A/N: sorry it took me so long to update, but you know. . Writer's block,
homework, college applications . . . Anyway, I'm going to do a little more
text insertion here with breaks to show Elwen's reactions and such, just to
let you know. My lil' tribute to Tolkien, and a taste of his writing style
to those of you who are too lazy to read his books!
*~*~*~*~*~*~*
One Last Night in the Golden Wood
The next morning kept Elwen very busy and she had no chance to seek out Legolas, nor did she see him or the Fellowship all that morning. Most likely the group was wandering the woods as usual, taking in their well- deserved holiday.
That night, as Elwen sat reading a book in her talan, Galadriel's voice entered into her mind.
//Come to my chambers, I am holding a second meeting on this last night of the Fellowship's presence in Lothlórien//
Elwen gasped and as she rose, her book slid from her fingers to hit the floor with a dull thud. Elwen left her flet without bothering to pick it back up. *~*~*~*~*~*~*
"'That night the Company was again summoned to the chamber of Celeborn, and there the Lord and Lady greeted them with fair words. At length Celeborn spoke of their departure.
'Now is the time,' he said, 'when those who wish to continue the Quest must harden their hearts to leave this land. Those who no longer wish to go forward may remain here, for a while. But whether they stay or go, none can be sure of peace. For we are come now to the edge of doom. Here those who wish may await the oncoming of the hour till either the ways of the world lie open again, or we summon them to the last need of Lórien. Then they may return to their own lands, or else go to the long home of those that fall in battle.'
There was a silence." Elwen felt suddenly as if she could not breathe. She stole a glance at Legolas as she stood by Galadriel's chair. His countenance was firm and resolute as he stared straight ahead at the Lord and Lady of the Golden Wood.
"'They all resolved to go forward,' said Galadriel looking in their
eyes."
Elwen felt her heart sink to the lowest depths of her being. She gazed at Legolas, whose eyes seemed to be purposely avoiding her own.
'As for me,' said Boromir, 'my way home lies onward and not back.'
'That is true,' said Celeborn, 'but is all this Company going with you to Minas Tirith?'
'We have not decided our course,' said Aragorn. 'Beyond Lothlórien I do not know what Gandalf intended to do. Indeed I do not think that even he had any clear purpose.'
'Maybe not,' said Celeborn, 'yet when you leave this land, you can no longer forget the Great River. As some of you know well, it cannot be crossed by travellers with baggage between Lórien and Gondor, save by boat. And are not the bridges of Osgiliath broken down and all the landings now held by the Enemy?
'On which side will you journey? The way to Minas Tirith lies upon this side, upon the west; but the straight road of the Quest lies east of the River, upon the darker shore. Which shore will you now take?'
'If my advice is heeded, it will be the western shore, and the way to Minas Tirith,' answered Boromir. 'But I am not the leader of this Company.' The others said nothing, and Aragorn looked doubtful and troubled.
'I see that you do not yet know what to do,' said Celeborn. 'It is not my part to choose for you; but I will help you as I may. There are some among you who can handle boats, whose fold know the swift Forest River; and Boromir of Gondor; and Aragorn the traveller.'
'And one Hobbit!' cried Merry. 'Not all of us look on boats as wild horses. My people live by the banks of the Brandywine.'
'That is well,' said Celeborn. "Then I will furnish your Company with boats. They must be small and light, for if you go far by water, there will be places where you will be forced to carry them. You will come to the rapids of Sarn Gebir, and maybe at last to the great falls of Rauros where the River thunders down from Nen Hithoe; and there are other perils. Boats may make your journey less toilsome for a while. Yet they will not give you counsel: in the end you must leave them and the River, and turn west---or east.'
Aragorn thanked Celeborn many times. The gift of boats comforted him much, not least because there would now be no need to decide his course for some days. The others, too, looked more hopeful. Whatever perils lay ahead, it seemed better to float down the broad tide of Anduin to meet them than to plod forward with bend backs. Only Sam was doubtful: he at any rate still thought boats as bad as wild horses, or worse, and not all the dangers that he had survived made him think better of them.
