AN: Thanks for the reviews, minna-chan (though I have been disappointed that so many people seem to come and go reading this fic).
Review responses:
Moonprincess202- Thanks so much! I was thrilled when I realized how many of my fics you had reviewed.
M.J- Ami's there. She's the elf called Nenloth (Water flower) that's one of Celebithil's maidens. Maybe you were confused and thought Nenloth was Michiru, but Michi is actually Mirengaer (Jewel of the Sea). ^_^" Sorry it's so confusing with all the names.
AngelQueen- ::glomps AQ-chan:: Thank you so much for that wonderful review! It really cheered me up to hear that someone cares so much. But as for Valinor... well, I've got a lot planned, but unfortunately she will never see Celebrian again. The fic will eventually end with her travelling to Valinor, but her soul will not be given rest and she will never actually reach there. And I guess great minds do think alike, because I've always seen Celebithil mourning in that same tree as well. ;D But something will happen very soon, (as in, the next chapter), and things will change for Celebithil. She will find herself not only in pain because of the loss, but also in great danger. I can't say much more, but be sure to read. Thanks again!
Loopy Lu- ::grins evilly:: Mwhahah!! Yeah, I know I am evil, but you guessed it. Tough one, huh? It's gonna be more of one of those deals where the girl realizes it all too late. Mwhahaha!!! And it will be worse than that, too, but I can't tell you why. ;D And as for Rei-chan... well, as you will see, there's certain parts of this that will mirror their later lives as senshi. (such as the Linde guy who was barely mentioned being like a Chad, and Haldir being similar to Andrew... kind of. I do wish I could remember their Japanese names!) That's all I can say, gomen!
I won't waste your time anymore. "..." is talking, '...' is thought, [...] is AN, (...) is extra info but part of the fic, ... means trailed off, -- means interrupted. Enjoy and *please* review! Thanks minna-chan!
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Celebithil hugged her knees as she sat in the great mallorn tree away from Caras Galadhon. A silent tear slipped down her cheek as the sun sunk in the sky. Only a day had passed, but it felt like a millennium of loneliness. She found herself staring to the South, following the silver snake of the Anduin river with her eyes, willing herself to see the small boats paddling along. She could see the Darkness of Mordor out of the corner of her eye, and she feared for them.
Something swooped low over the golden trees and startled her. A great bird of prey, an eagle lord, circled lower and lower over Caras Galadhon. He seemed to he holding a large burden. Without warning, he plunged down into the trees of the city itself.
With a cry, Celebithil swung herself down to the ground and sprinted back to the city to find a new visitor.
~o~o~o~o~
"Mithrandir!" she cried as she ran into the room, having just heard the news from Nenloth. Mirengaer looked up from her seat by his bedside where she was dampening a cloth for his forehead. ['Jewel of the Sea'] Galadriel continued to softly sing ancient songs of healing as she worked beside Mirengaer. Menelsul looked on, eager to be of assistance but not sure how to help. ['Heavenly Wind'] Ertirhiril stood silently by the wall. ['Lonely (female) guardian']
Celebithil was overjoyed by the sight of the Grey Pilgrim. [AN: Though not grey anymore, ne? ::wink::] His eyes were closed and he had still not moved or spoken, but he was clearly breathing and alive. By some miracle, he had survived the wrath of the balrog, the fires of the earth, and the brutality of Caradhras. He was not the strong victorious Maiar that Celebithil had hoped to find, but nonetheless he was alive and though changed, he was Gandalf.
"Celebithil," called Mirengaer softly. "The rest of the Healers are gathering in the center of the tree-palace. We need their help. Please bring them here."
[AN: FYI, I am capitalizing Healers because these are the wisest and most skilled elves of Lorien in the art of healing. Not really an organization, but they are the elite crowd.]
~o~o~o~o~
Eight days later, Mithrandir had made a remarkable recovery. He was constantly pacing and refused to sit still for the Healers. He spoke constantly of leaving and the shortness of time.
When Celebithil asked him about this, he looked her in the eyes. "In one months' time, it will be over, Eldasil," he said seriously. "Only one month, for good or for ill." He refused to say anything more.
Celebithil discovered Mithrandir packing hastily that night. She silently crept away without a comment, but feeling sorrowful and empty. She missed the Grey Pilgrim with whom she had spent hours in more peaceful times, who would never cease to amuse her. The fact that he was indeed alive filled the vacancy in her heart, but she felt as if she was losing him again. This new Mithrandir, or rather Nimrandir [White Pilgrim], seemed stronger and more powerful, yet also more distant and woeful.
In the morning he was gone. He knew that something was wrong and haste was needed.
Later that morning, ten days after the Fellowship's departure, Celebithil learned why. She was walking through her grandmother's garden tending the herbs when a horn's cry rang through the country. The Horn of Gondor. With a sharp intake of breath, she dropped her cuttings and fled up the steps. On its third cry, it was cut short and ended in silence. Celebithil's eyes widened in horror as her heart was covered with darkness. "No," she murmured, not allowing herself to believe it. But her heart knew that the worst had befallen her love.
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AN: Sorry it was short. Next chapter, finally, is the 'turning point', chapter 14. I'm planning on getting it up sometime after school starts, between early and mid-September. Review more and it'll be up earlier. Thanks minna-chan! Gotta return to my (summer) paper now. Ja!
~Calli-chan
btw, I finally found the RotK trailer! But the one I found is really bad quality. Let me know if you want the address (I can't put it here cause Word will screw it up). Or you could wait till the DVD. ::wink::