A/N: Right off the bat, I will not claim that I know anything about proper
conjugation and grammar in Latin or Elvish; so if the phrases you find
below are incorrect, I apologize. Thanks go to Matt and Jenny for semi-
kicking me in the ass to get to writing.
Chapter 19: An End of a Journey, The Start of Many Others
"Time is the fire in which we burn."
Many events took place before nightfall, and not all were pleasant. There was a meeting with the ancient Treebeard after the incident in the Tower. Legolas and Gimli had been granted access into Fangorn Forest to explore, whenever the opportunity came up. The elf and the dwarf had become very close friends, to the surprise of all. They now had a deal, that once the Ring was destroyed, and this mission was truly over, they would visit the caves at Helm's Deep that Gimli had fallen in love with and then they would travel Fangorn, the forest Legolas was now in love with. Rhiannon and Brhagdan had chosen to ride with Gandalf and company, to be in a large group for camping through the night. Even though this decision would cause Rhiannon and Brhagdan to go out of their way, costing a least another day of riding, they would not ready to leave their friends and advisers yet. Brhagdan may have been ready to travel to Lorien and then to Mirkwood as Gandalf had told them to, but he was aware of his sister's reluctance to live the group she had known for some time now. After a spot was picked for the camp and the night had fallen, Legolas pulled Rhiannon off to the side, to have their final talk before their long separation.
**
Rhiannon grasped Legolas' hands as he pulled her farther into the dark night, not so far that help could not reach them, but far enough so the Men of Rohan could not overhear their conversation. Legolas came to an abrupt stop, causing Rhiannon to tumble into him, while being almost full-elf; she did have many moments of human grace. Luckily for Rhiannon, the darkness hid most of her embarrassment; and as was customary for her, she used humor to hide her true feelings.
"Legolas, you are aware that my brother and mostly everyone else will get quite the wrong impression about this."
"And what impression would that be? Do you think I truly brought you all the way out here to talk?"
Rhiannon's jaw dropped in a very comical gesture, "Why, you conniving little, oh my, you are just so, ugh!"
Legolas laughed, it was fun being bound to her, she provided so much humorous entertainment. "I assure you, Rhiannon, I bring you out here in the noblest of intentions. Odd that you can dole out humor and insinuating remarks to others, but can not handle them when they come to you. Truly, it surprises me that one who has lived for nine-hundred years is still so..innocent when it comes to those ways."
"I am from a different culture, elf. You seem to forget that. And for most of my life, particularly before and after my engagement to Elrond's son, Elladan, I thought to take a position in the temple that Cerethena helps to run. To be blessed with being far-removed from males of your kind."
"If I was not able to see your true thoughts, I would be insulted by that remark. Although I wonder, who is Cerethena?"
"Brhagdan's mother, the Priestess."
"Your teacher?" He asked
"That and much more." Rhiannon affirmatively replied.
His questions continued, his curiosity raised, "What of your own mother?"
"She left when I was still a child. It was very difficult for her to be separated from her homeland, so she returned to Middle Earth and then passed over the Sea."
"My mother was said to do the same, although no one truly knows. She seems to have just disappeared according to my father; there is no real mention of her at my home." Rhiannon was silent, Legolas had never truly spoken of his mother, the mother she knew he so resembled, even if he did not realize it.
"Perhaps she had a duty that needed to be fulfilled."
"She did, it was called being a mother." There was an obvious sign of bitterness in his voice.
"Legolas, me amicus, trust the words I am about to say to you. Sometimes, often, people are forced to leave those they love. They do not have a choice in the matter. Many occurrences can pull people apart; duty being one of the most important. I am sure your mother did not leave her son, her husband, and her people willingly."
"Your mother did."
"My mother would have died of grief if she stayed in my homeland much longer. Your mother had a greater duty to fulfill."
"And how do you know this? You have never been to my homeland; I have never told you these things."
