Part Five: The Gift of Varda
"Legolas, get them up." Aragorn commanded, wiping the orc blood from his sword.
The elf nodded slowly, still numb from the fall of the Istari. Long, had he known the wizard and the grief he felt was keen, but nothing compared to his mate's. The look in her blue eyes, as he pulled her to her feet, was one of utter despair
"Tula, mel-nîn," he whispered softly, seeing the unshed tears in her eyes.
"Give them a moment, for pity's sake." Boromir shouted angrily.
"By nightfall these hills will be swarming with orcs." The ranger said. "We must reach the woods of Lothlórien. Boromir, Legolas, Gimli, get them up." He stopped next to Sam, his hand on the hobbit's arm, " Come on, Sam. Frodo?"
The ring bearer was heading off alone. His pain made him deaf to the shouts of his companions.
"Frodo!"
The little being turned back, gazing forlornly at Aragorn. They could never understand. This was all his fault.
* * *
Hours later, they came under the canopy of the tall slender Mallorn trees of Lothlórien. The group moved as quietly as they could considering the crunchy leaves on the ground.
"Stay close, young hobbits." Gimli hissed softly. "They say a great sorceress lives in these woods. An elf witch of terrible power. All who look upon her fall under her spell and are never seen again." The dwarf eyed their surroundings cautiously, "Well, here's one dwarf she won't ensnare so easily. I have the Eyes of a hawk and the ears of a fox. OH!"
Out of nowhere, a host of bows appeared pointing directly at the company. Legolas and Ithilin both quickly nocked arrows to strings, wavering from target to target.
"The dwarf breathes so loud, we could have shot him in the dark." A tall, husky elf sneered, stepping between the archers. His gaze fell immediately on Ithilin. He licked his lips, a lustful glint coming to his blue eyes.
"Haldir o Lórien. Henion aníron, boe ammen I dulu lîn. Boe ammen veriad lîn." Aragorn had seen where the guardian's gaze had landed and was trying desperately to divert the elf's attention away from the little she-elf.
"Aragorn, these woods are perilous!" Gimli said, trying to shift away from the arrows pointing at his head. "We should go back!"
The guardian was not so easily distracted, "You have entered the realm of the Lady of the Wood. You can not go back." His gaze lighted on the young woman again and desire kindled in the depths of the sapphire orbs. "Come. She is waiting."
With that he turned and led the way through the forest to their camp.
* * *
The sickle moon shone dimly overhead. Ithilin and Legolas stood together, her arms loosely circling his waist. A light breeze combed through her tangled locks as Legolas smoothed it soothingly against her back. His tunic and jerkin hung open and her head rested heavily against his bare chest. Her eyes were partially closed in a sated half slumber.
At the moment, he was thankful that Ithilin stood shorter than himself. Not only because his body shielded her from prying eyes, but also giving her the nourishment she needed would have proven to be quite awkward in this position if she was his height or taller. He sighed softly, squeezing his eyes shut against the weariness that was beginning to grab hold of him. If only Aragorn would stop arguing with the guardian, they could possibly get some well deserved rest.
"We need your protection, Haldir." Aragorn pleaded angrily, "The road is too dangerous."
"Then why did you bring the woman?" Said the tall elf, nodding in Legolas' direction. "She has no place in this company."
"She is here at Gandalf's insistence."
"She will hinder you at best. Get you all killed at worst." Haldir hissed.
"You don't understand, Haldir." Aragorn said shaking his head. "She has to be here."
"You're right, I don't." the guardian growled. The human was evading the reason the woman was with them. "If you do not trust me, then I can not help you."
"I can not give what I do not have." He said shrugging helplessly, "Speak to Ithilin or Legolas. Perhaps they can give you a reason."
"I shall." Haldir turned and walked toward the prince.
He smiled slightly when the smaller elf jerked almost imperceptibly at his touch, "Mae govannen, Legolas Thranduilion."
"Govannas vîn gwennen le, Haldir o Lórien." Legolas answered, inclining his head slightly in acknowledgment.
"I won't waist my breath on pleasantries, young one." The elder elf said harshly,
"Good. Because you will get none from me." Legolas answered, meeting Haldir's steely gaze defiantly. He was well aware that the other elf's interest in his mate went beyond the desire to keep his realm safe.
"Why is she here?"
