Airesiwe walked along silently with the tall elf, rarely looking up. It was
still very dark in Lothlorien, and candle-lit rooms were all that was
visible in the darkness. They walked along the highest level in the trees,
and when Airesiwe looked up, she could see the pale moon shining. Up ahead,
she could see a very bright light in a large room, probably the largest
room in Lorien.
"Go in that room," the elf said, "The one up ahead. Someone very important wishes to speak with you my lady."
'My lady?' Airesiwe thought. But soon the thought passed as she turned around and noticed that the elf had vanished. Cautiously, she stepped towards the room. With every step she took, whispers erupted in her head, though too many to understand. She tried to make them out, but only words like: Frodo, death and the ring were understandable. She felt herself getting heavier, and soon she was at the point where she couldn't breathe. With that, Airesiwe ran as fast as she could towards the room.
Finally, what seemed like an eternity, Airesiwe arrived at the door of the large room. At this time, the whispers had stopped and Airesiwe was glad. For terror and fear was all that it sounded like. She carefully placed her hand on the doorknob and looked down. Quickly, she discovered that her hands were pale, and clammy. Without further ado, Airesiwe shoved the door open and fell onto the floor in the room. She opened her eyes and saw a great light covering every corner of the room. Airesiwe closed them and even then, brightness overtook her. For a second out of time she thought she was dead, then opened her eyes once more.
Shock came upon her, for what she saw was something she never thought she would see. A lady with golden hair; a bright light surrounding her, came forth. Airesiwe looked up with wide eyes and her mouth open.
"Who are you?" Airesiwe whispered while picking herself up.
The lady eyes glowed and she smiled. "You know who I am, Airesiwe, do you not?"
Airesiwe thought for awhile, observing the lady's features. Her eyes were a bright blue, like her own. In fact, the lady looked just like her, except her hair was a bright blonde that shone in the light. Airesiwe had not a clue of who this lady was, but had a faint thought that it was someone she knew, someone familiar.
"I'm sorry," Airesiwe stuttered, "But I'm not sure we've met." Airesiwe looked at the lady once more, and her eyes got brighter. Airesiwe thought in her head, 'Why am I even here? It is obvious I do not know this lady. Why does she care who I am?'
"I care deeply who you are, Airesiwe. And you should feel the same about me." Airesiwe's mouth fell open.
"You, you, and then," Airesiwe could barely get the words out, "telekinetic powers!" Airesiwe shouted. "You have telekinetic powers! Oh how I have dreamed of someone who could have such a power as that!" Airesiwe closed her eyes and thought deep and hard. Soon enough, a thought came to her, though not her own.
'Remember the dream, Airesiwe. Try to remember the dream.' Airesiwe shivered at the thought. For the dream she had seen occur to her was getting out of control. She now not only dreamed of the mysterious woods, and the lady—
It hit her hard. "The lady in my dream...." Airesiwe trailed off in thought then looked the tall women straight in the eyes "You're that lady, aren't you?" Airesiwe could feel her breath getting short, and sat down on a nearby stool. The room darkened, but not in a depressing stage. The sun had just started to peak over the trees and the lady shone even more. Airesiwe prepared herself to talk, and finally words dragged out. "You're my mom."
The lady smiled at kneeled down to her level. "Yes, Airesiwe, I am indeed your mother. You are not from Rivendell, but from the woods of Lothlorien. That is why you're blessed. A month after you were born, Lothlorien was under great attack by orcs. We fought as much as we could, but soon, hope faded. I took you outside in hope to run away, but the enemy found you first. A large orc jumped me and the basket you were in went flying. You hit the ground, and died. I thought I lost you Airesiwe. Nevertheless, the orc took you away. I never saw you since." Tears started to well up in her eyes. "But you didn't die. Apparently I received news that the orc was killed by another elf, and he took you to Rivendell. By the healing powers of Elrond, you were saved. It was then that the powers I gave you kicked in. The note attached to your basket, I did not write, but rather the elf that found you. They turned you into a warrior in order to help rebuild Lothlorien with stronger, better, magical elves. I see that that has helped am I not right."
