. Until then, I was raised by Lord Celeborn," Celebruthiel explained. "It is all very confusing, I know. But at the time, they had their reasons for everything they did."
"We did not learn much," Aragorn stated, changing the subject. He wanted to prevent any more questions from being asked about Celebruthiel's parentage or the secrets surrounding it. Aragorn thought the Fellowship had all the information they needed concerning that subject. "We spoke of our travels through Moria. And of the quest that has befallen Frodo. Nothing more."
"You have your mother's look about you," Boromir commented from his seat next to Aragorn.
Celebruthiel laughed. "I'd always wondered why I looked nothing like Lord Elrond and Arwen. Now I know."
"Yes. You are as fair as our dear Lady, a lovely jewel that sparkles in the sun," Gimli declared loudly. Celebruthiel turned to him with a smile on her face.
"And you, Master Gimli, are a silver-tongued dear," she said as she watched the Dwarf fondly. "And I have to say you have made a lasting impression on my mother. If you are not careful, she will soon be as fond of you as I. Imagine having the affection of two Elves. What would the Dwarves back home think?" she teased.
A deep laugh eradiated from the Dwarf at the Elf's teasing. "They shall think me the luckiest Dwarf in Middle Earth or I shall have something to say about it." Gimli had never heard anything about the Lady of Lorien being a Dwarf-friend. But he felt there was more to her then the rumors spread among his kind. He felt honored to be called her friend. And now he knew where her daughter acquired her understanding of his people.
"Last Night, what were all the Elves laughing about?" Sam asked, watching Celebruthiel and Legolas expectantly. "We tried to see but couldn't make anything out." The other three Hobbits nodded their heads, all just as curious for the answer.
Boromir and Aragorn immediately began to snicker while Legolas folded his arms over his chest as both Elf and Dwarf sulked.
"Gimli had some trouble making his way up the ladder into the talan," Celebruthiel said, trying to maintain a straight face as she replied. But she made the mistake of looking back at Legolas and Gimli. The mutual disgruntled look on both faces caused her to lose the battle and Celebruthiel began to giggle in mid-sentence.
"It was not that funny," Gimli grumbled.
"Gimli, when the ladder spun around, the look on your face was unforgettable. And seeing Legolas trying to push you up with his shoulder, it was vastly amusing," Boromir teased.
As Boromir continued to paint a humorous picture for the Hobbits, Celebruthiel wondered at the look passed between Legolas and Gimli. It made her hopeful that once the Fellowship left Lorien, there would be someone other than Aragorn that Legolas could rely on.
"Finally Aragorn and Celebruthiel helped drag Gimli into the talan. And after all that hard work of being pushed and dragged about, he immediately fell asleep," Boromir concluded, much to the delight of everyone but Legolas and Gimli. Neither appreciated being the brunt of the laughter and each took a dent in their armor of pride.
Once the laughter had ceased, a silence fell over the group. The Hobbits seem to silently communicate something among them. Celebruthiel was about to comment on this when Merry directed his gaze to Legolas. It seemed he was the designated speaker for the present.
"Legolas, we," Merry began indicating the other Hobbits and himself, "were wondering if you would tell us of the occurrence this morning with Haldir. We got the impression you two were fighting. And while you told Pippin that it was nothing, we are still concerned about what happened."
Legolas looked at Celebruthiel wondering exactly how he should respond to this. Should he once again brush off the Hobbits concerns or should he respond to them? And if he did respond, should he tell them the truth? Celebruthiel just watched him silently. She wasn't about to open her mouth to answer Merry. She would have spoken plainly and truthfully to the Hobbits for the situation with Haldir did not alarm her, not as it did Legolas.
Legolas sighed, still not knowing how he was going to respond when he opened his mouth. "Like Aragorn stated, we were under the impression that no one would remember Celebruthiel other than Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel. We were shocked when she was recognized. Rumil reported some information that while no one was trying to keep from us, I do not think Lord Celeborn had any intention of informing us. Since Celebruthiel had not remembered, it would have been best forgotten."