Rhiannon placed a small hand on his shoulder, "Legolas, you must trust me on this. We are bonded, entwined, whichever term you choose to define it. I have seen parts of your past, your memories that lie long forgotten in your mind. You, being an elf, are denied a time to dream, to truly rest your mind and let things long passed and forgotten make themselves known. However, memories do not die. They may be forgotten, they may never be uncovered by the holder of the memory again, but they do not die. I saw, through you, the day your mother left. That was not a person willingly leaving all she loved beyond, that was a person going to do her duty to this world. No matter how we like to believe it does not, duty conquers love more often than not. It is a sad reality, but when the livelihood of a whole people rests on your shoulders, on your tasks, then you can not, in good faith, ignore your duty for love, for family. It is not fair, but I have learned, especially in my months in this world, that life is often not fair. It is not fair to us, to be chosen for each other without having any say in the matter. What is between us is not a betrothal; it can not be broken, barring death. It is not fair that we had no say in the matter, but it is over. Were you not, just this very day, informing me that we cannot control our futures, nor our pasts, so why worry about it? Why hold this grudge you have in your heart towards your mother, and that you still carry towards me for seeing the things you do not wish for me to know or for you to remember?"
Legolas nodded his golden head, knowing Rhiannon was correct, and marveling at the change that came over her as she spoke. He was now looking into the creature he had first met. A creature that he could not help but be intrigued by. A creature that knew more about life, about living, then he would ever come to realize. There was still so much he did not know, and so much he needed to. He would not spend this last night with silly questions about her homeland; he would spend it deciding on what they would do during the coming separation. But first..
***
Rhiannon's mind had wandered off to that place where she was not aware of her surroundings, where all her thoughts seemed to come together. This was until she felt the soft pressure of Legolas' lips against her own. She was startled at first, not expecting that action and yet knowing she should. The light fingers that traced the lines of her face, as if to memorize them caused a small gasp to come from her throat, not expecting such a gentle action. Legolas took advantage of her sudden action and lightly nibbled on her now accessible bottom lip, lightly taking it between his teeth as he pulled back for one final kiss. A devilish smile lighting up his face as he saw his innocent part-elven's reaction.
Rhiannon was repeating another mantra within her head, starting to realize that insanity must have plagued someone in her family at one time and was now being passed to her. "Breathe, Rhiannon, just breathe. There you go, air into lungs, elf is done using you for a snack. Do not smack him that was not meant to be insulting. Probably meant to be seductive or romantic. Might have helped if you reacted. You may want to open your eyes now; can't have the elf thinking he had that much of an effect on you." Rhiannon, after her small moment of personal counseling, opened her eyes. "That was a bit forward."
Legolas shook his head, "Not in the least. I could show you."
Rhiannon raised a hand, "I do not even want to know. Do not go back to camp with what just happened on your mind. My soul mate or not, Brhagdan will snap your neck."
A haughty look came over the elf's face, "You think he is fast enough for that."
Rhiannon performed her familiar action of tilting her head and arching a brow, "I know he is. Brhagdan did not just impress the elves of Lorien because of his different coloring. He has many skills, and just because you were once in the position of attacker towards him, does not mean you have any idea of my brother's abilities."
A question that had been plaguing Legolas' mind since meeting Brhagdan was answered by Rhiannon before he even had the chance to voice it.
She nodded her head, "Yes, my brother is immortal. It comes from both our father and his mother. No, she is not of elven-blood, and does not have any in her line. One day, elf, I will open your eyes to all that is out there, all that lies beyond the Elven Realms."
"I am starting to doubt who is the innocent and who is the experienced one here."
"That, my dear elf, is the sign of a wise mind."
Their discussion continued for some time, finishing with Rhiannon noting that she should get some rest, and Legolas asking her to deliver a message of greeting to his father.
***
Rhiannon lay sleeping between her brother and Legolas. She had not been sleeping peacefully, in fact for the last few moments she had been tossing and turning. Legolas reached to wake her, but Brhagdan motioned him to stop.
"She is probably getting a vision, let it finish." There was a commotion then, Gandalf yelling, an argument.