"Gandalf said she must do something before this is finished. Neither of us know what it is yet, but it will possibly claim her life."
Haldir looked down at the woman whose blond head lay against the prince's chest. She seemed so helpless. How easy it would be to take her from this youngster. He reached out to touch the honey colored hair, to brush it away from the beautiful face he had seen earlier, but his hand was swatted away by the younger elf. Anger flashed over his features.
"You have no rights here, little one."
"More than you, heru-nîn." Legolas hissed.
Haldir bristled. How dare this young one speak to him thus. He raised his hand to backhand the prince. He was not about to let this youngling off lightly. Others had died for less.
"Do it," the prince said calmly, staring icily at the elder elf. "but I will not be held responsible for my actions."
Aragorn watched the exchange with growing alarm. Legolas was defending Ithilin like a stag protecting a doe. Growing up around mated elves, the ranger knew how quickly this stand off could escalate in to bloodshed. And that was the last thing they needed right now.
"Legolas," he called quietly, trying to break the tension between the two male elves. "Is she asleep?"
"Yes." The prince was still not backing down.
The ranger stood and went to the elf's side. "Back off." He whispered in his friend's ear as he gathered up Ithilin's sleeping form, "We can not afford bloodshed."
"Tell that to him, not me." The prince hissed back, his eyes not leaving Haldir's.
"I will. But you are the younger of the two, so you must back down first."
"And look like I'm conceding. No."
Why did elves have to be so damned hard headed sometimes? "Do you trust her?"
"Yes."
"Then back off."
Slowly, Legolas backed down. He hadn't felt threatened by Boromir when he tried to take her back in Hollin. The human was clumsy and Ithilin had taught him a valuable lesson about messing with elves, she-elves to be exact. Now faced with his own kind trying to take her away from him, he wasn't sure what to do. All he knew for sure was that he was bound heart and soul to Ithilin and he would fight to the death to keep her, if needs be. But he also knew that Aragorn was right. He could not be the one who started a fight over her. He had to trust her.
"Come and rest, mellon-nîn." Aragorn said, carrying Ithilin over to where the rest of the fellowship had bedded down for the night. He hoped that the elf would follow. They were all exhausted.
Legolas lay down on his bedroll, fighting to keep control over his body. He could not allow the older elf to see his hands shake. He could not show weakness. He curled around Ithilin's body as Aragorn laid her next to him, holding her tightly to him and buried his face in her hair. Her scent calmed him and he began to relax.
"I love you." He whispered as he drifted off, the gentle scent of simbelmynë enveloping him like a soft caress.
* * *
The next day they reached Caras Galadhon at twilight and were brought before the Lord and Lady. Their bright silver light shone like moonlight in the dimness of the trees.
"Nine there are here, yet ten there were set out from Rivendell." The Lord of Lothlórien said gazing at each of the fellowship in turn finally coming to rest on Ithilin. "Tell me, where is Gandalf? For I much desire to speak with him."
Aragorn gazed sadly at the pair, the answer plain in his gray eyes.
"He has fallen into shadow." She too gazes at the fellowship, her piercing blue eyes stopping on the little she-elf.
Legolas heard a stifled sob beside him. Tears streamed unchecked down Ithilin's pale cheeks, her slender shoulders shaking with the force of her silent sorrow. The prince reached out to her, taking her small hand in his own.
"The quest stands upon the edge of a knife. Stray but a little and it will fail, to the ruin of all." Galadriel's voice echoed ominously, shifting her gaze to Boromir who desperately avoided her penetrating stare. The Lady's voice softened slightly as she smiled at Sam, "Yet hope remains, while the company is true. Do not let your hearts be troubled. Go now and rest, for you are weary with sorrow and much toil." Again Galadriel's gaze fell on Ithilin. "Tonight you will sleep in peace."
As they were dismissed, Celeborn stopped Ithilin. "Come with me, Valariel." He said softly. He smiled as the son of Thranduil reluctantly let go of her hand. "She will come to no harm, young one." Celeborn reassured the prince as he led her out another way, "I will bring her to your camp soon."
The prince nodded, worry etched in his sapphire eyes. She was grieving deeply and he could not reach her. He had to trust that the Lord of Lothlórien would not hurt her.
"Do not worry, young one. I am aware of your bond." The elf lord's eyes were calm and soothing as he saw the younger elf visibly relax, "I do not challenge your claim. Though, there will be others who will. She will be safe in my care."