"Mother," Airesiwe said and fell into her mother's arms. They both sobbed as the sun came up and golden rays lit up the dim room. "I won't lose you again."
****************************************************************************
After more talk with Galadriel, her mother, Airesiwe made her way back to her room. As she climbed down to the middle level, she slipped. The branch fell from under her, and Airesiwe fell. She fell while hitting rocks and branches and each blow felt like being punched in the chest. She tumbled down the trees and finally landed in a pile of rocks, wood, and thorn bushes. Airesiwe whimpered, and crawled out of the bushes. She sat up and looked around the rotating blur of trees. She dared not look at her legs and arms, for fear that they might be too torn up to handle. But she knew she had to. She glanced at her legs and saw that they were scratched up pretty bad, blood smearing the outside of her pale skin. Her arms were in good condition scratchwise, but her left arm she couldn't move. She held back tears and cradled her arm, when a familiar figure appeared.
"What happened?!" Legolas practically screamed. "You're covered in blood!" Legolas offered her help her up, but she refused, concentrating on the pain inside her arm.
"I'm fine!" Airesiwe shouted back. By this time most of the elves in the trees had come down, and Merry and Pippin ran towards her to see what the commotion was about. "Just a bit shooken up is all." With that Airesiwe paced towards the rest of the Fellowship, who were eating a light breakfast.
"We expect to get on the road by midday." Legolas said with a calmer voice. "Are you up for it?"
"Of course." Airesiwe said. She stopped in her tracks when she said that and turned around. "I didn't mean to say that..." Airesiwe's jaw dropped. *I didn't mean to say that at all! I'm staying in Lothlorien.*
"Then what did you mean?" Legolas said with a nonchalant look on his face.
"I meant to say—Of course---," Airesiwe stopped again. *What's going on? It's like someone is literally controlling what I say.*
By this time Legolas was becoming quite annoyed. "Airesiwe, I'm serious. I think that fall did something—."
"NO! That's not it!" Airesiwe just decided to drop the subject and head over towards Frodo.
"Did you sleep ok?" Airesiwe murmured. Frodo turned around and smiled when he saw her sitting by him.
"Fine! Your singing works magic!" Frodo said. He seemed happier then when they entered Lothlorien, which was a good sign. "I know I can count on you whenever I'm down and depressed."
Airesiwe blushed and looked at Aragorn, smoking a pipe not too far away. He glanced at Airesiwe and walked over towards her and Frodo.
"May I ask why you are cradling you arm?" He said with question. Airesiwe looked down and forgot that she was. She looked up and Aragorn and smiled, then tried to move her arm in a normal position. It was no use. Even with the numbness of her arms and legs, it was still impossible to move.
"I guess I'm still a bit in shock from my fall." Airesiwe muttered then walked away. She turned and looked at Frodo, who was still smiling. She would miss him terribly. For a hobbit, he wasn't that bad.
As she turned around to leave, she bumped into Galadriel who was staring down at her with large blue eyes.
*May I ask where you are going?* Galadriel said to Airesiwe telepathically. She did not drop her stare.
*Nowhere. I'm staying here. I belong here Mother, this is where I was meant to be from the beginning.* Airesiwe looked at her mother again, this time matching her stare.
*You belong with the Fellowship,* Galadriel turned towards them, then stooped down to Airesiwe's level. "You belong with Frodo," she whispered.
Airesiwe looked over at Frodo, who was still eating. Sam and the other hobbits were packing up though. She saw some Lothlorien elves arranging some wooden Lorien canoes for their trip.
*He will need you before the end, Airesiwe.* Galadriel continued. Her stare lightened a bit, and Airesiwe felt better.
*I wish not to leave you again mother* Airesiwe said back, *I don't want to lose you again.*
Galadriel's eyes at this point softened. She put her hand on Airesiwe shoulder. "Through life, or death, we will meet again."
Airesiwe's vision blurred, and she tried desperately not to let a tear fall. "If it's what you desire, mother," Airesiwe looked on last time at Frodo. Frodo looked back, smiled, and waved at her. "Then I will see it done." With that, Airesiwe hugged her and turned back towards the Fellowship, who were already packing up the canoes.