"What is it?" Brhagdan asked as Legolas jumped up, pulling his riding tunic on.
"Someone stole that ball, a seeing stone, a palantir; it appears to be young Pippin. Wake Rhiannon now, and then follow me."
**
Rhiannon's vision, a dark one filled with Orcs in a forest she had not seen, a blood-stained brownish-green tunic, a palace in a cave and many other things that made little sense, was interrupted by her brother shaking her. There was commotion all throughout the camp. Gandalf was yelling something about the Enemy knowing where they were, that they all must pack- up and ride away.
"Frater (brother), what happened?"
"Pippin picked up that stone, a seeing stone, something that starts with a "P," I'm not sure what. However, the enemy is able to witness where we are. We must go, get your pack and into more suitable riding clothes, I believe we are leaving for Lorien before the dawn."
Rhiannon nodded and quickly did as her brother stated. Hurrying after him as she tried to tie her hair behind her head, finally revealing to all there what she truly looked like when her cloaked-hood and hair did not hide her face. Those that perceived her semi-ethereal qualities did not seem that surprised, however most were too startled to notice. She reached the group of advisers, Aragorn, Theoden, and Gandalf just as they stated their different routes. Gandalf would be riding off with Pippin, Theoden would be taking Eomer and ten riders with him to Helm's Deep. The rest were to follow Aragorn. Suddenly, a darkness fell over the camp, blocking both moonlight and starlight. There was a screeching, the most terrible sound Rhiannon had ever heard. It caused her insides to freeze; she could taste her fear in her mouth. This was darkness and this was evil that lived on, and it could be felt by all. She was to find out, from the word "Nazgul" that Gandalf yelled, that this winged darkness was a messenger of Mordor. There was an immediate call to ride, to get away from the camp as fast as possible. Gandalf's last order to her and Brhagdan was to get to Lorien as fast as possible. She exchanged a very quick farewell with Aragorn, and when she felt their small connection as they held hands, she smiled. When she saw him again.well, that was a thought for another time. Now Aragorn was to be the leader that he truly was, but had too much fear to be. Now, he did not have a choice. Rhiannon raced through the camp as Brhagdan went to prepare their horses, she found Gimli and gave him a quick kiss on the forehead, knowing she would miss her partner in sarcastic and off-side comments. He yelled after her to be careful with the horse as she ran, once again, trying to find Legolas, to say farewell. Being the stubborn one he was, he found her.
"All your running around has made it very difficult to get to you."
"I needed to say goodbye."
"You are leaving at this very moment?"
"Yes, Brhagdan most likely has the horses ready by now."
Legolas nodded. He leaned forward, placing soft kisses on her forehead, and then her left and right cheek as if blessing her, anointing her. Another soft kiss was placed on her lips, and then for laughter's sake, on her nose.
"Be safe. It is a long road to Lorien, and the forests of Mirkwood hold many dark and evil things. My father is also very temperamental. Please, do not anger him. I do not want to come back to Mirkwood and find you locked in a dungeon."
Rhiannon laughed. "Thank you, I needed that."
"You will contact me?"
"I do not think I have much of a choice."
Legolas nodded, "Then I bid thee farewell. Be careful."
"And the same to you. Venienti occurrite morbo. Vade in pace."
"What did you say?"
"Meet the mis ortune as it comes. Go in peace."
"That is awfully sad."
"It is awfully true."
Both turned their heads as Brhagdan yelled for his younger sister.
"There is never enough time to say all I wish to you, Rhiannon. I am always rushed. However, Tenna' ento lye omenta, a'maelamin, quel marth." (Until next we meet, my beloved, good luck).
"And that means?"
"Ask the Lady, she will know. It is just a farewell. You need to learn Elvish."
"Your last parting shot, my friend?"
"I will not see you for some time, it was needed."
