Disclaimer: Fortunately for all of you, I do not own The Lord of the Rings, Middle Earth etc. I own Elenmírë, though she would argue otherwise and say she belongs to no one.

Author's Note: 01/19/06 - I've taken down the long author's note (rant, more like) that was added to this chapter at the end. If I feel the need to post something like that again, it'll appear on my profile and not in a story.

The Imperfect One
By: JDArc

Chapter Nineteen: The Mirror of Galadriel and the Departure from Lothlórien

Elenmírë gulped nervously as Galadriel studied her in complete silence, her eyes dark with quiet anger. Never before had Elenmírë ever been so terrified of anyone, and for a fleeting moment, she recalled the day in her father's private study when he had scolded both herself and Mary Sue, but her fear then seemed minute in comparison to the trepidation she was feeling at that very moment.

Galadriel had led her to a secluded clearing at the base of an impressively large mallorn-tree, and in the center resided a sort of well. Galadriel stood across the clearing from her, holding a beautifully simple pitcher, which she calmly filled with the water from a fountain carefully encased between two mallorn-roots. Silently, the Elf Queen walked toward the well, pouring the crystal liquid into it, and with a slight nod of her head, beckoned for Elenmírë to move forward.

"Come, child," she spoke, her soft voice laced with a hint of lingering annoyance.

"What am I to do?" Elenmírë asked, shrinking away. Galadriel narrowed her eyes, her shoulders raising slightly as she gave a small sigh.

"Will you look into the mirror?" she asked, moving her gaze to the still surface.

"If it will please you, my Lady," Elenmírë stammered, and Galadriel's eyes turned an even darker shade of grey.

"How is it that Elrohir and Elladan were always so quick to inform me of your sharp wit and tongue?" Galadriel stated coldly. "Where is the warrior they spoke of for I do not see her here." A surge of anger surfed through Elenmírë's veins, and she clenched her fists in anger, her eyes flashing at the Elf Queen.

"Why do you feel the need to insult me when I have already received enough of it from Boromir today?" she growled before she could control herself. "I give you my apologies for not being worthy enough a warrior to grace your presence but I am not, by any means, a weakling." She bit her lip, knowing she had said too much, but to her surprise, the Lady smiled softly, unperturbed by Elenmírë's outburst.

"Ah, finally," she answered casually. "A hint of your fire, good. It would have disappointed me to see you burst into another fit of tears." Elenmírë blushed but kept her gaze steady, her mind silently working overtime to come up with valid reasons as to why the Lady of the Wood was trying to provoke her. Galadriel merely smiled in her mysterious way, reading her thoughts as if they were plainly written across her face. "Why, you ask, young one? All this is merely a test, you see."

"A test for what?" Elenmírë inquired.

"Your will must be strong enough to face what is written in your future," Galadriel explained calmly. "Emotional weakness is no longer an option, young one. The darkness grows, and you cannot allow yourself to think of anything save what would happen if you should fail."

"But is my role that important to the cause?" Elenmírë asked, feeling the burden of the Lady's words on her shoulders.

"Yes." The Lady's simple answer baffled the young She-Elf into silence, and her eyes landed wearily on the well before her; she then brought her gaze to meet that of the Queen before her, who then gave her an encouraging nod. Elenmírë approached the well, gripping the circular edge to steady herself, and gathering her courage, she looked down into the silvery water.

At first, nothing out of the ordinary appeared; only ripples caressed the calm surface, but as she concentrated, her reflection grew hazy and a soft mist arose, shimmering into an image.

"Legolas!" she choked out as he face appeared clearly, and his eyes locked with hers in a loving glance. His smile spread across his face, and she felt her own lips twitch in response just as his image melted away into that of another.

Standing tall with his head held regally was Haldir, and a wave of warmth spread through her as her mouth went dry. He was beautiful to say the least, and without another thought, reached her hand to grace the surface, completely entranced by the look in his eyes.

Then, almost as quickly, the water darkened, and Boromir's face replaced that of Haldir's. Elenmírë recoiled in alarm, completely taken by surprise at the look that had control of Boromir's features. His wonderful grey eyes were narrowed, shining with the barest hint of malice. The lips that were once adorned with his brilliant smile were now turned down into a dreadful sneer, and Elenmírë felt her insides grow cold. There had to be something wrong with Galadriel's mirror; that image was not the Boromir she knew.