'All shall be prepared for you and await you at the haven before noon tomorrow,' said Celeborn. 'I will send my people to you in the morning to help you make ready for the journey. Now we will wish you all a fair night and untroubled sleep.'
'Good night, my friends!' said Galadriel. 'Sleep in peace! Do not trouble your hearts overmuch with the thought of the road tonight. Maybe the paths that you each shall tread are already laid before your feet, though you do not see them. Good night!'
The Company now took their leave and returned to their pavilion. Legolas went with them, for this was to be their last night in Lothlórien, and in spite of the words of Galadriel they wished to take counsel together."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Elwen was left standing beside the Lady Galadriel who glanced at her as the last of the Fellowship left the talan.
"Aphado nin," Galadriel said to Elwen suddenly. (Follow me)
Galadriel led Elwen into the clearing where her mirror-bowl sat on its pedestal. The Lady of Light then dipped her silver pitcher into the nearby fountain and poured the water into the bowl. "I presented the Ring-bearer with visions from this mirror, are you willing to look as well?"
Elwen hesitated.
//You fear what you might see// Came Galadriel's voice, penetrating
Elwen's thoughts.
//Yes, hiril nin// (my lady)
//U'osto. Tolo// (Fear not. Come)
The elf-maiden slowly approached the pedestal and peered into the crystal waters of Galadriel's mirror.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
After their meeting, the Fellowship dispersed to their various sleeping areas. Except for Legolas, who suddenly smiled mysteriously as he rose to his feet. He glided over to a nearby mellorn and nimbly scaled its branches to the top.
"Suilad, mellon nîn," Legolas said to the elf-maiden, who was the cause of his tree climbing. (Hello, my friend)
"Suilad, Legolas," Elwen answered.
Legolas wondered why the simple sound of his own name being spoken, for the first time by this elf-maid, suddenly sent a thrill through him. But, his growing smile faded when he saw the sorrowful expression on Elwen's face.
"What is wrong?" he asked with great concern.
Elwen turned toward him and opened her mouth as if ready to say something, but then closed it. "Nothing," she answered.
Legolas decided not to push the subject and instead asked, "my companions would welcome sleep gladly but, alas, their hearts are troubled with the unknown events of tomorrow. Would you come and sing to them. You know as well as I that nothing calms the weary soul like the uplifted voice of an elf-maiden."
Legolas saw Elwen blush prettily under the soft light of the moon. "I would be honored, Prince Legolas." Elwen slipped down the off the branch and began to descend the tree with ease. Legolas, although aware of her natural skills in tree climbing, still had the urge to grab her hand to help her down or, better yet, to carry her. Legolas pushed down the impulses but quickened his pace so he ended up below her, so if she should fall, he could catch her.
Legolas reached the forest floor first and, succumbing to his inclinations, he offered his hand to Elwen as she reached the last branch.
"I can get down on my own, thank you!"
Despite this slight rebuff Legolas kept his hand extended. Elwen looked at it and caught herself wondering what it would feel like to have his smooth palm pressed against her own.
Elwen reluctantly put her hand in his. Her pulse quickened as Legolas' fingers gently curled over it. Elwen took a deep breath to try and calm her racing heart then hopped to the ground. After that she stood still, for she noticed that Legolas had not yet released her hand and did not do so until Elwen cleared her throat softly.
Legolas, who had been gazing at her the whole time, was snapped out of his reverie by the noise. "My apologies, hiril nín," he said, dropping her hand and lowering his gaze. "My thoughts were afar, I-"
"It is quite all right, hîr nín," Elwen replied with a good-natured grin. "We should join your companions lest they fall asleep on their own."
When the two elves reached the pavilion the group raised their heads, interested by the newcomer.
"This is Elwen, daughter of Laurëfin of Lothlórien. She has offered to sing to us in hopes of relaxing the Company's nerves and persuading us into a peaceful slumber."
The Fellowship's faces brightened with gratitude. Merry and Pippin eagerly laid their heads down on their pillows, waiting for the songs.
