I know it was hard for a lot of you to find this story again, but I was
reading it online and it was missing an entire chapter, I tried to fix it
without deleting the story but in the end I found it was just best to
delete the whole thing and then post it all again. I know I have lost all
the wonderful reviews I have received about this story and it pains me very
much.
But I promise to update more frequently and if you go back to chapter 3 and
4 and 5 you will find it flows a lot better and it looks a lot better, you
can actually understand it now.
This chapter is dedicated to my dear fans and fellow writers: lalaithwen Lady mirwen, angel goddesmissy, erikazois13, and most of all heavenstar3, and butterflykisses14 who have been constantly reading and reviewing my story from the beginning, thank you all. You keep the inspiration constant.
There was no darkness here in the silver light of Lothlorien, and their was no fear, no war, the peace of the land seemed as a dream. Caitlin and Legolas walked beside the river, their faces cast down to the babbling brook that lay to the right of their feet as they walked along the grass.
Caitlin was now feeling the air as it brushed her skin; she was in middle earth, present in this distant realm. She could smell the trees, the soil beneath her feet, the air, its sweet cool scent with a small bit of moisture from the river, as it danced through her hair. The sound of the elves, their mournful song filling her ears, as the song filtered through the trees. The light as it played with the leaves on the trees. She lost her worry in the breeze of the city once more. Her mind not full of grief, war, or toil, but neither filled with great happiness nor with mentionable satisfaction, but still she was at peace, her footsteps slow and steady. She took Legolas's hand, as they silently passed through a part of the path that became narrow so she had to go ahead of him. Then upon passing this narrow opening, and they continued on, their hands casually clasped within one another's grasp.
Heading toward the camp, they could see it now, the opening where the fellowship rested.
Gimli had almost been asleep, but he heard them approach and got up. Seeing Caitlin come into the camp he headed briskly in their direction, more enthusiastic now.
" I had hoped you would be back before to long lass." He said as he gave her a hug that pushed her back.
"Gimli, I missed you to." She said in a surprised voice. Gimli seemed to monopolize her as he led her further toward the center of the encampment; she released Legolas's hand, leaving him to watch her be led away by a smiling Gimli who was chatting away about their stay with Haldir overnight outside of Lothlorien. Caitlin and Legolas shared a small smile as Caitlin walked off with Gimli. She then turned her attention to Gimli, smiling at him. He continued, walking with her. "..and then to my surprise I saw you, and had we not been just to meet Galadriel I would have expressed just how happy I was to see you my young friend." He said as he held both her hands with joy.
They stopped just next to a root of one of the huge trees, the tree seemed to have been formed to just the height so that they could sit and they did so. "I am sorry I was so distant, I know I did not get to greet all of you as I had planned, but once we left the lady of light my mind..I had, still have much on my mind." She said.
"That is alright, no worry to ya. All that matters is that you are alright and we get to see ya know." He said with a smile.
"Thank you." She said placing a hand on his shoulder. "So, I haven't asked, how does a dwarve end up on such a mission, why do you fight in such a battle Gimli." She asked.
Gimli seemed surprised at the question, tilting his head. But then remained silent for a moment, and smiled brightly at her. " I thought you were the seer from a distant land, do you not know." He said with a smirk on his face. But then his expression became serious and he looked at her. "Your eyes are that of a wise queen, young lady, and even so, the war to come will bring much death, that which you have never seen. It will bring destruction, and evil, and all that is good in this world, all the trees and light in this land and the land beyond, even that which is fairest, the lady of light, will be covered in darkness." His gaze was cast down now as he spoke. "I know that should nothing be done, should we sit in comfort and remain here, the world is doomed to this evil. Even with our best efforts, I know not the outcome, war may still infect the soil of all the lands like a disease, yet I would be ashamed to count myself among the great race of dwarves, were I not one of those who stood in opposition of that which would destroy our homes and lands without pity or remorse." For a moment Caitlin was very surprised at the passion in which Gimli spoke. He had never shown himself to be so noble in her eyes, yet she knew that dwarves were a proud people, a people capable of great courage and strength, great warriors. She smiled and Gimli suddenly jumped up, back in his state of optimism and joy once more.
"Oh, this is to dark a subject to have in such a lovely place, come Caitlin I am to show you something." He said swiftly heading in the direction of his bed.
Caitlin followed slowly and by the time she was half way there Gimi had returned to her. "oomph," she said catching an axe that Gimli threw in her direction. "Now my young friend, make ready for an attack." He said with a low rough voice as he crouched down with his own axe ready. Caitlin had never had training with an axe and was unsure about using it, though she felt it would be only a matter of transferring what she knew about other weapons to using the axe. "I really don't know about this Gimli, I don't know anything about axes." She said still holding the axe aquirdly in her hand. Gimli seemed to pay no attention and began encircling her, like a stalking cat that was ready to pounce. "What if I were an orc, or uruk-hai, there is no time for apprehension." He said as he continued. Now he shifted his axe back and forth, from hand to hand, continuing to encircle her.
