Disclaimer: The characters belong to Tolkien. I am just playing around with their personalities. ;)
Rating: PG-13.
Author's Note: TO ALL READERS:
The Strength of One Green Leaf got nominated for MPA Awards, which is an unexpected honor for me. (Check my bio for full info) I thank you wonderful readers and reviewers for making this possible. If not for your encouragement, I would never have pushed myself to work so hard to write to perfection. Thank you all so very much.
A special thanks to Sarcastic Elf for stopping by to let me know of a wonderful LOTR fan art site. Check out her Anti Evil Thranduil site, where my stories are linked among countless other wonderful stories. (Can I link/advertise your site here? ;)
These are THANK YOU's to the wonderful readers who review stories even if they are not the latest updates. Getting reviews for older stories (and in some cases, individual chapters of them) really mean a lot to me.
Thank you to aronoiiel for reviewing A Winter Evening in Imladris, I Will Not Let You Fall, To Live Another Day, The Strength of One Green Leaf, Of Elflings and Adolescents, Trolls and Oliphaunts, and In the Dark of the Night! Such long, thoughtful and kind responses to my older stories! I was surprised at how much you found my stories pleasing, and was very grateful. And I have long ago read a few of Cassia and Sio's stories – not that many, however – and was wondering: are those authors not legendary in LOTR Fandom? ;) I was so humbly surprised and grateful that you chalk me up to that caliber, and being an amateur, I do not dare compare myself to such grand writers ;) But your kind and expressive praises are truly generous and stunning, and I was incredibly moved. Thank you so much for following all of my little footprints in LOTR fandom. I sincerely hope to see more of your opinions concerning my writing in the future.
Thank you to mistopurr for reviewing Trolls and Oliphaunts, A Winter Evening in Imladris, In the Dark of the Night, and Tears of Yesterday! Thank you so much for writing reviews for each chapter! It really means a lot. I am working on numerous multi-chapter stories right now, and they will all eventually intersect and make one very long storyline. Thank you so much for your kind praises and attention to my stories!
Thank you to Anastasia Who for reviewing To Live Another Day, and I Will Not Let You Fall. Thank you for your suggestion; I am also glad that you liked my stories! Thank you!
Thank you to Ertia for reviewing In the Dark of the Night. I am glad that you felt that way after reading my stories. And I am giddy to hear that you will read more of my stories! Thank you!
Thank you to SakuraSun for reviewing The Strength of One Green Leaf, A Winter Evening in Imladris, Of Elflings and Adolescents, Trolls and Oliphaunts (glad you saw my little reminder of the prequel), and In The Dark of the Night – in a very long, clustered review. ;) Thank you so much! And I really don't have anything against slash – though I did not write anything slashy, I was well aware of the fact that it could be taken that way, and I myself enjoy reading some slash fiction that are well written. You will see more cuddly moments between friends in my future fics, and I know that they will be taken in a slash way if desired. Well, it's the reader's choice to imagine things while reading ;) Anyway, I am happy to hear your detailed description of what you felt after reading my story. And I am tremendously honored that I am the first to go on your favorites list! I look very much forward to seeing you in the future as well!
Thank you to WakingDream for reviewing Of Elflings and Adolescents! I am glad that you liked my Strength of One Green Leaf, and am ecstatic to hear that you can see my love for my characters in my descriptions of them. I am very encouraged and happy to hear what you think of my Thranduil, and the fact that you read my reviews is incredibly flattering and gratifying! Thank you so much!
Thank you to moonshine44 for reviewing In the Dark of the Night! I'm glad you see it that way!
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By Kasmi Kassim
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Tears of Yesterday
Chapter 5: Dancing Waters
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Hooves trotted rhythmically against the soft earth as the horses moved briskly among the trees. The sun was shining peacefully upon them, caressing them with a dance of light and shadow, as the entourage traveled slowly through the enchanted forest. A soft breeze brushed past them, enveloping them in sweet fragrance, and the Golden Woods whispered soft murmurs in the wind, welcoming the weary souls that treaded into their depths.
Erestor lifted his gaze and glanced at the twins, who were riding ahead. Respectively mounted on gray mares, their small bodies swayed gently with experience and ease. Both of them were staring straight ahead, lips pressed thinly as their eyes burned into the beautiful forest path. Each step they took in this refreshing wind led them closer to the hour of farewell.
The singing of the birds and dance of the leaves seemed to give peace to the lady's weary heart. And Erestor cast his eyes down, darkness creeping into his.
His fingers gently caressed the soft flesh that snuggled to his arms. The infant smiled broadly, her gray eyes twinkling bright. Her small fingers were curled around the black crystal that hung from his neck. The raven-haired advisor smiled as she tugged with fascination, and slowly bowed to place a tender kiss on the smooth forehead. Spouting a gurgled laughter, the babe squirmed and tapped Erestor's cheek with her wrinkled palm.
When Erestor wearily raised his eyes once more, he found deep blue eyes watching him. The turbulent sea of unfathomable depths, the eyes of the warrior who had shed silent tears onto his shoulder not so long ago, after being found sitting in the advisor's empty bed one evening.