Elwen slowly stepped forward, took a deep breath and began:
"'Eärendil was a mariner
that tarried in Arvernien;
he built a boat of timber felled
in Nimbrethil to journey in;
her sails he wove of silver fair,
of silver were her lanterns made,
her prow was fashioned like a swan,
and light upon her banners laid.
In panoply of ancient kings,
in chained rings he armoured him;
his shining shield was scored with runes
to ward all wounds and harm from him;
his bow was made of dragon-horn,
his arrows shorn of ebony,
of silver was his habergeon,
his scabbard of chalcedony;
his sword of steel was valiant,
of adamant his helmet tall,
an eagle-plume upon his crest,
upon his breast an emerald.
Beneath the Moon and under star
he wandered far from northern strands,
bewildered on enchanted ways
beyond the days of mortal lands.
From gnashing of the Narrow Ice
where shadow lies on frozen hills,
from nether heats and burning waste
he turned in haste, and roving still
on starless waters far astray
at last he came to Night of Naught,
and passed, and never sight he saw
of shining shore nor light he sought.
The winds of wrath came driving him,
and blindly in the foam he fled
from west to east and errandless,
unheralded he homeward sped.
There flying Elwing came to him,
and flame was in the darkness lit;
more bright than light of diamond
the fire upon her carcanet.
The Silmaril she bound on him
and crowned him with the living light
and dauntless then with burning brow
he turned his prow; and in the night
from Otherworld beyond the Sea
there strong and free a storm arose,
a wind of power in Tarmenel;
by paths that seldom mortal goes
his boat it bore with biting breath
as might of death across the grey
and long-forsaken seas distressed:
from east to west he passed away.
Through Evernight he back was borne
on black and roaring waves that ran
o'er leagues unlit and foundered shores
that drowned before the Days began,
until he heard on strands of pearl
where ends the world the music long,
where ever-foaming billows roll
the yellow gold and jewels wan.
He saw the Mountain silent rise
where twilight lies upon the knees
of Valinor, and Eldamar
beheld afar beyond the seas.
A wanderer escaped from night
to haven white he came at last,
to Elvenhome the green and fair
where keen the air, where pale as glass
beneath the Hill of Ilmarin
a-glimmer in valley sheer
the lamplit towers of Tirion
are mirrored on the Shadowmere.
He tarried there from errantry,
and melodies they taught to him,
and sages old him marvels told,
and harps of gold they brought to him.
They clothed him then in elven-white,
and seven lights before him sent,
as through the Calacirian
to hidden land forlorn he went.
He came unto the timeless halls
where shining fall the countless years,
and endless reigns the Elder King
in Ilmarin on Mountain sheer;
and words unheard were spoken then
of folk of Men and Elven-kin.
Beyond the world were visions showed
forbid to those that dwell therein.
A ship then new they built for him
of mithril and of elven-glass
with shining prow; no shaven oar
nor sail she bore on silver mast:
the Silmaril as lantern light
and banner bright with living flame
to gleam thereon by Elbereth
herself was set, who thither came
and wings immortal made for him,
and laid on him undying doom,
to sail the shoreless skies and come
behind the Sun and light of Moon.
From Evereven's lofty hills
where softly silver fountains fall
his wings him bore, a wandering light,
beyond the mighty Mountain Wall.
From World's End then he turned away,
and yearned again to find afar
his home through shadows journeying,
and burning as an island star
on high above the mists he came,
a distant flame before the Sun,
a wonder ere the waking dawn
where grey the Norland waters run.
And over Middle-earth he passed
and heard at last the weeping sore
of women and of elven-maids
in Elder Days, in years of yore.
But on him mighty doom was laid,
till Moon should fade, an orbéd star
to pass, and tarry never more
on Hither Shores where mortals are;
for ever still a herald on
an errand that should never rest
to bear his shining lamp afar,
the Flammifer of Westernesse.'"
