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Echoes of the Narbeleth
Spirit Star
Chapter 20: In which the web floats wide
Note: This goes straight into how Adariel met the incoming company¡
There were suddenly too many horses in the small common yard, with mud splashing the eager stable hands generously. It was now the only a few hours before Shallow Night, and a sense of stillness had struck the air, dusk having come and gone. It was the time when, amongst Men, the Good were content and the Bad were restless.
Adariel sighed as she stared into the crowd of sweating beasts, steam rising out of their glistening bodies, and wondered where their riders were. She had seen them as she had strolled the high fence borders, and had hurried to meet them, but had been late and had misplaced her sight of them.
The shouts of Men echoed across the yard as many troughs were filled and grateful animals led to a good night's rest in so fitful a camp. She considered climbing a makeshift watch tower, but decided to stay where she was, happy to observe the Men of Rohan as they tended to their horses which in itself was a wondrous thing to see.
So taken was she by her study that when Aragorn approached her lax form she did not stir, although she gave indication that she had indeed heard his coming.
"I hope I find you in good health," Aragorn smiled down with a hint of amusement, "although vitality does not seem to me to be something you would lack¡indeed you have a knack of regaining it from the most unlikely of situations."
"That," Adariel replied, not turning around, "is not always a good thing."
"Many a word the Wise have said about that," Aragorn nodded jovially, "but none of it I have heard."
"You jest," was the answer to his words.
"Ah, I find you in ill humour."
"It is too early to presume that, especially for one only just met. Excuse me if I do not say ¡®well met¡¯."
"At any rate, ill humour of any sort is unfortunate to-night," Aragorn shook his head, "as I have two of your kindred who are eagerly awaiting your presence."
She turned around at last, her calm eyes beginning to flicker with curiosity, but her expression betraying nothing. Cocking her head a little, she frowned at him as if judging his intent. Conclusion reached, she stood up slowly as if not tempted at all and pivoted to face him.
"Of whom do you speak?" she asked.
"You have met them before, I am sure of it." he said, revealing nothing. "And they remember you, although it cannot be assured that you have memory of them."
"From where do they hail?"
"From the North they have come, but that has not always been their home."
"You toy with me, my lord," Adariel frowned.
Aragorn laughed. "They request specifically to meet you, and would like me to introduce you as they feel you would not like it if they approached you on their own, directly."
"They are strange people," she said, then added, "even if they are of my race. Tell me. How does a stranger meet a stranger?"
Nevertheless, she followed Aragorn through the bodies of excited but busy stable hands as they wove the tired horses around the stalls. The sounds of gravel and wooden wagon wheels seemed especially loud that night, and the loud voices of Men, some singing or chanting as was the way of the Rohan people.
As they neared a rise in the fair land, Adariel suddenly raised her head in alarm. "Where is Lady Éowyn?"
Aragorn looked unnaturally blank, politely stating that he did knew not where a Lady of her disposition would spend her time in such times, and it was not his business to say even if he knew. But as the conversation died, he looked grieved and seemed burdened with some news that none knew of. Adariel knew better than ask of it.
They walked past the tents. Here and there Adariel saw faces she recognized, worn and weary. Gimli she saw and Boromir. Their eyes met and broke away again and great understanding came to both. Both had been tempted by the darkness and both had fought it.
"Lo!" Aragorn suddenly pointed. "There sit the two who await you."
In the near distance, Adariel could see two tall elves with dark hair talking intently around a gay fire, faces glowing golden in the heat. They were alike in so many ways that she could not tell them apart at such a distance, nor could she even as they drew to a halt in front of them.
They had, of course, seen or heard them coming for they were not surprised to see that Aragorn and herself were waiting silently by their sides. Standing, they smiled laughed and welcomed Aragorn hailing him as Estel, a name which Adariel remembered to be his childhood title.
"I have succeeded in fetching the Lady of the Fangorn Woods, if she permits me to call her by that name for Fangorn knows no master or mistress," Aragorn grinned, "and now you owe me the rest of the night to myself."
"Gladly we release you from your pact, and postpone this night of storytelling to another date," they smiled, "for we have better company than you, and fairer."