Rhiannon gave another laugh, and then mounted the horse Brhagdan now held the reins to in front of her. Amazingly, she did this without hurting herself. Rhiannon knew that the Elvish words Legolas whispered to the horse was the reason why this was such. Brhagdan than said a final good-bye to all and brother and sister rode at an rapid pace towards the Golden Wood.
**
Rhiannon and Brhagdan took rest, not being able to see in the thick darkness that blanketed the world. Brhagdan was muttering softly, an ancient spell his mother had taught him, how to create fire that illuminates but does not burn. She watched in fascination as Brhagdan placed what looked like a handful of flames onto a group of rocks. She fondly remembered trying to learn that spell; unfortunately it was not that long after her own powers first started to take hold of her. She had almost burned the temple down; her first archery lesson was perfection compared to that. Rhiannon took in a deep breath, trying to let the fresh night air cure some of the weariness that rested within her soul; weariness she feared would never disappear. She closed her eyes and leaned her head against the closest patch of rocks. They were no where near their intended destination after a full day of riding. Lorien was very far off, and after they reached that realm, they were to somehow cross the Anduin and go to Mirkwood. Gandalf had felt they were needed there, knowing that Mirkwood and the northern borders of Lorien were soon to come under attack as the darkness in Mordor increased in strength. Rhiannon was both excited and terrified to set foot in the dark woods of Mirkwood. It would be good to see Lostladion again. Shame came over her as she forgot her first ally when she was on her way to Rivendell. She realized that many things in her life had been put out of priority in these past few weeks. She had not spared many thoughts for those that she had met along this journey, those that she knew and had left in Rivendell. She could not even recall the last time she had spared a thought and a prayer for dear Frodo and loveable Sam; the two that had the toughest burden out of them all. "Have I really been that self- involved?" She asked to no one in particular.
"Yes." Her brother playfully answered, "You have been a horrible person, Rhiannon. You have not spared thoughts for those that you are not in immediate contact with. You have been living in your present, focusing solely on each task ahead of you so as not to lose your sanity. I am truly disgusted to know you."
"Thank you for the brotherly love, I feel much better now." Rhiannon sniffled, marveling at the fact that she was crying again, for the second time in two days. It was as if she was becoming fully human.
Brhagdan read her thoughts again, "You are not, you stupid cow. You just feel everybody's emotions, their pain. I'm surprised you did not faint at Helm's Deep with all the emotions there. The desperation, the fear, how did you stay standing and focused to fight back?"
"I blocked every thing out."
"And when did you learn to do that?"
Rhiannon thought for a moment, "I do not remember every learning that. I have always been taught by Cerethena to feel the emotions of others to help them, not to fight them."
"Ah, then it was the elf's doing."
"He does have a name, Brhagdan."
"Yes, he does. I just do not like him."
"And why is this?"
"He is another warrior prince. Did you not learn your lesson the first time?" Brhagdan's voice was harsher then he meant for it to be. However, Elladan had caused a large blow to be suffered by his sister's pride and heart. She had never truly loved Elladan that was clear; if she had she would not be in front of him right now. However she had been hurt, badly. She had been rejected, for whatever reason Elladan had seen fit. And yet, it was bound to happen. She was not meant for that elf, it had been clear from the beginning. Rhiannon was just so happy to be around males that were not scared off by her magical capabilities. It was a scary thing to know that if your wife tried hard enough, she could turn you to ashes in the blink of an eye. Rhiannon would never do such a thing; she did not believe that any power should be used for destruction. She was very peace loving, and yet she had one of the harshest anger streaks he had ever seen in a person. You did not hurt Rhiannon's family, those she loved, and the payment she extracted was higher than most anyone could afford to pay. He knew something was not right with his sister, something had been wrong since that horrible vision from a few nights ago, one she would not share with him. Brhagdan realized his sister was starting to come into her own, and with that came more power than most would know how to deal with. It was tragic really, to be a vessel of magic in a world where magic was starting to fade. Brhagdan watched his younger sister until she fell asleep; this time it was restful, the fresh air, so far removed from the destruction of Isengard, aiding her in the peaceful sleep she sought. In three days they should be in Lorien. More answers may lie there, of course, more puzzles were sure to occur.