As she sang, Elwen saw the eyes of the company grow heavy and begin to close. She noticed that Elessar had a far away look on his face, as if his mind was recalling a fond memory, although, he too, closed his eyes eventually.
Legolas, though, did not lie down and drift into an elven slumber. He was too entranced by Elwen's voice. The Mirkwoodian prince sat at the base of a large mellorn tree next to where she was standing and just stared at her. A wistful smile shone on his lips but faded once Elwen stopped singing.
"I believe it worked!" Elwen said with a satisfied smile.
"I pray you," Legolas pleaded extending his hand toward her, "just one more song!"
"But, they are all asleep, Prince Legolas." Elwen said, and then began to turn away. Legolas quickly stretched out his leg and nudged Gimli with his boot.
"Wha-" the Dwarf sputtered sleepily.
"Not all," the elf prince said with a grin.
Elwen rolled her eyes, but smiled. "Very well.
'Ar ve tirnentë, or i coronna etuller minna eälë lenwi
tuimat; ar ilamma né or ilya Ambar i lúmessë, ar únë
lamma hequa i Yavanno lírala.
Undu linderya i tuimat randortaner ar eänë
vanimë ar hallë, ar tuller lóten;
ar sin cuivaner Ambaressë Aldu Valinóreva.
And as they watched,
Upon the mound there came forth two
Slender shoots; and silence was
Over all the world in that hour,
Nor was there any other sound
Save the chanting of Yavanna.
Under her song the saplings
Grew and became fair and tall,
And came to flower; and thus
There awoke in the world the
Two Trees of Valinor.'"
While Elwen was singing this last song Legolas had risen from his seat under the mallorn to stand beside her.
"Elwen . . ."
The elf-maid took in a sharp breath when she heard her first name being spoken by him and in such warm tones. Elwen slowly turned towards him.
"Legolas-"
"Please," the prince interrupted. "Aníron peded." He then gently took her hand. (I wish to speak)
Elwen's expression became pained. "Avo!" (Do not) she cried, pulling her hand out of his grasp. "Edaved nin," (forgive me) she gasped as a sob escaped her throat. Then, Elwen turned and ran as fast as she could from the Prince of Mirkwood who stared after her with a disconsolate and confused expression.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
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One Last Night in the Golden Wood
The next morning kept Elwen very busy and she had no chance to seek out Legolas, nor did she see him or the Fellowship all that morning. Most likely the group was wandering the woods as usual, taking in their well- deserved holiday.
That night, as Elwen sat reading a book in her talan, Galadriel's voice entered into her mind.
//Come to my chambers, I am holding a second meeting on this last night of the Fellowship's presence in Lothlórien//
Elwen gasped and as she rose, her book slid from her fingers to hit the floor with a dull thud. Elwen left her flet without bothering to pick it back up. *~*~*~*~*~*~*
"'That night the Company was again summoned to the chamber of Celeborn, and there the Lord and Lady greeted them with fair words. At length Celeborn spoke of their departure.
'Now is the time,' he said, 'when those who wish to continue the Quest must harden their hearts to leave this land. Those who no longer wish to go forward may remain here, for a while. But whether they stay or go, none can be sure of peace. For we are come now to the edge of doom. Here those who wish may await the oncoming of the hour till either the ways of the world lie open again, or we summon them to the last need of Lórien. Then they may return to their own lands, or else go to the long home of those that fall in battle.'
There was a silence." Elwen felt suddenly as if she could not breathe. She stole a glance at Legolas as she stood by Galadriel's chair. His countenance was firm and resolute as he stared straight ahead at the Lord and Lady of the Golden Wood.
"'They all resolved to go forward,' said Galadriel looking in their
eyes."
Elwen felt her heart sink to the lowest depths of her being. She gazed at Legolas, whose eyes seemed to be purposely avoiding her own.
'As for me,' said Boromir, 'my way home lies onward and not back.'
'That is true,' said Celeborn, 'but is all this Company going with you to Minas Tirith?'
'We have not decided our course,' said Aragorn. 'Beyond Lothlórien I do not know what Gandalf intended to do. Indeed I do not think that even he had any clear purpose.'