When the two pairs of eyes met, Glorfindel looked down, his face slowly contorting with an inexpressible emotion. He turned his horse away. And galloped ahead into the woods, his lance raised.
The raven-haired elf sighed. His fingers tightened around the warm bundle near his breast. The birds were singing merrily.
Among the sifting rays of gold, Celebrian let out a deep sigh. Gentle arms squeezed her waist, and she leaned back against the smooth chest that held her. She closed her eyes.
"I love thee."
Limp hands found one another, hanging below the wavering gowns, as the muscular body of the horse moved rhythmically under them. Warm fingers slowly intertwined.
The green and gold danced across their hair, whispering bliss into their weary hearts.
"I love thee."
The whisper echoed into their ears, swirling into the tranquil green air as the sun shone above the riders, as it had when they had first breathed the words during their first ride together in the newfound havens of Imladris.
The birds continued to sing into the sunshine.
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"It is not your fault."
Ghostly pale hands floated toward his face, tenderly stroking his fatigued skin. Elrond dropped his gaze as his sight was blinded by the radiant white before him. Soft murmurs of farewell could be heard to the side, as Celebrian embraced her father. Wrapping his arm around his daughter's waist, Celeborn led her away into the woods.
"I would not have you grieve, my child."
He bowed silently. But Galadriel's insistent fingers raised his chin, forcing their gazes to meet.
Stay, Elrond...
The endless ocean of sorrow in her eyes shone into his, shone into the smile that she wore.
"She loves you." Her other hand tenderly stroked his hair. "Do not hate the one person she loves more than life."
Knuckles clenched, he nodded mutely into the white dress. Gentle hands pulled his head close, and he buried his head on her lap, silent tears shaking his solid frame. And Galadriel bent over him, whispering gentle words in the ancient tongue, stroking his hair, holding him close.
Do not slip away...
And the sun continued to shine beautifully.
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The gulls were silent.
Elrond looked up at the crimson sky, and the last traces of gold that brushed across the lavender clouds. The ship swayed rhythmically through the water that lapped gently against the wood.
Releasing his hand, Celebrian turned and kneeled upon the wood of the dock. The planks squeaked under her light weight. Shimmering waters danced crimson and gold against the ship.
She opened her arms, her smile sad and bright against the reddening sky.
Without a sound, the twins moved in unison into her arms. She embraced them tight, closing her eyes, whispering quiet murmurs into their hair. When she held them at an arm's length, gently wiping their wet faces, her face was also sheathed in tears. She continued to wipe their faces, over and over again, and the twins reached out to wipe hers. She smiled brightly, and stroked both of their heads. Her lips were trembling as they held that bright open smile, and the boys dropped their hands from her face. She pulled them close once again, biting back tears as her face was buried in between their shoulders. And she briskly rose, and moved away.
Elrond lowered his lids as his beloved neared him once more. She slowly reached out her hand, but shook her head when he held out the bundle in his arms.
"I will not see her again."
Dark eyes shot up to her face. She smiled at him, and gently nudged the fair skin of the babe with her finger.
"She will bury her bones in Arda, and become part of the whispers of the wind."
Elrond stared, frozen. She tilted her head and looked into his eyes, a gentle twinkle shimmering in her pale blue orbs. Elrond slowly opened his mouth, but she shook her head. She stepped closer, looking down upon the babe with a tender smile.
"My poor, beautiful babe..." her fingers hovered above the squirming child. "You will never know your mother." She closed her eyes, and stepped back. She inhaled deeply, and smiled again.
"Perhaps it is best this way." She shook her head to straighten the stray strands of hair that had been swept up in the wind.
Elrond watched mutely as she brought her arms up to her neck and lifted a glittering chain from under her hair. A gentle breeze wrapped around her, embracing the pale strands that brushed against the shining jewel in her hands.
Placing the star pendant around the squirming babe, Celebrian smiled sorrowfully at her daughter. "This is what I give you." She stepped back once more, and looked at Elrond. He returned her gaze in silence. "You will be the Evenstar of your people," she whispered, her gaze locked with that of her husband.
"We shall meet again."
Without a word, Elrond bent forward. Celebrian met his lips, and he closed his eyes. The gulls were circling the sky.
"I love thee."
The murmur was the first he voiced since arriving at the dock. And the whisper fell away as she stepped back, and smiled once more. Her fingers left his face. And she turned.
The silhouette of the shadow moved away, dark against the crimson sky, further and further toward the ship that rocked quietly in the waters. And above the gentle waves that licked the silent ship, the gold of the sun was seeping into the coming of the evening star.
And above the quiet waters, the gulls continued their circled flight.
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The room was darkened to gray when Glorfindel quietly closed the door. He stood still, gaze evenly rooted on the figure by the window. Elrond did not turn.
Dark hair waved gently against stiffened shoulders as pale hands reached out to close the window. Palms resting wearily against the glass, Elrond slowly bowed his head, body slumping against the feeble arms. The golden-haired elf slowly approached the shadow by the sunset, dark and silent against the dimming light. The room was hushed, empty. So empty, as if they were mere phantoms, shadows. Perhaps they were.