"And may I ask what that information was?" Boromir asked, very interested in the turn of conversation. The scene this morning had also been bothering him. Aragorn had brushed off Boromir's questions, which had only raised his disquiet. Boromir felt Aragorn, Legolas, and Celebruthiel knew much that they were not telling the others and so Boromir could not trust his companions completely.
Legolas watched Boromir silently, seeing the distrust in the Human's eyes. Since what had occurred affected nothing but Legolas' pride, the Elf decided to appease the Man, hoping the truth would ease his unrest. "This morning we were told Celebruthiel had been betrothed to Haldir before she was sent to live with Lord Elrond."
The only one not surprised by Legolas' answer was Legolas himself. Both Aragorn and Celebruthiel were surprised Legolas had revealed the truth to their companions. And the rest of the Fellowship were shocked by this new piece of information.
"There is much I do not remember about my childhood, as Gandalf thought it best that I not remember where I came from," Celebruthiel confessed. "But this has no real implications on the task you have set out to accomplish." Celebruthiel looked each member in the eyes, hoping they believed her lies. She couldn't bring herself to tell them the truth. She did not want to see the look of revulsion when they discovered who she really was.
Frodo grew thoughtful for a moment. Something seemed to be not quite right, but he couldn't place his finger on it. He felt there was something that was being left out, but he concluded they had gotten all the information they were going to from Legolas and Celebruthiel this evening. His thoughts turned back to the night before to an encounter he'd had while in the talan. "I do not think I dreamt this, so I must ask Legolas or Celebruthiel about the Orcs. I am fairly certain an Elf warned us of passing Orcs during the night," Frodo asked.
"That is correct, Frodo. There was a band of Orcs that passed right under us during the night," Celebruthiel answered as Pippin clutched her hand at the mention of Orcs. "They were defeated and the Elves pursued those that escaped. So no longer give worry to that threat. Anyway we are safe here in Lorien," Celebruthiel reassured, the last two statements mostly for Pippin's benefit as she squeezed his hand. Celebruthiel was silent for a moment, contemplating whether or not she should mention what else she had learned about that night. Finally she concluded that the Fellowship should be aware of the situation, for it could prove dangerous. "At Cerin Amroth, there was mention of a creature having been spotted in the trees near us, one not of beast shape but that ran on all fours. The Elves did not know what this creature was, but pursued it southward, where it evaded them."
There was stunned silence as each member considered Celebruthiel's words. It was possible that the creature seen was of no consequence and unknown to the Lorien Elves only because they were so isolated from the rest of Middle Earth. Then again, maybe it was some new creation Sauron had sent after them.
Boromir sighed. "Now what new sort of evil do we have to worry about following us?"
Pippin, Merry, and Sam looked frightened at this new information. Legolas and Gimli pondered Boromir's question, for it was the same thing they wondered. Aragorn seemed not quite surprised, but resigned. He expected from the first for things to get more difficult the closer to Mordor they came. The fact that a strange creature might be pursuing them was just another trial to bear.
"It was Gollum," Frodo said softly.
Every head turned to Frodo in surprise.
"You are positive of this?" Aragorn asked as he watched Frodo closely.
Frodo nodded. "I have seen him before," he replied as sadness overcame him as his thoughts turned to Gandalf.
"Where!" Boromir exclaimed, unable to conceive that Frodo had been aware of Gollum's presence and had not shared the knowledge with them. He was shocked and wondered what else Frodo knew but had not mentioned.
Celebruthiel, having been watching Frodo's expression carefully, saw the look overtake Frodo's features and said, " Let us not worry about that now. It does not matter."
"How can you say it does not matter?" Boromir hissed as he leaned forward. "I think it of the most importance. Just what else has the little Hobbit kept from us." Boromir stormed over to where Frodo sat and leaned down over him. Frodo jumped to his feet and made a move to retreat, but Boromir grabbed his cloak.
"Nothing that Gandalf himself did not demand. I think we all carry with us a little piece of the puzzle that Gandalf thought best remains with us. We should not upset that balance now. It's not the time," Celebruthiel stated as she stepped in front of Frodo and pried his cloak from Boromir's hand. "It would be best that you return to your seat," she said quietly.