"Gimli, I can't do this."
At her words Gimli became angry, "did you just say 'cant?!'" he said. "That is not in my dictionary," it should not be in yours!" he yelled as he sprang forth, his axe in hand. Ready to strike. "AAAARGH." He yelled as his axe struck downwards. Caitlin repositioned her body and lifted her axe so that his blow was deflected from her, but her footing was not stable and the force of the blow on her axe sent her to the ground, Gimli then brought his axe down again and she rolled out of the way. The axe buried itself in the ground. Gimli pulled it out and again struck fast at her. She was against a tree and could not move out of the way, the axe came down from atop her head, stopping inches from her face.
Suddenly all saw silent, and Caitlin looked at Gimli, who breathed heavily.
She smiled, and he removed the axe, moving it so he could rest on its hilt. "I would have died, if this were a true battle." She said feeling defeated. Gimli saw her feelings. As she sat defeated on the ground. "Eye," he said. "But it wasn't a real battle, and with every time we practice I bet you will be getting better and better." He said with a great big grin on his face. He ruffled her hair and picked up his axe and then hers and began walking toward his bed. "I will see ya in the morning lass." He said as he left her.
"I should get to bed also," she called to him.
Her bed was nestled in the base of the tree, which all the other beds were in as well. And as she came closer and closer to it she found there were blankets and a pillow already laid out for her use. She was curious as to who had made up her bad, the blankets were made of a soft velvety material, a smokey gray color which in the light seemed a shimmery red, but Caitlin thought it might only have been her eyes.
The shadowy color of the pillow echoed its plush softness, which would allow for the most restful of sleep. She pulled back the covers and as she slipped her feet and legs and body into the softness of them, she saw that the redness that she had seen earlier was in fact a metallic type elvish design, one that was intruquite and beautiful.
She laid her head onto the pillow and the sound of the elves she had been hearing this whole time, changed. Their mournful call changed to a single beautiful voice, one of a woman, the resonance of her speech a soft mystical song of joy and love. The song penetrated to Caitlin's heart. And as she fell deeply into sleep, she thought the song to be Arwen and Aragorns love song, (listen to Arwen and Aragorns song from the fellowship cd you will hear somewhat what she is hearing. It pertains to later in the story.) She heard it as sleep took her, and as the dream merged with the real, she heard another elven voice, another with the one womans, a mans voice, deep and strong, he sang with his heart, he sang of love and of sadness, of his wish to be with the woman he loved, of emotions beyond love. Caitlin heard his voice, it sounded of Aragorn, but she knew he did not sing in Lothlorien that she could remember. the sound filled her dreams until she could no longer tell if she was hearing then or dreaming them.
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"She is to come with us." Said Aragorn,
"Yes, I did not expect it but lady Galandria has said it is meant to be."
"Then we have another member who will add to Frodos protection."
"Are you not concerned with this news, she has never seen battle. She could slow you down." He asked Aragorn.
" I did not test the skill of any member of the fellowship, she is no less skilled in heart than the greatest warriors on this quest, and lacks neither courage nor responsibility, that is the only requirement that must be met, and if she wishes to save middle earth, just as we do, that is all that counts Haldir." He said with an assertive voice.
Haldir looked for a moment at Aragorn, and then turned to leave, "you are right, Aragon, im sorry I questioned your judgment. This battle will need many forms of fighting, and as many hands as middle earth may spare and though I do not wish her to accompany you I will respect the wisdom of Galadriel."
Caitlin walked in her room, the sun shined in through the window, glistening it with light as that of the elven city of Lothlorien. Her cat jumped up on the bed, beckoning her to reach out and pet the hair on her back. Caitlin did, and then laid on her bed. The sheets encircling her. She found her bed comforting, and a voice spoke to her soft and soothing of home, of the sidewalks, and the trees out her window. She found herself outside again, outside in the park where she first met her best friend, Stephanie, she felt the sand at her feet, and things seemed so hazy. But she was home, free, and safe.
