You may push me around
But you cannot win
You may throw me down
But I'll rise again
The more you say
The more I defy you
So get out of my face
You cannot stop us
You cannot bring us down
Never give up
We go on and on
You'll never break us
Never bring us down
We are alive!
Offspring- "Defy You"
The White Rider
With the dawn also came a surprise Celebruthiel had not envisioned. She traveled through Galadrim, heading toward the garden just west of her parents home, where she had been meeting Haldir, Orophin, and Rumil every morning since the Fellowships' departure. As she walked, she sensed an excitement in the air. Most of the inhabitants of the city seemed to be curiously absent, but Celebruthiel was so elated due her encounter with Legolas the night before, she took little notice. When she reached the garden, she discovered the brothers to be surprisingly absent. Celebruthiel shrugged her shoulders, disappointed because she desperately wanted to share her joy with someone. She continued strolling through the garden in the hopes that she had just arrived before the three brothers.
After reaching the northern hedge, Celebruthiel was about to turn to the east to seek out her mother when from the corner of her eye she spotted an odd circular ball of light. With little thought, she turned to the west and followed it, mesmerized. Past the pavilion where she had said goodbye to the Fellowship, she moved until she encountered an old man standing beside the fountain. The light seemed to flitter around him and then enlarge until it had encompassed his entire form. He had his back to her, giving her no clear indication of who he was. He wore a robe, pristine white, and his long hair was as white as new fallen snow. The first thought that entered Celebruthiel's consciousness was of Saruman and she opened her mouth to call out for help. At that moment, the stranger turned around and Celebruthiel took a step backward, stunned. She immediately closed her mouth then opened it again.
"Mithrandir?" she questioned softly, unable to believe the vision that stood before her eyes. Celebruthiel blinked and then blinked again. But the vision remained and it smiled at her.
"Mirriel," he greeted with a smile as he leaned upon his walking stick and the light that surrounded him popped and disappeared.
"But how can this be? You fell. I saw you fall," Celebruthiel questioned, disbelievingly. It had to be a trick.
"Do you really believe I would have been allowed to set foot in this City if I was not who you say I am? You have little faith in your mother's powers," Mithrandir admonished then smiled fondly at her. "You always did question everything." His jaw muscles twitched, and then he gave into the reflex and began to laugh.
"Mithrandir!" she cried as she ran to him, throwing her arms around his neck. "Thank you for letting him return," she whispered softly.
Mithrandir patted her back as he returned her embrace. "I am returned," he whispered back.
"How?" Celebruthiel questioned softly as she pulled back from him and looked up into his eyes.
Mithrandir stepped back from her and began walking. When Celebruthiel did not immediately follow, he waved to her and said, "Come."
Celebruthiel trailed behind him back to the garden where she had first encountered the white light. Mithrandir took a seat on a bench and patted the empty spot beside him. Celebruthiel quickly sat beside him, turning to Mithrandir expectantly. He sighed as he prepared to retell his story. He has already had the pleasure of reliving the experience with Galadriel and Celeborn. It was not been pleasurable, one he would prefer forget entirely. But to forget the battle would also mean forgetting the lessons he had learned from the entire experience.
"Long I fell with the demon through fire and water. The fire burned me and the water almost froze my heart. At the bottom, beyond light and knowledge, I fought him until at last he fled into dark tunnels. I pursued him and he led me back to Khazad-Dum, to the Endless Stair. From the lowest dungeon to the highest peak, it climbed. And there upon Celebdil, I threw down my enemy. Then darkness took me and I strayed out of thought and time." Mithrandir paused at Celebruthiel's gasp after having rushed through the beginning of the tale. "But I was sent back- for a brief time, until my task is done," he reassured as he touched her arm. "There I lay, staring upward, while the stars wheeled over and each day was as long as a life-age of the earth. Faint to my ears came the gathered rumor of all lands: the springing and the dying, the song and the weeping, and the slow everlasting groan over overburdened stone. And so at last Gwarbie the Windlord found me and bore me away. Your mother sent him to find me." And with that pronouncement, Mithrandir leaned back, a large smile encompassing his face.
"Mother?" Celebruthiel asked, stunned that her mother would have such knowledge of Mithrandir's existence and not share it with her.
Mithrandir smiled and patted Celebruthiel's hand, which was clutching his robe. Celebruthiel looked down at their joined hands and smiled apologetically. She hadn't even realized she had reached out to touch him.
"Your mother was ever hopeful that I would climb my way out of darkness. She knew a battle raged and remained faithful that I would prevail." Mithrandir explained softly. "But I do not think she wanted to raise the hopes of the Fellowship if I was lost. And so she waited patiently, knowing little else could be done. So do not fault your mother. We are all doing the best we can with the little knowledge we have."