For the first time, Boromir glanced around him. Legolas and Gimli were standing at few feet from Celebruthiel's side. Gimli was already clutching his axe in his hand, ready to attack if need be. Legolas' hands were free of weapons, but the look on his face spoke volumes. He would kill Boromir with his bear hands if needed. And Aragorn, though unseen, was just behind Boromir, ready to strike.
"I am sorry, Frodo." Boromir whispered as he stepped back from the Hobbit.
"It is all right," Frodo replied softly as he looked around Celebruthiel's protective form. Frodo was relieved that she had stepped in between them. She hadn't been as close to him as the others, but she'd moved so quickly he hadn't even realized her intentions until she was there.
Boromir nodded as he returned to the spot he had been sitting at moments before. The tension was eased once Boromir was once again sitting and the rest of the group returned to their seats also.
"Let us speak of more pleasant things for tonight," Aragorn suggested. "We have many days to speak of the more harsher realities that plague us. For tonight, let us forget."
"Did I mention the delicious little sausages at supper this evening? Do you suppose we will be served more tomorrow?" Pippin asked, always able to lighten the mood with his child-like innocence.
As the laughter surrounded the group, Celebruthiel looked at Pippin shrewdly, wondering for the first time just how aware Pippin was of the moods of those around him. It crept into her head that Pippin might not be as silly as he appeared. And Pippin entrenched even deeper into her heart.
Celebruthiel wondered if she should try to convince Pippin to stay in Lorien. She knew she wouldn't be able to bear it if anything happened to the little Hobbit. But was it fair to use that knowledge against him, to use his love for her to her advantage? And what if he did stay and he was meant to go? Would the outcome change because of her selfishness? It was something Celebruthiel decided she should give more thought to before acting.
""What did you blush for, Sam?" said Pippin. "You soon broke down. Anyone would have thought you had a guilty conscience. I hope it was nothing worse than a wicked plot to steal one of my blankets.""
Celebruthiel had been deep in thought and when her consciousness returned to her surroundings, she tried to determine exactly what the company was discussing.
""I never thought no such thing," answered Sam, in no mood for jest. "If you want to know, I felt as if I hadn't got nothing on, and I didn't like it. She seemed to be looking inside me and asking me what I would do if she gave me the chance of flying back to the Shire to a nice little hole with- with a bit of garden of my own."
"That's funny," said Merry. "Almost exactly what I felt myself; only, only well, I don't think I'll say any more," he ended lamely."
It finally dawned on Celebruthiel that they were once again discussing the meeting with her mother. She looked to Legolas, wondering what his experience had been. He silently shrugged his shoulders. Then she glanced at Aragorn. He held her eyes a moment before looking away. He seemed almost embarrassed by the conversation and Celebruthiel felt the need to apologize for her mother's actions. But she didn't. She couldn't bring herself to open her mouth.
""And it seemed to me, too," said Gimli, "that my choice would remain secret and known only to myself."
"To me it seemed exceedingly strange," said Boromir. "Maybe it was only a test, and she thought to read our thoughts for her own good purpose; but almost I should have said that she was tempting us, and offering what she pretended to have the power to give. It need not be said that I refused to listen. The Men of Minas Tirith are true to their word. She held your gaze long, Ringbearer."
"Yes," said Frodo, "but whatever came into my mind then I will keep there.""
Noticing Celebruthiel's discomfort over the present topic, Aragorn stopped the conversation, announcing that he was going to sleep. The others followed suit quickly enough and all was quiet.
****
After that first night, Celebruthiel and Legolas spent little time with the Fellowship as a whole. They spent many days off wandering Galadrim, sometimes just the two of them, sometimes they took Gimli, Pippin, or Aragorn with them, other times one or both would wander off alone. The nights they reserved for themselves, knowing their time together was falling away like the petals of a rose, one after another until nothing remained.
All throughout Lorien, the Elves mourned the loss of Gandalf for he had been much loved. They were often heard singing songs of lamentation. The Fellowship also grieved the loss of his presence. Once the weariness had left their bodies, the unbelievable sadness had set in. They talked among themselves, but Celebruthiel always walked away when his name came up. She was not ready to accept that he was truly gone. She kept hoping he would return, and though in her head she knew this was impossible, her heart refused to accept the words.