Aragorn did not look offended at this and they laughed so heartily that Adariel felt compelled to join in.
"I am forgetting myself," Aragorn said as the laughter died down, "and forgetting that I still have your names to announce. Lady Adariel, these are my childhood companions Elladan and Elrohir and my most trusted allies, sons of Elrond hailing from Imladris."
"Well met," Elladan smiled warmly at Adariel¡¯s shocked expression, "and now Aragorn is free roam, having completed his task." Aragorn bowed informally and left swiftly as if something was on his mind.
Adariel was at once silent, her eyes having widened considerably since receiving their names and titles. So these were the sons of Elrond, to whom she was blood kin to. Their faces were uncomfortably familiar, as if once in her earlier youth she had secretly espied them somewhere in secret, or like memories of a long blown dream that seemed to reach beyond time to tempt her.
¡°Speak,¡± Elrohir pushed gently. ¡°We¡¯ll not bite.¡±
¡°I would speak,¡± said she with some agitation, ¡°but I have naught to say!¡±
¡°Start with a story,¡± they said. ¡°Rohan is the place of tale-telling and lore. Tell us a story and we will sit together to listen to it. Surely life has left you with some trials or it would be no life at all.¡± But they spoke as if they already knew well her adventures.
¡°Where shall I start?¡± Adariel smiled.
¡°Start at the beginning,¡± Elladan smiled. ¡°Start at the beginning, or perhaps before it. Start with you.¡±
The embers were glowing when she paused to draw breath. Her audience had been encouraging and sympathetic and had shown real sympathy. It was not yet the end of Deep Night; the moon was still bright and Arda still dark.
Through the last hour there had been much merrymaking, as their fair voices had grown stronger with acquaintance. Adariel had come to like them dearly (it was too early to love yet, for strangers of so many leaf falls were surely still strangers!) and was glad she had fallen across the same path.
¡°¡and,¡± she finished at last with a smile, ¡°that is the end of¡¡±
¡°Hush!¡± they stopped her. ¡°Nay, the knowledge of your story may have come to an end, but the tale is far from over. Whither will you be tomorrow? Even the Wise cannot say although knowledge of all things they do seek. One day you may say that this chapter of the story is done, when Middle Earth begins to tire you and the ocean begins to stir your blood. But the tale will never end for you are of elven blood, and you will be reborn again whether it be in Valinor or Mandos Halls.¡±
¡°Such pretty words are worthy of better ears,¡± Adariel answered humbly.
¡°Flattery from a stranger for a stranger,¡± Elladan laughed. ¡°Be careful on who you bestow your praises. Words placed in the right ears may start a blazing fire. Beware dear friend for not all fires are ones of destructive nature.¡±
¡°A fire?¡± Adariel asked, puzzled. But they would not answer her, only looking at one another with enlightened eyes as if sharing a jest that only they knew of. Feeling left out, she frowned. ¡°I grow tired of the conversation that I am not a part of.¡±
¡°How easily distracted you must be!¡± Elrohir mused. ¡°Come, let us move into topics we are all of us familiar with.¡±
They talked of Imladris and of news of the North, describing places and people with serious undertones and invited Adariel¡¯s opinions on most matters providing that she had some grasp of the background of situations. Sometimes their words flowed onto distant things, and they talked of the lands beyond the Sea and of the Lady of the Stars. Many a time a small sigh would leak out from troubled lips and Elbereth could be heard in the wind.
A change in the air signaled the coming of the morning, yet the sky was still blinded. Conversation fell on debate about the current situation in Imladris, and the brothers were grim.
¡°The power of the elves is not as strong as it once was. We do not fear Sauron but we are ever cautious. It is not yet out of our minds the foolishness of our distant kinsmen so long ago who were tricked by the Dark Lord. Now he is rallying once again and there have been more and more orcs killed by our scouts, both near Imladris and Lothlorien.¡± Elrohir frowned.