Mithrandir watched carefully the female before him who resembled an Elf in every way, but because of her father, was not really an Elf. All those many years ago, they had not even had a glimmer of the consequences bringing such a life to birth. If her blood had not been tainted by her Elven mother, she would have been a very powerful entity. But Sauron chose Galadriel in the hopes of breaking her spirit. Now the Dark Lord realized his plans had gone askew. He had mixed his essence with the most powerful Elf left on Middle Earth. Now no one knew exactly what Celebruthiel's role would be. She had power, in that they were certain, but the extent could not be determined short of lining her up against her dark father. And that was a risk no one was willing to take.
"Much have I seen, but whether it is what is to be or what could be, I do not know. And what is near at hand, I have lost sight of completely. I had hoped to meet up with the rest, but I find them gone. To where and what purpose, I cannot say. And then I come to you, my dear Mirriel. I find what I thought to be your role in all this to be incorrect."
"What do you mean, Mithrandir?" Celebruthiel asked curiously as she sat up straight, waiting for him to continue. Since she had first learned the truth of her existence, she had been waiting for someone to tell her what to do, how to help. No one seemed to know what to do with her, if her help would be for good or not. And so she sat- and waited- waited for her opportunity to do something other than sit, to actually be a contributing member of the fight. Having Legolas fight for her upset her already unbalanced pride until she wanted to scream out in her rage. But she fought it down and continued to wait. Now that Mithrandir had returned, Celebruthiel hoped her waiting had ended.
"Anor- the Ring of Fire. I had thought there might be a chance of wielding the three Elven Rings against Sauron. But in returning from darkness, I discover this to be incorrect." He paused for a moment as he looked down his nose at her. "But I do believe we shall find a use for it."
Mirriel watched as Mithrandir fiddled with his hands. He gave the appearance of removing something from his finger, but the object was invisible to Mirriel's eyes. Mithrandir reached down, grasping her hand from her lap and he laid what felt to be a cool piece of metal in her palm. Once in her possession, it came into view. It was a large gold ring with a blood red stone in the center. It was a massive piece that should have weighed down her hand, but felt like a feather in her palm. As she examined it, watching the sunlight dance off the stone, Mithrandir enclosed her fingers around it.
"You will know when the right time occurs to place it on your finger. Use it wisely, Mirriel. We do not know what Sauron will be able to see. If the Ring enables a link between you and the Dark Lord, you must use caution. For while it would prove fruitful to us in the beginning to have access to his thoughts, it would eventually pull you into darkness."
"Then why give it to me?" she questioned aoftly, fearful of the power contained in the inanimate object.
"I am not saying this will come to pass. Only that it could. I believe the Ring will ead you on a different path, one away from Mordor. But as I have said, I have seen much, but not nearly enough. I think we must focus on Isengard."
"Isengard? Saruman. Yes, he must be stopped," Celebruthiel whispered more to herself than Mithrandir. Absently she slipped the ring into her pocket. As she wrapped her mind around the concept, she was relieved to finally have something to do. Concentrating on Saruman would give her a purpose.
Mithrandir nodded. "How we must accomplish this task, I do not know, but it must be done. And while I had thought our only hope lay in men, I now know this is correct. If the Kingdoms of Men do not unite, they will be destroyed. But how to get them to put aside their petty differences, I am not certain it's possible."
"Aragorn," Celebruthiel whispered.
"Aragorn?" Mithrandir looked surprised, as if the name was familiar, but uncertain of it's meaning. "Aragorn- yes Aragorn." Mithrandir nodded. "If Aragorn would accept his birthright, he might be able to unite the land." He looked to Celebruthiel expectantly. Other than Arwen, she was the most likely candidate to know Aragorn's mind, given their relationship.
"I must think on all you have said, Mithrandir. You have given me much to reflect upon," Celebruthiel murmured thoughtfully.
That night as she dressed for bed, she remembered the Ring in her pocket. She sat at the vanity, mesmerized by it. She saw a brief glimpse as to the power the Rings held and how they had so easily ensnared so many. As she glanced up from the Ring, she spotted a small locked box on the table. Searching the drawers, she discovered a small key. Using the key, she unlocked the box. As she opened the lid, a tune flowed from within. She smiled to herself as she recognized the song. It was a melody she had always hummed though she had never been able to recall its origin. Before loosing her nerve, she tossed the Ring inside and quickly locked the box. Using a long ribbon, she tied the key around her neck and forgot about the Ring.
As she lay in bed, her mind returned to her conversation with Mithrandir. Her mind was still stuck on Saruman and she would need some time before she could move on to Aragorn. And time she did spend. It consumed her every waking hour and at night, her dreams were filled with 'what ifs". Legolas was lost to her again, unreachable through the fog of darkness, and so she immersed herself in formulating plans. The first one gave her great difficulties. The second was not so hard.
****
The next several days were spent in Council discussing all that had been seen and what should or should not be done about the happenings on Middle Earth. The Council consisted of Celeborn, Galadriel, Mithrandir, Celebruthiel, and what remained of the Lorien Eldars: Caranfindel, Feagaeril, Galanrod, and Celegilnor. Lorien's inhabitants held a separatist attitude. They always had and many did not want to become involved in the troublesome happenings around them.