'Maybe not,' said Celeborn, 'yet when you leave this land, you can no longer forget the Great River. As some of you know well, it cannot be crossed by travellers with baggage between Lórien and Gondor, save by boat. And are not the bridges of Osgiliath broken down and all the landings now held by the Enemy?
'On which side will you journey? The way to Minas Tirith lies upon this side, upon the west; but the straight road of the Quest lies east of the River, upon the darker shore. Which shore will you now take?'
'If my advice is heeded, it will be the western shore, and the way to Minas Tirith,' answered Boromir. 'But I am not the leader of this Company.' The others said nothing, and Aragorn looked doubtful and troubled.
'I see that you do not yet know what to do,' said Celeborn. 'It is not my part to choose for you; but I will help you as I may. There are some among you who can handle boats, whose fold know the swift Forest River; and Boromir of Gondor; and Aragorn the traveller.'
'And one Hobbit!' cried Merry. 'Not all of us look on boats as wild horses. My people live by the banks of the Brandywine.'
'That is well,' said Celeborn. "Then I will furnish your Company with boats. They must be small and light, for if you go far by water, there will be places where you will be forced to carry them. You will come to the rapids of Sarn Gebir, and maybe at last to the great falls of Rauros where the River thunders down from Nen Hithoe; and there are other perils. Boats may make your journey less toilsome for a while. Yet they will not give you counsel: in the end you must leave them and the River, and turn west---or east.'
Aragorn thanked Celeborn many times. The gift of boats comforted him much, not least because there would now be no need to decide his course for some days. The others, too, looked more hopeful. Whatever perils lay ahead, it seemed better to float down the broad tide of Anduin to meet them than to plod forward with bend backs. Only Sam was doubtful: he at any rate still thought boats as bad as wild horses, or worse, and not all the dangers that he had survived made him think better of them.
'All shall be prepared for you and await you at the haven before noon tomorrow,' said Celeborn. 'I will send my people to you in the morning to help you make ready for the journey. Now we will wish you all a fair night and untroubled sleep.'
'Good night, my friends!' said Galadriel. 'Sleep in peace! Do not trouble your hearts overmuch with the thought of the road tonight. Maybe the paths that you each shall tread are already laid before your feet, though you do not see them. Good night!'
The Company now took their leave and returned to their pavilion. Legolas went with them, for this was to be their last night in Lothlórien, and in spite of the words of Galadriel they wished to take counsel together."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Elwen was left standing beside the Lady Galadriel who glanced at her as the last of the Fellowship left the talan.
"Aphado nin," Galadriel said to Elwen suddenly. (Follow me)
Galadriel led Elwen into the clearing where her mirror-bowl sat on its pedestal. The Lady of Light then dipped her silver pitcher into the nearby fountain and poured the water into the bowl. "I presented the Ring-bearer with visions from this mirror, are you willing to look as well?"
Elwen hesitated.
//You fear what you might see// Came Galadriel's voice, penetrating
Elwen's thoughts.
//Yes, hiril nin// (my lady)
//U'osto. Tolo// (Fear not. Come)
The elf-maiden slowly approached the pedestal and peered into the crystal waters of Galadriel's mirror.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
After their meeting, the Fellowship dispersed to their various sleeping areas. Except for Legolas, who suddenly smiled mysteriously as he rose to his feet. He glided over to a nearby mellorn and nimbly scaled its branches to the top.
"Suilad, mellon nîn," Legolas said to the elf-maiden, who was the cause of his tree climbing. (Hello, my friend)
"Suilad, Legolas," Elwen answered.
Legolas wondered why the simple sound of his own name being spoken, for the first time by this elf-maid, suddenly sent a thrill through him. But, his growing smile faded when he saw the sorrowful expression on Elwen's face.
"What is wrong?" he asked with great concern.
Elwen turned toward him and opened her mouth as if ready to say something, but then closed it. "Nothing," she answered.
