Author's Note: Okay! Here's my new chapter and sorry if it took a long
time and if it's kind of rough. I wrote this one in the time I have during
classes and before practice. If I hadn't, it probably wouldn't be up yet!
But here it is, but tell me if any part of the story is really weird and
I'll fix it. Next little paragraph is me going on a slight rampage.
Okay, I know that not all my information is right or chronologically correct according to Tolkien, either. Believe me, I KNOW! I've always had a passion for fantasy, but the writings of Tolkien have always led me to believe (like King Arthur) that the events had actually taken place a really long time ago. I like to believe that the things happened so long ago that it is now more like a legend, or myth if you want, and is believed to your own accord. Though I love the books and respect Tolkien for his absolute genius, there has never been anything in this world that I have put absolute, unconditional faith in, besides the love I have for my family and friends. In my short 17 years of life, I find that I have to believe in what I believe, and try not to get too irked when people try to tell me that I'm wrong.
That being said, I really do appreciate the information people have given me, but seriously, I'm a stubborn person and it takes a lot of time and energy to get me to change my beliefs. For instance, I always have and always will believe in Santa Claus, no matter how childish others may think it is!
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Chapter 10
"Êlcàlë," Galadriel's voice said inside her head, causing the sleeping being to stir in her sleep. "Êlcàlë." At this, Êlcàlë's eyes opened, slightly confused and still shrouded with sleep. "What's going on?" the waking part-elf thought as she sat up to get ready for the day. Twenty minutes later, she had braided her hair into a soft, thick braid and quickly left the room.
Êlcàlë walked down the hall and almost bumped right into Elladan. Elladan told her Galadriel was waiting for her in the garden before bidding his leave. With her new information, Êlcàlë headed towards the garden, curious as to why the Lady of Light had called for her.
"Good morning, milady," Êlcàlë said as she found Galadriel standing in a clearing at the very edge of the garden, closest to the palace. "Good morning, my child," Galadriel said, before placing a hand on Êlcàlë's forearm. "Come. Let us take a walk." Êlcàlë nodded and turned towards the forest, Lady Galadriel at her side. The two beings, one clad in a simmering white dress, blond hair spilling over her shoulders, almost to her waist, the other in pale green, a soft braid of black hair falling down her back, so different, yet so very similar. The two were quite a sight to behold for anyone looking out the windows of the palace as they walked into the forest.
"Is there something you wanted to tell me, milady?" Êlcàlë asked as they reached a small clearing in the forest. They had walked in silence for a short while now, stopping finally in the clearing they now stood in. "Do you miss it?" Galadriel said, turning to look at Êlcàlë. "Do you miss the world you came from, I mean," she said, seeing the confused look on the younger being's face. "No," Êlcàlë said with a sigh, her eyes sad. "And yes. Is that wrong, milady?" "Nay," Galadriel said, shaking her head. "Do you wish to speak about it?" Just then, a gust of wind rustled through the trees, causing the brightly coloured leaves to fall. Galadriel and Êlcàlë looked up to watch the leaves run their course before falling to the ground into the soft grass. "I do not miss the world itself," Êlcàlë said, tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear. "This world is far too beautiful for the one I came form to even begin to compare. I miss someone I had left behind there. The only one left in that world who holds a special place in my heart." Galadriel looked over at Êlcàlë, trying to read the expression on her face, but failed. "Did you leave a lover behind?" Galadriel asked softly, still peering at Êlcàlë. "What?" Êlcàlë said, startled. "Nay, milady!" she said, giving her head a shake, causing more hair to stray. "My love belongs to Legolas Greenleaf alone," she said, her cheeks flushing a soft red colour as a smile tugged at her lips. "I left behind a family friend, my father's best friend. He helped my grandmother take care of me when my parents died. I feel terrible about leaving him behind." Êlcàlë caught a leaf during its descent to the ground. The leaf was a beautiful red with tiny, delicate veins running through it. "He is alone now." "What would you do if I told you there is a way for you to go back?" Galadriel said slowly, looking at Êlcàlë for a reaction. "A way for me to go back?" Êlcàlë said, her eyes lighting up for a moment before growing sad again. "If I go back to my world, will I have to leave this one forever?" "No," Galadriel said. "But if you do go back, will you be willing to leave it again?" she asked as Êlcàlë let the leaf fall to the ground. "Can you find it in you heart to leave that world again?" "I can," Êlcàlë said quickly, though her eyes betrayed her words. Galadriel raised her eyebrows in silent question as Êlcàlë willed her heart to stop beating so quickly. "Truthfully, milady, I do not know. I came from that world, but I feel I belong here more than I ever did there." "If you decide to go back," Galadriel said, taking a small mithril box out of her long, flowing sleeve. "All you have to do is put this ring on. Once you are back, you will have two days before the portal reopens again to come back to this world. This ring," she said, handing over the box, "will only work once, so you must think carefully about your decision before making it." "Thank you, milady, I will," Êlcàlë said, bowing her head and putting the box into the flowing sleeve of her own dress. "Come," Galadriel said as she turned. "It's time to head back now."