The prince smiled tentatively, "I know."
"I will bring her soon."
* * *
Celeborn watched the young woman as she sat by the bubbling fountain. Her golden hair tumbled about her slender shoulders like a fall of sunlight. Yet the light in her beautiful eyes had gone out. If this was truly the daughter of Varda, then Manwë could not be her father. She appeared far to human to be sired by the King of the Valar.
"Hên, why has thy light faded?" he asked softly.
"Adar is gone." She answered tightly, a silver tear slid down her pale cheek and landed on her hand. "I do not know where to go from here."
Celeborn sat beside her, pulling her into his embrace. It had been so long ago. He had been a young man then and not yet wed to Galadriel. Gandalf, too, had been younger then. Elbereth. The queen of the Valar. All light and song. A radiant beauty, crowned with stars, stars that he could see in this young elf maid's eyes.
"You speak of Gandalf, little one?"
"Aye, heru-nîn."
"You are the one that has been looked for. The Coithuliel."
She nodded. "I do not know what I am to do."
"Sometimes the path that seems hidden, is not." The elf lord said kissing the top of her head, smiling when she chuckled.
"You are a lot like Lord Elrond, Lord Celeborn. You speak in riddles"
He held her at arms length. The spark of life slowly kindled in her eyes again. "I will take that as a compliment, young one. The road is before you. It is a dark one. Filled with terrible pain. But you have to remember that you are never alone."
"Legolas."
"Yes, Ithilin. That young stag would stay with you to the end."
"The bond will be tested again."
"Yes. You can see the path you must take now that your sorrow has lessened, can't you?"
She nodded. "Will it survive?"
"That is yet unknown, hên But you must trust your heart. And his."
Author's Note: More elvish is used in these scenes. Here's the translation.
"Haldir o Lórien. Henion aníron, boe ammen I dulu lîn. Boe ammen veriad lîn" (Haldir of Lórien. We come here for help. We need your protection.)
"Mae govannen, Legolas Thranduilion." (Well met, Legolas son of Thranduil.)
"Govannas vîn gwennen le, Haldir o Lórien." (Our fellowship stands in your debt, Haldir of Lórien.)
"Legolas, get them up." Aragorn commanded, wiping the orc blood from his sword.
The elf nodded slowly, still numb from the fall of the Istari. Long, had he known the wizard and the grief he felt was keen, but nothing compared to his mate's. The look in her blue eyes, as he pulled her to her feet, was one of utter despair
"Tula, mel-nîn," he whispered softly, seeing the unshed tears in her eyes.
"Give them a moment, for pity's sake." Boromir shouted angrily.
"By nightfall these hills will be swarming with orcs." The ranger said. "We must reach the woods of Lothlórien. Boromir, Legolas, Gimli, get them up." He stopped next to Sam, his hand on the hobbit's arm, " Come on, Sam. Frodo?"
The ring bearer was heading off alone. His pain made him deaf to the shouts of his companions.
"Frodo!"
The little being turned back, gazing forlornly at Aragorn. They could never understand. This was all his fault.
* * *
Hours later, they came under the canopy of the tall slender Mallorn trees of Lothlórien. The group moved as quietly as they could considering the crunchy leaves on the ground.
"Stay close, young hobbits." Gimli hissed softly. "They say a great sorceress lives in these woods. An elf witch of terrible power. All who look upon her fall under her spell and are never seen again." The dwarf eyed their surroundings cautiously, "Well, here's one dwarf she won't ensnare so easily. I have the Eyes of a hawk and the ears of a fox. OH!"
Out of nowhere, a host of bows appeared pointing directly at the company. Legolas and Ithilin both quickly nocked arrows to strings, wavering from target to target.
"The dwarf breathes so loud, we could have shot him in the dark." A tall, husky elf sneered, stepping between the archers. His gaze fell immediately on Ithilin. He licked his lips, a lustful glint coming to his blue eyes.
"Haldir o Lórien. Henion aníron, boe ammen I dulu lîn. Boe ammen veriad lîn." Aragorn had seen where the guardian's gaze had landed and was trying desperately to divert the elf's attention away from the little she-elf.
"Aragorn, these woods are perilous!" Gimli said, trying to shift away from the arrows pointing at his head. "We should go back!"