"Need help?" Airesiwe asked Boromir, who was piling the canoes with food, mostly the elven bread.
"Not with an arm like that," Boromir muttered under his breath, then turned and walked away. Airesiwe looked at her arm, and already it was swollen to twice its size. There was no hope in moving it either. She peeked over her shoulder and noticed that the Fellowship had lined up in front of Galadriel and a few other elves. One of them, was Alkhuan. Galadriel had told her that he was her brother. Airesiwe walked up to the line, standing besides Frodo, and stared at Alkhuan. Alkhuan smiled back, and did a short wave. 'I wonder if I'll ever see him again' Airesiwe wondered to herself as Galadriel spoke.
"Ten there were that set out from Rivendell, though now, only nine remain. But do not lose hope now. Keep your spirits strong, and hope will rise to the highest. Do not be troubled by the loss of a friend, for the future holds dearer things." Galadriel took something from one of the woodlen elves, then gave it to the Fellowship. "I give you these cloaks. They will be of much help when you need it most." Each cloak was fastened around each member of the Fellowship along with a green leaf brooch.
"Are these cloaks magic?" Pippin said with wonder. Galadriel turned and smiled. "You will learn in time young Peregrin." She gave Sam an elven rope, made out of hithlain as well. Airesiwe saw her give something to Frodo out of the corner of her eye, but paid no mind to it. When the gifts were given, the fellowship made their way towards the canoes, ready to continue their adventure towards Mordor. In one boat, Merry, Pippin, and Boromir were together. Another canoe carried Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli. Last, were Airesiwe, Frodo, and Sam. When they paddled off, they waved farewell to the elves and the beautiful land of Lothlorien. On the shores, Celeborn and Galadriel waved back. Airesiwe looked at Galadriel one last time with large eyes, then turned away. Soon the world became a wet blur and she tried desperately not to cry.
*Through life or death, we will meet again* Galadriel reminded Airesiwe. But by the time Airesiwe looked back towards the shore, they had vanished.
"Do you suppose we'll ever return," Sam said with hope in his eyes. Airesiwe turned to look at him, and smiled.
"Someday," Airesiwe said while paddling the canoe once more, "Our paths will lead us home."
"Go in that room," the elf said, "The one up ahead. Someone very important wishes to speak with you my lady."
'My lady?' Airesiwe thought. But soon the thought passed as she turned around and noticed that the elf had vanished. Cautiously, she stepped towards the room. With every step she took, whispers erupted in her head, though too many to understand. She tried to make them out, but only words like: Frodo, death and the ring were understandable. She felt herself getting heavier, and soon she was at the point where she couldn't breathe. With that, Airesiwe ran as fast as she could towards the room.
Finally, what seemed like an eternity, Airesiwe arrived at the door of the large room. At this time, the whispers had stopped and Airesiwe was glad. For terror and fear was all that it sounded like. She carefully placed her hand on the doorknob and looked down. Quickly, she discovered that her hands were pale, and clammy. Without further ado, Airesiwe shoved the door open and fell onto the floor in the room. She opened her eyes and saw a great light covering every corner of the room. Airesiwe closed them and even then, brightness overtook her. For a second out of time she thought she was dead, then opened her eyes once more.
Shock came upon her, for what she saw was something she never thought she would see. A lady with golden hair; a bright light surrounding her, came forth. Airesiwe looked up with wide eyes and her mouth open.
"Who are you?" Airesiwe whispered while picking herself up.
The lady eyes glowed and she smiled. "You know who I am, Airesiwe, do you not?"
Airesiwe thought for awhile, observing the lady's features. Her eyes were a bright blue, like her own. In fact, the lady looked just like her, except her hair was a bright blonde that shone in the light. Airesiwe had not a clue of who this lady was, but had a faint thought that it was someone she knew, someone familiar.
"I'm sorry," Airesiwe stuttered, "But I'm not sure we've met." Airesiwe looked at the lady once more, and her eyes got brighter. Airesiwe thought in her head, 'Why am I even here? It is obvious I do not know this lady. Why does she care who I am?'
