THE SPACE BETWEEN
Author's note : Hello! Ok, I've decided to post this a bit earlier that I expected, I figured it takes me too long to update and this chapter was all done anyways so why make you wait even longer?
Alright, many many thanks to TreeHugger for your always kind reviews : ) Yes Makowyl's evil and well can Celeborn and Galadriel help him? I don't know… Yup he's a creep… I tried to make him as evil as possible, did it work?
So here it is, chapter six. I hope you like it well don't worry I said this was a sort of action/adventure fic, the action's coming soon… next chapter probably, that's when I'll finally get to the point (or start to…) Ciao!
Chapter Six
The Beautiful Goodbye
It was raining in Lórien, raining enough to depress even the most cheerful soul. Willow was lying on her bed, face in her hands staring at the rain falling down on the railing, her feet dangling off the edge. It was clear her mind was pondering something, for she bore a gloomy expression as she studied each droplet of rain falling from the skies above and hitting the ground.
"Now there's someone who seems miserable." Willow slightly jumped at the sudden intrusion in her chamber. Her glance swept across the room to face the friendly intruder at the threshold.
"Oh hello Haldir." She said sullenly as he gaze returned to the downfall.
Haldir silently invited himself in and sat next to his friend. "Now what is wrong? Are you so disconsolate because it rains? I know it is not the merriest of days, the sky is grey, there are clouds looming above us and it is hardly cause for mirth. Yet somehow I doubt the rain is the cause for your mournfulness."
Willow took her eyes away from the balcony and stared at the Elf. She shook her head with a frown. "You know they are leaving very soon, Lady Galadriel says it shall be in the morrow. "
Haldir thought for a moment. "Willow, did you truly believe they would remain here, in Lórien forever?
She sighed unhappily. "No, I do not know! I do not know what to believe. I was hoping never to see the dawn of the day they would depart."
"Then why are you here? Why are you not with the Prince and his new friend." The guardian of Lórien scowled at the thought of a Dwarf and an Elf to be friends. "Curious friends the Prince chooses."
Willow smiled "Are you criticising his choice of associations?" She asked, an eyebrow arched.
Haldir spoke sheepishly. "Well, no, I do not. Yet he is a Dwarf! Willow! A Dwarf! Can you imagine that!"
"Well Haldir, I suppose you would prefer the Prince befriending an Orc!"
He winced at the sound of an Elf and an Orc as friends, and he thought it was ridiculous of a Dwarf and an Elf! "Now Willow I never said that! You know very well how I respect Legolas!"
"Nevertheless. It would be a sight to see, do you not agree?" Willow's smile was wicked.
Haldir laughed. "Yes I do! However... Better him than me!" They both laughed at the concept.
"Well now Nin Mellon, I can see your frown has disappeared. Care to join me?" Said Haldir as he held out his hand.
This certainly wasn't the Haldir that was known in Lórien. To most inhabitants he was an arrogant, sceptical Elf, always questioning others. Somehow Willow had the habit of bringing out the best in most people.
"Very well. Where are we to go? If you have not noticed, it is raining outside."
Haldir looked at Willow with a smirk upon his lips. "You don't say! Really Willow has any one ever told you, you have a talent for pointing out the obvious?"
Willow shook her head. "No, not recently."
He laughed and the friends went out into the Hallways. "Well it seems now that the rain is slowly quieting down. We may yet to see the light of day. Now where are those friends of yours?"
"I know not. Maybe someplace dry."
"Yes that would be logical."
"Logical indeed. Tell me Haldir, if you knew of something, something awful, but there was no way for you to know it was true, would you speak of it?"
Haldir sighed as if thinking for a moment. It would not be unlike Willow to suddenly change a topic of conversation from something comical to something rather unpleasant. He always knew her to be erratic and spontaneous.
"I suppose it depends on what is this something and who it may concern. Willow are you trying to say something?"
"I don't know." Willow's response was almost frightful.
"You confuse me at times you know?"
"Sometimes I confuse myself."
"Very well, I suggest if we are to find the Prince and his friends, the best place to start at would be-"
"Haldir! If you would please come with me! Your presence is requested with the Lord and myself" Lórien's guardian was interrupted by Lady Galadriel.
"Yes of course my Lady." He said graciously bowing before the Lady of Light. He turned to Willow "I trust you are capable of finding your friends."
"Of course Haldir. You were most helpful I thank you." In a ridiculous gesture, she bowed graciously, a smirk dressing her face.
"Oh go away!" Laughed the guard as he went forth with the Lady Galadriel.
Thinking of what the Lady could have possibly planned for the Fellowship, Willow drifted among the tall Mallorns, the rain barely falling above a whisper. She had a feeling, since it was a dangerous journey, the Lord and Lady would speak to them words of cautions and perhaps help them on their way. Suddenly two strong arms wrapped themselves around Willow's waist and a soft velvety voice whispered in her ear. "Looking for someone?"
