This chapter came sooner than expected, and I hope you all enjoy! And can
you feel it? Christmas is almost here!!!!!
As usual I don't own anything LOTR related, apart from Elenya!
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Into the sacred realm... ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The next morning the company was awoken by the guards that stood still about the platform. More than one of them had forgotten the events of the day before, and once again suffered the initial pain of knowing how their leader was not here; fallen.
They were each given another frugal breakfast and after only a few moments were told to get up and climb down the rope. Elenya however stayed put, crossing her arms and refusing to move.
"I'm not moving one muscle until I get answers!" She said stubbornly.
"Do yourself a favour and get up." Said their guide bluntly, seeming reluctant to have to pull her up.
"No. I'm not moving until I'm told where we are going, who is taking us, what happened in the night and what our plan is.
At least..." She stated, looking straight up at their guide who now looked thoroughly irritated.
"Move." He said
"No" Replied Elenya.
"Move now" He said again, more definite this time.
"I already told you-"
"Fine. I am Haldir; I am taking you the centre of this place. Something came in the night and we have no further plans, at least until the end of the day. Now move, before I move you myself," He hissed.
Elenya cheekily did so, taking time to act lady like and polite, as though nothing had happened. I was amazed at this, never had I seen anyone be so rude, or so blatantly stubborn. I didn't know what it was, but she and Haldir seemed to have something against each other, from the moment they had met.
*Frodo's POV*
Elenya had been ushered angrily over to the ladder by Haldir and now, gently lowered herself down and began to descend. I followed behind Aragorn, hating every moment.
Coming up here the night before had been bad enough, but going down was much worse. This sea of brilliant foliage showed no signs of parting, and for a long time, I would have thought that we weren't even moving, if it weren't for the pain in my arms, and the drag about my neck.
At last we reached ground again, and although I was glad to reach it, I had nothing on Sam, who knelt down on all fours and placed his head on the ground, sighing with relief. Haldir didn't lead us forwards, but produced a length of cloth, holding out his other arm to stop us.
"The dwarf must be blindfolded." He said. At once, Elenya flared up again.
"Why just Gimli, that isn't fair!" She exclaimed.
"These are the laws of our land; I cannot change them." He said simply, once again holding up the cloth. Elenya returned;
"Fine, if Gimli is blindfolded, then I will be too." "I too will be blindfolded, the Lady will not walk in darkness alone." said Boromir considerately. Elenya gave him a small smile.
"This is a good idea, we will all be blindfolded. That way, it will be fair, and the laws will not be broken." Said Aragorn to Haldir.
As I was being blindfolded, I realised what a leader Aragorn was, fair and just. From somewhere to my left, I could hear Gimli say;
"How will we be sure of getting there okay, if we can't see?"
"We will not lead you on any untrue step." Came Haldir's voice from ahead of me. Then I was being thrust forward by two hands on my shoulders and once again stumping forwards. ................
The whole day was spent like this, the company being guided forwards by the elves of Lothlorien. Although the whole company was a little unnerved by suddenly losing sight, and for the most part were put on edge, straining their ears for sounds, or trying to find their direction, soon they gave in. They knew they could do nothing, and were fairly sure (apart from Gimli) that the elves would take fair enough care of them.
Elenya for her part was amazed. Now that she had been denied her sight, her other senses were suddenly so much clearer. She could hear each distinctive footstep of the company, and sometimes those of the elves leading them. She could smell the forest leaves, slightly decaying, but still fragrant about them on the floor. The earth smelt slightly damp; it must have rained the night before they reached here.
Elenya could feel the dappled sunlight on her face, whenever it broke through the clouds to meet her, and for a while was content, just to forget her troubles and simply take in what was around her.
When (after the request of Aragorn, thinking of the hobbits) they stopped for lunch, the company was not unbound, but sat down and passed their food, being given water if they so wished. As Elenya munched on a sweet, crumbly sort of bread she knew suddenly who was sat closest to her.
"I still have it you know." She said simply.
"Elenya?" asked Boromir, surprised. He had no idea he had been near anyone, or where they were going. He was most unpleased at being led around blind. Elenya could hear him turn to look for her.
"I'm to your right." She replied. The shuffling stopped, as Boromir reached out and found Elenya sitting closer than he expected.
"How are you?" came Boromir's voice again.
"Fine." She lied, "I still have it, you know." She repeated.
"What?" He enquired.
"Your horn. You dropped it when we were inside, and I pocketed it, I didn't think to give it back until I remembered when we were walking." She pulled it out of her pack, running her hand over the smoothness of it.
"Thank you. I hadn't thought about it to tell the truth." Boromir sounded ashamed of himself for this, much to Elenyna's surprise.
"Well there have been more..important things after all."
"You don't understand, this is given to the eldest child in our family, and has done for generations. To lose it would be.." Boromir trailed off. He knew that if he had lost this horn, his father would have never forgotten him.