The Company was sitting around a grand fountain, only a stone's throw from the pavilion where they slept when Celebruthiel came breaking through the bushes, squealing in delight, as she ran past the fountain and stopped behind Aragorn, her hands on his shoulders. Legolas came crashing through behind her, laughing as he gave chase. He slowed down once he saw his companions but did not stop as he rounded the company from the other side. The two circled Aragorn several times before what sounded like a herd of wild animals compared to the soft patter of Elven feet. It broke through the shrubbery and turned out to be Gimli, mumbling under his breath at the Elven antics. He stopped, resting his hands on his thighs as he leaned forward, trying to catch his breath. Suddenly Legolas looked around and spotting Pippin, he grinned mischievously. He ran up to the Hobbit, tapped his shoulder, and ran off, calling over his shoulder, "You're it!"
Pippin immediately jumped to his feet and ran after Legolas. Celebruthiel squealed at the new threat and took off in a different direction. Gimli once again mumbled under his breath as he straightened and proceeded to follow at a slower pace.
Those who remained sat in stunned silence. Slowly laughter made it's way around the circle, starting with Aragorn. It had been a very long time since he'd seen Celebruthiel and Legolas like this and it was a refreshing change of pace.
Celebruthiel returned a short time later. "My brother, do you have a moment?"
What remained of the Fellowship looked amongst them, wondering to whom she referred until Aragorn stood. Aragorn followed silently behind Celebruthiel as she walked to the far edge of Galadriem at a steady pace. She slowed as they reached a tall silver tree and proceeded to climb up the ladder. At the top was a three-room enclosure. Aragorn wouldn't have gone as far as to call it a house, but it was sparsely furnished. He noticed many articles that belonged to both Celebruthiel and Legolas and realized this was where they'd been spending their nights.
"I will return to my parents once you leave Galadriem. But until then, this has become home," Celebruthiel said softly after observing Aragorn as he scrutinized their surroundings.
"I hope this will be a place where the memories will bring you joy," Aragorn said softly thinking of Arwen. While they both had accepted his leaving gracefully, their parting had still been difficult. And Aragorn still worried about her in the wee hours of the morning, if she was okay, if she was worried, lonely, missing him.
"Do you mean like Cerin Amroth is for you?" Celebruthiel asked, a slight smile gracing her lips as she took a seat on a small pale green couch. Aragorn was taken back by her comment and he looked at Celebruthiel sharply. "Arwen is my sister," she replied with a laugh. "She told me of your meeting the moment she returned to Rivendell. Only at the time, she hadn't been aware that you were known to me. Imagine my surprise to find my baby sister in love with my fondest brother."
Aragorn shook his head, not at all certain why he was surprised. He knew Arwen and Celebruthiel confided much in each other. It was just an odd feeling being the individual on the other side of those confidences.
"Sit," Celebruthiel commanded softly as she patted the seat next to her. "There is much I need to tell you and I have put it off long enough."
"You are under no obligation," Aragorn stated as he sat beside her. He looked deeply into the Elf's eyes, this one who was dearer to him than any natural sister could have been. He tried to determine exactly what was troubling her. But for once Celebruthiel's pale blue depths were barred to him.
"Yes I am," she whispered. "I am going to expect much of you, Aragorn, regarding Arwen." She paused a moment as she stared back at him. His eyes were penetrating hers, searching for an indicator to her mood. She had to glance away; afraid he would see too much. She last thing she wanted to do was further burden him with her fears. She glanced to the pendant swinging from his neck. "I am quite aware of what my sister has done, of the pledge to you," she murmured as she fingered the piece of jewelry, the one Arwen had given to him when she had pledged to live and grow old by his side. As she glanced back up, she noticed Aragorn's guilt ridden expression and was almost sorry she'd brought it up. "I do not mention this to distress you. I want your pledge that if Frodo fails, you will do what you can to keep my sister safe."