~*~
The small company from Lothlorien had almost finished their preparations to leave by the time Galadriel and Êlcàlë arrived back at the palace.
"You didn't tell me you were leaving so soon," Êlcàlë said, her eyes wide in shock. "The weather is changing," Galadriel explained as she looked up at the falling leaves. "Winter is approaching soon. If we leave any later, the snow will hinder our journey and we cannot stay and wait for the new year either. There are tasks to be done still in Lothlorien." Êlcàlë nodded, though she was sad that they had to leave. Galadriel smiled and placed a hand on her cheek. "We shall see each other again, young one." "I know," Êlcàlë said softly, a smile gracing her features. She bowed to Galadriel and took her leave, for now.
~*~
"Elladan! Elrohir!" Êlcàlë called out to the archery field. The twins looked up to the window and smiled. "Come join us, Êlcàlë," Elrohir called back, gesturing around the archery field. "Perhaps later," Êlcàlë said with a smile. "I'm looking for Legolas. Have you seen him?" "He is in the armoury, I believe," Elladan said. "It is on the west end of the house." "Thank you," Êlcàlë called to them before turning away from the window and headed towards the armoury.
As she got closer, Êlcàlë could hear the clashes of swords, but was not worried because no one can get into an elven realm without being detected, especially with Galadriel around. She turned the corner to see Haldir and Legolas engaged in a friendly spar. She could see the two elves clearly for the split second when their swords clashed, but the rest of the time their graceful movements were slightly blurred. There was a mighty clash causing the air around the two swords to ring. The two elves bounced apart, swords still in front of them at the ready, both breathing deeply. They both turned when they heard clapping coming from the side.
"Beautiful," Êlcàlë said as she walked towards them. "I've never seen anything move so quickly and with such grace." "Thank you, mellon nin," Haldir said as his breathing evened out again. "We were having a spar before Haldir has to leave," Legolas explained, sheathing his sword again. "Oh Valar!" Haldir said as he looked up at the sky. "We should head back, for the hour is growing late." The three friends turned and started walking back to the main part of the palace, joking and laughing as they went.
~*~
"It's time to leave," Celeborn said when Haldir, Legolas, and Êlcàlë got back. At this point, rounds of goodbyes and promises for future visits began. Finally, Êlcàlë had to say goodbye to Haldir, who was standing with Legolas. She walked over and embraced Haldir, causing the elf to chuckle yet again. "Goodbye, Haldir," Êlcàlë said, sadness causing her hear to ache. She knew that they would visit each other again as soon as possible, but it was still hard to say goodbye, even for a little while. "Goodbye, Êlcàlë, goodbye, Legolas," Haldir said, smiling thinly, for he hated goodbyes as much as Êlcàlë. Silently, Haldir took one of Êlcàlë's hands, much to her surprise, and grabbed hold of Legolas' as well. He held both hands for a moment in his own, then placed Legolas and Êlcàlë's hands together. He held them there for a moment before letting go, marvelling at the lovely effect. "May you find happiness together, for as long as the Valar wills it." Êlcàlë blushed and lowered her head as she felt Legolas tighten his hold. "Thank you, my friend," Legolas said, placing his free hand on Haldir's shoulder. "May the Valar protect you on your journey home." Haldir smiled and bowed to them both before joining the leaving party. The elves from Rivendell, Legolas, and Êlcàlë stood at the door of the palace until the Lothlorien elves were out of sight before going back in and closing the door.