"Well it doesn't matter; I expect it is still fine. I have it, don't worry." Elenya held out the Horn to him, then realised he couldn't see it, so she dropped it in his lap.
"Thank you." Boromir said again, not for the first (or last) time thankful of Elenya's presence.
"It doesn't mean a thing, I owe you more." Elenya said simply, as Haldir's voice reached her, before Boromir could say what he meant.
"We are setting off again." Now there was a tug at Elenya's arm, and she instinctively reached out to Boromir and held onto his arm, causing Haldir to clear his throat in discreet protest.
"Surely, you wouldn't deny a woman of more assistance, if need be?" Elenya said to the blindfold in her eyes. She assumed it was fine, because the only thing she noticed was another small push at her shoulders.
Almost nothing more was said the rest of the day, until the company reached the top of a steep hill and were stopped, and their blindfolds taken off.
"Behold, Calas Gladhorn, the home of elvendom on earth. Of Celeborn and Galadriel; Lord and Lady of light." Said Haldir proudly as he looked over the crest of the hill.
Elenya was speechless. Below them, almost like an island in the sea of green stood a huge cluster of taller trees, rising high above the rest of the forest. They could tell that these trees must be hundreds of feet tall, mighty and strong.
Lit by the sun as it began to set, the place had a golden glow about it, as though it had been chosen out of all the places on this earth. No-one spoke for a few minutes, and even Gimli, long since taught the wickedness of elves, could deny the beauty which lay below them.
Then, silently, Haldir led them on, down over the hill and back under this beautiful vision.
...............
By the time they were in the heart of this place, it was already truly night. They had entered the city with the last light of day on their heads. The moon was out in a clear sky, and the stars were each lit up in cold white.
Of course the company couldn't see this; the trees they wandered through covered the sky for the most part. They were hundreds of feet tall, and the trunk the breadth was larger than anything the company had ever seen.
Eleyna didn't know whether it was the moonlight, or the trees were naturally silver grey, and if the leaves on their branches really did glow like that. From where she stood, the trees looked as though they could be touching the moon and stars above.
The company gazed about them, at the cool green grass at their feet (the hobbits taking time to feel it between their bare toes). They looked up at the canopy above their heads, and the lights that glowed there.
Following a little path, they tried not to notice the beautiful faces that glanced out at them as they passed. Soon they came to the centre, where the tallest, widest, most enormous tree stood, slightly apart from the others about them.
Glancing back at them quickly, Haldir went on, climbing the stairs that wound about the trunk.
They climbed for at least an hour, winding round and round, and now managing to see where inhabitants of Lothlorien lived; in more platforms suspended in the trees. Once again, they were met with stares, and uneasy glances, and sometimes hushed, worried whispers carried to them by the wind. For the most part, it was silent, apart from the nose the trees were making as the wind blew through them.
At last, they reached the top, stepping out into a more open room, which must be made of wood, but looked like marble, with intricate engravings of plants, and heavenly bodies. They were led across, and Haldir nodded his head, and all his men left them, leaving him alone with the company.
None of them said anything, simply stood there waiting, knowing something was coming. Whether it was the events that had been dwelling on their minds, their tired state, or awe at their surroundings, they were all silent.
Looking about them (or in Elenya's case, head down) they noticed what they saw; the fact that all about them was lit by candle light, apart from a white glow at the top of the stairs.
In a few seconds they saw that at the top of the stair stood two figures, looking as though they were lit by some kind of ethereal light. They were high elves, the lord and lady of Rivendell and as they glided down the stairs, holding hands lightly, the company were completely lost for words, only seeing the beauty that lay before them.
They both reached the bottom of the stairs, and stood under an intricately carved archway, now fully recognisable. These elves were breath-taking. If Elenya had felt common at Rivendell, it was nothing to how she felt now.
Elenya noticed, from under her lashes, as they walked down the stairs, that the woman's gaze was never far from Frodo, until she reached the bottom of the stairs and glanced down.
That lady had a glow about her, almost as though a light was lit beneath her skin, making it pearly. Her eyes were a wide clear blue, all seeing and knowing. In a white gown and with a circlet upon her brow, she looked so simple, and yet so much more than what common people knew.
The lord's face was stern; seemed more sharp and piercing than the lady at his side. His robes seemed too simple, almost placed there to mask what he truly was. The simple silver at their chest and on their brows didn't seem enough to compliment their nature.
No time was wasted on pointless welcomes and the like, the Lord spoke, and his voice was slow, almost melodious and smooth;
"The enemy knows you have entered here," he said, "What hope you had in secrecy is now gone" Elenya glanced at Aragorn, to see him guilty look down, as though it were his fault. The Lord Celeborn went on;
'Nine there are here, yet ten there were set out form Rivendell. Tell me, where is Gandalf?" Elenya looked up to find the lady's gaze now on Aragorn, looking; knowing the truth. "..for I have much desired to speak with him, and I can no longer see him from afar." The tone in his voice sounded as though he knew, but none was sure. Then, came a whisper at the edge of Elenya's mind, and the lady spoke, in a voice scarce above a whisper
"He has fallen into shadow.." This seemed hard for even her to take in.