"Of course," he insisted, slightly upset that she would even need his word on this, for he loved Arwen with his whole being. He would do all to keep her safe.
"And if it required giving up your kingdom, would you really be able to do so?" she asked softly, as if ready his thoughts.
He looked at her sharply, wondering how she could dare ask such a thing of him. Did she really think so little of him as to believe that being King was more important than Arwen? The Kingdom was want everyone else seemed to be preoccupied with. To Aragorn, it had never mattered. It had been more an embarrassment than anything, just a reminder of how weak the blood running in his veins truly was. Aragorn stood; prepared to storm away from Celebruthiel, an action he'd never contemplating doing before in her presence.
Celebruthiel grabbed his arm and while he refused to look at her, he did stop from deserting her. "Aragorn, you must understand that I believe Sauron will come after Arwen and why," she whispered so softly Aragorn's ears had to strain to hear her. She now had Aragorn's full attention as his gaze snapped back to her face and he sank back into the couch. "He hates my mother and has vowed to destroy her. My parents believe Celebrian's kidnapping long ago was a blatant act of revenge against my mother for she opposed him long before the Great War." She stood and walked into the next room. She grabbed a quilt off the bed she shared with Legolas and returned to Aragorn's side. She wrapped herself in a quilt cocoon and resumed her seat. Just thinking of Sauron chilled her to the bone.
Aragorn watched silently, a worried expression overtaking his noble features. All this talk of Arwen needing his protection was truly frightening, even more so than the thought of his falling victim to the Ring.
"Arwen is safe in Rivendell," he stated, trying to assure himself of this more than anything. He needed her confirmation of this if he was to continue on the path he knew he must walk.
Celebruthiel nodded before saying fatefully, "For now."
"What is that supposed to mean?" Aragorn cried as his hands reached out and grasped her shoulders roughly.
"There was a prophecy long before my birth. It is tedious to go into detail as you would neither recognize nor understand those involved. But I believe it predicts my death," she cried. After the words were out, Celebruthiel sat there shell-shocked. She had opened her mouth to calmly explain to Aragorn one thing and something completely different had popped right out, something she hadn't intended on telling anyone.
"What!" Aragorn exclaimed as he shook her slightly, so distressed was he by the confession that sounded as if it had been ripped from her body.
Celebruthiel placed her hand lightly on his knee. "Please say nothing to Legolas, I beg you," she whispered hoarsely. "He knows of the prophecy but we have not discussed it since my parents told us of it. He must leave with you. If he learns of my fear, he will not be willing to leave my side. And in my heart I know he must go. Something tells me the Halfings' lives depend on it." She patted his knee and smiled sadly as she said, "Isn't that silly. Here I am concerned about something happening to Pippin and Merry when it's Frodo who has been targeted." She shook her head in attempt to clear the dark images from her mind.
"Celebruthiel, how can you be sure it is your death this prophecy predicts?" Aragorn asked quietly, praying she was mistaken.
"I am not," she conceded with a sigh and relief washed over Aragorn. "I just have this overwhelming feeling of darkness settling over me. I cannot explain it. Anyway, I am not what is important. Arwen," she said decisively. "If something happens to me it is because I have taken a stand against Sauron. And I know my mother and father, Lord Elrond that is, will not let me do this alone. Our destruction will leave Arwen vulnerable. That is when he will strike. And it won't just be a strike against my mother. It will also be one against you for he harbors deep hatred against you as well. You must be prepared."
"I do not believe you are telling me this," Aragorn whispered desperately. "How do you expect me to leaving knowing this."
"Aragorn, I do not know if any of this will come to pass. But you have the right to know it could. I do not plan to die so easily." Celebruthiel stood and walked her quilt-clad form to the entrance of the house. She wrapped the quilt tighter around her as the cool breeze lifted her hair from around her face. "I do not know if I am just being paranoid because Gandalf is no longer with us, but I think if he was still here, I would not feel such doom," she whispered.
Aragorn sighed. "Celebruthiel, if what you say does come to pass, I will protect Arwen until my death," he promised.