¡°There can only be time standing between battle, I fear. Imladris is not in immediate danger, but it is Lorien that our thoughts are headed,¡± Elladan sighed. ¡°Lorien is much aware of it. Our father has sent at least one messenger there that has been delayed or waylaid by the enemy. Dol Guldur has been silent for too long. It only makes for more suspicion. Celeborn and Galadriel¡¯s thoughts are bent on it as we speak.¡±
¡°Even the north is not safe. Reports from Dale and Erebor are becoming scarce. Even the land of our friend Legolas from the North is seeing more of the foul than the fair.¡± Elrohir added. ¡°And not only orcs they have, but many things great and small who unite under the dominion of the Eye.¡±
Adariel could only feel horror at the thought of Lorien in such ruin as Lakewood, lately Morladris, was when she had left it. Indeed, her last memory of it was blurred by the red blaze that swept through the entire place. Then she remembered who resided in the Golden Wood, and was at peace. Even the enemy cowered in the light of Galadriel and the golden city of the Galadhrim.
Elladan and Elrohir caught her thoughts. ¡°Do not doubt,¡± Elrohir allowed a small smile. ¡°Our people will not fail, for in us hate is still strong. We are ever reminded of the trickery that once our kin had fallen under. But let us move onto happier thoughts. How foolish of us to bring on such a topic, at such a place. Look, here comes another now ¨C Mae Governon Legolas Thruanduilion!¡±
¡°Mae Governon, Elladan, Elrohir.¡± Legolas said quietly as he approached and joined them around the slowing fire. ¡°Mae Governon Adariel.¡± He was carrying his bow and placed it before the fire gently. The make of it caught Elladan¡¯s eye.
¡°I trust that that bow was a gift from Galadriel?¡± he said, amused.
¡°You have keen eyes¡¡± Legolas laughed, ¡°¡or perhaps keen ears?¡±
¡°Both, I think.¡± Elladan answered. ¡°We had heard that your company had passed through the Woods but also the design of your bow told us enough as to confirm our suspicions.¡±
¡°Well said, well said,¡± was the reply and there was laughter all around.
Adariel felt uncomfortable. Although she had laughed at the small exchange between friends, she felt the eyes of Elrohir on her and saw the frequent glances from Elladan. It was all she could do to laugh when the others laughed, and to form expressions mirroring her companions¡¯ to cover her lack of attention.
This in itself was no easy thing, for attention seemed mostly thrown her way (and though she did not know it, the constant invitations were from Legolas more often than not) and at times she was obliged to concentrate on the matters being discussed, some to such deep extents as to trigger prolonged silences from all.
It was entirely a surprise to her when they were muted and looked at her. It was several moments before she realized that she had been addressed by one of them, and she must give a reply. Who had spoken? What was the comment or question?
¡°Im hae gwann**¡± she apologized, shaking her head. ¡°What was it you said? I did not hear.¡±
¡°No offense taken,¡± Elladan replied. ¡°Elrohir and I were just taking leave and I had asked you if you would rather join us?¡±
¡°It would be to the great benefit of Legolas if you were to remain,¡± Elrohir added, a hint of mirth in his voice.
Adariel was not so naïve as not to pick up the idea behind the suggestion, and her quick downward glance to hide her reddening cheeks showed them so. Still, they demanded an answer and there was no time to consider it. Adariel fumed inwardly at their cheek, but was surprised when Legolas himself asked her to remain.
¡°Well,¡± Adariel finally consented somewhat reluctantly, ¡°if all three of you are so set against my leaving this fire, then I must consent to agree ¨C but you must remember it was not my idea.¡±
Elladan and Elrohir stood in unison and laughed. As they walked away, Elladan turned back and said : ¡°Your tone disapproves of us and your manner demands an apology. Beware, for we¡¯ll not give you one!¡± They laughed again as they turned again and disappeared into the shadows of the makeshift tents and buildings.
There was silence.
Adariel was at a loss for what to say. There was nothing that could be discussed that hadn¡¯t thoroughly occupied them during the long discourse with Elladan and Elrohir. She searched her mind for adequate things to say, remembering previous conversations between the two of them that had either left her confused or pensive.