Legolas decided not to push the subject and instead asked, "my companions would welcome sleep gladly but, alas, their hearts are troubled with the unknown events of tomorrow. Would you come and sing to them. You know as well as I that nothing calms the weary soul like the uplifted voice of an elf-maiden."
Legolas saw Elwen blush prettily under the soft light of the moon. "I would be honored, Prince Legolas." Elwen slipped down the off the branch and began to descend the tree with ease. Legolas, although aware of her natural skills in tree climbing, still had the urge to grab her hand to help her down or, better yet, to carry her. Legolas pushed down the impulses but quickened his pace so he ended up below her, so if she should fall, he could catch her.
Legolas reached the forest floor first and, succumbing to his inclinations, he offered his hand to Elwen as she reached the last branch.
"I can get down on my own, thank you!"
Despite this slight rebuff Legolas kept his hand extended. Elwen looked at it and caught herself wondering what it would feel like to have his smooth palm pressed against her own.
Elwen reluctantly put her hand in his. Her pulse quickened as Legolas' fingers gently curled over it. Elwen took a deep breath to try and calm her racing heart then hopped to the ground. After that she stood still, for she noticed that Legolas had not yet released her hand and did not do so until Elwen cleared her throat softly.
Legolas, who had been gazing at her the whole time, was snapped out of his reverie by the noise. "My apologies, hiril nín," he said, dropping her hand and lowering his gaze. "My thoughts were afar, I-"
"It is quite all right, hîr nín," Elwen replied with a good-natured grin. "We should join your companions lest they fall asleep on their own."
When the two elves reached the pavilion the group raised their heads, interested by the newcomer.
"This is Elwen, daughter of Laurëfin of Lothlórien. She has offered to sing to us in hopes of relaxing the Company's nerves and persuading us into a peaceful slumber."
The Fellowship's faces brightened with gratitude. Merry and Pippin eagerly laid their heads down on their pillows, waiting for the songs.
Elwen slowly stepped forward, took a deep breath and began:
"'Eärendil was a mariner
that tarried in Arvernien;
he built a boat of timber felled
in Nimbrethil to journey in;
her sails he wove of silver fair,
of silver were her lanterns made,
her prow was fashioned like a swan,
and light upon her banners laid.
In panoply of ancient kings,
in chained rings he armoured him;
his shining shield was scored with runes
to ward all wounds and harm from him;
his bow was made of dragon-horn,
his arrows shorn of ebony,
of silver was his habergeon,
his scabbard of chalcedony;
his sword of steel was valiant,
of adamant his helmet tall,
an eagle-plume upon his crest,
upon his breast an emerald.
Beneath the Moon and under star
he wandered far from northern strands,
bewildered on enchanted ways
beyond the days of mortal lands.
From gnashing of the Narrow Ice
where shadow lies on frozen hills,
from nether heats and burning waste
he turned in haste, and roving still
on starless waters far astray
at last he came to Night of Naught,
and passed, and never sight he saw
of shining shore nor light he sought.
The winds of wrath came driving him,
and blindly in the foam he fled
from west to east and errandless,
unheralded he homeward sped.
There flying Elwing came to him,
and flame was in the darkness lit;
more bright than light of diamond
the fire upon her carcanet.
The Silmaril she bound on him
and crowned him with the living light
and dauntless then with burning brow
he turned his prow; and in the night
from Otherworld beyond the Sea
there strong and free a storm arose,
a wind of power in Tarmenel;
by paths that seldom mortal goes
his boat it bore with biting breath
as might of death across the grey
and long-forsaken seas distressed:
from east to west he passed away.
Through Evernight he back was borne
on black and roaring waves that ran
o'er leagues unlit and foundered shores
that drowned before the Days began,
until he heard on strands of pearl
where ends the world the music long,
where ever-foaming billows roll
the yellow gold and jewels wan.
He saw the Mountain silent rise
where twilight lies upon the knees
of Valinor, and Eldamar
beheld afar beyond the seas.