"He was taken by both shadow and flame. a Balrog of Morgoth.." Replied Legolas, his voice (so normally in control) now sounding close to breaking with barely controlled emotion. This was the first time Elenya had heard him speak in so long. The Lord and Lady paused, considering his words.
"..For we went needlessly into the net of Moria" Finished Legolas, with resentment in his voice.
"Needless were none of the deeds of Gandalf in life; we do not yet know his full purpose." Spoke the Lady, looking down at Gimli with kindness.
"Do not let the great emptiness of Kazha-dum fill your heart Gimli, son of Gloin, for the world has grown full of peril and in all lands, love is now mingled with grief."
The Lady turned her eyes to Boromir, and beside her, Elenya felt Boromir tense. As he met the Lady's gaze, he began to breathe quickly, in short gasps.
Elenya automatically held onto his hand; she knew that Lady could see the weakness, the wanting in Boromir for the Ring. Elenya held on tight to Boromir, as a voice came again at the edge of her mind; 'you see it also.'.
Boromir looked down, stifling a cry. He knew his weakness was evident. He knew the struggle he was fighting on the inside. The Lady continued to glance at both Elenya and Boromir sternly, until the Lord spoke again;
"What now becomes of this fellowship? Without Gandalf, hope is lost." He spoke sadly. Elenya felt a rush of rebellion, hope was never lost, was it?
"This quest stand upon the edge of a knife; stray but a little and it will fail, to the ruin of all.." Said the Lady, looking at them each in turn as each member realised fully what weight lay on their shoulders. "...yet hope remains, while the company is true.
Do not let your hearts be troubled, for you are weary with sorrow and much toil. Tonight you will sleep in peace, in the borders of our land."
There was something in her gaze as the Lady looked at Frodo that unnerved Elenya.
..............................
*Elenya's POV*
Only 15 minutes later, I was sat in a bath, being scrubbed by about 5 elven maidens, all looking ashamed at my state. This was obviously at the lady's request.
I had been taken away from the others and down another set of stairs in silence. I was lead into the room I was in now, a serene white enclosure, almost a gazebo, but with walls made solely of entwined willow branches and lit by soft lantern light.
The women didn't know much English, so I tried elvish, though they had a different dialect than the one I had learnt. And now I sat, covered in warm, sweet smelling water, with hands scrubbing roughly at my scalp, and trying to get the grime that had accumulated since I left Rivendell.
Thinking back on Rivendell was painful. Last time I had been among elves, or indeed among society, life had been different, so much easier. I shut my eyes as my head was thrust back and forth, and my hair combed through.
I didn't want to have to think, I just wanted to be able to turn of my mind, but I knew I never could. What I really wanted was to be with the others, I needed them more than ever now, but instead I had to content myself with being cleaned up.
It took 3 changes of water for me to be left in peace. The women left the room, after having filled the tub with sweet smelling oils and foam. I leant back, breathing deeply and sinking down, so the water came over my head.
I pulled myself out when I ran out of breath, and found the lady standing there, eyes averted, waiting for me to finish. I tried to control my shock and went to speak, but she interrupted me.
"You know you will not find comfort in the waters, you carry too much on your shoulders." She said softly looking straight at me. I had to look down, but I could think of nothing to say. She knelt down next to the tub, looking me straight in the eyes with pity. "Too many times in your short life have you met death, even though when you wished for your own, it never came..." I gasped. How could she have known that?
It was true, when I was 15 I had tried to end everything by throwing myself into the river. I couldn't handle Gwendil anymore, the people and the lack of freedom. There seemed no point to my existence, alone and lonely. After being knocked out against the rocks that I threw myself upon, I had awoken to find myself being scraping onto shore, and imagining a soft voice in my ears. I was brought back to the present;
"You knew it would happen, didn't you?" As Lady Galadriel looked at me, I could tell she already knew what I had seen, but I still answered.
"Yes, but I did not see enough until it was too late. I could have helped him.. If only I had been able to see, I could have prevented us from going in the awful place..." I stopped talking as the tears I had been holding back threatened to fall. I didn't want to think of Gandalf now.
"You stopped much of what was to be." Galadriel said softly.
"What do you mean?" I asked, gulping down my tears.
"You were all meant to fall, apart from Boromir and Frodo. You seeing it, knowing changed what happened."
"You mean. that I knew what was to be, changed what really came to pass?" I couldn't believe this. Galadriel nodded, and went on.
"You could have seen more."
"How? What." I breathed lightly, barely believing my ears.
"The eyes only see what the world intends. In your case, it was your own mind which stopped you, the world would have you see nothing yet you do." I paused.
"I stopped myself from knowing?" This was getting more confusing by the minute.
"You wish to see no evil, you want a world filled with naught but the simple joys. Therefore, you cannot see what will come to pass, because you want only joy." I paused trying to digest this. Then it all clicked.
