On the Edge of War
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I never realized how tired I was until we reached the Deep and began climbing the steep stairs. I heard voices all around me as I walked with Gimli at my side. My hand rested on his shoulder as we weaved through the throng of people. Abruptly he halted causing me to nearly run over him.
"What is it?" I asked.
"I don't recall their names but they resemble your friend Haldir," he said softly.
"Haldir was my brother as are Orophin and Rumil," I explained.
"Greetings muinthel and Master Dwarf," Orophin addressed.
"You have come to say goodbye," I spoke with a twinge of sadness. I had been selfish forgetting about my other two brothers.
"With the few of us left, we must travel to Lorien with haste," Rumil said.
"It is as all of us have feared. We are at war for middle earth. Be safe my brothers and may the valour protect."
They each hugged me in comfort and I felt my eyes cloud with tears. I quickly forced them back and gave them my best smile.
Gimli and I stood where we were long past the departure of the elves led by Orophin and Rumil.
"I did not know they were your brothers," he brought up when the silence was too deafening for him.
"Only brothers bound by blood, an elven ritual that connects me to them through kinship," I answered.
"I am sorry," he said referring to Haldir's passing.
"Thank you Gimli. I actually believe that you are being sincere." I smirked allowing a small smile to creep up.
"Hmph, I suppose we should be going, don't want to keep the elf waiting." He huffed in annoyance.
"Where did Gimli run off to Aragorn?"
I listened to Legolas and Aragorn converse from behind the pillars of the Hornburg. Gimli took that as his cue and began walking down the steps and I followed.
"Were you looking for me Legolas?" he boomed.
"Meleth, you have returned!" Legolas exclaimed springing up to the top steps which I stood on.
"To Gimli I have to thank," I acknowledged.
"Come and sit with us," he took my hand and led me down the steps. Seated at the bottom steps were also Aragorn and Gandalf.
"My dear, come have some broth," Gandalf offered.
"I am not hungry," I dismissed.
"You must eat Melethril. You have to recover your strength," Legolas insisted seating me beside him.
"I suppose I have no choice in the matter," I concluded.
I took sips of my broth as I listened to the light conversation that struck up between the members of the fellowship.
"Meleth, you have barely finished half of it!" Legolas mentioned.
"I cannot eat anymore Legolas," I said absently stirring the broth with the spoon.
"I'll finish it for you," Gimli offered without hesitance.
I handed over my bowl to Legolas who reluctantly over to him. Leaning my head against Legolas' shoulder, I tried to tell him that I was all right. Secretly I wanted him to hold me as we sat close together but not touching.
"You may rest if you wish, I shall not move," he replied pushing my hair out of my face over my shoulder.
I lifted my head again and reached out to stroke his cheek.
"I believe forgiveness should be asked from you."
"There is nothing to forgive, no," he silenced my protest with the tips of his fingers over my lips. He covered his hand over mine and then pulled me into him.
"I understand what Haldir meant to you, finally understand after all these years. He bade me to look after you and I shall. Now rest, I will watch over you," he whispered.
"I have been looking for you," I said wrapping my arms over Legolas' waist, resting my head against his back.
"You found me," he replied.
I frowned at the tone of his voice. I untangled myself from him and stood up with my hands on my waist.
"I do believe you are jealous Legolas," I exclaimed.
He spun around, his eyes wide.
"That is not true!" he denied.
"Really?" I questioned looking at him pointedly.
"I know you and Haldir are close," he stated.
"How do you know we are talking about him?" I teased.
"What are you saying?" he demanded.
"Oh, meleth-nin, you have nothing to be jealous of. Haldir is my blood brother, we performed the ritual before I decided to stay in Mirkwood," I explained.
"So that is why he came with you for Father's birthday celebration," he realized.
I nodded and draped my arms on his shoulders.
"So no more uneasy feelings?" I soothed.
"Why the ritual? You are already a sister to him since you two grew up together," he said.
"For a brief time when I was in Rivendell Haldir meet his eldar, Celuwan," I said.
"I haven't seen her anywhere," he noticed.
"That is because she is dead; killed by orcs," I blandly stated.
"I am sorry," he comforted rubbing his hands over my back.