~*~
A soft breeze whistled through the window, causing Êlcàlë's hair to float lightly as she changed into a nightgown. As she took off her dress, an object thumped softly to the ground, startling Êlcàlë. She looked down and saw the mithril box that Galadriel had given her. She bent down to pick up the box and opened it to look at the ring. It really was a beautiful ring with a thin band made of silver, a pale pink stone set in its center. She sighed as she remembered her conversation with the Lady of Light and closed the box again.
"What shall I do?" Êlcàlë softly asked herself, staring at the now closed box in her hand. Her mind raced at a hundred miles an hour, trying to find the right answer, but couldn't quite grasp the correct one. With a sight of defeat, at least for now, Êlcàlë put the box onto the table and went towards her bed for some much needed rest.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
French Pony: Thanks for another review! Don't worry, Gimli's coming up. I have plans as to where he'll show up in the story and I always have. You see, the stories are usually roughly finished in my mind before I even write them. The hardest part, of course, is to get all the detail and feeling onto paper and hopefully, relay the feelings of the characters, from my point of view, over to the readers. Gil-Galad actually stands for Star or Radiance (Index of Names, Silmarillion), so it wasn't quite what I was looking for. Hopefully, you still enjoy my story, regardless of its faults! Thanks again!
Hellga: Trust me, if I had enough time, I'd read the stories front to back over and over again. Unfortunately, I can only find time to read them once a year, around Christmas, so I'll get to read them again soon! Yay! Since you're in pharmacy school, you should remember how big of a pain grade 12 is and if you played volleyball and basketball, you'll know how time consuming that is as well! About the evil elf thing, read my little ranting paragraph on top and maybe you'll get an idea what I'm talking about. Besides, I couldn't make him completely evil either because I believe that everything and everyone should at least have a chance at being saved and redemption for their wrong doings. Plus, I'd like to remind you that Joey is mostly human, which is what I love about her because she isn't perfect, but she belongs in the world of perfect beings. I know Êlcàlë looks rather odd, but I had about 9 different ways of saying Starlight written down and I showed it to three trusted friends. In the end, Êlcàlë won. The letters and symbols I used are actually from www.ardalambion.com, so hopefully, it's not wrong. Thanks for your review!
Okay, I know that not all my information is right or chronologically correct according to Tolkien, either. Believe me, I KNOW! I've always had a passion for fantasy, but the writings of Tolkien have always led me to believe (like King Arthur) that the events had actually taken place a really long time ago. I like to believe that the things happened so long ago that it is now more like a legend, or myth if you want, and is believed to your own accord. Though I love the books and respect Tolkien for his absolute genius, there has never been anything in this world that I have put absolute, unconditional faith in, besides the love I have for my family and friends. In my short 17 years of life, I find that I have to believe in what I believe, and try not to get too irked when people try to tell me that I'm wrong.
That being said, I really do appreciate the information people have given me, but seriously, I'm a stubborn person and it takes a lot of time and energy to get me to change my beliefs. For instance, I always have and always will believe in Santa Claus, no matter how childish others may think it is!
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Chapter 10
"Êlcàlë," Galadriel's voice said inside her head, causing the sleeping being to stir in her sleep. "Êlcàlë." At this, Êlcàlë's eyes opened, slightly confused and still shrouded with sleep. "What's going on?" the waking part-elf thought as she sat up to get ready for the day. Twenty minutes later, she had braided her hair into a soft, thick braid and quickly left the room.
Êlcàlë walked down the hall and almost bumped right into Elladan. Elladan told her Galadriel was waiting for her in the garden before bidding his leave. With her new information, Êlcàlë headed towards the garden, curious as to why the Lady of Light had called for her.
"Good morning, milady," Êlcàlë said as she found Galadriel standing in a clearing at the very edge of the garden, closest to the palace. "Good morning, my child," Galadriel said, before placing a hand on Êlcàlë's forearm. "Come. Let us take a walk." Êlcàlë nodded and turned towards the forest, Lady Galadriel at her side. The two beings, one clad in a simmering white dress, blond hair spilling over her shoulders, almost to her waist, the other in pale green, a soft braid of black hair falling down her back, so different, yet so very similar. The two were quite a sight to behold for anyone looking out the windows of the palace as they walked into the forest.