The trees rustled in the wind and all was peaceful and calm. She looked down at the sand and then when she looked up she saw Aragorn standing there beside her. Caitlin smiled at him, happy to see him. But then his face...his eyes curled back into his head and he looked down, he raised his hand and blood covered them. He began to fall, into her arms; he fell to the ground, an arrow standing straight as it was embedded in his chest. He tried to speak, but only blood came forth. He looked at her pleading, pain filled eyes. Caitlin tried to speak, but no words came forth. His hands came up, touching her face as tears fell from her eyes. "A-Arwen." He spoke, as his last breath escaped him and his eyes rolled back. His hands fell to the ground and his life was no more. Tears fell from her eyes, as her hands shook, taking his hand in her own, "n-no," she whispered. "p-please, p-please, no." she looked up again and saw Frodo and Sam standing above her, "please, help. Help him." She yelled, but they both just stood, as if they could not hear or see her. " Sam, Frodo, p-please, help us." She begged, but they only walked off, and as they did, they to were shot. "NO" screamed Caitlin as she rushed to their side, she rolled them each over but they were dead. She stood up, her hands covered in blood. Her eyes darted around, looking now at her world, once a place filled with hope and peace, now the land that rested the bodies of her friends.
Caitlin woke up with a feeling of horror, crawling through her skin. She looked around, it was still dark, and she sat up, unsure about resting her head again on the pillow, afraid of what she might dream. But she did lay her head down again, hoping for better dreams to come. The next morning, when Caitlin awoke, she found sitting next to her bed, a new change of clothing, of green and gold, she ran her hands along the fabric, feeling the intriquisies of the fabrics design, the long sleeved shirt fit her just exactly and as she put on the heavy tunic that covered it, she saw that the design on the front was distinctly elfish. The pants fit comfortably and she felt they would be light enough for her to move around in and provide protection. She also had new shoes, and she sat down on a boulder to tie them up.
" You look like a ranger," Caitlin was surprised to see Aragorn coming toward her.
"I didn't hear you approach, Aragorn." She said with a little smile.
Aragorn came up to her "hand me your arm Caitlin." He said
taking her arm and readjusting her arm guard. " Thanks" she
said.
She was silent for a moment but then spoke, "I visited Lorien
last night, where you first met Arden Undomiel." She said seeing
the evenstar dangling from his neck. "It was beautiful." She
added.
"I forget.."he said still adjusting her arm guard. "That you
know not only of the future but of the past." He said, his face
filled with the memory of this woman, Arwen, which he loved so
dearly. "You know of our fate, Arwens fate, and mine." He said
somewhat questioningly.
Caitlin looked at him, she knew she could only be true to
herself and answer honestly. "Yes, I know of your fate." She
said.
"Then you know I have left the dream I had of love and happiness
behind, Arwen travels to the gray havens, the blessed realm.
Lost is all hope of...love." he said looking down.
"Aragorn, some things, something's such as love, hope,
happiness, find their way to you no matter your foreseeable
fate." She said softly.
He lifted his head, peering into her eyes, searching her face.
"You say this from your foresight hodoer?" he asked her. Still
peering into her eyes.
She smiled at him. "No. I say this out of fact, not just on this
world but on mine as well, there is no wisdom in leaving all
chance of reunion aside, just as it would be just as foolish to
hold it a certainty. As a very wise man told me once, can only
be all that you are, do all you can do, and hope. None us can
expect more than that."
Aragorn seemed to take a moment to digest her words, then smiled
and finished on her cuffs. "You had them on backwards. It would be hard for them to work that way."
She smiled and finished lacing up her boot. "There, all done." She said standing up she felt somewhat awkward in these cloths, she felt unprepared, she was not a fighter, and though she had accepted that she would have to be strong through this journey it didn't mean it would be easy.
Aragorn looked at her, " you do look like a ranger." He said. Caitlin felt his gaze, as a loving friend. " I am proud to have you on the quest Caitlin, I feel we will see great things out of you." He said placing a hand on her shoulder.
" I do not understand your confidence, Aragorn. I doubt my ability to be as capable as I will need to be." She said looking down at the ground.
"So do all great warriors, you will find your strength. It already exists inside of you. You just have to let it come out." He said. "There is just one thing missing." He reached into his bag and pulled out a belt, it was elfish, and attached to it was a dagger, the hilt beautiful, of gold and brown. "Its beautiful" she exclaimed, pulling it out of its sheath, inscribed on it were elfish words which Caitlin could not understand.
"Blade of the wise woman, whose spirit of fire defends the peoples of middle earth." Said Aragorn as he read the inscription on the blade. Caitlin was so touched, tears almost welled up in her eyes, "oh thank you, thank you Aragorn." She said as she strapped it around her waist. There was a piece of leather that hung on it also, it seemed to be out of place, empty. "What is this?" she said touching it.
Aragorn looked at it and then at her. " For a sword, my friend." He said.
She looked discouraged; she did not have a sword.
"Do not worry, one will find its way to you before to long." He said again. He smiled. "We will be leaving soon, so you should finish getting ready." He said as he left.