"This was my fault! If I hadn't been so blind.. I f I had seen it all, if only I wanted to know it, I would have. Gandalf wouldn't be gone. Why is it always my fault?" I was choking now, unable to believe it. It was own childlessness that had ended Gandalf. I tried to calm myself, but all I could think of was the fact that this was me, I had done this.
"Your father's passing was not your fault. Nor was your mother's." said Galadriel quickly. I didn't know where this had come from; she seemed to understand what I was thinking better than I myself did.
"You know, you knew them?" I asked her softly, this was too much.
"Now is not the time." She said again, looking into my eyes and knowing. I tried to stop her, but she was set.
She stood up, turning to pass me a towel. She looked away as I got out, but still, next to her glowing perfection, I felt more naked, more unimportant, and unworthy. I quickly dried myself and put on a simple white gown that lay there. Slipping into it I turned to her, but she was already waiting for me.
"Elenya, you cannot continue this way." She said, and I knew she spoke of the visions. I opened my mouth, at last requesting what I had wanted for so long.
"Help me" I pleaded.
"That is a matter for you alone. You must realise that not all tales end in happy places. The ways of the world lead to both the lightest and darkest places. Unless you realise that, you will never know all you could see." I stopped in thought, until she spoke again;
"The company needs you; you should be with them now."
"But what can I do? I cannot see to help them. I will only hinder them.." I sighed, only now admitting what had been running through my mind.
"You set out from Rivendell as part of this fellowship. no oath was laid upon you." She seemed to be giving me permission to leave them.
"They love you deeply, though you know not of it. You are connected to them more than you know. It is your path to choose." There was nothing more to be said, I knew that. Suddenly, there was a maiden at my side, waiting for me to follow her. I didn't move, I wasn't ready; I wanted truth.
"My parents." I said slowly, barely able to accept the fact that I could use this term; parents had almost always been a luxury that others possessed, not I.
"This is not the time." Said Galadriel, and then looking me up and down as I turned to follow the maiden out of the washing room she added;
"I see them in you." I went to turn back, but she shook her head at me and I carried on forwards, back down to the others.
................
The others had seen the change in Elenya already, but it was more noticeable now as she approached. Most of her friends were already ready for sleep, having been granted an area to sleep upon the ground, as they were accustomed to.
Here under entwining roots of the great trees above them, they had laid out their beds. They did not hear her coming, only saw her. She stood there in silence for a few seconds, looking sadly at them all.
In Rivendell, she had looked so young and pure, but now, years had been piled upon her. Where before she had been vibrant and proud now, she was like a fragile tulip, trying to stand up against the bitter frost of winter.
In her garment, pure and fair and white, she stood, her arms curled about her. She knew full well she shouldn't be dressed like this; it wasn't her. Elenya's hair was loose over her shoulders (already almost dry,) but hanging limp about her.
She said nothing but walked over to the place laid out for her to sleep and lay on her side like a rag doll, lifeless, and staring straight ahead.
She didn't seem anything like she had been before. She was simply a young woman, tired and defeated. Not gorgeous not magical, not an elf.
None spoke, unnerved by this change in her. Never had they seen her so silent or sombre. The lights which had once twinkled in her eyes seemed to have been dimmed, as though behind a veil.
There was silence, until Legolas came forwards, making everyone pause in what they were doing and look up to the sky for a moment.
"A lament for Gandalf." Said Legolas, pouring water into a stone basin; a custom of his people. Looking upon him, Elenya sudden realised that Legolas, as an elf, didn't know death. He had probably never experienced it before; his kin were not meant to die. Elenya felt a rush of sympathy, but restrained herself.
"What do they say about him?" Asked Merry severely. He didn't look like a hobbit anymore. He was thin and worn, and no smile or good-natured look played upon his face. It pained Elenya to see him.
"I cannot tell you; for me the grief is still too near." Said Legolas looking down and moving away. Everyone was downcast by this, but from next to Merry, Sam spoke;
"I bet they don't mention his fireworks. There should be a verse about them" Seized by a sudden thought, he stood up and recited.
"The finest rockets ever seen. They burst in stars of blue and green. Or after thunder silver showers, came falling like a rain of flowers. oh that doesn't do 'em justice by a long way." He trailed off and sat back down, looking embarrassed. The others were startled to hear a voice coming from Elenya's recumbent form;
"Perhaps it matters not what we say; more that we speak at all." Her voice was low and dry, without life or effort, just sound.
"What would you say?" Said Aragorn kindly, looking upon her, and all his companions with such pity. He was meant to lead them, but he had no idea how. Now, all advice he had been given seemed to pale in comparison to what he faced.
Elenya said nothing but sighed and turned away from them, onto her other side to face the roots of the great tree under which they lay. Glancing at Frodo, Aragorn saw him looking at the floor, his fingers playing about the chain at his neck.
Noticing that Boromir was missing, Aragorn went to find him- they needed to talk.