Celebruthiel turned to find Aragorn standing right behind her. She touched his cheek and smiled fondly. "I expect nothing less from you, my brother. I have always felt safe in the knowledge that Arwen has your love. Even when my father, Lord Elrond, has not."
Celebruthiel moved away from Aragorn as she heard footsteps approaching from a distance. She recognized the light patter of Legolas and the heavy stomp of Gimli. As they drew closer, she heard Gimli ask,
"Are you sure she is here?" The dwarf sounded out of breath and Celebruthiel smiled. "I hope so for it was an awfully long walk. Why you two feel the need to stay way out here is beyond me," Gimli grumbled as they stopped below the tree Celebruthiel and Legolas now called home.
"Gimli, must you complain about everything?" Legolas asked, his exasperation evident in his tone. "It only shows how superior Elves are to Dwarves, you know."
"Well. I. That is an insult!" Gimli cried indignantly.
"Well, then how about you climb on up and prove me wrong?" Legolas asked, gesturing to the ladder before them. He smiled at the Dwarf, feigning innocence. But Gimli didn't believe that look at all. He knew the Elf well enough to recognize a challenge when he heard one.
"I shall do just that!" he insisted as he stepped up to the ladder. Gimli looked up, pondering exactly how he was going to make it to the top without appearing the fool. Again. He'd already decided days ago Legolas had a definite advantage over him in Galadriem. He almost couldn't wait until they continued on their journey just to burst the bubble of that Elf's ego, even a little bit.
"Must you two turn everything into a competition?" Celebruthiel called down from the structures doorway.
Gimli looked up but could not see her through the tree branches and leaves. He heard a movement from above his head and then the ladder began to sway gently. Soon Celebruthiel could be seen descending the ladder with Aragorn not far behind. And Gimli sighed with relief.
"You lucked out, my friend," Legolas said good-naturedly as he slapped Gimli hard on the back. Gimli was unprepared and pitched forward a step or two.
"Annoying, obnoxious Elf," Gimli mumbled under his breath.
Legolas only laughed robustly. "When will you not learn, Gimli? I can hear you."
"Eavesdropping, obnoxious Elf," Gimli mumbled again as he looked directly at Legolas this time, not even attempting to hide his annoyance.
Celebruthiel dropped to the ground, chuckling over the exchange between Legolas and Gimli. The two would never admit their fondness for one another, but their companionship more than allured to it. Sometimes it made Celebruthiel feel almost jealous and then she had to berate herself. This was exactly what she'd wanted.
"Well I am now safely on the ground, Master Gimli. To what do I owe the pleasure? I assume you both were looking for me."
"My Lady," Gimli said with a bow." The furry little Halfling deserted us to eat once again and so your husband decided he wanted to go explore the Eastern side of Galadriem, as we have not been there yet. You must join us. Otherwise I cannot guarantee he will return to you in one piece," Gimli said lightly as he fingered the handle of his axe.
"As long as you do not cut his hair. You know that it renders an Elf as weak as a babe?" Celebruthiel stated.
The Dwarf turned to her in true surprise. "Truly?" he asked in disbelief.
The other three laughed at the Dwarf's gullibility. "No," Celebruthiel said through her laughter. "I was only teasing. And please do not return my husband to me in pieces." Legolas beamed at Celebruthiel and then snickered at Gimli. "The mess would be difficult to clean up." Legolas' face fell and Gimli laughed heartily at the Elf's expense.
"Only you, my dear, could cause an Elf such pain," Legolas said, feigning sadness as he dramatically placed a hand over his heart.
"You'll get over it soon enough," Aragorn replied as he clasped his hand on Legolas' shoulder.
"Ouch," Legolas replied, pretending to be hurt by his reply. Then he smiled wickedly at Aragorn and said, "Just remember who has pledged himself to her sister. When her sharp tongue has stung you to the core, I am the only one who will understand the pain."
Aragorn stopped and contemplated his words for a moment. "You have a point there, my friend," he replied in a mock seriousness. "Sorry, my dear sister, but I must side with Legolas on this."
"That is only because Arwen is not here at this moment," Celebruthiel commented in a teasing tone.