The first meeting was directly after Celebruthiel had finished speaking to Mithrandir. They joined the rest of the Elves in Celeborn's study. This was the first time Celebruthiel had sat down in such an intimate setting with any of the Eldar in Lorien save for her parents. And she felt very intimidated, speaking in front of them about her encounter with Legolas. But she'd had no choice in the matter, as her mother had immediately questioned her as she entered the room.
"What news have you?" Galadriel asked as soon as her daughter stepped over the threshold. She has anxiously been awaiting Mirriel all morning. She had sensed an excitement radiating from Mirriel almost upon her awakening, but had held back since she knew Mirriel would want to see Mithrandir.
Celebruthiel looked around the study embarrassed to have to relive her night in front of so many she did not know. But she answered anyway because she wanted to be able to tell someone. She relayed all Legolas had told her the separation of the Fellowship, of the capture of Pippin and Merry, and the pursuit Aragorn, Gimli, and Legolas were now conducting to rescue the Halfings from Saruman's Orcs. She spoke of the Orcs, of the white mark they carried and how they continued to move, day and night, confirming all reports of Orcs that could travel in the daylight.
After Celebruthiel finished, Galadriel stepped forward, retelling of the separation of the Fellowship and how the Halfling, Frodo, had continued on his journey to Mordor alone. And so the Ring had passed beyond the Elves grasp and it was up to Frodo to see the deed done. The only information Galadriel refrained from sharing was of Boromir's death. She spoke of his peril concerning the Ring, but that he had escaped the Ring's calling when the Fellowship split. For Galadriel was worried about Mithrandir's fragile state, as he had not fully recovered from his time in Shadow.
After Galadriel had finished her tale, it became apparent that they would have to convene for the day. Mithrandir was feeling tired and needed to go rest. It was then Celebruthiel realized he had been truly hurt during his experience with the demon and had yet to recuperate. So the Council went there separate ways, prepared to reconvene on the morning.
Celebruthiel immediately located Haldir, wanting to fulfill her promise to Legolas to find news of his father. Celebruthiel knew few in Lorien very well, and she trusted even less. But she trusted Haldir whole-heartedly. Even though she still could not remember much of her past involving him, the feelings of absolute trust and acceptance were still there. Upon her explanation, Haldir spared no time agreeing to leave at once for Rivendell. Celebruthiel wished him great speed and safety then left Haldir to get ready for his journey.
Celebruthiel went to bed that evening eagerly expecting to connect with Legolas again. She had much to tell him, what with the return of Mithrandir. But to her disappointment, Legolas never made contact and she could not find him. So she had plenty of time to concentrate on her conversation with Mithrandir concerning not only Saruman, but Aragorn as well. She thought long and hard about what to do with the situation at Isengard until her head hurt. But she could think of no solution. So she then turned to an easier topic, Aragorn. She had known Aragorn much of his life and she was certain she was one of few who really understood the man. And so she pondered the best way to gain Aragorn's cooperation. She knew it would not be difficult to get him to agree, as Aragorn was always concerned about duty above all else. But more than just his cooperation would be needed for Aragorn to be able to get the Kingdoms to unite. He would need to believe whole-heartedly that this was the path for him to travel. Celebruthiel had several ideas on how they might accomplish this goal, but she decided to ponder it some more before she said anything to Mithrandir.
****
The next day, Mithrandir stood before the Council. He had much to say concerning Sauron and his thoughts on the Fellowship.
""The Enemy, of course, has long known that the Ring is abroad, and that it is borne by a Hobbit. He knows now the number of our company that set out from Rivendell, and the kind of each of us. But he does not yet perceive our purpose clearly. He supposes that we were all going to Minas Tirith; for that is what he would himself have done in our place. And according to his wisdom it would have been a heavy stroke against his power. Indeed he is in great fear, not knowing what mighty one may suddenly appear, wielding the Ring, and assailing him with war, seeking to cast him down and take his place."" Mithrandir paused as he glanced around the room, his gaze settling on Celebruthiel. "I see now his greatest fear has been his own offspring stepping forward, claiming dominance over the Ring. He sees her as the only threat to his power. But we know within his defeat is also Mirriel's destruction to the power of the Ring. He does not understand why we would not want Mirriel to take his place."
When Mithrandir had mentioned her name, Celeborn had reached over, taking Mirriel's hand in his, bringing it to his lap. She clung to her father's hand, gripping it tightly. It became her lifeline against the pain. She needed no reminder of who she was and every time it was drudged up, she felt sick.