Aragorn left Caitlin, who was still admiring her dagger. He had spent quite some time convincing the elves to help him forge it. They had of course been willing to help him with any weapon the fellowship needed, but the intruquite design he had insisted on seemed something they had been apprehensive to make.
He walked down the stone steps that led to the river, Legolas and gimli, as well as frodo, sam and merry and pippin were all still loading their things into the boats. Aragorn looked beyond the rivers edge to the white bridge that lay over the river. His mind wandered to Arwen, his thoughts filled with her face. He closed his eyes and breathed deeply, he could almost smell her sweet scent on the air. Feel her hair, brush across his face as the wind caressed his skin.
The elves had been his home for so long, yet elves did not remind him of home anymore, they reminded him of her, and now as he looked his last on the city of light and beauty, he did not feel the loss of home, but only of the reminder of Arwen. He felt her presence here, he remembered that day they had met. He touched the evenstar that hung from his neck, he remembered touching it when it rested on her own neck. But now,
He held no hope of seeing her again, they would be eternally joined, eternally bound to one another, and eternally parted. He knew that just as he left this place of beauty and light, never to return, he left behind all hope of happiness with love, his love.
Legolas came up behind him, seeing his gaze cross the bridge and beyond to the city, Legolas placed a hand on Aragorns shoulder. "You may yet see her again my friend." He said standing next to him now. "Arwen will stay through the hope she carries in our success." Said Legolas.
Aragorn turned to him, his eyes still filled with the vision of Arwen. "No, she would have stayed out of love for me, and whether by age of war, that is not a reason to die. She is immortal, elf kind, and a member of the race of the elder untarnished by age or burdened with death. I am mortal, my life will end, and whither by way of age or battle, I would not have her watch me shrink and die as a cradle of sorrow and age."
"She will have to make that decision." He said softly.
Aragorn turned away from him, his hand touching the evenstar, his eyes closed. "I have told her to hear the calls of the valor, to go into the west and remain forever at the gray havens, in valinor." He turned back, looking to Legolas, "she goes across the sea with the remaining of your kind Legolas. Forever gone." He turned to walk toward the boats but Legolas's voice stopped him.
"How could you tell her that, you have abandoned love Aragorn, you have abandoned hope." His words were heated, and his voice almost desperate to find a reason. Had Aragorn lost all hope of victory? "Do you believe that our Quest will fail, that we will all fall under sourons rule? Or is it that you doubt your skill in battle, do you believe you will die?" he said questioningly.
Aragorn became angry, and he turned, speaking quickly and passionately. "NO, THAT IS NOT IT" he yelled, he turned, composing himself before speaking again. "....that is not it Legolas,... It is an impossible relationship, it has nothing to do with this war, my love for Arwen is deeper than the mountains of Muroundin, my love is more vast than the sea. But in the end it is not enough, and as I told Arwen, it was a dream, an illusion that our love could work, it will bring her only pain, only sorrow, and death..should she love me further, love is strong...but not strong enough to bridge the gap between mortal and immortal."
Aragorn then headed toward the boats, and Legolas stood their, still and unmoving. Aragorn was right, his love would bring sorrow to Arwen, either through her death as a mortal, or through his death. Arwen would die should she remain here in middle earth. But their love would bring so much beyond pain, beyond sorrow. There was more than death to look for in their love. He hoped Arwen would choose a single life filled with love, than an eternity alone.
The boats were ready to go, and Legolas touched the elven leaf broach that rested around his neck, he felt the bow that Galadriel had given him, a mastery of craftsmanship and skill.
Caitlin came out of the woods, and at first, the light hit her in such a way that he thought it came from her and he suspected her to be an elf coming to see them off. Her hair was done up just as his was, braided down the back except the wisps of hair that on his head were braided along the sides, lay open to the breeze, just as Haldir allowed his to do. Legolas saw her dagger that rested on her right side, and then noticed a long gleaming white blade, its handle of a white wood with gold inlay, it was in a style he had never seem before though the designs were distinctly elvish, with a slight curve to its structure, and a hand guard of white that rested in a circle around the blades hilt. (Imagine a samurai sword, just with the designs and color of an elvish sword.) "Oio naa elealla alasse," he said under his breath at the sight of her, she walked over to him, her right hand on the hilt of her sword. "Im sorry, I didn't hear you, what did you say." She said.
Legolas continued speaking but only at a whisper. "Lle naa vanima, cormamin lindua ele lle." He said still soft so that she could not hear him.
"I asked if you were ready?" he said finally.
She looked at him suspiciously but brushed it off. "Yes, I am ready."
They began to get into the boats, feeling them rest in the water. Caitlin got in the boat with Legolas, and turned to him before they sat down. "You will not let me fall in." she stated with a tone that seemed to be reassuring herself more than asking him.