Aragorn winced at her statement and nodded with a grin. "I should get back before I dig myself in any deeper. I should check on the others, anyway. I will see the three of you at supper?" he asked hopefully. They always seemed to lighten the mood when they decided to join the Company.
Celebruthiel nodded in reply before Aragorn hugged her quickly. Then he turned and with a last wave, left the three. When he was out of sight, Legolas turned to his companions.
"Shall we?" he asked, indicating with a sweeping gesture the direction they would be heading.
"Yes, let's." Celebruthiel replied as she linked arms with Legolas and Gimli.
The Lorien Elves wondered at the sight as the three progressed through the city. It wasn't the first time they'd seen their Princess or the Prince of Mirkwood with the Dwarf. They had arrived together. But it had been so long since a Dwarf had been seen in Galadriem. And for those who did remember, they were wary for the memories they held of the Dwarves of Moria were not pleasant ones. And so to see their Princess with one such as he was a troublesome sight. They would all be relieved when the strangers left.
At the east edge of Galadriem, they found a crystal clear pond. Celebruthiel walked to the edge and sat down, letting her feet dangle in the sun kissed water. Legolas and Gimli wandered off to explore the perimeter. Once they had returned from the opposite direction that they'd started, both sat beside her.
"How is the water?" Legolas asked as he gazed longingly out over the pond.
"Surprisingly warm," Celebruthiel answered as she reached her hand into the water then bringing it back out quickly, splashing Legolas in the process.
He was startled for the briefest second and then a sly smiled crept over his features. "It is pleasant," he said evenly enough as his arm snaked around her waist. Before she realized his intentions, he had scooped her into his arms.
"What are you doing?" Celebruthiel questioned as Legolas took one step into the water. "You wouldn't," she hissed as he continued to walk further into the pond. When Celebruthiel realized he would, she began to panic and tried to extricate herself from his hold. She hated water. Not in the sense of bathing, but in any body of water that went over her head. She'd had an unreasonable fear as long as she could remember. "Do not, Legolas, please!" she begged right before she felt her foundation falter and she began to fall. If she had been standing, she would have felt secure in the waist deep water. But the angle she fell caused her to become emerged. As she came up for air, sputtering and flailing, she heard the laughter of Legolas and Gimli. Enraged, she launched herself at Legolas, hitting him in the knees, and sending him falling backwards. This time, when Celebruthiel returned to the surface, Legolas was no longer laughing; He looked at her sullenly as Gimli continued to laugh, even harder this time. He always enjoyed when Legolas got his due.
The two Elves studied each other silently before both turned and slowly headed to shore. If Gimli hadn't been laughing so hard, he would have recognized the threat in their eyes and he would have run. Instead, he didn't understand the gravity of the situation until the two were dragging him into the warm water.
"You two are crazy! Let me go!" Gimli yelled as he struggled against the hands that held him captive. "Why I ever." he sputtered as he hit the water. Gimli surfaced a moment later, spitting out the water he'd inhaled as he'd gone in. Wordlessly he marched out of the pond.
"Gimli, were are you going?" Legolas called after the Dwarf as he glanced at Celebruthiel. One look at her face told him she was worried they'd gone too far. "Gimli," Legolas called once again as he sloshed out of the pond, quickly trying to overtake the Dwarf.
Gimli faced Legolas just as the Elf had caught up to him. Quickly, quicker than anyone would have given Gimli credit, he rammed his shoulder into Legolas' side, lifting the Elf in the process. Gimli rushed into the water, dumping the shocked Elf in.
"Ha!" Gimli yelled. "That will teach you to mess with a Dwarf." Gimli slapped his hands together in satisfaction and then laughed at the look of surprise on Legolas' face. "Now let's go eat. I am starving." With that announcement, Gimli turned his back on the two and headed toward camp.
Celebruthiel reached a hand out to Legolas as she reached his side. He grasped it and let her help him up. He didn't comment on the fact that she was biting her lip to keep from laughing. He just shook his head and followed the crazy Dwarf. And no one dared to comment at their appearances as the three arrived to supper, looking like drowned rats.