The guardian was not so easily distracted, "You have entered the realm of the Lady of the Wood. You can not go back." His gaze lighted on the young woman again and desire kindled in the depths of the sapphire orbs. "Come. She is waiting."
With that he turned and led the way through the forest to their camp.
* * *
The sickle moon shone dimly overhead. Ithilin and Legolas stood together, her arms loosely circling his waist. A light breeze combed through her tangled locks as Legolas smoothed it soothingly against her back. His tunic and jerkin hung open and her head rested heavily against his bare chest. Her eyes were partially closed in a sated half slumber.
At the moment, he was thankful that Ithilin stood shorter than himself. Not only because his body shielded her from prying eyes, but also giving her the nourishment she needed would have proven to be quite awkward in this position if she was his height or taller. He sighed softly, squeezing his eyes shut against the weariness that was beginning to grab hold of him. If only Aragorn would stop arguing with the guardian, they could possibly get some well deserved rest.
"We need your protection, Haldir." Aragorn pleaded angrily, "The road is too dangerous."
"Then why did you bring the woman?" Said the tall elf, nodding in Legolas' direction. "She has no place in this company."
"She is here at Gandalf's insistence."
"She will hinder you at best. Get you all killed at worst." Haldir hissed.
"You don't understand, Haldir." Aragorn said shaking his head. "She has to be here."
"You're right, I don't." the guardian growled. The human was evading the reason the woman was with them. "If you do not trust me, then I can not help you."
"I can not give what I do not have." He said shrugging helplessly, "Speak to Ithilin or Legolas. Perhaps they can give you a reason."
"I shall." Haldir turned and walked toward the prince.
He smiled slightly when the smaller elf jerked almost imperceptibly at his touch, "Mae govannen, Legolas Thranduilion."
"Govannas vîn gwennen le, Haldir o Lórien." Legolas answered, inclining his head slightly in acknowledgment.
"I won't waist my breath on pleasantries, young one." The elder elf said harshly,
"Good. Because you will get none from me." Legolas answered, meeting Haldir's steely gaze defiantly. He was well aware that the other elf's interest in his mate went beyond the desire to keep his realm safe.
"Why is she here?"
"Gandalf said she must do something before this is finished. Neither of us know what it is yet, but it will possibly claim her life."
Haldir looked down at the woman whose blond head lay against the prince's chest. She seemed so helpless. How easy it would be to take her from this youngster. He reached out to touch the honey colored hair, to brush it away from the beautiful face he had seen earlier, but his hand was swatted away by the younger elf. Anger flashed over his features.
"You have no rights here, little one."
"More than you, heru-nîn." Legolas hissed.
Haldir bristled. How dare this young one speak to him thus. He raised his hand to backhand the prince. He was not about to let this youngling off lightly. Others had died for less.
"Do it," the prince said calmly, staring icily at the elder elf. "but I will not be held responsible for my actions."
Aragorn watched the exchange with growing alarm. Legolas was defending Ithilin like a stag protecting a doe. Growing up around mated elves, the ranger knew how quickly this stand off could escalate in to bloodshed. And that was the last thing they needed right now.
"Legolas," he called quietly, trying to break the tension between the two male elves. "Is she asleep?"
"Yes." The prince was still not backing down.
The ranger stood and went to the elf's side. "Back off." He whispered in his friend's ear as he gathered up Ithilin's sleeping form, "We can not afford bloodshed."
"Tell that to him, not me." The prince hissed back, his eyes not leaving Haldir's.
"I will. But you are the younger of the two, so you must back down first."
"And look like I'm conceding. No."
Why did elves have to be so damned hard headed sometimes? "Do you trust her?"
"Yes."
"Then back off."
Slowly, Legolas backed down. He hadn't felt threatened by Boromir when he tried to take her back in Hollin. The human was clumsy and Ithilin had taught him a valuable lesson about messing with elves, she-elves to be exact. Now faced with his own kind trying to take her away from him, he wasn't sure what to do. All he knew for sure was that he was bound heart and soul to Ithilin and he would fight to the death to keep her, if needs be. But he also knew that Aragorn was right. He could not be the one who started a fight over her. He had to trust her.
"Come and rest, mellon-nîn." Aragorn said, carrying Ithilin over to where the rest of the fellowship had bedded down for the night. He hoped that the elf would follow. They were all exhausted.