" To the depths of the sea, my friend, I would not let you go." He said, a serious voice in his throat.
The boats departed, pushing off from land, leaving the city of Lothlorien.
This chapter is dedicated to my dear fans and fellow writers: lalaithwen Lady mirwen, angel goddesmissy, erikazois13, and most of all heavenstar3, and butterflykisses14 who have been constantly reading and reviewing my story from the beginning, thank you all. You keep the inspiration constant.
There was no darkness here in the silver light of Lothlorien, and their was no fear, no war, the peace of the land seemed as a dream. Caitlin and Legolas walked beside the river, their faces cast down to the babbling brook that lay to the right of their feet as they walked along the grass.
Caitlin was now feeling the air as it brushed her skin; she was in middle earth, present in this distant realm. She could smell the trees, the soil beneath her feet, the air, its sweet cool scent with a small bit of moisture from the river, as it danced through her hair. The sound of the elves, their mournful song filling her ears, as the song filtered through the trees. The light as it played with the leaves on the trees. She lost her worry in the breeze of the city once more. Her mind not full of grief, war, or toil, but neither filled with great happiness nor with mentionable satisfaction, but still she was at peace, her footsteps slow and steady. She took Legolas's hand, as they silently passed through a part of the path that became narrow so she had to go ahead of him. Then upon passing this narrow opening, and they continued on, their hands casually clasped within one another's grasp.
Heading toward the camp, they could see it now, the opening where the fellowship rested.
Gimli had almost been asleep, but he heard them approach and got up. Seeing Caitlin come into the camp he headed briskly in their direction, more enthusiastic now.
" I had hoped you would be back before to long lass." He said as he gave her a hug that pushed her back.
"Gimli, I missed you to." She said in a surprised voice. Gimli seemed to monopolize her as he led her further toward the center of the encampment; she released Legolas's hand, leaving him to watch her be led away by a smiling Gimli who was chatting away about their stay with Haldir overnight outside of Lothlorien. Caitlin and Legolas shared a small smile as Caitlin walked off with Gimli. She then turned her attention to Gimli, smiling at him. He continued, walking with her. "..and then to my surprise I saw you, and had we not been just to meet Galadriel I would have expressed just how happy I was to see you my young friend." He said as he held both her hands with joy.
They stopped just next to a root of one of the huge trees, the tree seemed to have been formed to just the height so that they could sit and they did so. "I am sorry I was so distant, I know I did not get to greet all of you as I had planned, but once we left the lady of light my mind..I had, still have much on my mind." She said.
"That is alright, no worry to ya. All that matters is that you are alright and we get to see ya know." He said with a smile.
"Thank you." She said placing a hand on his shoulder. "So, I haven't asked, how does a dwarve end up on such a mission, why do you fight in such a battle Gimli." She asked.
Gimli seemed surprised at the question, tilting his head. But then remained silent for a moment, and smiled brightly at her. " I thought you were the seer from a distant land, do you not know." He said with a smirk on his face. But then his expression became serious and he looked at her. "Your eyes are that of a wise queen, young lady, and even so, the war to come will bring much death, that which you have never seen. It will bring destruction, and evil, and all that is good in this world, all the trees and light in this land and the land beyond, even that which is fairest, the lady of light, will be covered in darkness." His gaze was cast down now as he spoke. "I know that should nothing be done, should we sit in comfort and remain here, the world is doomed to this evil. Even with our best efforts, I know not the outcome, war may still infect the soil of all the lands like a disease, yet I would be ashamed to count myself among the great race of dwarves, were I not one of those who stood in opposition of that which would destroy our homes and lands without pity or remorse." For a moment Caitlin was very surprised at the passion in which Gimli spoke. He had never shown himself to be so noble in her eyes, yet she knew that dwarves were a proud people, a people capable of great courage and strength, great warriors. She smiled and Gimli suddenly jumped up, back in his state of optimism and joy once more.
"Oh, this is to dark a subject to have in such a lovely place, come Caitlin I am to show you something." He said swiftly heading in the direction of his bed.
Caitlin followed slowly and by the time she was half way there Gimi had returned to her. "oomph," she said catching an axe that Gimli threw in her direction. "Now my young friend, make ready for an attack." He said with a low rough voice as he crouched down with his own axe ready. Caitlin had never had training with an axe and was unsure about using it, though she felt it would be only a matter of transferring what she knew about other weapons to using the axe. "I really don't know about this Gimli, I don't know anything about axes." She said still holding the axe aquirdly in her hand. Gimli seemed to pay no attention and began encircling her, like a stalking cat that was ready to pounce. "What if I were an orc, or uruk-hai, there is no time for apprehension." He said as he continued. Now he shifted his axe back and forth, from hand to hand, continuing to encircle her.