""That we should wish to cast him down and have no one in his place is not a thought that occurs to his mind. That we should try to destroy the Ring itself has not yet entered into his darkest dream. In which not doubt you will see our good fortune and our hope. For imagining war he has let loose war, believing he has no time to waste; for he that strikes the first blow, if he strikes it hard enough, may need to strike no more. So the forces he has long been preparing he is now setting in motion, sooner than he intended. Wise fool. For if he had used all his power to guard Mordor, so that none could enter, and bent all his guile to the hunting of the Ring, then indeed hope would have faded; neither Ring nor bearer could long have eluded him. But now his eye gazes abroad rather than near at home; and mostly he looks towards Minas Tirith. Very soon now his strength will fall upon it like a storm. For already he knows that the messengers that he sent to waylay the Company have failed again. They have not found the Ring. Neither have they brought away any Hobbits as hostages.""
As Mithrandir sat down, everyone in the room silently contemplated what he had stated concerning the Ring. Celebruthiel was very thoughtful, for his words had given her just the angle to use to gain Aragorn's complete cooperation. She pulled her hand from Celeborn's grip and rose to her feet. The room's attention was soon centered on the child Mithrandir had so recently spoken of. But instead of taking a spot in the center of the room, Celebruthiel walked to the entrance of the veranda where the cool breeze that slightly moved the long sheers calmed her overactive mind.
"Mirriel?" Galadriel questioned, watching her daughter's movements curiously. To just get up in the middle of a Council and not speak was out of the ordinary.
Celebruthiel sighed and turned to Mithrandir. "I think I have a solution to one of the problems we spoke of yesterday," she said quietly, looking directly at the Wizard, ignoring the rest in the room. "If you want Aragorn's cooperation, you must convince him the only hope Frodo has of getting the Ring to Mount Doom is for Aragorn to keep the Enemy busy from the Western front, from Minas Tirith. If he does not expect us to come from behind him, then me must make sure his eye stays fixed on what is occurring before him. And so we must provoke him into battle. As for Aragorn, he just needs to be shown his purpose. Give him one and he will see it done."
Mithrandir silently contemplated her words, quickly realizing that Mirriel was not only referring to Aragorn. She was also speaking of herself. Give her a purpose and she will see it done. Mithrandir thought of this for quite some time even after the Council had ended.
****
During the Five days of Council, throughout the many declarations and speeches concerning the events around them, Celebruthiel pondered what was to be done about Saruman. She was almost to the point where she no longer wanted to attend the Council. She had made the mistake on the fourth day of questioning Lorien's involvement in the War over the Ring. It had turned into a bickering match that had yet to end, going back to Valinor itself. And it was all making Celebruthiel's head ache. She felt she could not concentrate on the task at hand.
She stood behind her father's desk studying a map of Middle Earth as the debate raged around her. She suddenly remembered a song she had heard in Mirkwood.
"Mithrandir?" Celebruthiel called, interrupting the raised voices around her. What they were arguing about now, she did not know as she had given up many hours ago of paying any attention to the Eldar around her. She had not even bothered looking up from the map. All speech stopped as all eyes focused on her. "Is it true what they say of Fangorn Forest, of the old Onodrim?" A general gasp of surprise went around the room. Celebruthiel finally glanced up, her eyes directly centered on Mithrandir. "Do the Onodrim exist?"
Mithrandir cleared his throat, thoughtfully studying Celebruthiel before he gave his reply. "Yes, there are still some Onodrim in this world, though I believe their numbers are dwindling."
"When you spoke of your imprisonment at Isengard, you mentioned something about the destruction of the southern edge of Fangorn," Celebruthiel murmured, her nose once again buried in the map before her.
"That is true," Mithrandir stated, starting to catch a glimmer as to her thoughts.
Celebruthiel looked back up, surveying the room before fixing her gaze on Mithrandir. "What would it take to convince the Onodrim to go to war?" Murmurs went around the room at her question. "Do you think they would seek revenge against Saruman for the destruction of their trees?"
Mithrandir gave her question some serious thought. He was not certain if there was anything that could wake the Onodrim from their sleep, but if was to be done, he knew exactly who could accomplish this task.
"If there was ever a reason, this would be it," Mithrandir said finally. "And I know just the Onodrim."
"Then you must go immediately," Galadriel stated as she motioned for the doors to be opened. She yelled out a request for Gwarbie the Windlord to be summoned and to have Mithrandir's things ready for travel. He would leave as soon as Gwarbie the Windlord arrived.
****
As Mithrandir was getting ready to climb onto the great eagle's back, he paused and turned back to the Elves who had come to see him off. Celebruthiel was standing in front beside her mother and father.
"Before I leave there is just one last thing to do," Mithrandir muttered as he approached the three. "It is time," he spoke, confusing Celebruthiel and upsetting Galadriel and Celeborn. Mithrandir raised his staff, pointing it at Celebruthiel. "As I speak, let the past merge with the present and remembrance set you free."
It all came back to Celebruthiel with a flash of bright light. Memory after memory of the first almost 200 years of her existence bombarded her. Her mind could not take the flood at once and she crumpled into her father's arms.
Ignoring the panic building around him, Mithrandir climbed onto the back of Gwarbie the Windlord. Off they flew. But little did Mithrandir know that already things were beginning to stir in Fangorn Forest.