Chapter 19: An End of a Journey, The Start of Many Others
"Time is the fire in which we burn."
Many events took place before nightfall, and not all were pleasant. There was a meeting with the ancient Treebeard after the incident in the Tower. Legolas and Gimli had been granted access into Fangorn Forest to explore, whenever the opportunity came up. The elf and the dwarf had become very close friends, to the surprise of all. They now had a deal, that once the Ring was destroyed, and this mission was truly over, they would visit the caves at Helm's Deep that Gimli had fallen in love with and then they would travel Fangorn, the forest Legolas was now in love with. Rhiannon and Brhagdan had chosen to ride with Gandalf and company, to be in a large group for camping through the night. Even though this decision would cause Rhiannon and Brhagdan to go out of their way, costing a least another day of riding, they would not ready to leave their friends and advisers yet. Brhagdan may have been ready to travel to Lorien and then to Mirkwood as Gandalf had told them to, but he was aware of his sister's reluctance to live the group she had known for some time now. After a spot was picked for the camp and the night had fallen, Legolas pulled Rhiannon off to the side, to have their final talk before their long separation.
**
Rhiannon grasped Legolas' hands as he pulled her farther into the dark night, not so far that help could not reach them, but far enough so the Men of Rohan could not overhear their conversation. Legolas came to an abrupt stop, causing Rhiannon to tumble into him, while being almost full-elf; she did have many moments of human grace. Luckily for Rhiannon, the darkness hid most of her embarrassment; and as was customary for her, she used humor to hide her true feelings.
"Legolas, you are aware that my brother and mostly everyone else will get quite the wrong impression about this."
"And what impression would that be? Do you think I truly brought you all the way out here to talk?"
Rhiannon's jaw dropped in a very comical gesture, "Why, you conniving little, oh my, you are just so, ugh!"
Legolas laughed, it was fun being bound to her, she provided so much humorous entertainment. "I assure you, Rhiannon, I bring you out here in the noblest of intentions. Odd that you can dole out humor and insinuating remarks to others, but can not handle them when they come to you. Truly, it surprises me that one who has lived for nine-hundred years is still so..innocent when it comes to those ways."
"I am from a different culture, elf. You seem to forget that. And for most of my life, particularly before and after my engagement to Elrond's son, Elladan, I thought to take a position in the temple that Cerethena helps to run. To be blessed with being far-removed from males of your kind."
"If I was not able to see your true thoughts, I would be insulted by that remark. Although I wonder, who is Cerethena?"
"Brhagdan's mother, the Priestess."
"Your teacher?" He asked
"That and much more." Rhiannon affirmatively replied.
His questions continued, his curiosity raised, "What of your own mother?"
"She left when I was still a child. It was very difficult for her to be separated from her homeland, so she returned to Middle Earth and then passed over the Sea."
"My mother was said to do the same, although no one truly knows. She seems to have just disappeared according to my father; there is no real mention of her at my home." Rhiannon was silent, Legolas had never truly spoken of his mother, the mother she knew he so resembled, even if he did not realize it.
"Perhaps she had a duty that needed to be fulfilled."
"She did, it was called being a mother." There was an obvious sign of bitterness in his voice.
"Legolas, me amicus, trust the words I am about to say to you. Sometimes, often, people are forced to leave those they love. They do not have a choice in the matter. Many occurrences can pull people apart; duty being one of the most important. I am sure your mother did not leave her son, her husband, and her people willingly."
"Your mother did."
"My mother would have died of grief if she stayed in my homeland much longer. Your mother had a greater duty to fulfill."
"And how do you know this? You have never been to my homeland; I have never told you these things."
