I wrote this chapter quite a long time ago and I thought I'd submit it when more people reviewed. But now that I've been dosed with a reality check, I'm uploading it anyway. I would just like to state again that this fic will not be what some call a "Mary Sue" or anything like that. It's just a story of a girl who stumbles into Middle Earth and how her presence affects the journey of the fellowship. I hope anyone reading this enjoys this chapter, and I'll accept any critiques or cheers. Thanks!
Dreams Fade Into Reality
It was only when she and Legolas were redressing that Helyanwe noticed the silver ring that adorned her slender hand. It had been a gift to her from her grandmother, in the world where she was Iris. It was a beautiful ring, gleaming, set with two clusters of tiny diamonds separated by a thin band of silver. She stared at it fascinated as it sparkled, catching the moonlight and she wondered how it had managed to remain with her as she passed into the realm of Middle-Earth. Taking the reminder of home as a blessing, she approached Legolas with a smile.
The two newfound friends returned to camp and this time it was Aragorn who pulled Legolas aside to talk. "I thought that you said that she could not be trusted."
"I was wrong. There is good in her mellon nîn, I do not think that we have anything to fear." Legolas replied.
"I have always trusted your judgement, Legolas. And I too feel that she is no threat. However, we must still be ever alert of danger."
"Another pair of elf ears and eyes will only help in sensing danger before it reaches us, Aragorn."
With that the two approached the fire where Helyanwe had already engaged in a conversation with the friendly, boisterous hobbits. They had the female elf in tears from laughter, again very unlike the natural poise and subtlety of elves. Legolas raised one fair eyebrow at her actions. "Merry and Pippin were just regaling me with stories of the Shire." she explained. "It is a place I am quite eager to visit."
"We'll give you a tour as soon as this is all over." Pippin offered. His expression turned melancholy. "Well if there is still a Shire when this is all over."
Helyanwe placed a gentle, comforting hand on his shoulder. "Do not fret, little one, and have faith in this mission. Which reminds me," she said turning to the group, "How long a journey to Lórien? I greatly desire to speak with Galadriel. There is much I wish to ask her."
"About a day's journey in the morning. I would have not stopped to rest if the hobbits did not need it so." Aragorn added.
"Sleep then," Helyanwe said, "I will keep watch, for I am not weary."
"I will join you," Legolas offered, "I also am not in need of rest."
So together the set up watch over the men, hobbits and dwarf. Like most elves, they did not need to entertain themselves with meaningless talk, they were content to just sit and take in their serene surroundings. Helyanwe held on her lap, one of Aragorn's spare blades to protect herself if danger were to come upon them. As the night progressed, Helyanwe's human qualities began to take effect and she grew tiresome. She began to fidget with the blade in her lap, drawing it out of the sheath and then quickly replacing it. The noise of the blade was loud in the still night and finally Legolas gave her a slightly irritated look. Helyanwe ceased her movements, but in the distance heard the similar sound of unsheathing blades. From what she could hear, there were only about four but they no doubt were spies of a much larger herd.
"Legolas! Uruk-hai." she whispered, unsheathing her blade and holding it in front of her. She had no fighting experience, but she hoped watching many motion pictures would give her some knowledge of the art. Scanning the area, she reached down and awaked Aragorn, who stood rapidly and brandished his sword and then awoke Boromir and Gimli. Legolas shook awake the hobbits and after initial complaint, they too were on their feet, ready to fight. Sam stood protectively near his master as Frodo drew Sting, blade glowing eerie blue. The Fellowship formed a circle around the small campsite, awaiting the onslaught of Uruk-hai. It was to Helyanwe the first one came. It threw itself from the shelter of the trees and began to attack her. Helyanwe fought desperately, but it was evident she was not skilled with a blade, only her elven grace saved her from being immediately slain. Luckily in a moment, Legolas' perfectly aimed arrow fell the Uruk-hai. More came forth and the group battled bravely until the last of the Uruk-hai had been slain. Aragorn checked for any injury, and by the grace of the Valar, no one had been seriously harmed.
"We will not wait for dawn to continue." announced Aragorn. "We do not know how many more of these beasts follow, and we will not be safe until we reach the woods of Lothlórien."
And so they continued. Trekking through the dark woods, even as the sun rested and the moon shone bright. When the sun spread it's glorious rays across the land, they continued, touched only by the faint light that filtered through the canopy of leaves. Iris began to wonder if they would ever reach Lórien, as a human she had little experience with walking long distances, save through the mall. And here, the scenery was beautiful but relatively unchanging, the thick rough trunks of trees and rich green of the moss that grew on the forest floor. Then swiftly, the look of the forests changed, and a new beauty and peace filled Helyanwe. She shut her eyes for a moment and stopped to breathe in the feeling. When she opened them, an arrow was pointed directly at her, inches from her nose.