Before she could even dare to understand the meaning of it all, his image faded away to reveal a dark, looming black gate with warriors strewn at its feet. The only light to illuminate the scene was the fiery redness of the flames that erupted from a source that she was unable to discern for a moment. Her focus turned to a crumpled heap on the bloodied floor. Her eyes widened when she took in the dark hair, the pale skin, and the slightly pointed tips of the ears. Almost as if in slow motion, Legolas walked into the frame, and knelt by the fallen warrior. Blood smeared his tunic as he took the lifeless form into his arms, and tears clung to his cheek.

"Melamin," he whispered.

"No," Elenmírë gasped, unable to tear her eyes away from the scene that played out before her. Legolas caressed her face, and Elenmírë was finally able to see who it was he held in his arms. She could not back away from the well no matter how much her heart protested for she was held captive by the sight of her own death. Then, a dark shadow loomed over Legolas, but he seemed not to care, clutching in frail hope to Elenmírë's body. He said nothing as the Uruk behind him swung an ax down over the couple, and the She-Elf finally jerked herself away, suddenly finding it laborious to breathe. Her hand immediately came to rest over her heart and she winced in pain, unable to quench the fear that had suddenly grabbed a hold of her.

"I know what it is you saw," Galadriel replied, eerily calm, "for it is also in my mind."

"Is this my fate?" Elenmírë asked, having difficulty in controlling the tremble of her body.

"We do not yet know, but yes, it is a possibility," she answered.

"I do not want to die," the younger she-elf whispered, unable to meet Galadriel's gaze.

"You have time, young one," the Elven Queen reminded her gently, "but not much. Follow your instincts, especially those of your heart, and you will find a way. You must learn to believe in yourself, Elenmírë. Distractions and doubts will be detrimental to the completion of this mission." She smiled vaguely as she shuffled through Elenmírë's thoughts, and the younger She-Elf could feel her probing her mind, but was too weary to care. The visions of the mirror weakened her state, and she needed rest and soon.

"I will do what I must, my Lady," she swallowed visibly. "But may I-"

"Go rest," Galadriel cut in, giving Elenmírë a soft smile. "Remember, young one. The mirror only shows what may happen." Elenmírë gave a brief nod, and Galadriel watched in silence as the young She-Elf walked away, still trembling slightly at what she had seen. May the Valar help her, Galadriel prayed silently and sighed.

An hour or so later, Haldir found Elenmírë lying on her side at the foot of a mallorn, resting her head on a tuft of soft grass with her eyes glazed over with sleep. The camp in which her companions were sleeping was no less than twenty yards away, and Haldir deduced that she must have been far too tired to walk the rest of the way. He knew how draining the visions of the mirror could be, and he approached the sleeping She-Elf, kneeling by her side.

What was it about her that affected him so? She was indeed an odd sort of creature, he concluded, and she had an invisible wall built around her, as if to protect herself from the rest of the world, but inside, he knew she was vulnerable. He knew her tough exterior was merely an act, for was it not just hours ago when he held her crying in his arms? He studied her face, his hand reaching across to caress her cheek, and in her sleep, she shifted slightly, leaning into his touch as her lips curved into a smile. He grinned in response, knowing that she could see him in her sleep if she wanted. He softly removed his hand, and almost immediately, she let out an incoherent protest, but he dared not move. A frown replaced her soft smile, but Haldir resisted the urge to hold her. He would not betray his promise to her, and he quietly rose to his feet, willing himself to walk away from her when the glassy look of her eyes faded, and she blinked up at him, just as he turned away.

"Haldir?" she whispered, sitting up as he swerved around.

"Elenmírë," he nodded in greeting, not making any sort of attempt to draw closer to her. "You must rest. I apologize for disturbing you." His eyes narrowed with concern at the trepidation in her expression.

"You really weren't disturbing me," she said, her gaze meeting his.

"No, you must rest," he insisted again. "I see it in your eyes. You are tired. Go to sleep." She sat up straighter with indignation, and he sighed in exasperation at her stubborness.

"Why aren't you resting?" she shot back, crossing her arms, and he shrugged as if the answer were obvious.