Rhiannon placed a small hand on his shoulder, "Legolas, you must trust me on this. We are bonded, entwined, whichever term you choose to define it. I have seen parts of your past, your memories that lie long forgotten in your mind. You, being an elf, are denied a time to dream, to truly rest your mind and let things long passed and forgotten make themselves known. However, memories do not die. They may be forgotten, they may never be uncovered by the holder of the memory again, but they do not die. I saw, through you, the day your mother left. That was not a person willingly leaving all she loved beyond, that was a person going to do her duty to this world. No matter how we like to believe it does not, duty conquers love more often than not. It is a sad reality, but when the livelihood of a whole people rests on your shoulders, on your tasks, then you can not, in good faith, ignore your duty for love, for family. It is not fair, but I have learned, especially in my months in this world, that life is often not fair. It is not fair to us, to be chosen for each other without having any say in the matter. What is between us is not a betrothal; it can not be broken, barring death. It is not fair that we had no say in the matter, but it is over. Were you not, just this very day, informing me that we cannot control our futures, nor our pasts, so why worry about it? Why hold this grudge you have in your heart towards your mother, and that you still carry towards me for seeing the things you do not wish for me to know or for you to remember?"
Legolas nodded his golden head, knowing Rhiannon was correct, and marveling at the change that came over her as she spoke. He was now looking into the creature he had first met. A creature that he could not help but be intrigued by. A creature that knew more about life, about living, then he would ever come to realize. There was still so much he did not know, and so much he needed to. He would not spend this last night with silly questions about her homeland; he would spend it deciding on what they would do during the coming separation. But first..
***
Rhiannon's mind had wandered off to that place where she was not aware of her surroundings, where all her thoughts seemed to come together. This was until she felt the soft pressure of Legolas' lips against her own. She was startled at first, not expecting that action and yet knowing she should. The light fingers that traced the lines of her face, as if to memorize them caused a small gasp to come from her throat, not expecting such a gentle action. Legolas took advantage of her sudden action and lightly nibbled on her now accessible bottom lip, lightly taking it between his teeth as he pulled back for one final kiss. A devilish smile lighting up his face as he saw his innocent part-elven's reaction.
Rhiannon was repeating another mantra within her head, starting to realize that insanity must have plagued someone in her family at one time and was now being passed to her. "Breathe, Rhiannon, just breathe. There you go, air into lungs, elf is done using you for a snack. Do not smack him that was not meant to be insulting. Probably meant to be seductive or romantic. Might have helped if you reacted. You may want to open your eyes now; can't have the elf thinking he had that much of an effect on you." Rhiannon, after her small moment of personal counseling, opened her eyes. "That was a bit forward."
Legolas shook his head, "Not in the least. I could show you."
Rhiannon raised a hand, "I do not even want to know. Do not go back to camp with what just happened on your mind. My soul mate or not, Brhagdan will snap your neck."
A haughty look came over the elf's face, "You think he is fast enough for that."
Rhiannon performed her familiar action of tilting her head and arching a brow, "I know he is. Brhagdan did not just impress the elves of Lorien because of his different coloring. He has many skills, and just because you were once in the position of attacker towards him, does not mean you have any idea of my brother's abilities."
A question that had been plaguing Legolas' mind since meeting Brhagdan was answered by Rhiannon before he even had the chance to voice it.
She nodded her head, "Yes, my brother is immortal. It comes from both our father and his mother. No, she is not of elven-blood, and does not have any in her line. One day, elf, I will open your eyes to all that is out there, all that lies beyond the Elven Realms."
"I am starting to doubt who is the innocent and who is the experienced one here."
"That, my dear elf, is the sign of a wise mind."
Their discussion continued for some time, finishing with Rhiannon noting that she should get some rest, and Legolas asking her to deliver a message of greeting to his father.
***
Rhiannon lay sleeping between her brother and Legolas. She had not been sleeping peacefully, in fact for the last few moments she had been tossing and turning. Legolas reached to wake her, but Brhagdan motioned him to stop.
"She is probably getting a vision, let it finish." There was a commotion then, Gandalf yelling, an argument.
"What is it?" Brhagdan asked as Legolas jumped up, pulling his riding tunic on.