But you cannot win
You may throw me down
But I'll rise again
The more you say
The more I defy you
So get out of my face
You cannot stop us
You cannot bring us down
Never give up
We go on and on
You'll never break us
Never bring us down
We are alive!
Offspring- "Defy You"
The White Rider
With the dawn also came a surprise Celebruthiel had not envisioned. She traveled through Galadrim, heading toward the garden just west of her parents home, where she had been meeting Haldir, Orophin, and Rumil every morning since the Fellowships' departure. As she walked, she sensed an excitement in the air. Most of the inhabitants of the city seemed to be curiously absent, but Celebruthiel was so elated due her encounter with Legolas the night before, she took little notice. When she reached the garden, she discovered the brothers to be surprisingly absent. Celebruthiel shrugged her shoulders, disappointed because she desperately wanted to share her joy with someone. She continued strolling through the garden in the hopes that she had just arrived before the three brothers.
After reaching the northern hedge, Celebruthiel was about to turn to the east to seek out her mother when from the corner of her eye she spotted an odd circular ball of light. With little thought, she turned to the west and followed it, mesmerized. Past the pavilion where she had said goodbye to the Fellowship, she moved until she encountered an old man standing beside the fountain. The light seemed to flitter around him and then enlarge until it had encompassed his entire form. He had his back to her, giving her no clear indication of who he was. He wore a robe, pristine white, and his long hair was as white as new fallen snow. The first thought that entered Celebruthiel's consciousness was of Saruman and she opened her mouth to call out for help. At that moment, the stranger turned around and Celebruthiel took a step backward, stunned. She immediately closed her mouth then opened it again.
"Mithrandir?" she questioned softly, unable to believe the vision that stood before her eyes. Celebruthiel blinked and then blinked again. But the vision remained and it smiled at her.
"Mirriel," he greeted with a smile as he leaned upon his walking stick and the light that surrounded him popped and disappeared.
"But how can this be? You fell. I saw you fall," Celebruthiel questioned, disbelievingly. It had to be a trick.
"Do you really believe I would have been allowed to set foot in this City if I was not who you say I am? You have little faith in your mother's powers," Mithrandir admonished then smiled fondly at her. "You always did question everything." His jaw muscles twitched, and then he gave into the reflex and began to laugh.
"Mithrandir!" she cried as she ran to him, throwing her arms around his neck. "Thank you for letting him return," she whispered softly.
Mithrandir patted her back as he returned her embrace. "I am returned," he whispered back.
"How?" Celebruthiel questioned softly as she pulled back from him and looked up into his eyes.
Mithrandir stepped back from her and began walking. When Celebruthiel did not immediately follow, he waved to her and said, "Come."
Celebruthiel trailed behind him back to the garden where she had first encountered the white light. Mithrandir took a seat on a bench and patted the empty spot beside him. Celebruthiel quickly sat beside him, turning to Mithrandir expectantly. He sighed as he prepared to retell his story. He has already had the pleasure of reliving the experience with Galadriel and Celeborn. It was not been pleasurable, one he would prefer forget entirely. But to forget the battle would also mean forgetting the lessons he had learned from the entire experience.
"Long I fell with the demon through fire and water. The fire burned me and the water almost froze my heart. At the bottom, beyond light and knowledge, I fought him until at last he fled into dark tunnels. I pursued him and he led me back to Khazad-Dum, to the Endless Stair. From the lowest dungeon to the highest peak, it climbed. And there upon Celebdil, I threw down my enemy. Then darkness took me and I strayed out of thought and time." Mithrandir paused at Celebruthiel's gasp after having rushed through the beginning of the tale. "But I was sent back- for a brief time, until my task is done," he reassured as he touched her arm. "There I lay, staring upward, while the stars wheeled over and each day was as long as a life-age of the earth. Faint to my ears came the gathered rumor of all lands: the springing and the dying, the song and the weeping, and the slow everlasting groan over overburdened stone. And so at last Gwarbie the Windlord found me and bore me away. Your mother sent him to find me." And with that pronouncement, Mithrandir leaned back, a large smile encompassing his face.
"Mother?" Celebruthiel asked, stunned that her mother would have such knowledge of Mithrandir's existence and not share it with her.
Mithrandir smiled and patted Celebruthiel's hand, which was clutching his robe. Celebruthiel looked down at their joined hands and smiled apologetically. She hadn't even realized she had reached out to touch him.
"Your mother was ever hopeful that I would climb my way out of darkness. She knew a battle raged and remained faithful that I would prevail." Mithrandir explained softly. "But I do not think she wanted to raise the hopes of the Fellowship if I was lost. And so she waited patiently, knowing little else could be done. So do not fault your mother. We are all doing the best we can with the little knowledge we have."