"I am not tired," he replied. "You, on the other hand, have been traveling for months, and you still have a ways to go. You must recover your strength." She lowered her eyes, knowing he was right, but it was obvious that something was troubling her. "What is it that ails you, Elenmírë?"

"The mirror," she whispered. "I saw..." Her voice drifted off, and she shook her head. "Nothing." Haldir knew she was lying but decided against questioning her further if she would not give the information freely. He merely nodded, and after pausing for a moment to study her, he turned and walked away, feeling her eyes on him as he moved out of sight.

More than ever, confusion clouded her thoughts. The company of ten would surely leave the next morning; they could not linger any longer than they already have, and yet, Elenmírë wanted to stay in the Golden Wood. The region called to her, and her heart yearned for her to relinquish her vow to the Fellowship and stay within the safe walls of Caras Galadhon, and maybe, just maybe, staying in the Golden Wood would prevent the horrible vision of her death from coming true...

She lay her head back down, shifting until she found a comfortable position.

No. She promised to protect the Ringbearer with her life, and she was not going to go against her word. No matter how much the Golden Wood pleaded with her to stay, she would not dare forfeit her vow to the Fellowship, but as her eyes followed the path which Haldir had followed, her heart sunk and was once again battling with conflicting emotions.

"I do not know what to do," she whispered into the still night. She sighed, and minutes later, her eyes glazed over as she fell asleep.

The next morning, Elenmírë had awoken just before the sun's first light, and her energy was restored from her well deserved rest. She strolled calmly into the camp where the others were just beginning to stir, and Legolas immediately smiled in her direction, but as he remembered his words from the night before, he kept his distance and did not move to greet her in any other fashion. Elenmírë smiled back gratefully, though visions of the mirror swam in her mind as soon as she saw him, and immediately she looked away from him, never seeing his lips frown in concern. She shut her eyes momentarily to clear away the images of his misery. It was not her death itself that pained her so, but the expression of loss and hoplessness she had seen on Legolas's face.

And she was the cause of it all.

Her throat tightened sharply, and she gave a small gasp to clear her airways. There was only one way to prevent Legolas from suffering from her loss if her death was inevitable, but that would only mean she would have to-

She shivered slightly before opening her eyes, forcing herself to think no more of it. Her gaze roamed over to Boromir on its own accord, and once more, her throat constricted, making it difficult to breathe.

Despite a full night's rest, his face was lined with anxiety, and his eyes reflected a sort of secret madness. When he looked over at her, he sneered in her direction before tearing his gaze away, refusing to acknowledge her presence. Elenmírë clamped her jaw together, refusing to allow herself to be affected by his behavior, but despite her outward appearance, she was dying inside, hating the look of contempt that contorted his features. I miss you, Boromir! she wanted to yell at the top of her lungs. I honestly never meant to hurt you. She sighed, knowing that it would be some time before she could approach him again.

Keeping her composure, she looked away from her former love and nodded briefly to Aragorn and, a bit awkwardly, she also nodded in greeting to Mary Sue. The young girl mimicked her actions, though she seemed far more subdued than was normal. Her violet eyes strayed from the She-Elf and landed on the Mirkwood youth as he carefully polished his blade before replacing it back into its sheath. A pang of guilt riddled Elenmírë's heart as she watched the longing fill Mary Sue's eyes. The girl was in love with Legolas, there was no doubt, and she was suffering. It was written plainly across her face, and a sudden revelation hit Elenmírë as she studied the human girl. The look on Mary Sue's face was so familiar it filled Elenmírë with dread; the roles were now switched, she realized. Her heart hammered with pity for the human girl, and self-hatred burned from within. Elenmírë hung her head with guilt, and the urge to strike herself was growing with each passing second.

Holy Valar, am I really that much like Mary Sue as she was before? she contemplated silently, drawing her brows together as her throughts raced through her brain frantically. The idea was disturbing, and after a moment of feeling horribly confused, her mind cleared suddenly as an idea dawned on her. There was one way to end Legolas from suffering in the future as well as putting an end to Mary Sue's distress. She did not enjoy the human girl's company, but Elenmírë knew the torture of loving someone who seemed not to have the same feelings, and she felt far worse knowing that she was the reason for Mary Sue's affliction and Legolas's future pain.