"Someone stole that ball, a seeing stone, a palantir; it appears to be young Pippin. Wake Rhiannon now, and then follow me."
**
Rhiannon's vision, a dark one filled with Orcs in a forest she had not seen, a blood-stained brownish-green tunic, a palace in a cave and many other things that made little sense, was interrupted by her brother shaking her. There was commotion all throughout the camp. Gandalf was yelling something about the Enemy knowing where they were, that they all must pack- up and ride away.
"Frater (brother), what happened?"
"Pippin picked up that stone, a seeing stone, something that starts with a "P," I'm not sure what. However, the enemy is able to witness where we are. We must go, get your pack and into more suitable riding clothes, I believe we are leaving for Lorien before the dawn."
Rhiannon nodded and quickly did as her brother stated. Hurrying after him as she tried to tie her hair behind her head, finally revealing to all there what she truly looked like when her cloaked-hood and hair did not hide her face. Those that perceived her semi-ethereal qualities did not seem that surprised, however most were too startled to notice. She reached the group of advisers, Aragorn, Theoden, and Gandalf just as they stated their different routes. Gandalf would be riding off with Pippin, Theoden would be taking Eomer and ten riders with him to Helm's Deep. The rest were to follow Aragorn. Suddenly, a darkness fell over the camp, blocking both moonlight and starlight. There was a screeching, the most terrible sound Rhiannon had ever heard. It caused her insides to freeze; she could taste her fear in her mouth. This was darkness and this was evil that lived on, and it could be felt by all. She was to find out, from the word "Nazgul" that Gandalf yelled, that this winged darkness was a messenger of Mordor. There was an immediate call to ride, to get away from the camp as fast as possible. Gandalf's last order to her and Brhagdan was to get to Lorien as fast as possible. She exchanged a very quick farewell with Aragorn, and when she felt their small connection as they held hands, she smiled. When she saw him again.well, that was a thought for another time. Now Aragorn was to be the leader that he truly was, but had too much fear to be. Now, he did not have a choice. Rhiannon raced through the camp as Brhagdan went to prepare their horses, she found Gimli and gave him a quick kiss on the forehead, knowing she would miss her partner in sarcastic and off-side comments. He yelled after her to be careful with the horse as she ran, once again, trying to find Legolas, to say farewell. Being the stubborn one he was, he found her.
"All your running around has made it very difficult to get to you."
"I needed to say goodbye."
"You are leaving at this very moment?"
"Yes, Brhagdan most likely has the horses ready by now."
Legolas nodded. He leaned forward, placing soft kisses on her forehead, and then her left and right cheek as if blessing her, anointing her. Another soft kiss was placed on her lips, and then for laughter's sake, on her nose.
"Be safe. It is a long road to Lorien, and the forests of Mirkwood hold many dark and evil things. My father is also very temperamental. Please, do not anger him. I do not want to come back to Mirkwood and find you locked in a dungeon."
Rhiannon laughed. "Thank you, I needed that."
"You will contact me?"
"I do not think I have much of a choice."
Legolas nodded, "Then I bid thee farewell. Be careful."
"And the same to you. Venienti occurrite morbo. Vade in pace."
"What did you say?"
"Meet the mis ortune as it comes. Go in peace."
"That is awfully sad."
"It is awfully true."
Both turned their heads as Brhagdan yelled for his younger sister.
"There is never enough time to say all I wish to you, Rhiannon. I am always rushed. However, Tenna' ento lye omenta, a'maelamin, quel marth." (Until next we meet, my beloved, good luck).
"And that means?"
"Ask the Lady, she will know. It is just a farewell. You need to learn Elvish."
"Your last parting shot, my friend?"
"I will not see you for some time, it was needed."
Rhiannon gave another laugh, and then mounted the horse Brhagdan now held the reins to in front of her. Amazingly, she did this without hurting herself. Rhiannon knew that the Elvish words Legolas whispered to the horse was the reason why this was such. Brhagdan than said a final good-bye to all and brother and sister rode at an rapid pace towards the Golden Wood.