Mithrandir watched carefully the female before him who resembled an Elf in every way, but because of her father, was not really an Elf. All those many years ago, they had not even had a glimmer of the consequences bringing such a life to birth. If her blood had not been tainted by her Elven mother, she would have been a very powerful entity. But Sauron chose Galadriel in the hopes of breaking her spirit. Now the Dark Lord realized his plans had gone askew. He had mixed his essence with the most powerful Elf left on Middle Earth. Now no one knew exactly what Celebruthiel's role would be. She had power, in that they were certain, but the extent could not be determined short of lining her up against her dark father. And that was a risk no one was willing to take.
"Much have I seen, but whether it is what is to be or what could be, I do not know. And what is near at hand, I have lost sight of completely. I had hoped to meet up with the rest, but I find them gone. To where and what purpose, I cannot say. And then I come to you, my dear Mirriel. I find what I thought to be your role in all this to be incorrect."
"What do you mean, Mithrandir?" Celebruthiel asked curiously as she sat up straight, waiting for him to continue. Since she had first learned the truth of her existence, she had been waiting for someone to tell her what to do, how to help. No one seemed to know what to do with her, if her help would be for good or not. And so she sat- and waited- waited for her opportunity to do something other than sit, to actually be a contributing member of the fight. Having Legolas fight for her upset her already unbalanced pride until she wanted to scream out in her rage. But she fought it down and continued to wait. Now that Mithrandir had returned, Celebruthiel hoped her waiting had ended.
"Anor- the Ring of Fire. I had thought there might be a chance of wielding the three Elven Rings against Sauron. But in returning from darkness, I discover this to be incorrect." He paused for a moment as he looked down his nose at her. "But I do believe we shall find a use for it."
Mirriel watched as Mithrandir fiddled with his hands. He gave the appearance of removing something from his finger, but the object was invisible to Mirriel's eyes. Mithrandir reached down, grasping her hand from her lap and he laid what felt to be a cool piece of metal in her palm. Once in her possession, it came into view. It was a large gold ring with a blood red stone in the center. It was a massive piece that should have weighed down her hand, but felt like a feather in her palm. As she examined it, watching the sunlight dance off the stone, Mithrandir enclosed her fingers around it.
"You will know when the right time occurs to place it on your finger. Use it wisely, Mirriel. We do not know what Sauron will be able to see. If the Ring enables a link between you and the Dark Lord, you must use caution. For while it would prove fruitful to us in the beginning to have access to his thoughts, it would eventually pull you into darkness."
"Then why give it to me?" she questioned aoftly, fearful of the power contained in the inanimate object.
"I am not saying this will come to pass. Only that it could. I believe the Ring will ead you on a different path, one away from Mordor. But as I have said, I have seen much, but not nearly enough. I think we must focus on Isengard."
"Isengard? Saruman. Yes, he must be stopped," Celebruthiel whispered more to herself than Mithrandir. Absently she slipped the ring into her pocket. As she wrapped her mind around the concept, she was relieved to finally have something to do. Concentrating on Saruman would give her a purpose.
Mithrandir nodded. "How we must accomplish this task, I do not know, but it must be done. And while I had thought our only hope lay in men, I now know this is correct. If the Kingdoms of Men do not unite, they will be destroyed. But how to get them to put aside their petty differences, I am not certain it's possible."
"Aragorn," Celebruthiel whispered.
"Aragorn?" Mithrandir looked surprised, as if the name was familiar, but uncertain of it's meaning. "Aragorn- yes Aragorn." Mithrandir nodded. "If Aragorn would accept his birthright, he might be able to unite the land." He looked to Celebruthiel expectantly. Other than Arwen, she was the most likely candidate to know Aragorn's mind, given their relationship.
"I must think on all you have said, Mithrandir. You have given me much to reflect upon," Celebruthiel murmured thoughtfully.
That night as she dressed for bed, she remembered the Ring in her pocket. She sat at the vanity, mesmerized by it. She saw a brief glimpse as to the power the Rings held and how they had so easily ensnared so many. As she glanced up from the Ring, she spotted a small locked box on the table. Searching the drawers, she discovered a small key. Using the key, she unlocked the box. As she opened the lid, a tune flowed from within. She smiled to herself as she recognized the song. It was a melody she had always hummed though she had never been able to recall its origin. Before loosing her nerve, she tossed the Ring inside and quickly locked the box. Using a long ribbon, she tied the key around her neck and forgot about the Ring.
As she lay in bed, her mind returned to her conversation with Mithrandir. Her mind was still stuck on Saruman and she would need some time before she could move on to Aragorn. And time she did spend. It consumed her every waking hour and at night, her dreams were filled with 'what ifs". Legolas was lost to her again, unreachable through the fog of darkness, and so she immersed herself in formulating plans. The first one gave her great difficulties. The second was not so hard.
****
The next several days were spent in Council discussing all that had been seen and what should or should not be done about the happenings on Middle Earth. The Council consisted of Celeborn, Galadriel, Mithrandir, Celebruthiel, and what remained of the Lorien Eldars: Caranfindel, Feagaeril, Galanrod, and Celegilnor. Lorien's inhabitants held a separatist attitude. They always had and many did not want to become involved in the troublesome happenings around them.