I am selfish, Elenmírë admitted, but no longer. I must do what I can to stop this all. If I have to suffer in the process, then so be it. I am a warrior; I will survive. She looked over to Legolas, and her heart protested slightly at her decision, but if there was any way to prevent his suffering from happening, she was willing to risk it all.

A whooping cry broke her free from her thoughts, and her guilt deepened when she saw Merry and Pippin nearly attack an elf who had approached them with food for breakfast. They were a small, insignificant group of people to most of Middle Earth, but hobbits were amazing creatures. They seemed perpetually happy and lived a naturally simple life, and it was definintely not fair that it was one of their own to carry such a heavy burden to rid the world of evil. Elenmírë knew she had no time to dwell on her trivial love life. None of it was as important as protecting the one who had vowed to risk his life to save the world.

At that moment, Frodo turned his eyes to look at her, and it disturbed her to no end to see his brilliant eyes haunted with the weight of his task. She knew she could not let herself be distracted any further from protecting him; she bound her life to save his, and she would be damned if ever she wallowed in her self-misery again before focusing on the more important things. With that, the load on her shoulders seemed to lighten considerably.

I will not think of Legolas nor will Boromir consume my thoughts, she swore to herself. From now until the completion of my task, they will be nothing to me save companions in our mission to protect the Ringbearer.

As the She-Elf joined her hobbit friends, Galadriel watched her carefully, veiled behind the trees around her, and a slight smile touched her face as she lurked through Elenmírë's mental battle, but there was a disturbing shadow within the young She-Elf's mind. Does she truly believe she can save Legolas from suffering if she forces him to relinquish his vow to her? Galadriel questioned, troubled at Elenmírë's logic. Ah, I have but one more chance to show her her path! Elbereth, help me.

After breakfast, the Fellowship of Ten stood at the edge of the Golden Wood, gazing out into the tiny inlet of water, which they knew led out to the Great River. They all stood in a row, gazing out in contemplation, none of them wishing to leave the wonderful woods of Lothlórien, but knowing that their departure was inevitable. One by one, they turned away from the water, and the company was silently greeted by a group consisting of ten elves, including Haldir, whose expression was hard to discern as his gaze locked with Elenmírë. Though he wore a small grin on his face, his eyes were troubled, and she tilted her head to the side in question. He gave her a slight shake of his head and looked down at the cloak in his hands.

Celeborn appeared behind Haldir and studied each member of the Fellowship before he spoke. "Never before have we clad strangers in the garb of our own people." Each Elf stepped forward to one of the Fellowship, and Haldir approached Elenmírë slowly. As they locked eyes once more, Haldir's lips pulled into a frown, and as he broke visual contact, he wrapped the cloak around her shoulders, securing it with a beautiful green leaf clasp. He swept her hair away from her face, and with a gentle brush of his hand on her cheek, he whispered, "Cormamin niuve tenna' ta elea lle au' (My heart shall weep until it sees thee again)." Her breath caught in her throat as the last of his mask fell away and the pain in his eyes finally became visible. Though tears threatened to sprout to her eyes, she kept them at bay, refusing to breakdown again, but it was difficult keeping her composure, especially when words could not convey exactly how much she was going to miss him. Instead, she impulsively threw her arms about him and held him in a fierce hug, tucking her head just under his chin. At first, he was taken by surprise and did not react, but then she felt his arms wound around her as he buried his face against her hair. However, he pulled away from her quickly, and she let out a cry of protest, but he did not stop to look back at her as he marched away, and she bit her lip to keep from sobbing as his figure diminished into the woods.

Mary Sue, who stood to her left, looked up at Elenmírë in complete alarm, and then the girl's gaze fell on the Prince of Mirkwood who stood on Elenmírë's other side, and his eyes were also on the She-Elf, his expression crushed. Elenmírë however was oblivious to all of it as she kept her gaze steady to the distant trees, and Celeborn continued before anyone could speak.

"May these cloaks help shield you from unfriendly eyes," he said solemnly, and with a final nod, he turned to Aragorn and took him aside, speaking in hushed, worried tones.

"What just happened between the two of you?" Mary Sue asked Elenmírë in a low voice as the She-Elf finally looked away from the distance and stared blankly at the girl.

"He said farewell," she answered.