A wanderer escaped from night
to haven white he came at last,
to Elvenhome the green and fair
where keen the air, where pale as glass
beneath the Hill of Ilmarin
a-glimmer in valley sheer
the lamplit towers of Tirion
are mirrored on the Shadowmere.
He tarried there from errantry,
and melodies they taught to him,
and sages old him marvels told,
and harps of gold they brought to him.
They clothed him then in elven-white,
and seven lights before him sent,
as through the Calacirian
to hidden land forlorn he went.
He came unto the timeless halls
where shining fall the countless years,
and endless reigns the Elder King
in Ilmarin on Mountain sheer;
and words unheard were spoken then
of folk of Men and Elven-kin.
Beyond the world were visions showed
forbid to those that dwell therein.
A ship then new they built for him
of mithril and of elven-glass
with shining prow; no shaven oar
nor sail she bore on silver mast:
the Silmaril as lantern light
and banner bright with living flame
to gleam thereon by Elbereth
herself was set, who thither came
and wings immortal made for him,
and laid on him undying doom,
to sail the shoreless skies and come
behind the Sun and light of Moon.
From Evereven's lofty hills
where softly silver fountains fall
his wings him bore, a wandering light,
beyond the mighty Mountain Wall.
From World's End then he turned away,
and yearned again to find afar
his home through shadows journeying,
and burning as an island star
on high above the mists he came,
a distant flame before the Sun,
a wonder ere the waking dawn
where grey the Norland waters run.
And over Middle-earth he passed
and heard at last the weeping sore
of women and of elven-maids
in Elder Days, in years of yore.
But on him mighty doom was laid,
till Moon should fade, an orbéd star
to pass, and tarry never more
on Hither Shores where mortals are;
for ever still a herald on
an errand that should never rest
to bear his shining lamp afar,
the Flammifer of Westernesse.'"
As she sang, Elwen saw the eyes of the company grow heavy and begin to close. She noticed that Elessar had a far away look on his face, as if his mind was recalling a fond memory, although, he too, closed his eyes eventually.
Legolas, though, did not lie down and drift into an elven slumber. He was too entranced by Elwen's voice. The Mirkwoodian prince sat at the base of a large mellorn tree next to where she was standing and just stared at her. A wistful smile shone on his lips but faded once Elwen stopped singing.
"I believe it worked!" Elwen said with a satisfied smile.
"I pray you," Legolas pleaded extending his hand toward her, "just one more song!"
"But, they are all asleep, Prince Legolas." Elwen said, and then began to turn away. Legolas quickly stretched out his leg and nudged Gimli with his boot.
"Wha-" the Dwarf sputtered sleepily.
"Not all," the elf prince said with a grin.
Elwen rolled her eyes, but smiled. "Very well.
'Ar ve tirnentë, or i coronna etuller minna eälë lenwi
tuimat; ar ilamma né or ilya Ambar i lúmessë, ar únë
lamma hequa i Yavanno lírala.
Undu linderya i tuimat randortaner ar eänë
vanimë ar hallë, ar tuller lóten;
ar sin cuivaner Ambaressë Aldu Valinóreva.
And as they watched,
Upon the mound there came forth two
Slender shoots; and silence was
Over all the world in that hour,
Nor was there any other sound
Save the chanting of Yavanna.
Under her song the saplings
Grew and became fair and tall,
And came to flower; and thus
There awoke in the world the
Two Trees of Valinor.'"
While Elwen was singing this last song Legolas had risen from his seat under the mallorn to stand beside her.
"Elwen . . ."
The elf-maid took in a sharp breath when she heard her first name being spoken by him and in such warm tones. Elwen slowly turned towards him.
"Legolas-"
"Please," the prince interrupted. "Aníron peded." He then gently took her hand. (I wish to speak)
Elwen's expression became pained. "Avo!" (Do not) she cried, pulling her hand out of his grasp. "Edaved nin," (forgive me) she gasped as a sob escaped her throat. Then, Elwen turned and ran as fast as she could from the Prince of Mirkwood who stared after her with a disconsolate and confused expression.
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