The first meeting was directly after Celebruthiel had finished speaking to Mithrandir. They joined the rest of the Elves in Celeborn's study. This was the first time Celebruthiel had sat down in such an intimate setting with any of the Eldar in Lorien save for her parents. And she felt very intimidated, speaking in front of them about her encounter with Legolas. But she'd had no choice in the matter, as her mother had immediately questioned her as she entered the room.
"What news have you?" Galadriel asked as soon as her daughter stepped over the threshold. She has anxiously been awaiting Mirriel all morning. She had sensed an excitement radiating from Mirriel almost upon her awakening, but had held back since she knew Mirriel would want to see Mithrandir.
Celebruthiel looked around the study embarrassed to have to relive her night in front of so many she did not know. But she answered anyway because she wanted to be able to tell someone. She relayed all Legolas had told her the separation of the Fellowship, of the capture of Pippin and Merry, and the pursuit Aragorn, Gimli, and Legolas were now conducting to rescue the Halfings from Saruman's Orcs. She spoke of the Orcs, of the white mark they carried and how they continued to move, day and night, confirming all reports of Orcs that could travel in the daylight.
After Celebruthiel finished, Galadriel stepped forward, retelling of the separation of the Fellowship and how the Halfling, Frodo, had continued on his journey to Mordor alone. And so the Ring had passed beyond the Elves grasp and it was up to Frodo to see the deed done. The only information Galadriel refrained from sharing was of Boromir's death. She spoke of his peril concerning the Ring, but that he had escaped the Ring's calling when the Fellowship split. For Galadriel was worried about Mithrandir's fragile state, as he had not fully recovered from his time in Shadow.
After Galadriel had finished her tale, it became apparent that they would have to convene for the day. Mithrandir was feeling tired and needed to go rest. It was then Celebruthiel realized he had been truly hurt during his experience with the demon and had yet to recuperate. So the Council went there separate ways, prepared to reconvene on the morning.
Celebruthiel immediately located Haldir, wanting to fulfill her promise to Legolas to find news of his father. Celebruthiel knew few in Lorien very well, and she trusted even less. But she trusted Haldir whole-heartedly. Even though she still could not remember much of her past involving him, the feelings of absolute trust and acceptance were still there. Upon her explanation, Haldir spared no time agreeing to leave at once for Rivendell. Celebruthiel wished him great speed and safety then left Haldir to get ready for his journey.
Celebruthiel went to bed that evening eagerly expecting to connect with Legolas again. She had much to tell him, what with the return of Mithrandir. But to her disappointment, Legolas never made contact and she could not find him. So she had plenty of time to concentrate on her conversation with Mithrandir concerning not only Saruman, but Aragorn as well. She thought long and hard about what to do with the situation at Isengard until her head hurt. But she could think of no solution. So she then turned to an easier topic, Aragorn. She had known Aragorn much of his life and she was certain she was one of few who really understood the man. And so she pondered the best way to gain Aragorn's cooperation. She knew it would not be difficult to get him to agree, as Aragorn was always concerned about duty above all else. But more than just his cooperation would be needed for Aragorn to be able to get the Kingdoms to unite. He would need to believe whole-heartedly that this was the path for him to travel. Celebruthiel had several ideas on how they might accomplish this goal, but she decided to ponder it some more before she said anything to Mithrandir.
****
The next day, Mithrandir stood before the Council. He had much to say concerning Sauron and his thoughts on the Fellowship.
""The Enemy, of course, has long known that the Ring is abroad, and that it is borne by a Hobbit. He knows now the number of our company that set out from Rivendell, and the kind of each of us. But he does not yet perceive our purpose clearly. He supposes that we were all going to Minas Tirith; for that is what he would himself have done in our place. And according to his wisdom it would have been a heavy stroke against his power. Indeed he is in great fear, not knowing what mighty one may suddenly appear, wielding the Ring, and assailing him with war, seeking to cast him down and take his place."" Mithrandir paused as he glanced around the room, his gaze settling on Celebruthiel. "I see now his greatest fear has been his own offspring stepping forward, claiming dominance over the Ring. He sees her as the only threat to his power. But we know within his defeat is also Mirriel's destruction to the power of the Ring. He does not understand why we would not want Mirriel to take his place."
When Mithrandir had mentioned her name, Celeborn had reached over, taking Mirriel's hand in his, bringing it to his lap. She clung to her father's hand, gripping it tightly. It became her lifeline against the pain. She needed no reminder of who she was and every time it was drudged up, she felt sick.