"Gimli, I can't do this."
At her words Gimli became angry, "did you just say 'cant?!'" he said. "That is not in my dictionary," it should not be in yours!" he yelled as he sprang forth, his axe in hand. Ready to strike. "AAAARGH." He yelled as his axe struck downwards. Caitlin repositioned her body and lifted her axe so that his blow was deflected from her, but her footing was not stable and the force of the blow on her axe sent her to the ground, Gimli then brought his axe down again and she rolled out of the way. The axe buried itself in the ground. Gimli pulled it out and again struck fast at her. She was against a tree and could not move out of the way, the axe came down from atop her head, stopping inches from her face.
Suddenly all saw silent, and Caitlin looked at Gimli, who breathed heavily.
She smiled, and he removed the axe, moving it so he could rest on its hilt. "I would have died, if this were a true battle." She said feeling defeated. Gimli saw her feelings. As she sat defeated on the ground. "Eye," he said. "But it wasn't a real battle, and with every time we practice I bet you will be getting better and better." He said with a great big grin on his face. He ruffled her hair and picked up his axe and then hers and began walking toward his bed. "I will see ya in the morning lass." He said as he left her.
"I should get to bed also," she called to him.
Her bed was nestled in the base of the tree, which all the other beds were in as well. And as she came closer and closer to it she found there were blankets and a pillow already laid out for her use. She was curious as to who had made up her bad, the blankets were made of a soft velvety material, a smokey gray color which in the light seemed a shimmery red, but Caitlin thought it might only have been her eyes.
The shadowy color of the pillow echoed its plush softness, which would allow for the most restful of sleep. She pulled back the covers and as she slipped her feet and legs and body into the softness of them, she saw that the redness that she had seen earlier was in fact a metallic type elvish design, one that was intruquite and beautiful.
She laid her head onto the pillow and the sound of the elves she had been hearing this whole time, changed. Their mournful call changed to a single beautiful voice, one of a woman, the resonance of her speech a soft mystical song of joy and love. The song penetrated to Caitlin's heart. And as she fell deeply into sleep, she thought the song to be Arwen and Aragorns love song, (listen to Arwen and Aragorns song from the fellowship cd you will hear somewhat what she is hearing. It pertains to later in the story.) She heard it as sleep took her, and as the dream merged with the real, she heard another elven voice, another with the one womans, a mans voice, deep and strong, he sang with his heart, he sang of love and of sadness, of his wish to be with the woman he loved, of emotions beyond love. Caitlin heard his voice, it sounded of Aragorn, but she knew he did not sing in Lothlorien that she could remember. the sound filled her dreams until she could no longer tell if she was hearing then or dreaming them.
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"She is to come with us." Said Aragorn,
"Yes, I did not expect it but lady Galandria has said it is meant to be."
"Then we have another member who will add to Frodos protection."
"Are you not concerned with this news, she has never seen battle. She could slow you down." He asked Aragorn.
" I did not test the skill of any member of the fellowship, she is no less skilled in heart than the greatest warriors on this quest, and lacks neither courage nor responsibility, that is the only requirement that must be met, and if she wishes to save middle earth, just as we do, that is all that counts Haldir." He said with an assertive voice.
Haldir looked for a moment at Aragorn, and then turned to leave, "you are right, Aragon, im sorry I questioned your judgment. This battle will need many forms of fighting, and as many hands as middle earth may spare and though I do not wish her to accompany you I will respect the wisdom of Galadriel."
Caitlin walked in her room, the sun shined in through the window, glistening it with light as that of the elven city of Lothlorien. Her cat jumped up on the bed, beckoning her to reach out and pet the hair on her back. Caitlin did, and then laid on her bed. The sheets encircling her. She found her bed comforting, and a voice spoke to her soft and soothing of home, of the sidewalks, and the trees out her window. She found herself outside again, outside in the park where she first met her best friend, Stephanie, she felt the sand at her feet, and things seemed so hazy. But she was home, free, and safe.
The trees rustled in the wind and all was peaceful and calm. She looked down at the sand and then when she looked up she saw Aragorn standing there beside her. Caitlin smiled at him, happy to see him. But then his face...his eyes curled back into his head and he looked down, he raised his hand and blood covered them. He began to fall, into her arms; he fell to the ground, an arrow standing straight as it was embedded in his chest. He tried to speak, but only blood came forth. He looked at her pleading, pain filled eyes. Caitlin tried to speak, but no words came forth. His hands came up, touching her face as tears fell from her eyes. "A-Arwen." He spoke, as his last breath escaped him and his eyes rolled back. His hands fell to the ground and his life was no more. Tears fell from her eyes, as her hands shook, taking his hand in her own, "n-no," she whispered. "p-please, p-please, no." she looked up again and saw Frodo and Sam standing above her, "please, help. Help him." She yelled, but they both just stood, as if they could not hear or see her. " Sam, Frodo, p-please, help us." She begged, but they only walked off, and as they did, they to were shot. "NO" screamed Caitlin as she rushed to their side, she rolled them each over but they were dead. She stood up, her hands covered in blood. Her eyes darted around, looking now at her world, once a place filled with hope and peace, now the land that rested the bodies of her friends.