"Is there something you wanted to tell me, milady?" Êlcàlë asked as they reached a small clearing in the forest. They had walked in silence for a short while now, stopping finally in the clearing they now stood in. "Do you miss it?" Galadriel said, turning to look at Êlcàlë. "Do you miss the world you came from, I mean," she said, seeing the confused look on the younger being's face. "No," Êlcàlë said with a sigh, her eyes sad. "And yes. Is that wrong, milady?" "Nay," Galadriel said, shaking her head. "Do you wish to speak about it?" Just then, a gust of wind rustled through the trees, causing the brightly coloured leaves to fall. Galadriel and Êlcàlë looked up to watch the leaves run their course before falling to the ground into the soft grass. "I do not miss the world itself," Êlcàlë said, tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear. "This world is far too beautiful for the one I came form to even begin to compare. I miss someone I had left behind there. The only one left in that world who holds a special place in my heart." Galadriel looked over at Êlcàlë, trying to read the expression on her face, but failed. "Did you leave a lover behind?" Galadriel asked softly, still peering at Êlcàlë. "What?" Êlcàlë said, startled. "Nay, milady!" she said, giving her head a shake, causing more hair to stray. "My love belongs to Legolas Greenleaf alone," she said, her cheeks flushing a soft red colour as a smile tugged at her lips. "I left behind a family friend, my father's best friend. He helped my grandmother take care of me when my parents died. I feel terrible about leaving him behind." Êlcàlë caught a leaf during its descent to the ground. The leaf was a beautiful red with tiny, delicate veins running through it. "He is alone now." "What would you do if I told you there is a way for you to go back?" Galadriel said slowly, looking at Êlcàlë for a reaction. "A way for me to go back?" Êlcàlë said, her eyes lighting up for a moment before growing sad again. "If I go back to my world, will I have to leave this one forever?" "No," Galadriel said. "But if you do go back, will you be willing to leave it again?" she asked as Êlcàlë let the leaf fall to the ground. "Can you find it in you heart to leave that world again?" "I can," Êlcàlë said quickly, though her eyes betrayed her words. Galadriel raised her eyebrows in silent question as Êlcàlë willed her heart to stop beating so quickly. "Truthfully, milady, I do not know. I came from that world, but I feel I belong here more than I ever did there." "If you decide to go back," Galadriel said, taking a small mithril box out of her long, flowing sleeve. "All you have to do is put this ring on. Once you are back, you will have two days before the portal reopens again to come back to this world. This ring," she said, handing over the box, "will only work once, so you must think carefully about your decision before making it." "Thank you, milady, I will," Êlcàlë said, bowing her head and putting the box into the flowing sleeve of her own dress. "Come," Galadriel said as she turned. "It's time to head back now."
~*~
The small company from Lothlorien had almost finished their preparations to leave by the time Galadriel and Êlcàlë arrived back at the palace.
"You didn't tell me you were leaving so soon," Êlcàlë said, her eyes wide in shock. "The weather is changing," Galadriel explained as she looked up at the falling leaves. "Winter is approaching soon. If we leave any later, the snow will hinder our journey and we cannot stay and wait for the new year either. There are tasks to be done still in Lothlorien." Êlcàlë nodded, though she was sad that they had to leave. Galadriel smiled and placed a hand on her cheek. "We shall see each other again, young one." "I know," Êlcàlë said softly, a smile gracing her features. She bowed to Galadriel and took her leave, for now.
~*~
"Elladan! Elrohir!" Êlcàlë called out to the archery field. The twins looked up to the window and smiled. "Come join us, Êlcàlë," Elrohir called back, gesturing around the archery field. "Perhaps later," Êlcàlë said with a smile. "I'm looking for Legolas. Have you seen him?" "He is in the armoury, I believe," Elladan said. "It is on the west end of the house." "Thank you," Êlcàlë called to them before turning away from the window and headed towards the armoury.
As she got closer, Êlcàlë could hear the clashes of swords, but was not worried because no one can get into an elven realm without being detected, especially with Galadriel around. She turned the corner to see Haldir and Legolas engaged in a friendly spar. She could see the two elves clearly for the split second when their swords clashed, but the rest of the time their graceful movements were slightly blurred. There was a mighty clash causing the air around the two swords to ring. The two elves bounced apart, swords still in front of them at the ready, both breathing deeply. They both turned when they heard clapping coming from the side.