------*--------
Please review and I shall update soon, what did you think of ROTK? And of this chapter?
As usual I don't own anything LOTR related, apart from Elenya!
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Into the sacred realm... ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The next morning the company was awoken by the guards that stood still about the platform. More than one of them had forgotten the events of the day before, and once again suffered the initial pain of knowing how their leader was not here; fallen.
They were each given another frugal breakfast and after only a few moments were told to get up and climb down the rope. Elenya however stayed put, crossing her arms and refusing to move.
"I'm not moving one muscle until I get answers!" She said stubbornly.
"Do yourself a favour and get up." Said their guide bluntly, seeming reluctant to have to pull her up.
"No. I'm not moving until I'm told where we are going, who is taking us, what happened in the night and what our plan is.
At least..." She stated, looking straight up at their guide who now looked thoroughly irritated.
"Move." He said
"No" Replied Elenya.
"Move now" He said again, more definite this time.
"I already told you-"
"Fine. I am Haldir; I am taking you the centre of this place. Something came in the night and we have no further plans, at least until the end of the day. Now move, before I move you myself," He hissed.
Elenya cheekily did so, taking time to act lady like and polite, as though nothing had happened. I was amazed at this, never had I seen anyone be so rude, or so blatantly stubborn. I didn't know what it was, but she and Haldir seemed to have something against each other, from the moment they had met.
*Frodo's POV*
Elenya had been ushered angrily over to the ladder by Haldir and now, gently lowered herself down and began to descend. I followed behind Aragorn, hating every moment.
Coming up here the night before had been bad enough, but going down was much worse. This sea of brilliant foliage showed no signs of parting, and for a long time, I would have thought that we weren't even moving, if it weren't for the pain in my arms, and the drag about my neck.
At last we reached ground again, and although I was glad to reach it, I had nothing on Sam, who knelt down on all fours and placed his head on the ground, sighing with relief. Haldir didn't lead us forwards, but produced a length of cloth, holding out his other arm to stop us.
"The dwarf must be blindfolded." He said. At once, Elenya flared up again.
"Why just Gimli, that isn't fair!" She exclaimed.
"These are the laws of our land; I cannot change them." He said simply, once again holding up the cloth. Elenya returned;
"Fine, if Gimli is blindfolded, then I will be too." "I too will be blindfolded, the Lady will not walk in darkness alone." said Boromir considerately. Elenya gave him a small smile.
"This is a good idea, we will all be blindfolded. That way, it will be fair, and the laws will not be broken." Said Aragorn to Haldir.
As I was being blindfolded, I realised what a leader Aragorn was, fair and just. From somewhere to my left, I could hear Gimli say;
"How will we be sure of getting there okay, if we can't see?"
"We will not lead you on any untrue step." Came Haldir's voice from ahead of me. Then I was being thrust forward by two hands on my shoulders and once again stumping forwards. ................
The whole day was spent like this, the company being guided forwards by the elves of Lothlorien. Although the whole company was a little unnerved by suddenly losing sight, and for the most part were put on edge, straining their ears for sounds, or trying to find their direction, soon they gave in. They knew they could do nothing, and were fairly sure (apart from Gimli) that the elves would take fair enough care of them.
Elenya for her part was amazed. Now that she had been denied her sight, her other senses were suddenly so much clearer. She could hear each distinctive footstep of the company, and sometimes those of the elves leading them. She could smell the forest leaves, slightly decaying, but still fragrant about them on the floor. The earth smelt slightly damp; it must have rained the night before they reached here.
Elenya could feel the dappled sunlight on her face, whenever it broke through the clouds to meet her, and for a while was content, just to forget her troubles and simply take in what was around her.
When (after the request of Aragorn, thinking of the hobbits) they stopped for lunch, the company was not unbound, but sat down and passed their food, being given water if they so wished. As Elenya munched on a sweet, crumbly sort of bread she knew suddenly who was sat closest to her.
"I still have it you know." She said simply.
"Elenya?" asked Boromir, surprised. He had no idea he had been near anyone, or where they were going. He was most unpleased at being led around blind. Elenya could hear him turn to look for her.
"I'm to your right." She replied. The shuffling stopped, as Boromir reached out and found Elenya sitting closer than he expected.
"How are you?" came Boromir's voice again.
"Fine." She lied, "I still have it, you know." She repeated.
"What?" He enquired.
"Your horn. You dropped it when we were inside, and I pocketed it, I didn't think to give it back until I remembered when we were walking." She pulled it out of her pack, running her hand over the smoothness of it.
"Thank you. I hadn't thought about it to tell the truth." Boromir sounded ashamed of himself for this, much to Elenyna's surprise.
"Well there have been more..important things after all."
"You don't understand, this is given to the eldest child in our family, and has done for generations. To lose it would be.." Boromir trailed off. He knew that if he had lost this horn, his father would have never forgotten him.
"Well it doesn't matter; I expect it is still fine. I have it, don't worry." Elenya held out the Horn to him, then realised he couldn't see it, so she dropped it in his lap.