"The children..." The voice was hoarse. Elrond cleared his throat softly. He took a deep breath, and raised himself erect.
"Erestor put them to sleep."
Gentle blue eyes shimmered as the hollow dark ones slowly turned toward them. The thin form of the elven lord swayed.
Breathe, Elrond...
The hushed whisper of the Lady rang in his ears. Shaking his head, he closed his eyes and opened them again, willing his sight to clear. The ground rushed up to meet him. He held his breath, watching the void of darkness as it came to swallow him. But no impact hit his body, and no sound assaulted his ears. When his mind cleared again, he found himself supported by his friend's strong arms. Shakily, he stood, but Glorfindel's arms did not leave his body.
Dark hair invaded his vision, and he watched his own robes sway under him. Gently, gently – waving against the carpet and his feet, like the soft tranquil waters that had borne her away. And the room was so quiet, so empty. Just like his heart.
Another sway of robes. Was it Glorfindel's? Ah, yes. His friend's robes. And his friend's sword, and his feet. Right next to his own. Elrond slumped helplessly in Glorfindel's arms, suddenly overcome with a rush of fatigue. It clawed at his heart with a vengeance. He could not breathe. The air was so thick, so dark, so empty. Suffocating.
"She is gone, Glorfindel."
Pale fingers slowly came around the strong arms, feebly grasping the fabric of the sleeves. Soothing fingers stroked the dark hair, softly, softly.
"She is gone..."
The voice faded away, thinning into the silent echo of the room. The sun had set as she sailed away. It had disappeared, left him to the cold blue of the evening. O but how beautiful it had been, the dying of the light. The gently lapping waters, the red tearful streaks of the sky, the last brilliant gold of the sun. So beautiful. And she had smiled, she had smiled. So beautiful.
And she was gone.
And the room, this dark and solid room, it was so empty. So silent.
"Celebrian..."
The sob tore out of his throat violently. Searing its way out unto the dusk, the gray darkness that enveloped them. His body gave way, and the world came tumbling down, tumbling down.
He closed his eyes, and warm darkness enveloped him. His breaths were hot, broken in the protective arms.
Glorfindel sank down to the floor with his friend, holding him tightly, as the dark-haired elf shook, head buried in his robes, hands clutching at his arms. And he continued to hold him tight, stroking his hair, eyes downcast upon his young and helpless form, as the broken one cried, cried onto his knees. And the dusk enveloped his stifled sobs in silence.
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To Be Continued
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cheska: Thank you! That is good to hear.
xAKGIRLx: Haha, yeah, that makes sense. I think. Thanks!
kenzimone: Oh, what a delightful expression! Thank you for your expressive review!
iloveelves: I hope you found Arwen here! Thank you for enjoying the story!
Brazgirl: I want to hug Elrond too. And yes, the twins are going to be very hot when they grow up...hehehe. I hope you found Arwen here! Thank you for reviewing!
Unsung Heroine: Oh really? That is wonderful to hear, it makes me all giddy inside! Thank you for telling me that!
KissTheRainGirl12489: Yes, that is true. The author has to connect with the characters, or give up the attempt to write about them altogether. I am glad that you can see that I connect with all of them here! Thank you for your review!
aronoiiel: Wow, thank you! I am glad to have you join me on my writing adventures! What a delightful surprise and treat you bestowed upon me!
Achika: Ooh, was this chapter sad enough for you again! ::cackles:: Anyway, everybody seems to be related in the elves' families in Tolkien...but I shouldn't say anything since I don't know canon...::cough:: Thank you for reviewing!
Beling: Oh no, I should be thanking you. Thank you so much for such deep understanding of every little part of my story, and understanding my understanding of the characters and the story. I am so honored and glad to have you as my reader.
Leannan: You bring me such an honor. I am honored and flattered to hear your words, and further glad that my story managed to make you feel better after getting out of the hospital. I don't know what happened, but I really sincerely hope you are feeling better.
Someone Reading: Wow, you are an intense reader. It is such a joy to see that the reader shares the same intensity of emotion and depth of understanding that the author went through while writing and visualizing. And you caught the metaphors too! Hehehe. I am very happy. But I suppose this chapter did not make you all that happy, did it? Heh. Well, bear with me, since this story is not a sunny and happy one. I am only glad and grateful that you are continuing to share my journey in my experiences in Middle Earth. Thank you so much mellon nin. ;)
Ertia: Wow! I am glad that you stumbled upon my fic as well! I hope you liked this chapter! Thank you for your review!
Sesha: Yes, it is very sad when a loved one has to leave and you will possibly never see them again. I am glad you still write letters to your special person. Thank you so much for your heartfelt review. I hope you enjoyed this chapter as well!
Veritas and Aequitas: Really? Wow, thank you! I hope you enjoyed this chapter too!
Unni: Hi there! I guess I didn't update that soon did I? ::chuckle:: Ah, I have been working hard, but I had to be dragged away somewhere for a few days. But I am back and updating as soon as I am back! And don't worry if you can't think of anything magnificent to say; the fact that you review for me means something to me! Thanks!