"I care deeply who you are, Airesiwe. And you should feel the same about me." Airesiwe's mouth fell open.
"You, you, and then," Airesiwe could barely get the words out, "telekinetic powers!" Airesiwe shouted. "You have telekinetic powers! Oh how I have dreamed of someone who could have such a power as that!" Airesiwe closed her eyes and thought deep and hard. Soon enough, a thought came to her, though not her own.
'Remember the dream, Airesiwe. Try to remember the dream.' Airesiwe shivered at the thought. For the dream she had seen occur to her was getting out of control. She now not only dreamed of the mysterious woods, and the lady—
It hit her hard. "The lady in my dream...." Airesiwe trailed off in thought then looked the tall women straight in the eyes "You're that lady, aren't you?" Airesiwe could feel her breath getting short, and sat down on a nearby stool. The room darkened, but not in a depressing stage. The sun had just started to peak over the trees and the lady shone even more. Airesiwe prepared herself to talk, and finally words dragged out. "You're my mom."
The lady smiled at kneeled down to her level. "Yes, Airesiwe, I am indeed your mother. You are not from Rivendell, but from the woods of Lothlorien. That is why you're blessed. A month after you were born, Lothlorien was under great attack by orcs. We fought as much as we could, but soon, hope faded. I took you outside in hope to run away, but the enemy found you first. A large orc jumped me and the basket you were in went flying. You hit the ground, and died. I thought I lost you Airesiwe. Nevertheless, the orc took you away. I never saw you since." Tears started to well up in her eyes. "But you didn't die. Apparently I received news that the orc was killed by another elf, and he took you to Rivendell. By the healing powers of Elrond, you were saved. It was then that the powers I gave you kicked in. The note attached to your basket, I did not write, but rather the elf that found you. They turned you into a warrior in order to help rebuild Lothlorien with stronger, better, magical elves. I see that that has helped am I not right."
"Mother," Airesiwe said and fell into her mother's arms. They both sobbed as the sun came up and golden rays lit up the dim room. "I won't lose you again."
****************************************************************************
After more talk with Galadriel, her mother, Airesiwe made her way back to her room. As she climbed down to the middle level, she slipped. The branch fell from under her, and Airesiwe fell. She fell while hitting rocks and branches and each blow felt like being punched in the chest. She tumbled down the trees and finally landed in a pile of rocks, wood, and thorn bushes. Airesiwe whimpered, and crawled out of the bushes. She sat up and looked around the rotating blur of trees. She dared not look at her legs and arms, for fear that they might be too torn up to handle. But she knew she had to. She glanced at her legs and saw that they were scratched up pretty bad, blood smearing the outside of her pale skin. Her arms were in good condition scratchwise, but her left arm she couldn't move. She held back tears and cradled her arm, when a familiar figure appeared.
"What happened?!" Legolas practically screamed. "You're covered in blood!" Legolas offered her help her up, but she refused, concentrating on the pain inside her arm.
"I'm fine!" Airesiwe shouted back. By this time most of the elves in the trees had come down, and Merry and Pippin ran towards her to see what the commotion was about. "Just a bit shooken up is all." With that Airesiwe paced towards the rest of the Fellowship, who were eating a light breakfast.
"We expect to get on the road by midday." Legolas said with a calmer voice. "Are you up for it?"
"Of course." Airesiwe said. She stopped in her tracks when she said that and turned around. "I didn't mean to say that..." Airesiwe's jaw dropped. *I didn't mean to say that at all! I'm staying in Lothlorien.*
"Then what did you mean?" Legolas said with a nonchalant look on his face.
"I meant to say—Of course---," Airesiwe stopped again. *What's going on? It's like someone is literally controlling what I say.*
By this time Legolas was becoming quite annoyed. "Airesiwe, I'm serious. I think that fall did something—."
"NO! That's not it!" Airesiwe just decided to drop the subject and head over towards Frodo.
"Did you sleep ok?" Airesiwe murmured. Frodo turned around and smiled when he saw her sitting by him.
"Fine! Your singing works magic!" Frodo said. He seemed happier then when they entered Lothlorien, which was a good sign. "I know I can count on you whenever I'm down and depressed."