""That we should wish to cast him down and have no one in his place is not a thought that occurs to his mind. That we should try to destroy the Ring itself has not yet entered into his darkest dream. In which not doubt you will see our good fortune and our hope. For imagining war he has let loose war, believing he has no time to waste; for he that strikes the first blow, if he strikes it hard enough, may need to strike no more. So the forces he has long been preparing he is now setting in motion, sooner than he intended. Wise fool. For if he had used all his power to guard Mordor, so that none could enter, and bent all his guile to the hunting of the Ring, then indeed hope would have faded; neither Ring nor bearer could long have eluded him. But now his eye gazes abroad rather than near at home; and mostly he looks towards Minas Tirith. Very soon now his strength will fall upon it like a storm. For already he knows that the messengers that he sent to waylay the Company have failed again. They have not found the Ring. Neither have they brought away any Hobbits as hostages.""
As Mithrandir sat down, everyone in the room silently contemplated what he had stated concerning the Ring. Celebruthiel was very thoughtful, for his words had given her just the angle to use to gain Aragorn's complete cooperation. She pulled her hand from Celeborn's grip and rose to her feet. The room's attention was soon centered on the child Mithrandir had so recently spoken of. But instead of taking a spot in the center of the room, Celebruthiel walked to the entrance of the veranda where the cool breeze that slightly moved the long sheers calmed her overactive mind.
"Mirriel?" Galadriel questioned, watching her daughter's movements curiously. To just get up in the middle of a Council and not speak was out of the ordinary.
Celebruthiel sighed and turned to Mithrandir. "I think I have a solution to one of the problems we spoke of yesterday," she said quietly, looking directly at the Wizard, ignoring the rest in the room. "If you want Aragorn's cooperation, you must convince him the only hope Frodo has of getting the Ring to Mount Doom is for Aragorn to keep the Enemy busy from the Western front, from Minas Tirith. If he does not expect us to come from behind him, then me must make sure his eye stays fixed on what is occurring before him. And so we must provoke him into battle. As for Aragorn, he just needs to be shown his purpose. Give him one and he will see it done."
Mithrandir silently contemplated her words, quickly realizing that Mirriel was not only referring to Aragorn. She was also speaking of herself. Give her a purpose and she will see it done. Mithrandir thought of this for quite some time even after the Council had ended.
****
During the Five days of Council, throughout the many declarations and speeches concerning the events around them, Celebruthiel pondered what was to be done about Saruman. She was almost to the point where she no longer wanted to attend the Council. She had made the mistake on the fourth day of questioning Lorien's involvement in the War over the Ring. It had turned into a bickering match that had yet to end, going back to Valinor itself. And it was all making Celebruthiel's head ache. She felt she could not concentrate on the task at hand.
She stood behind her father's desk studying a map of Middle Earth as the debate raged around her. She suddenly remembered a song she had heard in Mirkwood.
"Mithrandir?" Celebruthiel called, interrupting the raised voices around her. What they were arguing about now, she did not know as she had given up many hours ago of paying any attention to the Eldar around her. She had not even bothered looking up from the map. All speech stopped as all eyes focused on her. "Is it true what they say of Fangorn Forest, of the old Onodrim?" A general gasp of surprise went around the room. Celebruthiel finally glanced up, her eyes directly centered on Mithrandir. "Do the Onodrim exist?"
Mithrandir cleared his throat, thoughtfully studying Celebruthiel before he gave his reply. "Yes, there are still some Onodrim in this world, though I believe their numbers are dwindling."
"When you spoke of your imprisonment at Isengard, you mentioned something about the destruction of the southern edge of Fangorn," Celebruthiel murmured, her nose once again buried in the map before her.
"That is true," Mithrandir stated, starting to catch a glimmer as to her thoughts.
Celebruthiel looked back up, surveying the room before fixing her gaze on Mithrandir. "What would it take to convince the Onodrim to go to war?" Murmurs went around the room at her question. "Do you think they would seek revenge against Saruman for the destruction of their trees?"
Mithrandir gave her question some serious thought. He was not certain if there was anything that could wake the Onodrim from their sleep, but if was to be done, he knew exactly who could accomplish this task.
"If there was ever a reason, this would be it," Mithrandir said finally. "And I know just the Onodrim."
"Then you must go immediately," Galadriel stated as she motioned for the doors to be opened. She yelled out a request for Gwarbie the Windlord to be summoned and to have Mithrandir's things ready for travel. He would leave as soon as Gwarbie the Windlord arrived.
****
As Mithrandir was getting ready to climb onto the great eagle's back, he paused and turned back to the Elves who had come to see him off. Celebruthiel was standing in front beside her mother and father.
"Before I leave there is just one last thing to do," Mithrandir muttered as he approached the three. "It is time," he spoke, confusing Celebruthiel and upsetting Galadriel and Celeborn. Mithrandir raised his staff, pointing it at Celebruthiel. "As I speak, let the past merge with the present and remembrance set you free."
It all came back to Celebruthiel with a flash of bright light. Memory after memory of the first almost 200 years of her existence bombarded her. Her mind could not take the flood at once and she crumpled into her father's arms.
Ignoring the panic building around him, Mithrandir climbed onto the back of Gwarbie the Windlord. Off they flew. But little did Mithrandir know that already things were beginning to stir in Fangorn Forest.