Legolas lay down on his bedroll, fighting to keep control over his body. He could not allow the older elf to see his hands shake. He could not show weakness. He curled around Ithilin's body as Aragorn laid her next to him, holding her tightly to him and buried his face in her hair. Her scent calmed him and he began to relax.
"I love you." He whispered as he drifted off, the gentle scent of simbelmynë enveloping him like a soft caress.
* * *
The next day they reached Caras Galadhon at twilight and were brought before the Lord and Lady. Their bright silver light shone like moonlight in the dimness of the trees.
"Nine there are here, yet ten there were set out from Rivendell." The Lord of Lothlórien said gazing at each of the fellowship in turn finally coming to rest on Ithilin. "Tell me, where is Gandalf? For I much desire to speak with him."
Aragorn gazed sadly at the pair, the answer plain in his gray eyes.
"He has fallen into shadow." She too gazes at the fellowship, her piercing blue eyes stopping on the little she-elf.
Legolas heard a stifled sob beside him. Tears streamed unchecked down Ithilin's pale cheeks, her slender shoulders shaking with the force of her silent sorrow. The prince reached out to her, taking her small hand in his own.
"The quest stands upon the edge of a knife. Stray but a little and it will fail, to the ruin of all." Galadriel's voice echoed ominously, shifting her gaze to Boromir who desperately avoided her penetrating stare. The Lady's voice softened slightly as she smiled at Sam, "Yet hope remains, while the company is true. Do not let your hearts be troubled. Go now and rest, for you are weary with sorrow and much toil." Again Galadriel's gaze fell on Ithilin. "Tonight you will sleep in peace."
As they were dismissed, Celeborn stopped Ithilin. "Come with me, Valariel." He said softly. He smiled as the son of Thranduil reluctantly let go of her hand. "She will come to no harm, young one." Celeborn reassured the prince as he led her out another way, "I will bring her to your camp soon."
The prince nodded, worry etched in his sapphire eyes. She was grieving deeply and he could not reach her. He had to trust that the Lord of Lothlórien would not hurt her.
"Do not worry, young one. I am aware of your bond." The elf lord's eyes were calm and soothing as he saw the younger elf visibly relax, "I do not challenge your claim. Though, there will be others who will. She will be safe in my care."
The prince smiled tentatively, "I know."
"I will bring her soon."
* * *
Celeborn watched the young woman as she sat by the bubbling fountain. Her golden hair tumbled about her slender shoulders like a fall of sunlight. Yet the light in her beautiful eyes had gone out. If this was truly the daughter of Varda, then Manwë could not be her father. She appeared far to human to be sired by the King of the Valar.
"Hên, why has thy light faded?" he asked softly.
"Adar is gone." She answered tightly, a silver tear slid down her pale cheek and landed on her hand. "I do not know where to go from here."
Celeborn sat beside her, pulling her into his embrace. It had been so long ago. He had been a young man then and not yet wed to Galadriel. Gandalf, too, had been younger then. Elbereth. The queen of the Valar. All light and song. A radiant beauty, crowned with stars, stars that he could see in this young elf maid's eyes.
"You speak of Gandalf, little one?"
"Aye, heru-nîn."
"You are the one that has been looked for. The Coithuliel."
She nodded. "I do not know what I am to do."
"Sometimes the path that seems hidden, is not." The elf lord said kissing the top of her head, smiling when she chuckled.
"You are a lot like Lord Elrond, Lord Celeborn. You speak in riddles"
He held her at arms length. The spark of life slowly kindled in her eyes again. "I will take that as a compliment, young one. The road is before you. It is a dark one. Filled with terrible pain. But you have to remember that you are never alone."
"Legolas."
"Yes, Ithilin. That young stag would stay with you to the end."
"The bond will be tested again."
"Yes. You can see the path you must take now that your sorrow has lessened, can't you?"
She nodded. "Will it survive?"
"That is yet unknown, hên But you must trust your heart. And his."
Author's Note: More elvish is used in these scenes. Here's the translation.
"Haldir o Lórien. Henion aníron, boe ammen I dulu lîn. Boe ammen veriad lîn" (Haldir of Lórien. We come here for help. We need your protection.)
"Mae govannen, Legolas Thranduilion." (Well met, Legolas son of Thranduil.)
"Govannas vîn gwennen le, Haldir o Lórien." (Our fellowship stands in your debt, Haldir of Lórien.)