She turned briskly to face Legolas. She smiled as she kissed his nose. "I have been looking for you!"
"Well look no more, I am here! What is your heart's desire? You know, I have come to the realisation that I was born to gift you with all you do not have."
Willow shook her head. "What I desire? Hmm. I desire for you to stay here with me."
Legolas' eyes saddened. "You know I cannot stay. As much as I want to, I cannot. I must go."
Willow lowered her eyes. "I know. I was hoping that was different. I imagine that has not changed."
The Prince nodded. "No."
There was a rustling in the leaves behind where the Prince had surprised his beloved. A few moments later a man and a dwarf emerged from the trees behind them.
"Master Legolas, we were wondering where you had gone to."
"I am here Master Gimli." Replied the Elf softly.
Gimli nudged Aragorn in the elbow. "I think we have disturbed them." He whispered into his ear.
"I think not Nin Mellon. We were about to join you, is that not so Melamin?" Said Legolas, the last part directed to the Elf adjacent to him. They began to walk down an illuminated path leading towards the Edge of Lothlórien.
"Yes, yes of course. So tell me, Master Dwarf, how do you find the Golden Woods of Lothlórien?"
The dwarf smiled at the mere though of his brief visit. "Incredible! I have never imagined myself in such a place, much less such a place belonging to Elves!"
Willow laughed, her eyebrow arched. "I see. I know the Lady Galadriel has spoken a word or two on your behalf."
At the sound of the Lady Galadriel, Gimli's eyes grew wide and pure amazement flickered in his pupils. The others laughed as well only to Gimli's dismay.
In an attempt to alleviate the dwarf's embarrassment, Aragorn shifted the conversation. "Speaking of the Lady and the Lord, we have not seen them since our arrival, some time ago. I believe we shall be summoned to their chamber after sundown. The others know not of this, the Lady addressed me of it not long ago. Would you by any chance know what is there for us to expect?"
Willow shrugged. "No, not at all. You are far more curious than I believed Aragorn. The Lady has spoken of such a gathering but to what purpose I know not. She has promised to speak of it before long. Do not worry, I am certain it shall be beneficial to your quest." She breathed in Legolas so only he understood the following words. "To which I do not wish for you to go."
The Prince gave her a peculiar glance.
"Well I am afraid I must take leave, if you will join me anon, Melamin." Willow took her leave and left the three hunters to themselves.
Just so happened, later that evening long after the sun went down and Frodo and Sam had peered in the Mirror of Galadriel, the Fellowship was summoned to Celeborn's chamber were he held a lengthy discussion of their departure. With him were the Lady Galadriel, Willow and Haldir standing by their side. They remained impassive and silent, while the Lord and Lady held the conversation.
The Fellowship was uncertain of its next course of action. Where were they to go? They had yet to choose a suitable route for them to follow. Celeborn gifted them with boats to be handled by Legolas, Boromir and Aragorn. It was taken to heart for the Lord to help the travellers in every way possible. After a few words of encouragement, the Company took their leave for the night. Legolas followed them for they had many more matters to discuss for the fate of the Fellowship. For the first time during their stay he was following them to their pavilion, but it was not there he intended to spend the night.
Once the Company had left, Celeborn and Galadriel turned to Haldir and Willow. "Now, since the Fellowship is departing in the morrow, there is much we need to devise for their treacherous journey."
The two younger Elves nodded. Together the four Elves spent the better part of the night making preparations for the inevitable passing.
The Fellowship had discussed their future road to no avail. Boromir was the last to speak, but very few caught his words. Merry and Pippin had long fallen asleep, while Sam was nodding away. Aragorn was deep in thought, while Legolas sought a way to get out. Finally all went to sleep. After asserting all were deep in rest, Legolas soundlessly crept away from the pavilion and headed in the direction of the large helan where awaited his beloved. Arriving at her door he did not have the occasion to knock, for it creaked open and two slender arms wrapped themselves around his neck. Willow rested her head on his shoulder and closed her eyes, relishing his presence.
"Don't leave tomorrow, please?" She whimpered in his ear, pulling him into her room.
He pulled back to stare at her straight in the eye. "You know I cannot. I cannot let the Ringbearer down. I am needed. I hope you understand."
"I need you! Why did you return here after so long, only to be taken away again? Please say you'll stay. Don't leave me know, stay with me. Please?" She pleaded, holding his hands in hers.
The Prince nodded sadly, pressing his hands firmly against her shoulders. "If you knew how much I want to! It would be a betrayal to the Fellowship if I stayed, even if no commitment was asked of us. I swore to myself I would not abandon them. And I am not abandoning you either, my Dearest. I promise you as long as the sun and the moon and the stars endure, I shall not fail you. I will come back and when I do, I shall never leave your side!"