"Beautiful," Êlcàlë said as she walked towards them. "I've never seen anything move so quickly and with such grace." "Thank you, mellon nin," Haldir said as his breathing evened out again. "We were having a spar before Haldir has to leave," Legolas explained, sheathing his sword again. "Oh Valar!" Haldir said as he looked up at the sky. "We should head back, for the hour is growing late." The three friends turned and started walking back to the main part of the palace, joking and laughing as they went.
~*~
"It's time to leave," Celeborn said when Haldir, Legolas, and Êlcàlë got back. At this point, rounds of goodbyes and promises for future visits began. Finally, Êlcàlë had to say goodbye to Haldir, who was standing with Legolas. She walked over and embraced Haldir, causing the elf to chuckle yet again. "Goodbye, Haldir," Êlcàlë said, sadness causing her hear to ache. She knew that they would visit each other again as soon as possible, but it was still hard to say goodbye, even for a little while. "Goodbye, Êlcàlë, goodbye, Legolas," Haldir said, smiling thinly, for he hated goodbyes as much as Êlcàlë. Silently, Haldir took one of Êlcàlë's hands, much to her surprise, and grabbed hold of Legolas' as well. He held both hands for a moment in his own, then placed Legolas and Êlcàlë's hands together. He held them there for a moment before letting go, marvelling at the lovely effect. "May you find happiness together, for as long as the Valar wills it." Êlcàlë blushed and lowered her head as she felt Legolas tighten his hold. "Thank you, my friend," Legolas said, placing his free hand on Haldir's shoulder. "May the Valar protect you on your journey home." Haldir smiled and bowed to them both before joining the leaving party. The elves from Rivendell, Legolas, and Êlcàlë stood at the door of the palace until the Lothlorien elves were out of sight before going back in and closing the door.
~*~
A soft breeze whistled through the window, causing Êlcàlë's hair to float lightly as she changed into a nightgown. As she took off her dress, an object thumped softly to the ground, startling Êlcàlë. She looked down and saw the mithril box that Galadriel had given her. She bent down to pick up the box and opened it to look at the ring. It really was a beautiful ring with a thin band made of silver, a pale pink stone set in its center. She sighed as she remembered her conversation with the Lady of Light and closed the box again.
"What shall I do?" Êlcàlë softly asked herself, staring at the now closed box in her hand. Her mind raced at a hundred miles an hour, trying to find the right answer, but couldn't quite grasp the correct one. With a sight of defeat, at least for now, Êlcàlë put the box onto the table and went towards her bed for some much needed rest.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
French Pony: Thanks for another review! Don't worry, Gimli's coming up. I have plans as to where he'll show up in the story and I always have. You see, the stories are usually roughly finished in my mind before I even write them. The hardest part, of course, is to get all the detail and feeling onto paper and hopefully, relay the feelings of the characters, from my point of view, over to the readers. Gil-Galad actually stands for Star or Radiance (Index of Names, Silmarillion), so it wasn't quite what I was looking for. Hopefully, you still enjoy my story, regardless of its faults! Thanks again!
Hellga: Trust me, if I had enough time, I'd read the stories front to back over and over again. Unfortunately, I can only find time to read them once a year, around Christmas, so I'll get to read them again soon! Yay! Since you're in pharmacy school, you should remember how big of a pain grade 12 is and if you played volleyball and basketball, you'll know how time consuming that is as well! About the evil elf thing, read my little ranting paragraph on top and maybe you'll get an idea what I'm talking about. Besides, I couldn't make him completely evil either because I believe that everything and everyone should at least have a chance at being saved and redemption for their wrong doings. Plus, I'd like to remind you that Joey is mostly human, which is what I love about her because she isn't perfect, but she belongs in the world of perfect beings. I know Êlcàlë looks rather odd, but I had about 9 different ways of saying Starlight written down and I showed it to three trusted friends. In the end, Êlcàlë won. The letters and symbols I used are actually from www.ardalambion.com, so hopefully, it's not wrong. Thanks for your review!