"Thank you." Boromir said again, not for the first (or last) time thankful of Elenya's presence.
"It doesn't mean a thing, I owe you more." Elenya said simply, as Haldir's voice reached her, before Boromir could say what he meant.
"We are setting off again." Now there was a tug at Elenya's arm, and she instinctively reached out to Boromir and held onto his arm, causing Haldir to clear his throat in discreet protest.
"Surely, you wouldn't deny a woman of more assistance, if need be?" Elenya said to the blindfold in her eyes. She assumed it was fine, because the only thing she noticed was another small push at her shoulders.
Almost nothing more was said the rest of the day, until the company reached the top of a steep hill and were stopped, and their blindfolds taken off.
"Behold, Calas Gladhorn, the home of elvendom on earth. Of Celeborn and Galadriel; Lord and Lady of light." Said Haldir proudly as he looked over the crest of the hill.
Elenya was speechless. Below them, almost like an island in the sea of green stood a huge cluster of taller trees, rising high above the rest of the forest. They could tell that these trees must be hundreds of feet tall, mighty and strong.
Lit by the sun as it began to set, the place had a golden glow about it, as though it had been chosen out of all the places on this earth. No-one spoke for a few minutes, and even Gimli, long since taught the wickedness of elves, could deny the beauty which lay below them.
Then, silently, Haldir led them on, down over the hill and back under this beautiful vision.
...............
By the time they were in the heart of this place, it was already truly night. They had entered the city with the last light of day on their heads. The moon was out in a clear sky, and the stars were each lit up in cold white.
Of course the company couldn't see this; the trees they wandered through covered the sky for the most part. They were hundreds of feet tall, and the trunk the breadth was larger than anything the company had ever seen.
Eleyna didn't know whether it was the moonlight, or the trees were naturally silver grey, and if the leaves on their branches really did glow like that. From where she stood, the trees looked as though they could be touching the moon and stars above.
The company gazed about them, at the cool green grass at their feet (the hobbits taking time to feel it between their bare toes). They looked up at the canopy above their heads, and the lights that glowed there.
Following a little path, they tried not to notice the beautiful faces that glanced out at them as they passed. Soon they came to the centre, where the tallest, widest, most enormous tree stood, slightly apart from the others about them.
Glancing back at them quickly, Haldir went on, climbing the stairs that wound about the trunk.
They climbed for at least an hour, winding round and round, and now managing to see where inhabitants of Lothlorien lived; in more platforms suspended in the trees. Once again, they were met with stares, and uneasy glances, and sometimes hushed, worried whispers carried to them by the wind. For the most part, it was silent, apart from the nose the trees were making as the wind blew through them.
At last, they reached the top, stepping out into a more open room, which must be made of wood, but looked like marble, with intricate engravings of plants, and heavenly bodies. They were led across, and Haldir nodded his head, and all his men left them, leaving him alone with the company.
None of them said anything, simply stood there waiting, knowing something was coming. Whether it was the events that had been dwelling on their minds, their tired state, or awe at their surroundings, they were all silent.
Looking about them (or in Elenya's case, head down) they noticed what they saw; the fact that all about them was lit by candle light, apart from a white glow at the top of the stairs.
In a few seconds they saw that at the top of the stair stood two figures, looking as though they were lit by some kind of ethereal light. They were high elves, the lord and lady of Rivendell and as they glided down the stairs, holding hands lightly, the company were completely lost for words, only seeing the beauty that lay before them.
They both reached the bottom of the stairs, and stood under an intricately carved archway, now fully recognisable. These elves were breath-taking. If Elenya had felt common at Rivendell, it was nothing to how she felt now.
Elenya noticed, from under her lashes, as they walked down the stairs, that the woman's gaze was never far from Frodo, until she reached the bottom of the stairs and glanced down.
That lady had a glow about her, almost as though a light was lit beneath her skin, making it pearly. Her eyes were a wide clear blue, all seeing and knowing. In a white gown and with a circlet upon her brow, she looked so simple, and yet so much more than what common people knew.
The lord's face was stern; seemed more sharp and piercing than the lady at his side. His robes seemed too simple, almost placed there to mask what he truly was. The simple silver at their chest and on their brows didn't seem enough to compliment their nature.
No time was wasted on pointless welcomes and the like, the Lord spoke, and his voice was slow, almost melodious and smooth;
"The enemy knows you have entered here," he said, "What hope you had in secrecy is now gone" Elenya glanced at Aragorn, to see him guilty look down, as though it were his fault. The Lord Celeborn went on;
'Nine there are here, yet ten there were set out form Rivendell. Tell me, where is Gandalf?" Elenya looked up to find the lady's gaze now on Aragorn, looking; knowing the truth. "..for I have much desired to speak with him, and I can no longer see him from afar." The tone in his voice sounded as though he knew, but none was sure. Then, came a whisper at the edge of Elenya's mind, and the lady spoke, in a voice scarce above a whisper
"He has fallen into shadow.." This seemed hard for even her to take in.