"It was more than that," Legolas muttered, and Elenmírë swerved around to look at him.

"There are some things you know nothing about," she said softly, turning away. Like my visions of our deaths...I must set you free if you are to survive this...

"I know what I saw," he snapped back. He was greeted with silence, and his eyes bore into her, but she refused to glance his way. "Elenmírë-"

"Stop," she cut in tiredly. "Please, just stop."

"Fine," he snapped, moving away from her, and she sighed heavily just as she caught sight of Galadriel floating towards them in a swan-shaped boat. She gracefully climbed onto shore with two servants behind her, both of whom carried an array of items. As she approached the Fellowship, her voice whispered a greeting into Elenmírë's mind, and the younger She-Elf studied her as she began bestowing gifts to the members of the company.

"Elenmírë," she addressed. "I know what it is that troubles you, Young One. Did you not pay heed to my words?"

"My Lady, I don't want him to hurt as much as he would if I were to die," Elenmírë argued with her eyes on Legolas. "It is best I force him out now before pain befalls him-"

"Young One, he hurts even now," Galadriel interrupted, approaching the Hobbits and Gimli. As her laughter rung into the air at something Gimli had said, the Lady continued. "You have no control over the emotions he will feel, Elenmírë. That is virtually impossible. You are both very young, and the best you can do is to follow your heart, Young One." The Lady's voice grew quiet in her mind as she wandered through Elenmírë's thoughts, and when she finally approached Elenmírë, she handed the younger She-Elf a simple silver band, fitting it over Elenmírë's wrist. "When you are in mortal danger, Elenmírë, this will aid you and give you strength, revealing your true identity. Do not give up hope."

"My true identity?" she repeated in confusion, only to be rewarded with Galadriel's mysterious smile.

"Time, my dear," she said. "Only time will tell." As Elenmírë looked down to study the silver wristlet, she caught sight of a piece of parchment in her hand, and Galadriel's voice entered her mind once more. "He is waiting for you." Her head snapped up in confusion, but Galadriel continued on to Mary Sue, to whom she handed a beautifully carved dagger in a leather sheath adorned with gold embroidery.

Discreetly, Elenmírë unfolded the small parchment, reading the hastily written message that simply said, This was where I held you when you cried. Meet me there once more. There was no signature, but she knew exactly who wrote it and where to meet, and when the gift giving was over, Legolas, Boromir, and Aragorn moved to pack the boats with supplies. Elenmírë's glanced back and forth across the Fellowship and whispered urgently to Mary Sue who idly stood beside her.

"I've forgotten something," she said in a hushed tone, and Mary Sue's eyes narrowed suspiciously.

"What was it?" she asked.

"I must go back to get it," Elenmírë continued. "I won't be long, but if anyone inquires-"

"What did you forget?" Mary Sue questioned insistently, but Elenmírë turned and fled back into the woods, darting through bushes and around trees, just as Galadriel's voice whispered in her mind, "Remember my words, Young One...it will be some time before you hear my advice once more." Her voice faded as Elenmírë reached her destination. Her heart was pounding wildly from the adrenaline rushing through her veins as she approached the mallorn tree with a natural shelter formed from two of its roots. She was suddenly unsure of her hasty decision to flee to him at the last moment, but when she ducked down to enter the shelter, all doubts washed away as Haldir turned to her, his eyes shining brightly.

"I was uncertain as to whether or not you would read the parchment I had left in your hand when I left," he greeted, holding his hand out to her. She took it, and he drew her close, embracing her again. "It was far too difficult for me to say my good-bye with the Fellowship watching-"

"I understand, Haldir, but I cannot tarry," Elenmírë whispered. "I must go. The Fellowship must leave."

"I know." He released her, but they remained close, and he cupped her face in his hands. "You must be careful, Elenmírë."

"I will," she said with a nod, and gulped when her eyes grew misty. "If only I could stay..."

"You made a vow, and you must keep it."

"I will," she repeated. He placed a kiss on her forehead before he pulled something out of his pocket, and she looked down into his hands. "What is that?"

"My gift to you," he said, and taking her hand, he slipped a simple silver band onto the index finger of her right hand and placed a kiss on it. "I've worn it during battles, and I give it to you now to keep you safe." The ring shrunk down to fit her finger, and she stared at it, completely bewildered.