Caitlin woke up with a feeling of horror, crawling through her skin. She looked around, it was still dark, and she sat up, unsure about resting her head again on the pillow, afraid of what she might dream. But she did lay her head down again, hoping for better dreams to come. The next morning, when Caitlin awoke, she found sitting next to her bed, a new change of clothing, of green and gold, she ran her hands along the fabric, feeling the intriquisies of the fabrics design, the long sleeved shirt fit her just exactly and as she put on the heavy tunic that covered it, she saw that the design on the front was distinctly elfish. The pants fit comfortably and she felt they would be light enough for her to move around in and provide protection. She also had new shoes, and she sat down on a boulder to tie them up.
" You look like a ranger," Caitlin was surprised to see Aragorn coming toward her.
"I didn't hear you approach, Aragorn." She said with a little smile.
Aragorn came up to her "hand me your arm Caitlin." He said
taking her arm and readjusting her arm guard. " Thanks" she
said.
She was silent for a moment but then spoke, "I visited Lorien
last night, where you first met Arden Undomiel." She said seeing
the evenstar dangling from his neck. "It was beautiful." She
added.
"I forget.."he said still adjusting her arm guard. "That you
know not only of the future but of the past." He said, his face
filled with the memory of this woman, Arwen, which he loved so
dearly. "You know of our fate, Arwens fate, and mine." He said
somewhat questioningly.
Caitlin looked at him, she knew she could only be true to
herself and answer honestly. "Yes, I know of your fate." She
said.
"Then you know I have left the dream I had of love and happiness
behind, Arwen travels to the gray havens, the blessed realm.
Lost is all hope of...love." he said looking down.
"Aragorn, some things, something's such as love, hope,
happiness, find their way to you no matter your foreseeable
fate." She said softly.
He lifted his head, peering into her eyes, searching her face.
"You say this from your foresight hodoer?" he asked her. Still
peering into her eyes.
She smiled at him. "No. I say this out of fact, not just on this
world but on mine as well, there is no wisdom in leaving all
chance of reunion aside, just as it would be just as foolish to
hold it a certainty. As a very wise man told me once, can only
be all that you are, do all you can do, and hope. None us can
expect more than that."
Aragorn seemed to take a moment to digest her words, then smiled
and finished on her cuffs. "You had them on backwards. It would be hard for them to work that way."
She smiled and finished lacing up her boot. "There, all done." She said standing up she felt somewhat awkward in these cloths, she felt unprepared, she was not a fighter, and though she had accepted that she would have to be strong through this journey it didn't mean it would be easy.
Aragorn looked at her, " you do look like a ranger." He said. Caitlin felt his gaze, as a loving friend. " I am proud to have you on the quest Caitlin, I feel we will see great things out of you." He said placing a hand on her shoulder.
" I do not understand your confidence, Aragorn. I doubt my ability to be as capable as I will need to be." She said looking down at the ground.
"So do all great warriors, you will find your strength. It already exists inside of you. You just have to let it come out." He said. "There is just one thing missing." He reached into his bag and pulled out a belt, it was elfish, and attached to it was a dagger, the hilt beautiful, of gold and brown. "Its beautiful" she exclaimed, pulling it out of its sheath, inscribed on it were elfish words which Caitlin could not understand.
"Blade of the wise woman, whose spirit of fire defends the peoples of middle earth." Said Aragorn as he read the inscription on the blade. Caitlin was so touched, tears almost welled up in her eyes, "oh thank you, thank you Aragorn." She said as she strapped it around her waist. There was a piece of leather that hung on it also, it seemed to be out of place, empty. "What is this?" she said touching it.
Aragorn looked at it and then at her. " For a sword, my friend." He said.
She looked discouraged; she did not have a sword.
"Do not worry, one will find its way to you before to long." He said again. He smiled. "We will be leaving soon, so you should finish getting ready." He said as he left.
Aragorn left Caitlin, who was still admiring her dagger. He had spent quite some time convincing the elves to help him forge it. They had of course been willing to help him with any weapon the fellowship needed, but the intruquite design he had insisted on seemed something they had been apprehensive to make.
