Shards of Glass
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I don't know how long I have been sitting here starring into oblivion. I hadn't eaten or slept in days. I flinched as I felt Galadriel's presence near. She reached out to touch my shoulder and I withdrew further.
"We are all concerned for your well being, Melethril. Do not shut us out," she said softly.
"How am I to live if I cannot even see," I answered harshly.
"You have battled darkness and won. You can do it again. The body, the mind and the heart will all heal," she comforted.
"And my memories" I asked.
"That is for you to decide whether to hold them in heart or let them go," she said gently pulling my head into her lap.
I let her light fuse with mine feeling her warmth against my cheek. I clung to her and wept.
"It is time."
I gripped onto Haldir's arm. So many memories that I had remembered and some I wished to forget. Yet I knew it had not ended.
"If you should see the fellowship… tell them I am well," I said.
"I will see that they are reassured." I felt him hesitate.
"Go!" I urged him.
With one last moment, he hugged me briefly before retreating. I simply stood there listening to the sound of horns.
What is my path?
Listen, my child
I brushed my fingers over my wind stone.
The White Wizard
Saruman
No, my mirror did not show his face. Gandalf has ascended
He is alive
You must hasten Melethril, time is growing short
memory
"You cannot go!"
"I have to be the one, Legolas, this is the only we can stop the evil from spreading."
"You cannot save everyone Melethril,"
"But I will save Middle-Earth, 'tis my burden."
end of memory
I sighed deeply fingering the inscriptions on my sword. I was lost in my memories again. My horse had been saddled and provisions stored. I was dressed in my armour garb and my hair was braided back. I marvelled at how fast my hair had grown since departing Rivendell.
I will not draw blood again from this sword
Do not be so harsh on yourself. You may use your sword to protect or else wise, it is your choice
I stiffened at Galadriel's interference but instead put on a smile. I bowed to them.
"I bid my Lord and Lady farewell."
"We wish a safe journey Melethril." Celeborn spoke and pinned a cloak around me. "May this hinder you from the sight of unwanted strangers."
"Diola lle," I thanked.
"You do not carry your bow," he observed.
"Nay, my lord. My mother's sword and father's dagger will do me well."
"Indeed and that you shall also ride upon Faerinelin once again." Galadriel said.
"I thank my lady for the food and provisions," I took her hand and squeezed it. She looked at me for a moment before leading me to my horse.
"You must listen carefully Melethril. If you should draw upon the powers of the stones, your life will be in peril." She whispered to me.
"It will be my death but not before I complete my task." I swore.
"There is hope in you, my child. Remember my words!" She took a step back as I mounted. I saluted farewell to my company including Niphredil and rode out.
I was sitting in one of the courtyards playing with the blades of grass when I heard a shuffle from behind. I turned around to investigate and I saw an angel. Golden locks framed his face and his eyes were the colour of blue crystal. He approached me shyly and handed me a purple flower. I stared him not being able to say anything. He pressed the flower into my hand and his words changed my life.
"Will you marry me?"
I stared absurdly at this little boy and burst into laughter.
"I'm serious!" he insisted looking angry.
"Oh, I did not mean to offend you little one," I soothed.
"I am not little!" he protested.
I looked pointedly at him.
"You still have years to go. I have been around longer than you."
"Does that mean you will marry me?" he persisted.
"We barely know each other!" I pointed out amused.
"It doesn't matter, you are the most beautiful lady I have seen!" he confessed.
My heart warmed at his comment.
"You are still young, love is so much more than what it seems,"
"I don't understand," he said puzzled.
"It's alright you will one day. Come sit with me." I patted the spot beside me and he eagerly sat down.
His name was Legolas Greenleaf, son of Thranduil. In a way he was like my angel, saving me from the despair of my father's death. We did become close since that day. I watched him grow from a child into his youth. He still insisted that I was the most beautiful lady and that he was going to marry me some day. However it was my mother's death that I could no longer bear living in Mirkwood and so after months of her death, I departed to Lorien. We had made a pact. We would hold on to each other's promises of being together when we were older. I was still young and naïve. My heart pained to see Legolas sad and so knowing that we did not love each other in that way, I promised him I would wait for him and he would wait for the day when I returned back. How foolish we both were.
"Halt, stranger. What is your business?"
For days I had been travelling to the wind, hearing its call to the north. I purposely slowed down my horse knowing that a group of men were present. I had sensed them miles away.
"None, my horse and I seek a place to rest." I said.
"Where are travelling from? It is dangerous for one to be riding alone." He questioned.
"I seek Gandalf the wizard," I stated making my intentions clear.
The group of men whispered until the man I spoke to silenced them.
"You are a friend of Gandalf?" he asked.
"Yes," I hesitated before throwing back my hood. There was no use in hiding from such a large group of men all armed.
"An elf woman!" They said in disbelief.
"What does a woman of your kind want with the likes of us?" he demanded.