¡°It is nearly early dawn,¡± she was obliged to comment at last. ¡°You will not be here any longer.¡±
This seemed to startle him, and he looked at her as if remembering she was still there but when he spoke he was serene, albeit somber. ¡°It seems that time is always running short as we head south.¡±
¡°You do not approve!¡± Adariel was surprised.
He smiled. ¡°That is not what I meant.¡± Then, ¡°There is something that has been troubling me. It is to do with the pass and our destination tomorrow. I presume that Aragorn has not told you?¡±
¡°Told me¡?¡±
¡°That he is bent on heading for the Paths of the Dead.¡±
¡°The Paths of the Dead! Is there no other way?¡± she was horrified, memories of Eltheran¡¯s last breath flashing unbidden in front of her eyes.
¡°It was on Galadriel¡¯s advice that he went. She would not give advice so readily unless she was sure there was no other way.¡±
¡°That surprises me not.¡± Adariel mused. ¡°But to walk the Path of the Dead! The knowledge of it is a burden in itself. Noble as he is, I feel ill of the journey.¡±
¡°You fear the Dead?¡± Now it was his turn to be surprised.
She looked uncomfortable. ¡°I do not fear the dead, rather, I dislike fey places.¡±
¡°Where the Dead do not sleep¡they are not fey places for the ones who reside there are already deceased, are they not?¡±
¡°You forget that for but a little while I was among the dead, as was Boromir. I fear for him but in my heart I know he will follow Aragorn.¡±
¡°Boromir may go, where you may choose to stay. As for me, I do not wish to walk the Path, but it is not because of the Dead.¡±
¡°Oh?¡± Adariel looked up. ¡°Pray tell, why do you not wish such a journey?¡±
He didn¡¯t answer, but looked at her as if considering an idea. ¡°Come for a ride with me, and perhaps then we will know.¡±
¡°But it is nearly dawn!¡±
¡°There is still time¡enough time to satisfy even your curiosity.¡± He smiled. ¡°If we are to start, we better go now.¡± He stood and looked about out to the distant peaks and absently offered his hand to Adariel. She raised her eyebrows and allowed herself to be pulled up and took his offered arm.
¡°Where are we going?¡± Adariel whispered later, as they lead their horses out the southern gate. The two grey mares snorted and glared at their kidnappers, only calming under the promise of food.
¡°I do not know!¡± he grinned, jumping lightly onto his mount¡¯s back and waiting for her to do the same.
She looked incredulous, if it even were possible for her to look in such a way and galloped swiftly away the minute she mounted. Legolas laughed easily and followed, and answered the thought that entered his mind, one that was not entirely his own.
Elves who have too merry a tongue suffer frequently from grievous injuries that mysteriously appear over a short time.
¡°I trust that I shall not be getting any,¡± he said aloud seriously, but could not stop the smile forming in his eyes. ¡°It would be a sad thing indeed for Aragorn if he loses one of his company thus far into the journey.
Words could not describe his companion¡¯s expression. It was not one of anger, but of tremendous fear and surprise (if that is the word to be used). She halted, but too fast it seemed. The horse was in confusion and reared violently. Catching his rider off guard, the stallion easily tossed her off his bare back and stood trembling from its sudden deceleration.
The impact jerked her out of her trance, but pain was on her lips instead of a retort. She held in her groan but remained seated on the wet dew covered grass, ignoring the politely concerned figure kneeling by her side. Suddenly she could feel how cool the pre-dawn hours were, and could see how the stars of Varda called Elbereth kissed the fading sky.
It was not the shock of her fall (and the shame of it!) that held her attention now. Nor was it the silent figure at her side who was watching her intently. It was once more the beauty of Arda that drew from her a look of such nature as to still another living creature¡¯s heart and make them catch their breath. It was not yet a look she had bestowed upon any living creature, save the trees, which once were her friends and had now become estranged from one another.
Yet the trees had no eyes but thrift ears and branches, and did not heed the looks of other beings.
So entranced was she that out of her mind flew the existence of the silent shape beside her, and she did not notice his look of wonder nor hear his breath catch in his throat. Yet as her heart wandered through the fields and valleys still untouched by the Enemy, she heard the South wind blow and it seemed that she could hear the ocean at the mouth of Anduin call to her and was sad.