Airesiwe blushed and looked at Aragorn, smoking a pipe not too far away. He glanced at Airesiwe and walked over towards her and Frodo.
"May I ask why you are cradling you arm?" He said with question. Airesiwe looked down and forgot that she was. She looked up and Aragorn and smiled, then tried to move her arm in a normal position. It was no use. Even with the numbness of her arms and legs, it was still impossible to move.
"I guess I'm still a bit in shock from my fall." Airesiwe muttered then walked away. She turned and looked at Frodo, who was still smiling. She would miss him terribly. For a hobbit, he wasn't that bad.
As she turned around to leave, she bumped into Galadriel who was staring down at her with large blue eyes.
*May I ask where you are going?* Galadriel said to Airesiwe telepathically. She did not drop her stare.
*Nowhere. I'm staying here. I belong here Mother, this is where I was meant to be from the beginning.* Airesiwe looked at her mother again, this time matching her stare.
*You belong with the Fellowship,* Galadriel turned towards them, then stooped down to Airesiwe's level. "You belong with Frodo," she whispered.
Airesiwe looked over at Frodo, who was still eating. Sam and the other hobbits were packing up though. She saw some Lothlorien elves arranging some wooden Lorien canoes for their trip.
*He will need you before the end, Airesiwe.* Galadriel continued. Her stare lightened a bit, and Airesiwe felt better.
*I wish not to leave you again mother* Airesiwe said back, *I don't want to lose you again.*
Galadriel's eyes at this point softened. She put her hand on Airesiwe shoulder. "Through life, or death, we will meet again."
Airesiwe's vision blurred, and she tried desperately not to let a tear fall. "If it's what you desire, mother," Airesiwe looked on last time at Frodo. Frodo looked back, smiled, and waved at her. "Then I will see it done." With that, Airesiwe hugged her and turned back towards the Fellowship, who were already packing up the canoes.
"Need help?" Airesiwe asked Boromir, who was piling the canoes with food, mostly the elven bread.
"Not with an arm like that," Boromir muttered under his breath, then turned and walked away. Airesiwe looked at her arm, and already it was swollen to twice its size. There was no hope in moving it either. She peeked over her shoulder and noticed that the Fellowship had lined up in front of Galadriel and a few other elves. One of them, was Alkhuan. Galadriel had told her that he was her brother. Airesiwe walked up to the line, standing besides Frodo, and stared at Alkhuan. Alkhuan smiled back, and did a short wave. 'I wonder if I'll ever see him again' Airesiwe wondered to herself as Galadriel spoke.
"Ten there were that set out from Rivendell, though now, only nine remain. But do not lose hope now. Keep your spirits strong, and hope will rise to the highest. Do not be troubled by the loss of a friend, for the future holds dearer things." Galadriel took something from one of the woodlen elves, then gave it to the Fellowship. "I give you these cloaks. They will be of much help when you need it most." Each cloak was fastened around each member of the Fellowship along with a green leaf brooch.
"Are these cloaks magic?" Pippin said with wonder. Galadriel turned and smiled. "You will learn in time young Peregrin." She gave Sam an elven rope, made out of hithlain as well. Airesiwe saw her give something to Frodo out of the corner of her eye, but paid no mind to it. When the gifts were given, the fellowship made their way towards the canoes, ready to continue their adventure towards Mordor. In one boat, Merry, Pippin, and Boromir were together. Another canoe carried Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli. Last, were Airesiwe, Frodo, and Sam. When they paddled off, they waved farewell to the elves and the beautiful land of Lothlorien. On the shores, Celeborn and Galadriel waved back. Airesiwe looked at Galadriel one last time with large eyes, then turned away. Soon the world became a wet blur and she tried desperately not to cry.
*Through life or death, we will meet again* Galadriel reminded Airesiwe. But by the time Airesiwe looked back towards the shore, they had vanished.
"Do you suppose we'll ever return," Sam said with hope in his eyes. Airesiwe turned to look at him, and smiled.
"Someday," Airesiwe said while paddling the canoe once more, "Our paths will lead us home."
