Disclaimer: All references to Lord of the Rings Characters and places are
the property of J.R.R Tolkien, I have just tried to use them for my own
story.
Chapter 19: A Fork is Reached
Legolas and Celebfaer spent a lot more time together, after the day that day and eventually, the younger she-elves stopped harassing Legolas. But, Celebfaer received more frowns from the Elves than she normally did, especially from Lurien's mother and Lurien herself.
About three weeks after the Company arrived in Lothlorien, Galadriel and Celebfaer were walking through the woods on one of their many long talks, when suddenly Galadriel stopped at the place near the edge of the woods where they normally watch the sun rise. The sun had risen many hours ago, but Galadriel looked at Celebfaer, trying to see what she was thinking, very proud of her 'scholar' and what she had achieved in her time with the Elves.
"My Lady?" Celebfaer asked, wondering why Galdariel had brought her here.
"Celebfaer, you have progressed so much in the years that you have dwelt with us in Lothlorien. I am grateful for your presence. But now we come to a fork in the road. There is nothing more that I can teach you and I believe that you need to be among your people if you were to learn more. However, current events have swayed you. I have but two options to give you for the decision is yours to take. You can remain here in Lothlorien under the guise of my scholar, and though I cannot teach you anymore, I can offer you protection for as long as you need it." She said and Celebfaer, frowned wondering why Galadriel was saying all this. "Or you can depart with the Company when they leave in a few days time and do what I know your heart desires. You are a free spirit and now I release you of any oath or penance that you have that binds you to me and Lothlorien." She said watching closely for the Fairy's reaction.
"Do you mean that I can do as I please from this moment onwards? I can take the journey to cleanse my wings or start the quest to find my people? My lady, surely you jest!" Celebfaer responded, shocked as the reality of what the Lady was saying sunk in and Galadriel smiled, knowing that she would have gotten that reaction.
"Celebfaer I have taught you all that I can. You are safe enough now that you can wonder the world as you should, uncloaked and unhidden and you will do no harm unless you will it. And though I would wish for you to stay in Lothlorien, for I have become used to your presence, the decision is yours to make and I bid that you will choose wisely."
"If I choose to leave will I ever be allowed to walk though the woods of Lothlorien again?"
"Celebfaer, where ever you go you shall have the protection of Lothlorien with you always and this wood will always welcome you with open arms."
"And when shall we walk together again my Lady?"
"Whenever you want my child. But from this day forward I shall request that you merely call me Galadriel, for we are on equal terms and are just friends." The Elf responded, then she turned and disappeared into the woods, leaving Celebfaer looking at the spot where she disappeared in wonder. She still could not believe what had just happened, and so she sat down on a rock to think.
Celebfaer was torn. There were three possible paths as she saw it and all would result in her wishing she had chosen differently. She could stay in Lothlorien forever, never knowing where her people were, and never being able to cleanse her wings. Or she could leave the Golden Wood in search of the rest of her people with some hope of trying to cleanse her wings, but then she would miss the Wood and she would surely miss Legolas. The final option that she had was to join the Fellowship in their quest to destroy the ring, for then she could be with Legolas and travel with her friends as well.
So, she sat where Galadriel had left her for many hours, contemplating the consequences of each decision. The sun set and the wood around her became dark, but she did not notice and she sat in the same position until she had made her decision. Only then did she realise how dark it was and start to head back in a daze as she still could not believe that she was finally able to chose her own path.
The sun was well down when Celebfaer returned to the City and as she entered the dwelling, Aragorn spotted her and approached her a worried expression on his face.
"Where were you, Faer hen? We have been looking for you since Legolas came to us a few hours ago and reported that you were no where to be found in the City. None of the Elves wanted to help, because I suspect they knew something that we did not, so the Hobbits, and I have been searching everywhere that we know of. I thought you may have been killed by an Orc that the guards had not detected." He said and she looked at him with a vague look on her face.
"I have been in the woods thinking, and I saw no Orc, for Haldir will not let any past his guard." She said with a smile and then she disappeared back into her thoughts for a few seconds before she spoke once more. "Where is Legolas now?" She asked Aragorn and he searched her face for any sign of what she had been thinking about and finding none, he answered her anyway.