I drew myself into this man's mind. He was full of anger and confusion and yet there was this glimmer of hope inside.
"You are Eomer?" I said.
"How did you know my name?" he demanded.
"Tell me, how fares your sister Eowyn?" I inquired knowing well the answer.
"She is well, what business is it of yours?" he said with a hint of panic in his voice.
Are you not afraid that Wormtongue will claim your sister as his prize
"What devilry is this!" he cried out.
You do not believe in our kindred magic. Do you doubt me?
"What is it that you want, my lady?" he replied after a few moments.
"A place to rest, I will not bother your men. Just let me camp with you."
"Very well." He decided silencing the protests of the other men.
The group quickly dispersed out again keeping their distance from me. I dismounted off Faerinelin and searched in my sack for something to feed him. I guided him to nearby tree and took it for my shelter. I folded my cloak around my body and let the fatigue embrace me.
I was dressed in white; the bottom flared out and my sleeves curved in bells. My hair was braided and pinned up with a single iris to the side of my head. The surroundings were unfamiliar to me until I looked up to see Galadriel towering over. She was quiet for a moment and then she took me to her mirror pouring the sacred water into the silver rimmed dish.
I placed my hands on the sides of the turn tree of which the mirror laid. At first, I saw my reflection in the water, and a ripple broke across the mirror. I was young; a year after my father departed my mother decided that it would be best for us to live in Mirkwood. However I was not in Mirkwood when Legolas' mother was attacked. I immediately headed back when I heard the news. I fled to her room only to find Legolas sitting at the edge of her bed. I held him while tears spilled down our faces. I cried for his loss, my loss and the pain of losing a beloved. She had left me everything; clothing, jewels and a beautiful set of leather bound journals.
I broke away from the mirror and sprinted to my room. I dug out my journals and smouldered in between a brunch of earlier entries was a purple blossom Legolas gave me. Every birthday he wouldgreet me with a bouquet.
"It's your birthday and you're not even present." Legolas said sitting down next to me. After the passing of his mother, I decided it would be best to stay in Mirkwood and take care of the royal family. I had been here for less than a year and already the memories were coming back.
"Just wanted to take a break from everybody." I shrugged looking up at the stars. A cold tint brushed against my forehead. I cautiously reached up and touched the circlet resting on the crown of my head. Galadriel's gift to me; it was a silver circlet with a single star jewel hung in the centre. I had tried it on before going down to the celebration and forgotten to take it off.
"You should wear your hair down more often," he commented as he watched me brush my fingers through my long strands as I adjusted my circlet.
"I prefer it pulled back from my face, Legolas. Perhaps I will wear it down for your birthday celebration," I replied standing up. As I was going to ask him if he was going to join me, he had already gotten onto his feet and pulled me close to him.
"I look forward to it," he said lowly bending his head closer. His kiss was gentle and I could not resist but to curl my fingers around his neck. He was the first to break contact and he took my face into his hands.
"Melethril, I'm sorry for my behaviour and what I said to you before…I broke our promise," he said.
I placed my hand over his lips.
"It doesn't matter anymore. We were young, we did not fully understand what we were committing to each other." I embraced him hoping silently we would forgive each other. He drew his arms around my waist and buried his face into my hair.
"My lady?"
I shook my head and detected Eomer's presence.
"What can I do for you Horse Lord? Has the sun risen?" I asked.
"No. I brought something for you to eat. I suppose from your long journey, here, you must be hungry." He handed me a wooden bowl. I accepted and quietly began to sip the soup.
"If you have something on your mind, I prefer you say it," I said surprising him. He hesitated for a moment before taking a seat next to me.
"I was wondering why someone like you would be out here. There are forces out here that are beyond natural."
"You think because I cannot see, that I do not know?" I scoffed placing the bowl down on my lap.
"I meant no offence, my lady," he apologized.
"Show me your sword," I commanded turning to him.
Shock pervaded him yet he drew out his blade and placed it in my hands. I let my fingers wander across the hilt and down the blade. Gripping the sword, I handed the sword back to him.
"I was a warrior. I have killed orcs and every other form of unnaturalness possible." I replied drawing out my sword and handing it over to him.
"Until your sight was taken from you," he guessed.
"No, I use my other senses to guide me. I can still fight but I choose not to"
"Why?" he wondered.
"I only lost my sight because I did not wish to see the truth. I am a murderer."
Haldir
I bowed to the man that emerged through the gathering crowds.
"How can this be?" he pondered.
"I bring word from Lord Elrond. An alliance once existed between elves and men. We have come here to honour that," I replied looking up just in time to see Aragorn, Legolas and the dwarf rushed down the stairs.
"Mae govannen, Haldir" Aragorn said hugging me impulsively.
He stepped away and Legolas came up front. We grasped each other's arms, our eyes telling all that was needed.
"She is safe," I whispered to him in our tongue before we let go.