"The dwarf breathes so loud, we could have shot him in the dark." A fair, blond elf spoke.
"Haldir o Lórien. Boe ammen i dulu lîn. Boe ammen i veriad lîn." Aragorn said. (Haldir of Lorien. We need your protection. We need your support.)
"Henion, mellon nîn." Haldir paused, "We were aware of the fellowship's journey, but we did not know that you had replaced Mithrandir with a maiden." Haldir said, looking pointedly at Helyanwe. (I understand, my friend)
"Mithrandir has fallen, he is no longer with us." Aragorn said bitterly.
"Haldir. Im Helyanwe o dôr haeron." Helyanwe spoke. (I am Helaynwe of distant lands)
"She was lost in the woods and fought bravely with us against an herd of Uruk-hai. She comes to Lórien to seek the aid of the Lady of Light." Legolas explained.
'Mae govannen na Lórien, Helyanwe.' spoke a voice in Helyanwe's head. 'Wow, that is far less frightening in the movies.' Helyanwe thought to herself. It was a few moments before Galadriel spoke to her again, and surprise was evident in her immortal voice. 'You also bring great power into our lands. Things I once thought lost are no longer so.' Helyanwe pondered Galadriel's words. (Welcome to Lorien)
"Very well." said Haldir. "Lady Galadriel awaits."
The Fellowship, accompanied by the Elvin guards of Lothlórien, journeyed through the woods, revelling in the peace that they felt here. At last they drew near Caras Galadon, and Haldir stated proudly, "Caras Galadon, the heart of elvendom on earth. Home of Lord Celeborn and Galadriel, Lady of Light."
They led immediately up a flight of winding stairs in a city which seemed to radiate its own luminescent glow. Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel descended smoothly from their thrones to greet the weary travellers.
"Where is Gandalf?" Lord Celeborn inquired.
"He has fallen into shadow." Galadriel whispered in slight disbelief. Then she turned to Helyanwe, "But there is a new addition to the Fellowship in his place."
Helyanwe bowed her head respectfully. "I am not to join the Fellowship, my Lady. I accompanied them for I wished greatly to speak with you and uncover answers to many questions that have plagued my mind."
"There are many answers that I cannot give you, Helyanwe of distant lands. Go with Eledianne, my attendant, and she will see that you are dressed in clothes more fitted for a lady." Helyanwe allowed herself to be led off by Eledianne into a large room. Eledianne drew her bath and Helyanwe enjoyed the luxury of warm water. When she emerged, Eledianne dressed her in a flowing dress of midnight blue that mirrored the deep blue of her eyes. Helyanwe looked out her window and smiled happily. Here, in Lórien, as an elf, she was truly content.
She was surprised when she turned to find Galadriel at her doorway, watching her with profound eyes of wisdom. "Your arrival here was not by chance, Helyanwe. Your knowledge of the quest will significantly aid the journey of the Fellowship." Galadriel stated plainly.
"You know of my true origins?" Helyanwe questioned.
"I know that you are not of this world and though young, you have wisdom in the matters of the Fellowship that exceeds even mine. I also know that you are in possession of a ring of power."
Helyanwe looked down at her ring. "You must be mistaken. This ring was gifted to me by my grandmother. It is naught but diamonds and silver of my world."
"I do not know how it was brought to you from Arda but the ring you bear is none other than Galya, the ring of Light. I felt its power as soon as you entered my realm. It was made in secret after the three Elven rings by Celebrimbor and the Mírdain of Eregion who sought to maintain control over them in case they were to fall into the wrong hands. When Sauron's shadow passed over the lands of the Mírdain, the ring was lost and forgotten, much like the One Ring. Since it was made in secret, it is not bound to the One Ring and thus can be wielded against Sauron's armies. You must use this power to protect the Fellowship as they advance in their journey. It is a great task, and can be appointed to you alone. You are now the keeper of Galya and it will answer only to you."
Helyanwe looked upon the Lady of Light, speechless. "Surely you, Lady of Light can wield this ring. I do not have strength or courage enough for this task. I am but a mere human, encased in the body of an elf."
Galadriel looked almost fondly at Helyanwe. "This task was given to you, and it is not my place to remove this burden from you. I am already the keeper of Nenya, that is my task. You are an elf now, and you will find your strength."
And that's it for now. I would really appreciate any reviews or emails. Thanks again.