"I believe you may find him with the Lady of the Wood, demanding to know what she did with you and Gimli beside him threatening that he will sharpen his axe on Legolas' stiff elven hide if he is disrespectful to the Lady." Aragorn said and Celebfaer nodded, but did not laugh as he had expected her to, so he knew that whatever she had been thinking about must have been very serious indeed.
"Thank you Estel you are most helpful."
"If you would allow me Celebfaer, I shall escort you to the Lady's chambers." He replied offering his arm to her for support and she nodded, smiling briefly before threading her arm through his and they headed towards the Lady Galadriel's rooms.
When they got there, Celebfaer heard the voice of Legolas closely followed by a low voice, which could only have been Gimli's, then the Lady's laugh.
"Celebfaer, come in, you are back from you walk in the woods. I trust you have thought about my words earlier on today." Galadriel's voice rang out suddenly and so Celebfaer walked into the room, holding onto Aragorn's arm as though she was a little scared, which he thought was odd.
"Celebfaer, you are back." Legolas said, relief in his voice and Celebfaer turned to look at him.
"Indeed I am Legolas and I am dreadfully sorry that I missed our meeting as I was walking and lost track of time. It appears as though I have had much to think on." She said, releasing Aragorn from her grip and he took a step back.
"What ails you Celebfaer?" Galadriel asked her suddenly and she looked to the Lady.
"Nothing Galadriel. The way forward is clear." She said and the men present in the room were confused and remained silent wondering what had passed between the two women, who it appeared now stood on equal ground.
Galadriel looked into Celebfaer's eyes and Celebfaer stared back as she always did, this time opening her mind to the Elf. Celebfaer did not want to keep it a secret what path she had chosen, so Galadriel was easily able to read what was in her mind. Galadriel knew the moment that Celebfaer opened her mind to her, that her Scholar had made her decision. She was going to leave Lothlorien, and as much as that saddened Galadriel, she knew that it was for the best.
After a brief silence, Celebfaer spoke up once more. "Legolas, would you care to join me in my rooms for a late supper." She asked, then she turned her gaze from Galadriel to Legolas.
"As you wish, my lady." He replied, nodding, then he turned to the Lady of the Wood. "Lady Galadriel, thank you for your kind words of comfort on this day." He said, then he bowed and Gimli smiled at him in approval, then Legolas walked over to Celebfaer, nodding to her. "Lead the way my lady."
Celebfaer nodded to him then turned and nodded to the Lady, Aragorn and Gimli as well, before turning to walk out, Legolas following closely her.
When she returned to her rooms Myrelle was sitting in the main room fidgeting.
"My lady, you are back. When Master Greenleaf told me you were missing I started to worry, so I came back here to wait for you, to see if you would come back here first. I thought you might have wanted to be alone, but I needed to know if you were okay my Lady." She said and Celebfaer smiled at her.
"Myrelle, your concern flatters me."
"You're good to me my lady." Myrelle replied.
"Thank you. Now would you please fetch me some supper from the kitchens because I am rather hungry and I am sure Master Greenleaf is too, so fetch enough for two please. Once you have done that Myrelle, you are free to have the rest of the night off."
"Thank you my lady." Myrelle said and with a small curtsey, she rushed off to get some food for Celebfaer and Legolas.
"Celebfaer, the Company is getting restless and it is nearing the time when we shall have to move on and continue the journey." Legolas said when they were alone.
"I know. My sweet, beautiful prince and I wish it were not so, for there are still many things I must tell you." She replied and he nodded.
"And I you......." He said looking at her and trailing off, not wanting to finish his sentence, though he didn't have to for she knew what he meant.
After a brief silence, Celebfaer started to speak once more.
"Legolas. The Lady has freed me of all ties that bind me to Lothlorien and she has suggested that I continue on with the Company." She said, then waited for his reaction, wanting to see what he would say, even though she had already made her mind up.
"You cannot!" He burst out suddenly and she smiled, knowing that this would have been his reaction, but she waited for him to continue. "I cannot allow you to come Celebfaer, it will be too dangerous for you on this journey and I do not think that we would be able to take care of you and the hobbits, because from now on the road is more dangerous. Besides, I could not bear to have you in the Company."