"You should know that Melethril passed through the Golden Woods not long after you departed. She wanted me to give you her greetings," I addressed to the three fellowship members.
"She was still there when you left," Aragorn asked.
"Ay, my brothers are here as well," I gestured behind me.
"Come, we must be prepared," Aragorn led us deeper into Helm's Deep.
Standing out on the outer walls, I watched as our soldiers waited patiently but I knew we were all tense. Rumil and Orophin were stationed on the far end. I turned to see Aragorn and Legolas make their way up.
"Everything in place?" Aragorn asked solemnly.
I nodded looking out across the plain.
"I will go check on the men," Aragorn whispered something to Legolas and departed. The two of us stood in silence watching the landscape far out of the fortress. Legolas was the first to speak.
"Was she hurt?"
"She was with fever. Physically she is all right but emotionally she is very confused. She remembered what happened that day," I recalled her troubled state.
"You were there for her where I could not have been. Thank you," he said looking far out into the horizon.
I touched his shoulder willing him to meet my eyes.
"Her heart has always been with you, but you must promise me something,"
"Anything for Melethril," he declared.
"When this is all over and something should happen to me, you must take good care of her. She has lost so much, she would not bare it if you were lost as well."
"You must think of what Melethril will feel if she lost you too. You are her brother!" he pointed out.
"Should something happen to me, promise me you will take care of her,"
"I promise,"
With his solemn promise he left to join Aragorn on the other side. I glanced up at the sky and prayed to the Valor that Melethril was safe.
Melethril
"My men and I have killed dozens of orcs. That does not make us murderers. They are the spawn of evil; we are protecting our land and people," Eomer argued.
"I have killed orcs but I have murdered men of the Westfolk? They may be known as wild but nonetheless human,"
"You had to be defending yourself. Knowing that they are wild, they would not hesitate to take advantage of you," he pointed out.
"You are a true warrior Eomer, son of Eomund," I stated searching deep into his soul.
"You know my father?" he asked.
"The earth whispers all those that come to me. It has seen much death and toil. Your cousin Theodred lies among the dead," I sighed.
"Then he is gone from us. He was ambushed by orcs, I managed to take him back to the palace but the infested Wormtongue banished me!" he said angrily.
White Wizard
"Someone is approaching here," I announced standing up.
"Keep on alert, riders," Eomer called out.
A few moments later, one of the Mark cried out, "A rider in white approaches us!"
"Saruman," Eomer said under his breath.
"Do not act too harshly! Why would he come here? Why not with a group of orcs?" I questioned.
"If he is not Saruman, then who is he?" he asked.
"Let us wait for him to approach. You'll know your answer soon enough." I replied walking out to the edge of the camp. The group of riders including Eomer crowded in a circle, waiting for the lone rider to appear; their weapons readied.
I distantly heard the hooves of the horse draw nearer. Finally there was a halt, the men prepared to draw their swords. They were surprised when I walked up to the rider and held out my hands.
"It has been far too long, Gandalf."
"As it has been for me. We have both traveled through great hardships," he took my hands into his and grasped them tightly.
"Riders of Rohan, do you not recognize who this is?" I called out.
"Gandalf the Grey!" Eomer said in amazement advancing forward to where we stood.
"I am now Gandalf the White and I come to you with urgent news. An army of orcs marches fast to Helm's Deep. You must help your uncle, Eomer," Gandalf urged.
"Haldir is at Helm's Deep!" I exclaimed.
"Do not worry. Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli are with him. However, we must hasten if we are to arrive before the battle is over," Gandalf replied.
With that, we spared no time and mounted our horses riding with urgent speed.
Haldir
There were so many of them. All around me my fellow elves fell; death was hanging so closely. I slashed uri-kais left and right with my blade.
"Haldir! Retreat!" Aragorn shouted from below. I stopped momentarily and nodded yelling for the others to retreat.
I was careless, caught off guard. An Uri-Kai left a long gash across my right arm. I hissed in pain, my vision wavering. I staggered forward trying to will my legs to move.
May it help you in times of darkness
Amidst the pain, I managed to reach for the elanor wreath and my mind went instantly to Melethril. Was she all right? Where was she?
The questions could not be pondered anymore as something struck from behind and I was paralysed with pain. I fell to my knees; darkness was enveloping me. My kindred were strewn all over the stone floor. I distantly heard someone call my name.
I cried out in pain clutching my reins tighter.
"Melethril? What's the matter?" Gandalf asked.
"The pain… it felt like a piece of my heart break. We must hurry Gandalf for I fear the worst."
As our company hastened to Helm's Deep, I could not shake the foreboding feeling.
Author' Note:
Mae govannen- welcome
Faerinelin; Melethril's horse- sindarin translation spirit of the stars from www.councilofelrond.com
Niphredil; pale winter flower- orphan taken under the ward of Galadriel, friend of Melethril and lover of Rumil
The chunks of writing in italics is a fragment of Melethril's past that sorta concide with what is happening now.