Willow fell back into his warm embrace. "Promise me you shall come back. I shall await your return with insatiable impatience. I'll be waiting for you."
Legolas had not slept at all through the night; his eyes did not pull away from the ceiling, his mind pondering many troubling questions. The thought of him leaving that day did not appeal to him any more than it seemed to please Willow or the rest of the Company for that matter. He had no choice. Despite what Lord Elrond had said, Legolas vowed to himself to follow until the end, or so he hoped. Lost in his thoughts, Legolas did not hear right away soft moans coming from the Elf besides him. It hit him like a brick in the head.
Willow began stirring in her nightmare and her lips were moving. Legolas could discern a few words. "Pain and death..." were the words that came from her lips. These frightened the Prince so he sought to stir her awake.
"Willow! Wil, wake up! You're dreaming." Finally her eyes fluttered open, glazed with the remnant fear from her agitated dream.
"What? What is it?" She said as she slowly took in her surroundings.
Legolas laid a warm hand on her shoulder. "You were dreaming."
"Oh." Said Willow calmly.
"What did you dream of? You were speaking. You said something about Pain and Death, what could this mean?"
Willow glanced at her beloved sadly. "I know not. I fear something terrible shall come to pass to you and the others. What it is, I cannot tell. There were words spoken in my dream:
One shall rise
As another falls.
He who has fallen shall arise
Once more from the Shadow.
Your eyes will deceive you
See not what your heart tells you;
For the heart is treacherous
And shall lead you to doom
Oh Legolas! I see your future! Pain and Death is what you shall know!"
Legolas was taken aback by what she told him. It was not just what she had dreamt, but the warning Lady Galadriel had given him so long ago was ringing in his ears. Could she truly tell the future? Legolas knew the Lady had certain powers to do so, but he was never certain. He always feared that aspect of the Lady. He did not enjoy meddling into her 'magical' affairs. Now his Willow was the prophet, and a prophet of doom at that!
"Willow, how can you be certain of this? What causes you to believe such evil tidings? If this is your way of swaying me from the Fellowship!"
"I assure you! I wish it were. I felt it, Legolas!" She exclaimed. Suddenly she doubled over as if she was in anguish, it was almost as if a sword was drawn in her chest. " Pain and death, so much pain... too much pain to bear..."
Legolas took her by the shoulders and held her in his grasp for a few moments. "Whatever it is, Melamin, I cannot be swayed. If pain and death is to come upon us, then it shall. There is nothing you can do."
"But Legolas! One of you shall die! What if it is you? What if?"
The Prince attempted to reassure her. "What if it is not I and out of fear of what may be, I stay here? What if it is the Ring bearer? Then what of our mission? It shall fail if death comes upon Master Frodo. And if I stay, all blame shall rest upon my shoulders. Could you live with that? Could I live with the fact that Middle Earth shall be ruined because I sought to save myself?"
Willow stared at him speechless, her mouth hanging open waiting for words to come out. They did not.
"I did not imagine so. Please, Willow, please. I ask of you, please, understand why I have to go?"
She lowered her eyes and whispered in the softest voice. "Yes" Then she looked up, her eyes gleaming. "Then if you cannot stay, take me with you!"
Legolas stared at her disbelieving what his pointed ears told him. "What?"
"Legolas! Let me come! I know I can help you! I can feel it."
The Prince shook his head completely dismissing the idea. "No! There is no way for this to come to be! You know not what you speak of! You cannot know what peril you would subject yourself to! I could not and would not with all my might, allow it!"
Willow replied. "It would be the same peril you cast upon yourself. There is no difference. Where you go, I shall go. The danger you shall face, I shall face it with you. Legolas, I feel that I must come. It is important, I sense that you shall need me, I know not how, I know not when, but you shall."
"No! That is out of the question!" He turned his back on her is a gesture to show he did not want any part of this. "I could not allow any danger to come to you. If harm should fall upon you, I know not what I would do." His voice softened at the last sentence.
Willow placed a hand on his shoulder. "How do you believe I would feel. I would surely die! It would be better for us to face danger together! One cannot live without the other, surely the death of one means the death of both. We are one, do you not remember? 'You and I are one, whatever happens to you happens to me.' That is what you said so long ago. Do you remember or has your memory gone astray?"
"Yes, I do remember. I am sorry Willow, there is nothing that shall convince me to have you accompany the Fellowship. It is no use to squander your thoughts so. It shall never happen." He brushed a strand of hair from her face, and let his fingers lay at the base of her chin.
Willow's face turned to a frown and she stretched her arms before him. They remained in each other's embrace until dawn, where the Prince left to meet the Fellowship where they received gifts of Lembas and cloaks of the Galadhrim, which change colour according to the surroundings.