His last sentence, though he had said it because he knew she would be a distraction to him, cut deep into Celebfaer's heart, but she did not let it show. "Legolas, I have already made my decision not to go." She replied and he blinked as though he had miss heard her then he gave her a confused look.
"You will not come?"
"A part of me wants to go very much, but another part tells me I will be of no use on this quest." She said and that was when Myrelle came back with the food. "Thank you Myrelle, please leave it on the table and then you are free to go." Celebfear said and Myrelle curtseyed again.
"Thank you my lady you are most kind." Myrelle said, then she walked out of the room.
Celebfaer picked up a piece of bread then took a bite from it before she continued. "Legolas I have another quest that I wish to embark on and I have reason to believe that this quest will require all my energy, so I shall stay in Lothlorien for a time."
"Celebfaer, as glad as my heart is that you are not continuing with the Company it is saddened also for I believe that I may never see you again."
"You shall Legolas. I do not wish to start my quest for some time and I will wait for some news of you before I leave. I believe that the quest to destroy the ring will succeed."
"Your hope fills my heart with joy, though I have nothing to give you that assures you I shall return but my word. When the ring is destroyed, I shall return to Lothlorien with as much haste as is possible so that I may accompany you on your quest." He said.
"Come, let us eat and talk of more joyous things for the Company shall not leave for a while yet." She said and so they ate.
***********************
Later that night, after Legolas left Celebfaer, he went back to the couches where the rest of Fellowship were seated to find them all up, sitting around in a small circle, glum looks on their faces. Even Boromir had a glum look on his face, which was unlike him, because lately he normally sat with a blank look on his face as though he had a lot on his mind.
"What is the matter?" Legolas asked looking at each of them, yet none would meet his eyes, he did not think that any had heard him or acknowledged that was there.
Then Aragorn looked up and seeing Legolas he stood up to face the Elf. "It is time." He said and Legolas nodded, Legolas needed no further explanation, he knew what Aragorn was talking about.
"When?"
"In three days time we shall leave Lothlorien." Aragorn said, raising his voice a little, so the rest of the Fellowship could hear him also.
Chapter 19: A Fork is Reached
Legolas and Celebfaer spent a lot more time together, after the day that day and eventually, the younger she-elves stopped harassing Legolas. But, Celebfaer received more frowns from the Elves than she normally did, especially from Lurien's mother and Lurien herself.
About three weeks after the Company arrived in Lothlorien, Galadriel and Celebfaer were walking through the woods on one of their many long talks, when suddenly Galadriel stopped at the place near the edge of the woods where they normally watch the sun rise. The sun had risen many hours ago, but Galadriel looked at Celebfaer, trying to see what she was thinking, very proud of her 'scholar' and what she had achieved in her time with the Elves.
"My Lady?" Celebfaer asked, wondering why Galdariel had brought her here.
"Celebfaer, you have progressed so much in the years that you have dwelt with us in Lothlorien. I am grateful for your presence. But now we come to a fork in the road. There is nothing more that I can teach you and I believe that you need to be among your people if you were to learn more. However, current events have swayed you. I have but two options to give you for the decision is yours to take. You can remain here in Lothlorien under the guise of my scholar, and though I cannot teach you anymore, I can offer you protection for as long as you need it." She said and Celebfaer, frowned wondering why Galadriel was saying all this. "Or you can depart with the Company when they leave in a few days time and do what I know your heart desires. You are a free spirit and now I release you of any oath or penance that you have that binds you to me and Lothlorien." She said watching closely for the Fairy's reaction.
"Do you mean that I can do as I please from this moment onwards? I can take the journey to cleanse my wings or start the quest to find my people? My lady, surely you jest!" Celebfaer responded, shocked as the reality of what the Lady was saying sunk in and Galadriel smiled, knowing that she would have gotten that reaction.
"Celebfaer I have taught you all that I can. You are safe enough now that you can wonder the world as you should, uncloaked and unhidden and you will do no harm unless you will it. And though I would wish for you to stay in Lothlorien, for I have become used to your presence, the decision is yours to make and I bid that you will choose wisely."