"I suppose Haldir, Celuwan and I all had a part to play in her death. I knew he was dying so I had to give him a reason for him to live," I justified.
"If she was his eldar how could her love become her death?" he wondered.
"I do not know. That is something I will never know." I replied.
Distant voices pervaded my thoughts. I stirred from my dreams and was pulled back into the warmth of Legolas' body.
"Eomer approaches," Gandalf announced hearing footsteps and clanking of chain mail.
We all stood up and Eomer met us at the bottom.
"The King is making his departure for Isenguard Gandalf," he informed.
"We will be there in a moment." Gandalf affirmed.
"Lord Eomer," I called out as I heard his footsteps distancing.
He stopped and I felt his averted gaze on me. I was standing to the farthest from him so he had not seen me.
"My lady, what is your biding?" he asked.
"How is your sister?" I inquired.
"She is well, thank you for inquiring," he said.
"I hope you shall introduce us," I requested.
"It shall be my pleasure," he answered.
"Shall we go now Gandalf?" I asked.
"Meleth, I don't think it is wise for you to come," Legolas said.
"Saurman is powerless now, his magic will not affect me Legolas," I said placing a hand on his arm to assure him.
"Let her come, Legolas," Gandalf said and that was the end of the discussion.
The King approved my presence. From the looks of it, Eomer convinced him to let me ride with them. The King headed the front with Gandalf and Aragorn with Eomer, Legolas and Gimli behind them. I chose to remain slightly behind, a mere shadow upon the group. I however did not expect to see Merry and Pippin at Isenguard.
"How is it that you have come to this place?" I pondered after hearing their chatter as I rode up.
"Melethril, we thought you were gone, just like Gandalf!" they exclaimed.
"I assure I am not a ghost!" I chuckled at their excitement.
"Don't encourage them! Come now hobbits where is Treebeard?" Gandalf asked.
"He is over by Orthanc standing guard of Saurman and Wormtongue," Merry answered.
"Very well, let's us go," Gandalf urged.
"Wait, can we come?" Pippin pleaded.
"Let them come Gandalf, they are eager to be reunited with their friends," I replied.
"Just don't get in the way," Gandalf warned.
Pippin rode with Aragorn while Merry was paired up with Eomer. We treaded through the knee-deep water until we reached the tower.
"Treebeard, where is Saurman?" Gandalf inquired.
"Hiding in his tower," the ent's loud booming voice replied.
"Let's just get it over with and cut off his head," Gimli stated.
"No, he has no power here," Gandalf said.
"The filth of Saurman is washing away," Treebeard said.
"Pippin!" Aragorn suddenly shouted.
I heard splashing of water and then a tug of my stones. I frowned and nudged Faerinelin ahead to Gandalf.
"I shall take that Pippin. Hurry up, we don't have all day." Gandalf ordered.
The company was ready to head back now to Edoras; Gandalf was the last to leave giving instructions to Treebeard.
"Gandalf, Saurman is powerless now but he might know of the stone. I should persuade him." I said.
"No, he would not know. I believe your father hid the fire stone under their noses; Saruman's and Sauron's. Many did not know of your father's stones and they are two rather different stones. You found the wind stone in Moria, an underground mine hidden from the rest of the world," he considered slowly.
"An illusion, a cloak of invisibility, I never though of it that way." I pondered.
"Then where would your father cloak the fire stone?" he asked.
"Mordor, within the fires of Mount Doom." I answered.
"Under the very noses of the Enemy. No one would have guessed," he said.
"I understand why he had the wind and fire stone. One used to cloak the other," I stated.
"You will have to use the wind stone to cloak your whereabouts from the eye," he said.
"How must I do that?" I asked.
"You have to draw on the stone and keep it within your power. It will suck your energy from you," he stated.
"The demise of my father's death," I said sadly.
"Save your energy and let others care for you when you take the road to darkness. You must hold onto life stronger than ever," he advised.
"What of the palantir?" I questioned.
"It will be in my possession for now, but rightfully belongs to the King of Gondor," he said.
"The people of Rohan recognize who Aragorn is, yet he will not acknowledge nor take up the role," I said frustratingly.
"He will see what he must do, the time will come."
