The Mirror of Galadriel
Chapter Two -

Time has aged the land as well as it's people. Over a century has passed since the legendary journey of Frodo and the Fellowship of the Ring. The One Ring has long since been destroyed and the members of the fellowship have traveled their separate ways.

Frodo Baggins returned to the shire, though the trauma of handling the dangerous ring left him forever scarred. He once again left the safety of the shire on a journey to Grey Haven, to reside with the other ring bearers, Galadriel, Gandalf, and Bilbo.

Merry and Pippin took up residence in a small home on the edge of the shire. They found wives and began their own small families, telling their children bedtime stories of the many adventures outside the shire. They passed away several years later, having lived long, full, and adventurous lives.

Samwise Gamgee had long forgotten the events surrounding Galadriel's mirror. After suffering the trials of their long quest it seemed a small, insignificant thing. He came back to the shire tired and worn from the journey and began a family of his own.

Aragorn Elessar married his fair elven lady Arwen and became king of Rohan. He ruled as a just and fair man and sired a son, Eldarion. His good friend Legolas stayed at his side until the end of his rule, in the shire reckoning year of 1541, when he passed his way and the kingdom was given to his Eldarion. Arwen grieved deeply for her husband and left her son to rule. She traveled to Lorien where her life also came to an end. Legolas Greenleaf, quite aggrieved by the deaths of such close friends, took to the west with Gimli, son of Gloin. He caught his first breath of sea air and longed to ride it's perilous waves. He sailed across the great seas to the undying lands, his dwarven friend at his side.

Our tale opens anew, time has passed and many of our old friends are no longer with us. A sad song resonates through the hills of the undying lands. A place so beautiful mortal men would weep to see it. It has long since been removed from the grasp of mortals, and only those with everlasting youth and beauty may reach it.

It is a haven to lost souls, a place of sanctuary, and yet, death has visited this holy land. Long ago, it was believed by mortals that the undying lands would grant any who sought it eternal life. But Legolas Greenleaf knew better. Only those who were already deathless could live forever in the undying lands. He sought out a deep dark cave for his long-time friend, Gimli, son of Gloin.

Legolas gently lay the body of his friend deep in the catacombs. It was a hard thing, this gift of eternal life. To be able to live so long, but have to endure the deaths of dear friends who had not been given the same gift. He finished his song of mourning and walked stoically from the cave. There was nought left for him to do anymore it seemed. His friends were all but gone and the only true joy in his heart anymore was the joy of being on the open seas.

His grey ship was ready and waiting for him to set sail. Without a second thought he stepped aboard the vessel and unfurled the small sails. The softly blowing winds caught them and began to carry him once again, through the perilous seas. He set the rudder and felt a great tiredness settle over him. When he'd sailed before, Gimli had always been there if he needed to rest, and in turn, he was there to keep watch when the dwarf had needed sleep. He let out a sigh and leaned against the side of the ship, his eyes closed slowly and he felt sleep creeping in to take him.

He awoke later, not sure if he'd slept for hours, or days. He shook the last of sleep from his eyes and wiped the drops of rain that had fallen across his brow. He looked to the sky. It had darkened considerably in the time he'd been asleep and he cursed his luck. This storm would be difficult to navigate. He still had to be nearly a week from land, didn't he? Clouds plagued the sky and he hadn't thought to bring a compass. On the edge of his elven sight, he could barely make out land. It must be the undying lands, he thought to himself. I must have got turned around as I slept. I suppose it'd be best to head back for now.

The wind was starting to whip wildly at his tiny ship and he struggled for control. It made him feel alive again, fighting against the vicious storm and his heart took courage. The waves were rising higher and higher and it was all he could do to keep his ship from going under. He held sails taught, but he could feel the strong fabric starting to tear under the strain. A gust blew again and he heard as much as saw the sail rend itself from the ropes which held it. It was only moments later another great wave came crashing down on him, this time, taking him down to the sea with it.

He was in the water now, struggling for breath as the waves beat upon him. He fought to keep his head above the swirling waters. The land was closer now, probably only a few miles. He'd never had to swim that far before, but perhaps he could make it. He swung his arms through the water with all his strength, but he could feel it waning. He couldn't see an end to the storm and suddenly, an undercurrent pulled him down. It was dark and he couldn't tell which way the surface was. He needed air. Darkness was inching it's way into the borders of his vision. Not like this... He thought. I can't die like this...

Consciousness hit him like a cave troll. He rolled over and sat up, coughing on sea water. He felt terrible, but at least he was alive. His eyes flicked quickly at his surroundings. The storm was raging further away, but it seemed it had passed by already. Just when he thought he might try standing, a hearty clap on the back sent him into another fit of coughing.

"That's right lad, cough out that nasty stuff. Yeh're just lucky we passed by. My son here thought yeh mighta ben one of those merfolk, with that long hair o' yers, but I guess he was wrong!" the man laughed heartily as Legolas struggled to focus his eyes. The man looked to be somewhat middle aged, but then, he'd never been good at guessing the age of humans. He wore simple clothes and Legolas guessed he must be some sort of fisherman. The son he'd spoken of stood a little way off, and couldn't have been more than twelve or thirteen. He had the wide eyes of a child and backed up a step when Legolas set his eyes on him.

As soon as he caught a breath, Legolas spoke and barely recognized the voice as his own, "I thank you sir, I owe you my life."

The large, somewhat brawny man laughed again, "think nothin' of it lad. I just wonder how you got the fool idea in yer head to sail out of the Bay of Balfalas in this kinda weather!"

"Balfalas?" Legolas queried. "We're in Balfalas?"

The man nodded and asked his son to fetch some blankets and a cup of hot stew. "Yep, we're headed for Gondor, jus' north o' here. Got quite a haul today. Where yeh headed stranger?"

The elf was dumbstruck for a moment. He's only left the undying lands this morning, hadn't he? He had a strange feeling that something had wanted him to be here. Always one to trust his instincts, he nodded slowly, "y-yes. Gondor," he managed as he gratefully took the cup of soup and blankets.

"Great! We'll drop yeh off there then lad! Must be yer lucky day!"