"He was taken by both shadow and flame. a Balrog of Morgoth.." Replied Legolas, his voice (so normally in control) now sounding close to breaking with barely controlled emotion. This was the first time Elenya had heard him speak in so long. The Lord and Lady paused, considering his words.
"..For we went needlessly into the net of Moria" Finished Legolas, with resentment in his voice.
"Needless were none of the deeds of Gandalf in life; we do not yet know his full purpose." Spoke the Lady, looking down at Gimli with kindness.
"Do not let the great emptiness of Kazha-dum fill your heart Gimli, son of Gloin, for the world has grown full of peril and in all lands, love is now mingled with grief."
The Lady turned her eyes to Boromir, and beside her, Elenya felt Boromir tense. As he met the Lady's gaze, he began to breathe quickly, in short gasps.
Elenya automatically held onto his hand; she knew that Lady could see the weakness, the wanting in Boromir for the Ring. Elenya held on tight to Boromir, as a voice came again at the edge of her mind; 'you see it also.'.
Boromir looked down, stifling a cry. He knew his weakness was evident. He knew the struggle he was fighting on the inside. The Lady continued to glance at both Elenya and Boromir sternly, until the Lord spoke again;
"What now becomes of this fellowship? Without Gandalf, hope is lost." He spoke sadly. Elenya felt a rush of rebellion, hope was never lost, was it?
"This quest stand upon the edge of a knife; stray but a little and it will fail, to the ruin of all.." Said the Lady, looking at them each in turn as each member realised fully what weight lay on their shoulders. "...yet hope remains, while the company is true.
Do not let your hearts be troubled, for you are weary with sorrow and much toil. Tonight you will sleep in peace, in the borders of our land."
There was something in her gaze as the Lady looked at Frodo that unnerved Elenya.
..............................
*Elenya's POV*
Only 15 minutes later, I was sat in a bath, being scrubbed by about 5 elven maidens, all looking ashamed at my state. This was obviously at the lady's request.
I had been taken away from the others and down another set of stairs in silence. I was lead into the room I was in now, a serene white enclosure, almost a gazebo, but with walls made solely of entwined willow branches and lit by soft lantern light.
The women didn't know much English, so I tried elvish, though they had a different dialect than the one I had learnt. And now I sat, covered in warm, sweet smelling water, with hands scrubbing roughly at my scalp, and trying to get the grime that had accumulated since I left Rivendell.
Thinking back on Rivendell was painful. Last time I had been among elves, or indeed among society, life had been different, so much easier. I shut my eyes as my head was thrust back and forth, and my hair combed through.
I didn't want to have to think, I just wanted to be able to turn of my mind, but I knew I never could. What I really wanted was to be with the others, I needed them more than ever now, but instead I had to content myself with being cleaned up.
It took 3 changes of water for me to be left in peace. The women left the room, after having filled the tub with sweet smelling oils and foam. I leant back, breathing deeply and sinking down, so the water came over my head.
I pulled myself out when I ran out of breath, and found the lady standing there, eyes averted, waiting for me to finish. I tried to control my shock and went to speak, but she interrupted me.
"You know you will not find comfort in the waters, you carry too much on your shoulders." She said softly looking straight at me. I had to look down, but I could think of nothing to say. She knelt down next to the tub, looking me straight in the eyes with pity. "Too many times in your short life have you met death, even though when you wished for your own, it never came..." I gasped. How could she have known that?
It was true, when I was 15 I had tried to end everything by throwing myself into the river. I couldn't handle Gwendil anymore, the people and the lack of freedom. There seemed no point to my existence, alone and lonely. After being knocked out against the rocks that I threw myself upon, I had awoken to find myself being scraping onto shore, and imagining a soft voice in my ears. I was brought back to the present;
"You knew it would happen, didn't you?" As Lady Galadriel looked at me, I could tell she already knew what I had seen, but I still answered.
"Yes, but I did not see enough until it was too late. I could have helped him.. If only I had been able to see, I could have prevented us from going in the awful place..." I stopped talking as the tears I had been holding back threatened to fall. I didn't want to think of Gandalf now.
"You stopped much of what was to be." Galadriel said softly.
"What do you mean?" I asked, gulping down my tears.
"You were all meant to fall, apart from Boromir and Frodo. You seeing it, knowing changed what happened."
"You mean. that I knew what was to be, changed what really came to pass?" I couldn't believe this. Galadriel nodded, and went on.
"You could have seen more."
"How? What." I breathed lightly, barely believing my ears.
"The eyes only see what the world intends. In your case, it was your own mind which stopped you, the world would have you see nothing yet you do." I paused.
"I stopped myself from knowing?" This was getting more confusing by the minute.
"You wish to see no evil, you want a world filled with naught but the simple joys. Therefore, you cannot see what will come to pass, because you want only joy." I paused trying to digest this. Then it all clicked.