We took our leave from Isenguard and of the Ents to Edoras for a victory celebration at Helm's Deep. During our ride back I chatted with Merry and Pippin and they told me about Treebeard and their collection of the long bottom leaf. Various members of the fellowship vividly explained the Golden Hall of Meduseld to me and Eomer told me of Wormtongue's poison. Upon our arrival he introduced me to his sister who was waiting to greet us. She immediately insisted I borrow one of her dresses for the banquet. We bonded immediately and away from the eyes of others. She lent me a dark green gown with long billowing sleeves and fixed my hair. It had grown past my shoulders. I stood near the background as the cheers were made and the drinks were brought out. I listened in amusement as Merry and Pippin started to sing songs of the Shire.
"Hmph, where did the elf go now?" Gimli grumbled.
"Outside probably, mingling and drinking isn't really his style," I replied.
"Not much of a partier," he commented.
"No, he likes subtle things: a few good songs and dances with the best elven wine. Even when he was little, he liked to watch people," I recalled.
"You talk of him as though he is a child," Gimli said.
"Well I am several hundred years older than him," I stated simply as he choked on his drink.
"You are older than Legolas! My god, I didn't know he had a thing for older woman," he gasped.
"You have no idea. I was reluctant to begin a relationship with him but we were both young and naive. We have been through much together," I shared.
"I guessed from the way he speaks of you," he concluded.
"I'll leave you to your thoughts Master Dwarf. Good night."
I exited the hall into the fresh night air. I sensed Legolas standing outside and walked to him. He must have known I was there and turned around placing his cloak over my shoulders.
"Didn't feel being part of the crowd, eh?" I said.
"Not particularly, it is their victory, they should enjoy it." He placed his arms around me and I rested my head on his shoulder leaning into his body.
"What do the stars look like tonight, Legolas?" I pondered greatly desiring to look upon them.
"Still bright and beautiful. I did not mention that you look beautiful tonight."
He turned me around and kissed me thoroughly until we were both breathless. I reached up and traced the side of his jaw to his lips. I clasped both hands over his neck and rested my forehead to his. We listened to the sounds of night as we stood together in solitude.
"I think I am warm for the both of us. I should retire to bed. I share a room with Eowyn and some of the lord's wives." I said placing his cloak back on his shoulders.
"I will walk you back. I fear tomorrow will not be as peaceful."
I woke up before the sunrise and dressed back into my armour quietly not to disturb the others. I walked silently down the halls and found Gandalf smoking his pipe outside.
"Why are you up so early?" I asked.
"Stupid hobbit." He grumbled.
"What happened?" I questioned.
"Pippin looked into the palantir," he said.
"Is he alright?" I asked.
"Enough for he saw a glimpse of Sauron's plan and managed not to say anything about Frodo and the ring."
"What will you do?"
"Tell Theodon of my plans to ride to Minas Tirth to warn the Steward," he informed.
"Then I shall go with you, I will wait for you by the tombs," I said.
"Yes of course, will you not say goodbye?"
"It's best I don't."
I made my way through the stalls of the stable hearing Faerinelin's neigh. I stopped in front of him to behind his ears.
"Have they treated you kindly?" I asked.
He replied by nudging me with his nose. I laughed opening the stall door and leading him out by his reins.
"We ride out now, take me where the wind blows," I whispered in his ear.
He stomped his feet to signal that he understood but he also nudged me again. I instantly felt saddened for I did not wish this confrontation.
"You mean to leave without saying a word?" Legolas demanded.
"I must ride to Gondor with haste." I replied gripping onto the reins.
He drew closer until his face was inches from mine.
"You will come back to me," he said with such hope.
I reached my hand over to touch his cheek.
"Even in the darkest hour you must hold onto hope and love. Remember your oath," I said turning away.
Abruptly, he pulled me into his arms and crushed his lips to mine. I held onto him tightly clinging onto this last memory of us together. Quickly, I untangled myself from him and mounted my horse.
"Namaarie meleth-nin,"
With those last words I left.
Author's Note:
Palantir- eight seeing stones made by the elves to communicate over long distances.
Muinthel- sistermeleth-nin- my love
Namaarie meleth-nin- Farewell my love