He walked down the stone steps that led to the river, Legolas and gimli, as well as frodo, sam and merry and pippin were all still loading their things into the boats. Aragorn looked beyond the rivers edge to the white bridge that lay over the river. His mind wandered to Arwen, his thoughts filled with her face. He closed his eyes and breathed deeply, he could almost smell her sweet scent on the air. Feel her hair, brush across his face as the wind caressed his skin.
The elves had been his home for so long, yet elves did not remind him of home anymore, they reminded him of her, and now as he looked his last on the city of light and beauty, he did not feel the loss of home, but only of the reminder of Arwen. He felt her presence here, he remembered that day they had met. He touched the evenstar that hung from his neck, he remembered touching it when it rested on her own neck. But now,
He held no hope of seeing her again, they would be eternally joined, eternally bound to one another, and eternally parted. He knew that just as he left this place of beauty and light, never to return, he left behind all hope of happiness with love, his love.
Legolas came up behind him, seeing his gaze cross the bridge and beyond to the city, Legolas placed a hand on Aragorns shoulder. "You may yet see her again my friend." He said standing next to him now. "Arwen will stay through the hope she carries in our success." Said Legolas.
Aragorn turned to him, his eyes still filled with the vision of Arwen. "No, she would have stayed out of love for me, and whether by age of war, that is not a reason to die. She is immortal, elf kind, and a member of the race of the elder untarnished by age or burdened with death. I am mortal, my life will end, and whither by way of age or battle, I would not have her watch me shrink and die as a cradle of sorrow and age."
"She will have to make that decision." He said softly.
Aragorn turned away from him, his hand touching the evenstar, his eyes closed. "I have told her to hear the calls of the valor, to go into the west and remain forever at the gray havens, in valinor." He turned back, looking to Legolas, "she goes across the sea with the remaining of your kind Legolas. Forever gone." He turned to walk toward the boats but Legolas's voice stopped him.
"How could you tell her that, you have abandoned love Aragorn, you have abandoned hope." His words were heated, and his voice almost desperate to find a reason. Had Aragorn lost all hope of victory? "Do you believe that our Quest will fail, that we will all fall under sourons rule? Or is it that you doubt your skill in battle, do you believe you will die?" he said questioningly.
Aragorn became angry, and he turned, speaking quickly and passionately. "NO, THAT IS NOT IT" he yelled, he turned, composing himself before speaking again. "....that is not it Legolas,... It is an impossible relationship, it has nothing to do with this war, my love for Arwen is deeper than the mountains of Muroundin, my love is more vast than the sea. But in the end it is not enough, and as I told Arwen, it was a dream, an illusion that our love could work, it will bring her only pain, only sorrow, and death..should she love me further, love is strong...but not strong enough to bridge the gap between mortal and immortal."
Aragorn then headed toward the boats, and Legolas stood their, still and unmoving. Aragorn was right, his love would bring sorrow to Arwen, either through her death as a mortal, or through his death. Arwen would die should she remain here in middle earth. But their love would bring so much beyond pain, beyond sorrow. There was more than death to look for in their love. He hoped Arwen would choose a single life filled with love, than an eternity alone.
The boats were ready to go, and Legolas touched the elven leaf broach that rested around his neck, he felt the bow that Galadriel had given him, a mastery of craftsmanship and skill.
Caitlin came out of the woods, and at first, the light hit her in such a way that he thought it came from her and he suspected her to be an elf coming to see them off. Her hair was done up just as his was, braided down the back except the wisps of hair that on his head were braided along the sides, lay open to the breeze, just as Haldir allowed his to do. Legolas saw her dagger that rested on her right side, and then noticed a long gleaming white blade, its handle of a white wood with gold inlay, it was in a style he had never seem before though the designs were distinctly elvish, with a slight curve to its structure, and a hand guard of white that rested in a circle around the blades hilt. (Imagine a samurai sword, just with the designs and color of an elvish sword.) "Oio naa elealla alasse," he said under his breath at the sight of her, she walked over to him, her right hand on the hilt of her sword. "Im sorry, I didn't hear you, what did you say." She said.
Legolas continued speaking but only at a whisper. "Lle naa vanima, cormamin lindua ele lle." He said still soft so that she could not hear him.
"I asked if you were ready?" he said finally.
She looked at him suspiciously but brushed it off. "Yes, I am ready."
They began to get into the boats, feeling them rest in the water. Caitlin got in the boat with Legolas, and turned to him before they sat down. "You will not let me fall in." she stated with a tone that seemed to be reassuring herself more than asking him.
" To the depths of the sea, my friend, I would not let you go." He said, a serious voice in his throat.
The boats departed, pushing off from land, leaving the city of Lothlorien.