Haldir let the company out of Caras Galadhon, towards their newly gifted boats, where they were entered the boats and made their way through the Silverlode. They could hear Lady Galadriel's sweet singing. One the water the company met a swan like boat carrying the Lord and Lady who bid them to join them for a last feast. Willow was among them, not one instant did she stray from Legolas' side. Again their, their further road was discussed, but to no avail. Aragorn only knew he was leading them down the Anduin until a decision was made.
Galadriel, then offered them each gifts of parting. Each of the remaining nine stood before the Lord and Lady and came forward as Galadriel called them for. The Lady had noticed that during most of the feast, Pippin could not keep his eyes off Willow. She smiled to herself and when it was time for him to find his gift she bid Willow to give it to him. The young Elf did so, willingly. She handed Pippin his silver belt bearing a golden flower clasp. As she leaned over to give him his belt, Willow kissed his gently on the forehead. Pippin did not expect such a gift from the Elf he admired upon entering Lórien, he blushed to the ears, a dazed smile on his face. Aragorn who witnessed the event laughed to himself, as did Legolas.
The days he spent with the High Elves lightened the Prince's spirit and the Hobbit and the dwarf for that fact less irritated him. Willow also gifted Legolas. With cheerless eyes, she gave him his long bow and quiver of arrows. He accepted the gift graciously and promptly ignored his beloved to examine his new toy with amazement.
As Frodo received his gift, the light of Eärendil, he heard a soft velvety voice in his mind. "Come to me and I shall gift you with the gift of strength of the spirit." He understood whom it was that spoke to him. As he turned away from the Lady, he glanced forward to Willow and nodded in agreement. She acknowledged his nod and pointed towards an opening away from the others. He followed her there.
"What do you wish of me, milady?" He asked his innocent eyes beaming with curiosity.
Willow curled down to his height. "To give you this." She took out a small vial with a clear shining blue liquid and handed it to him.
Frodo stared at it with amazement. "What it is?" He asked.
"It is an elixir that renews strength. It is said it was given to my parents, many thousand years ago. This is some of it. It was given to me by Lord Celeborn. Use it well and worry not, your remain constantly in our thoughts. May Elebereth keep you safe." She said tenderly as he passed her hand around the curls on the edge of his face.
Frodo bowed slightly and thanked her. "Many thanks, milady. I hope we shall meet again."
"Yes, let us hope it is under better circumstances where death and evil lurk in every corner."
Frodo smiled. "Yes, perhaps in our dreams."
Willow laughed. "Yes of course, our dreams. Mayhap we shall see each other soon in that case."
They both left the clearing to rejoin the Fellowship. Frodo went to his friends who were marvelling at their gifts. Legolas was still admiring his bow, pulling on the string, testing its strength. He notched an arrow and fired, nodding contently at the results. Willow sighed impatiently and ushered Legolas away from the others. She starred at the buttons on his tunic as she spoke to him.
"I suppose this is good bye then." She said sadly. Legolas lifted her chin and smiled sadly.
"Do not despair, Little One. I shall come back to you, I promise. Every day I thought of you and every day I shall think of you. You always remain in my thoughts and in my heart." He said taking her gentle hand and pressing it against his heart.
She sniffled and attempted to stop the stubborn tears from falling. "Promise me, you will come back. Promise me this, always remember, I await you with growing impatience. I shall be restless until you return."
"I shall return to you. I swear! Do not lose hope, do not lose your dreams!" He released her hand and brushed her face softly. "I shall miss your sweet face, you eyes, those beautiful eyes. Do you know how much I adore them?"
"No." She answered shaking her head.
"I love them almost as much as I love you."
They kissed one last time before they heard Aragorn calling out his name.
"I must go now. Keep a candle burning for me and I dream of the day where I shall kiss those sweet lips again."
"Go, be in peace. May Elebereth guide you and shine on you. May the Valar keep you all alive! I shall never stop waiting for you. The candle shall burn eternally if needed. Namarië!"
"Namarië!" He gave her one last look and fled towards the boat, fighting off the tears his beloved could not hold back. Of all the times he bid his love farewell, this was the hardest time. He slipped in the boat with Gimli and the provisions. The Fellowship gave their many thanks and farewells to the Lord and Lady and they were off down the Anduin.
Lady Galadriel watched the small boats as they washed away towards the Anduin. Willow stood silently beside her. Without turning her face to look at her, Galadriel spoke.
"You feel as though you must go with them, do you not?"
Keeping her eyes on the shrinking boats, Willow replied. "Yes."
Galadriel's voice was deep and velvety when she spoke next. "Then you know what you must do."
In the distant wind, a sweet voice was carried in the air, the Fellowship could discern the mystical Lady of Lórien singing softly. Before they knew it, the magical golden Woods of Lothlórien were nothing more than a dream swept away into the current.