"If I choose to leave will I ever be allowed to walk though the woods of Lothlorien again?"
"Celebfaer, where ever you go you shall have the protection of Lothlorien with you always and this wood will always welcome you with open arms."
"And when shall we walk together again my Lady?"
"Whenever you want my child. But from this day forward I shall request that you merely call me Galadriel, for we are on equal terms and are just friends." The Elf responded, then she turned and disappeared into the woods, leaving Celebfaer looking at the spot where she disappeared in wonder. She still could not believe what had just happened, and so she sat down on a rock to think.
Celebfaer was torn. There were three possible paths as she saw it and all would result in her wishing she had chosen differently. She could stay in Lothlorien forever, never knowing where her people were, and never being able to cleanse her wings. Or she could leave the Golden Wood in search of the rest of her people with some hope of trying to cleanse her wings, but then she would miss the Wood and she would surely miss Legolas. The final option that she had was to join the Fellowship in their quest to destroy the ring, for then she could be with Legolas and travel with her friends as well.
So, she sat where Galadriel had left her for many hours, contemplating the consequences of each decision. The sun set and the wood around her became dark, but she did not notice and she sat in the same position until she had made her decision. Only then did she realise how dark it was and start to head back in a daze as she still could not believe that she was finally able to chose her own path.
The sun was well down when Celebfaer returned to the City and as she entered the dwelling, Aragorn spotted her and approached her a worried expression on his face.
"Where were you, Faer hen? We have been looking for you since Legolas came to us a few hours ago and reported that you were no where to be found in the City. None of the Elves wanted to help, because I suspect they knew something that we did not, so the Hobbits, and I have been searching everywhere that we know of. I thought you may have been killed by an Orc that the guards had not detected." He said and she looked at him with a vague look on her face.
"I have been in the woods thinking, and I saw no Orc, for Haldir will not let any past his guard." She said with a smile and then she disappeared back into her thoughts for a few seconds before she spoke once more. "Where is Legolas now?" She asked Aragorn and he searched her face for any sign of what she had been thinking about and finding none, he answered her anyway.
"I believe you may find him with the Lady of the Wood, demanding to know what she did with you and Gimli beside him threatening that he will sharpen his axe on Legolas' stiff elven hide if he is disrespectful to the Lady." Aragorn said and Celebfaer nodded, but did not laugh as he had expected her to, so he knew that whatever she had been thinking about must have been very serious indeed.
"Thank you Estel you are most helpful."
"If you would allow me Celebfaer, I shall escort you to the Lady's chambers." He replied offering his arm to her for support and she nodded, smiling briefly before threading her arm through his and they headed towards the Lady Galadriel's rooms.
When they got there, Celebfaer heard the voice of Legolas closely followed by a low voice, which could only have been Gimli's, then the Lady's laugh.
"Celebfaer, come in, you are back from you walk in the woods. I trust you have thought about my words earlier on today." Galadriel's voice rang out suddenly and so Celebfaer walked into the room, holding onto Aragorn's arm as though she was a little scared, which he thought was odd.
"Celebfaer, you are back." Legolas said, relief in his voice and Celebfaer turned to look at him.
"Indeed I am Legolas and I am dreadfully sorry that I missed our meeting as I was walking and lost track of time. It appears as though I have had much to think on." She said, releasing Aragorn from her grip and he took a step back.
"What ails you Celebfaer?" Galadriel asked her suddenly and she looked to the Lady.
"Nothing Galadriel. The way forward is clear." She said and the men present in the room were confused and remained silent wondering what had passed between the two women, who it appeared now stood on equal ground.
Galadriel looked into Celebfaer's eyes and Celebfaer stared back as she always did, this time opening her mind to the Elf. Celebfaer did not want to keep it a secret what path she had chosen, so Galadriel was easily able to read what was in her mind. Galadriel knew the moment that Celebfaer opened her mind to her, that her Scholar had made her decision. She was going to leave Lothlorien, and as much as that saddened Galadriel, she knew that it was for the best.
After a brief silence, Celebfaer spoke up once more. "Legolas, would you care to join me in my rooms for a late supper." She asked, then she turned her gaze from Galadriel to Legolas.