"Haldir, I cannot-"

"It is a gift, Elenmírë," he whispered.

"Amin harmuva onalle e' cormamin (I shall treasure your gift in my heart)," she choked, and he chuckled, leaning in.

"You had better," he muttered, caressing her face once more. "Elenmírë...I'm well aware that I promised otherwise, but forgive me if I want to-" He cut himself off as he placed his lips on hers, and she knew she should have pushed him away, but she could not deny how he made her feel, how he made her react, and instead of pulling free, her arms went around him and clutched him tightly against her. Bolts of electricity shocked her heart into spasms as he grinned against her lips and nipped playfully at her bottom lip. Their kiss deepened until Elenmírë finally pulled away, locking her eyes with his.

"I must go," she whispered, and on instinct, she added, "I promise I will come back to you."

"Elenmírë, you still have a journey ahead of you," he replied huskily, his eyes darkening with emotion. "We do not know what may happen. Please do not make a promise that may not be fulfilled." When she looked away, hurt and embarrassed, he lifted her chin with his hand. "I will, however, pray to the Valar that you do come back to me." He kissed her softly. "Go now, Elenmírë, before I cannot let you." She nodded, and with one last glance, she fled back down the path she had come, and Haldir slowly emerged from the shelter, watching her fade away.

"You will see her sooner than you expect," Galadriel's voice said, penetrating through his thoughts.

"My Lady?"

"With her decision to see you one last time, a new path is now laid before her," she continued, "...and also before you."

"What do you see, my Lady?"

"There will be danger in store for the both of you, Haldir." Her voice faded away and left him with his troubled thoughts.

Elenmírë reached the boats just as the last of the hobbits carefully climbed into them, and Aragorn motioned for her to get into the last boat, and she groaned inwardly when she realized she was stuck with Mary Sue. Keeping her composure, she approached the boat where the girl impatiently gazed up at her.

"Did you find it?" she asked Elenmírë while handing her an oar.

"Find what?" Elenmírë asked blankly, looking over at the other boats, her eyes landing guilty on Legolas and then on Boromir. She looked back down on her hand where the ring shone brightly, happily hugging her finger. She was suddenly filled with a sense of calm and purpose, and she could only guess that it was Haldir's influence. She smiled slightly, savoring the feeling that had begun to creep over her, but she couldn't identify exactly what it was.

"Well, obviously that," muttered Mary Sue, whose eyes grew wide as she caught sight of the ring. "Did Legolas give that to you?" The pain in her voice was obvious, and Elenmírë shook her head, knowing that it had been her past choices that had given Mary Sue distress. She was going to right that wrong, she decided, adjusting the ring on her finger.

"No, there is nothing between Legolas and I," Elenmírë said softly, as she rowed the boat behind the three in front of her. "There is only friendship." She lowered her voice, knowing that it was time to admit what had been plaguing her. "There is something I must admit if we are to work together, Mary Sue." The girl perked up and looked back at her in interest.

"What is it?"

"You were right."

"What?"

"That night, when you said I was insensitive," Elenmírë said and sighed. "I've taken the time to reflect, especially after a discussion I had had with Galadriel...a-and, I admit, I really have not been fair, b-but now..." She rowed foward easily, and as they sailed by the edge of the forest, a solitary figure stood there, staring at her with one hand raised in farewell. Mary Sue followed her gaze and saw Haldir before she looked back at Elenmírë, and the She-Elf stared back at the other Elf in awe. "I've made my decision." Elenmírë tore her eyes away from him when he stepped out of sight.

"So, you mean to say, Legolas and you..?" Mary Sue let her voice trail off hopefully, and Elenmírë forced a smile on her face. This is the only way to keep him from death, she repeated over and over in her head.

"There will be nothing between us," she answered more confidently than she felt, "and if you truly want him, then I will help you." All Mary Sue could do was gawk in disbelief.

"R-really?" Elenmírë merely nodded in reply, else words would have streamed from her mouth to take back her offer, and she turned away from Mary Sue, concentrating hard on her rowing as the girl smiled in pure giddiness. She shot a quick glance at Legolas and Gimli's boat where Legolas was smiling at something that Gimli had said.

I set you free, love...

TBC.