"This was my fault! If I hadn't been so blind.. I f I had seen it all, if only I wanted to know it, I would have. Gandalf wouldn't be gone. Why is it always my fault?" I was choking now, unable to believe it. It was own childlessness that had ended Gandalf. I tried to calm myself, but all I could think of was the fact that this was me, I had done this.
"Your father's passing was not your fault. Nor was your mother's." said Galadriel quickly. I didn't know where this had come from; she seemed to understand what I was thinking better than I myself did.
"You know, you knew them?" I asked her softly, this was too much.
"Now is not the time." She said again, looking into my eyes and knowing. I tried to stop her, but she was set.
She stood up, turning to pass me a towel. She looked away as I got out, but still, next to her glowing perfection, I felt more naked, more unimportant, and unworthy. I quickly dried myself and put on a simple white gown that lay there. Slipping into it I turned to her, but she was already waiting for me.
"Elenya, you cannot continue this way." She said, and I knew she spoke of the visions. I opened my mouth, at last requesting what I had wanted for so long.
"Help me" I pleaded.
"That is a matter for you alone. You must realise that not all tales end in happy places. The ways of the world lead to both the lightest and darkest places. Unless you realise that, you will never know all you could see." I stopped in thought, until she spoke again;
"The company needs you; you should be with them now."
"But what can I do? I cannot see to help them. I will only hinder them.." I sighed, only now admitting what had been running through my mind.
"You set out from Rivendell as part of this fellowship. no oath was laid upon you." She seemed to be giving me permission to leave them.
"They love you deeply, though you know not of it. You are connected to them more than you know. It is your path to choose." There was nothing more to be said, I knew that. Suddenly, there was a maiden at my side, waiting for me to follow her. I didn't move, I wasn't ready; I wanted truth.
"My parents." I said slowly, barely able to accept the fact that I could use this term; parents had almost always been a luxury that others possessed, not I.
"This is not the time." Said Galadriel, and then looking me up and down as I turned to follow the maiden out of the washing room she added;
"I see them in you." I went to turn back, but she shook her head at me and I carried on forwards, back down to the others.
................
The others had seen the change in Elenya already, but it was more noticeable now as she approached. Most of her friends were already ready for sleep, having been granted an area to sleep upon the ground, as they were accustomed to.
Here under entwining roots of the great trees above them, they had laid out their beds. They did not hear her coming, only saw her. She stood there in silence for a few seconds, looking sadly at them all.
In Rivendell, she had looked so young and pure, but now, years had been piled upon her. Where before she had been vibrant and proud now, she was like a fragile tulip, trying to stand up against the bitter frost of winter.
In her garment, pure and fair and white, she stood, her arms curled about her. She knew full well she shouldn't be dressed like this; it wasn't her. Elenya's hair was loose over her shoulders (already almost dry,) but hanging limp about her.
She said nothing but walked over to the place laid out for her to sleep and lay on her side like a rag doll, lifeless, and staring straight ahead.
She didn't seem anything like she had been before. She was simply a young woman, tired and defeated. Not gorgeous not magical, not an elf.
None spoke, unnerved by this change in her. Never had they seen her so silent or sombre. The lights which had once twinkled in her eyes seemed to have been dimmed, as though behind a veil.
There was silence, until Legolas came forwards, making everyone pause in what they were doing and look up to the sky for a moment.
"A lament for Gandalf." Said Legolas, pouring water into a stone basin; a custom of his people. Looking upon him, Elenya sudden realised that Legolas, as an elf, didn't know death. He had probably never experienced it before; his kin were not meant to die. Elenya felt a rush of sympathy, but restrained herself.
"What do they say about him?" Asked Merry severely. He didn't look like a hobbit anymore. He was thin and worn, and no smile or good-natured look played upon his face. It pained Elenya to see him.
"I cannot tell you; for me the grief is still too near." Said Legolas looking down and moving away. Everyone was downcast by this, but from next to Merry, Sam spoke;
"I bet they don't mention his fireworks. There should be a verse about them" Seized by a sudden thought, he stood up and recited.
"The finest rockets ever seen. They burst in stars of blue and green. Or after thunder silver showers, came falling like a rain of flowers. oh that doesn't do 'em justice by a long way." He trailed off and sat back down, looking embarrassed. The others were startled to hear a voice coming from Elenya's recumbent form;
"Perhaps it matters not what we say; more that we speak at all." Her voice was low and dry, without life or effort, just sound.
"What would you say?" Said Aragorn kindly, looking upon her, and all his companions with such pity. He was meant to lead them, but he had no idea how. Now, all advice he had been given seemed to pale in comparison to what he faced.
Elenya said nothing but sighed and turned away from them, onto her other side to face the roots of the great tree under which they lay. Glancing at Frodo, Aragorn saw him looking at the floor, his fingers playing about the chain at his neck.
Noticing that Boromir was missing, Aragorn went to find him- they needed to talk.
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Please review and I shall update soon, what did you think of ROTK? And of this chapter?