**
Rhiannon and Brhagdan took rest, not being able to see in the thick darkness that blanketed the world. Brhagdan was muttering softly, an ancient spell his mother had taught him, how to create fire that illuminates but does not burn. She watched in fascination as Brhagdan placed what looked like a handful of flames onto a group of rocks. She fondly remembered trying to learn that spell; unfortunately it was not that long after her own powers first started to take hold of her. She had almost burned the temple down; her first archery lesson was perfection compared to that. Rhiannon took in a deep breath, trying to let the fresh night air cure some of the weariness that rested within her soul; weariness she feared would never disappear. She closed her eyes and leaned her head against the closest patch of rocks. They were no where near their intended destination after a full day of riding. Lorien was very far off, and after they reached that realm, they were to somehow cross the Anduin and go to Mirkwood. Gandalf had felt they were needed there, knowing that Mirkwood and the northern borders of Lorien were soon to come under attack as the darkness in Mordor increased in strength. Rhiannon was both excited and terrified to set foot in the dark woods of Mirkwood. It would be good to see Lostladion again. Shame came over her as she forgot her first ally when she was on her way to Rivendell. She realized that many things in her life had been put out of priority in these past few weeks. She had not spared many thoughts for those that she had met along this journey, those that she knew and had left in Rivendell. She could not even recall the last time she had spared a thought and a prayer for dear Frodo and loveable Sam; the two that had the toughest burden out of them all. "Have I really been that self- involved?" She asked to no one in particular.
"Yes." Her brother playfully answered, "You have been a horrible person, Rhiannon. You have not spared thoughts for those that you are not in immediate contact with. You have been living in your present, focusing solely on each task ahead of you so as not to lose your sanity. I am truly disgusted to know you."
"Thank you for the brotherly love, I feel much better now." Rhiannon sniffled, marveling at the fact that she was crying again, for the second time in two days. It was as if she was becoming fully human.
Brhagdan read her thoughts again, "You are not, you stupid cow. You just feel everybody's emotions, their pain. I'm surprised you did not faint at Helm's Deep with all the emotions there. The desperation, the fear, how did you stay standing and focused to fight back?"
"I blocked every thing out."
"And when did you learn to do that?"
Rhiannon thought for a moment, "I do not remember every learning that. I have always been taught by Cerethena to feel the emotions of others to help them, not to fight them."
"Ah, then it was the elf's doing."
"He does have a name, Brhagdan."
"Yes, he does. I just do not like him."
"And why is this?"
"He is another warrior prince. Did you not learn your lesson the first time?" Brhagdan's voice was harsher then he meant for it to be. However, Elladan had caused a large blow to be suffered by his sister's pride and heart. She had never truly loved Elladan that was clear; if she had she would not be in front of him right now. However she had been hurt, badly. She had been rejected, for whatever reason Elladan had seen fit. And yet, it was bound to happen. She was not meant for that elf, it had been clear from the beginning. Rhiannon was just so happy to be around males that were not scared off by her magical capabilities. It was a scary thing to know that if your wife tried hard enough, she could turn you to ashes in the blink of an eye. Rhiannon would never do such a thing; she did not believe that any power should be used for destruction. She was very peace loving, and yet she had one of the harshest anger streaks he had ever seen in a person. You did not hurt Rhiannon's family, those she loved, and the payment she extracted was higher than most anyone could afford to pay. He knew something was not right with his sister, something had been wrong since that horrible vision from a few nights ago, one she would not share with him. Brhagdan realized his sister was starting to come into her own, and with that came more power than most would know how to deal with. It was tragic really, to be a vessel of magic in a world where magic was starting to fade. Brhagdan watched his younger sister until she fell asleep; this time it was restful, the fresh air, so far removed from the destruction of Isengard, aiding her in the peaceful sleep she sought. In three days they should be in Lorien. More answers may lie there, of course, more puzzles were sure to occur.