No beauty of Middle Earth could hold her. The web had floated wide*.
She turned abruptly. ¡°How?¡±
Caught staring, he blinked and looked down. ¡°How¡?¡±
¡°How was it that you could read my thoughts?¡± Adariel demanded. ¡°I did not speak them aloud.¡± She stood up, suddenly wary. The distance and the loneliness of the place seemed to finally reach her, and she looked about forlornly. A solitary figure, she suddenly did not want the answer to her question, and mounted without waiting to hear it.
¡°Dawn is breaking,¡± she said, looking beyond the horizon. ¡°We must fly back.¡±
Legolas felt compelled to say something. ¡°Forgive me,¡± he said, though he knew not what he was apologizing for, and had to make do with the comfort of an amused glance. In the stirring of the morning, amidst the clang of armor, few noticed and remembered their return.
¡°What will you do now?¡± Aragorn looked hard at Éowyn. ¡°Your people look to you, the White Lady of Rohan.¡±
Dawn was on the horizon and pushed for an answer, yet Éowyn did not reply but turned away and disappeared into the embrace of the morning. Overhead, the pattern of stars slowly faded into the pinking sky, with the star of Earendil (the Evenstar) lingering until the end, the last to disappear.
A little later when time was swiftly running by and all made ready to depart, Aragorn met Adariel looking longingly over the outer barrier.
¡°Which road will you take now?¡± he asked her. ¡°You know where we must go now.¡±
The wind swept by and for a long while Adariel did not answer. She looked out to the quite North, to its silently sleeping form and its gentle plains. Where would she go? She could not stay, yet she did not want to leave and take the path that she loathed to walk.
¡±I knew ¨C know ¨C of another who fears to be caged,¡± Aragorn said gently. ¡°Yet
you are free to leave while she is bound to all that she must love. Choose
wisely, for there are those who long for their freedom as you long for yours.
You have no errand to the South, yet I cannot counsel you to stay nor can I say
go. But in Minas Tirith where my eyes must look to now there are houses of
healing which may see many unwilling guests under their roofs.¡±
¡°Whither will you go?¡± he repeated
¡°I do not know,¡± Adariel sighed, ¡°yet my heart tells me I cannot stay.¡±
She was not there when Lady Éowyn to bid the company of riders goodbye, but the folk hiding in fear until they had disappeared into the shadows under black Dwimorberg, the Haunted Mountain, in which was the Door of the Dead and knew once more that her place was not in Rohan.
Perhaps, it was just as well.
* ¡®Out flew the web and floated wide;/The mirror crack¡¯d from side to side;/¡±The curse is come upon me,¡± cried/the Lady of Shalott.¡¯ - Alfred, Lord Tennyson (from The Lady of Shalott ¨C one of my favourite poems)
** I am absent/far way
Wow look at my pile of hate mail! *SS unlocks her safe and points to a pile of hate-mail* I know I haven¡¯t been online for ages so my inbox has been pooling but that¡¯s quite some collection, don¡¯t you think?
I really hate to admit this but my life doesn¡¯t revolve around writing this story (although my short term goal is always to finish another chapter). I am, after all, still at school. Like all good, healthy schools mine happens to cram exams and other sudden but incredibly important assignments in the last seven weeks of school. Well fortunately my year¡¯s finally over I am free to write as often as I like now. From now on, I¡¯ve got no excuses so feel free to kick my butt from now until the last week of January every time I¡¯m late!
So anyway, while I¡¯ve been away I have finally the ending of this big long fanfic all worked out! Uh huh, now I just have to fine tune some details and type it all up. Details? I hear you ask. Oh, it¡¯s just the matter of whether it¡¯s going to be a happy or sad ending that¡¯s all. But that¡¯s ok nothing¡¯s set in concrete yet. Never underestimate the power of daydreaming
¨CSpirit Star
P.S. can somebody email me and remind me to upgrade my Internet Explorer? I always forget. Enjoy TTT everybody! (and may I remind you to read the book if you haven¡¯t already?)