"As you wish, my lady." He replied, nodding, then he turned to the Lady of the Wood. "Lady Galadriel, thank you for your kind words of comfort on this day." He said, then he bowed and Gimli smiled at him in approval, then Legolas walked over to Celebfaer, nodding to her. "Lead the way my lady."
Celebfaer nodded to him then turned and nodded to the Lady, Aragorn and Gimli as well, before turning to walk out, Legolas following closely her.
When she returned to her rooms Myrelle was sitting in the main room fidgeting.
"My lady, you are back. When Master Greenleaf told me you were missing I started to worry, so I came back here to wait for you, to see if you would come back here first. I thought you might have wanted to be alone, but I needed to know if you were okay my Lady." She said and Celebfaer smiled at her.
"Myrelle, your concern flatters me."
"You're good to me my lady." Myrelle replied.
"Thank you. Now would you please fetch me some supper from the kitchens because I am rather hungry and I am sure Master Greenleaf is too, so fetch enough for two please. Once you have done that Myrelle, you are free to have the rest of the night off."
"Thank you my lady." Myrelle said and with a small curtsey, she rushed off to get some food for Celebfaer and Legolas.
"Celebfaer, the Company is getting restless and it is nearing the time when we shall have to move on and continue the journey." Legolas said when they were alone.
"I know. My sweet, beautiful prince and I wish it were not so, for there are still many things I must tell you." She replied and he nodded.
"And I you......." He said looking at her and trailing off, not wanting to finish his sentence, though he didn't have to for she knew what he meant.
After a brief silence, Celebfaer started to speak once more.
"Legolas. The Lady has freed me of all ties that bind me to Lothlorien and she has suggested that I continue on with the Company." She said, then waited for his reaction, wanting to see what he would say, even though she had already made her mind up.
"You cannot!" He burst out suddenly and she smiled, knowing that this would have been his reaction, but she waited for him to continue. "I cannot allow you to come Celebfaer, it will be too dangerous for you on this journey and I do not think that we would be able to take care of you and the hobbits, because from now on the road is more dangerous. Besides, I could not bear to have you in the Company."
His last sentence, though he had said it because he knew she would be a distraction to him, cut deep into Celebfaer's heart, but she did not let it show. "Legolas, I have already made my decision not to go." She replied and he blinked as though he had miss heard her then he gave her a confused look.
"You will not come?"
"A part of me wants to go very much, but another part tells me I will be of no use on this quest." She said and that was when Myrelle came back with the food. "Thank you Myrelle, please leave it on the table and then you are free to go." Celebfear said and Myrelle curtseyed again.
"Thank you my lady you are most kind." Myrelle said, then she walked out of the room.
Celebfaer picked up a piece of bread then took a bite from it before she continued. "Legolas I have another quest that I wish to embark on and I have reason to believe that this quest will require all my energy, so I shall stay in Lothlorien for a time."
"Celebfaer, as glad as my heart is that you are not continuing with the Company it is saddened also for I believe that I may never see you again."
"You shall Legolas. I do not wish to start my quest for some time and I will wait for some news of you before I leave. I believe that the quest to destroy the ring will succeed."
"Your hope fills my heart with joy, though I have nothing to give you that assures you I shall return but my word. When the ring is destroyed, I shall return to Lothlorien with as much haste as is possible so that I may accompany you on your quest." He said.
"Come, let us eat and talk of more joyous things for the Company shall not leave for a while yet." She said and so they ate.
***********************
Later that night, after Legolas left Celebfaer, he went back to the couches where the rest of Fellowship were seated to find them all up, sitting around in a small circle, glum looks on their faces. Even Boromir had a glum look on his face, which was unlike him, because lately he normally sat with a blank look on his face as though he had a lot on his mind.
"What is the matter?" Legolas asked looking at each of them, yet none would meet his eyes, he did not think that any had heard him or acknowledged that was there.
Then Aragorn looked up and seeing Legolas he stood up to face the Elf. "It is time." He said and Legolas nodded, Legolas needed no further explanation, he knew what Aragorn was talking about.
"When?"
"In three days time we shall leave Lothlorien." Aragorn said, raising his voice a little, so the rest of the Fellowship could hear him also.
