Light For All To See
by Empress Blade
Part 6
"I will kill you all!!!" screamed the bloodthirsty Serena uncharacteristically as she weilded her great swoard with skill and accuracy. Within moments, more than a dozen orcs and goblins had died. The others doubled their efforts to fight back. There was only the cave troll left and already Merry, Pippin, Mina, Michiru and Hotaru were taking great pains with it. Serena stopped her rage when she saw her friends take a blow. Her eyes turned dark and black only seeing the misreably tall creature swing at each of her friends. Haruka reared onto the back of the great beast and stabbed it with her great saber. Pluto and Rei both yelled out at the same time their great attacks.
"Time's Deadly ARROWS!"
"Fire Soul SHARDS!"
The two blows hit the troll with deadly accuracy and gave it even more pain. Before anyone could stop her, Serena called out the most deadliest attack of all with her heart frozen as ice.
"Silver Light Desolation!"
A great light shot out of her sword and within a minute the monster screamed a blood curdling scream before it turned into dust. Luckily for Sulwen the attack went through her as if a gentle breeze. However she fell with a thud upon poor Gimli who had tried to dodge away from the great lug. Serena had enough strength to speed towards her uncle before tripping and falling next to him.
"Now is the time to run! Bring the fallen fast away from this place!" ordered Ami. Legolas, Boromir, Pluto and Aragorn were already a step ahead of the orders. They each held two people in their arms. Aragorn had taken up Frodo and Serena for he was closest to the two whilst Legolas took hold of Gimli and Merry. Boromir held Mina gingerly while Pluto kept Hotaru close at hand. Gandalf led the way whilst Rei and Lita carried Michiru and Haruka as Ami was in charge of Pippin. The group fled down flights of stairs until they reached a certain passage. By that time Frodo, Merry, Pippin, Michiru, Mina and Haruka were up and running. Hotaru and Serena were still weakened by their actions. The greatest puzzle was how fast Frodo recovered from the death-defying blow. For an hour, they wandered through the dark passage before reaching some flight of stairs.
"It is getting hot!" Pippin said aloud by accident.
"Tis a wonder Pip that we're both alive." Merry huffed as he moved to catch up with his friend who was running faster and faster. Hope began to run out for them it seemed when they began to descend down the stairs. By the time they reached the seventh flight Hotaru was up and running with the rest. The air around them swirled hotter than hot and they felt it all. They ran through an arch that led into another dwarf hall. It almost seemed that they may have a fighting chance but then again all in vain. For in the distance behind them, in front and side to side were the horrid noises of approaching goblins and orcs. Faster did they try to run but could not for they had finally found themselves in a great ring with hissing goblins and growling orcs.
"Come and fight us cowards!" Lita shouted but was stopped when a loud and dreadful clang went through the darkness. The vermin heard it and began to feel uneasy. Again it fell and panic spread through them. The third time it fell the goblins and orcs had fled.
"Ha! We scared them off!" Gimli snorted in triumph.
"I do not think so friend." Haruka said next to him.
"Our troubles have yet begun. It is a Balrog. A demon from the dark. Do not just stand here waiting for doom. RUN!" screamed Gandalf and with renewed vigour they followed. Through the darkness they flew until they came upon they finally came on the bridge of Khazad-dum. It was when they reached the otherside did Serena wake to find the Balrog (whip in hand) face Gandalf.
"Go back to the shadow of whence you came from. You can not pass!!!" Gandalf stood tall with his sword Glamdring and his wizened old staff made of mallorn branch. The Balrog huffed.
"GANDALF!" screamed Mina and whipped out her golden chain before anyone could stop her. She ran towards the old wizard.
"Go back!" yelled the wizard. Pluto, Haruka and Michiru followed her with their weapons drawn. With one last yell the wizard drove his staff and sword into the old marble cracking it so that if any creature stepped upon it they would fall. The Balrog took the bait and stepped. A defeaning crack and a roar and the vile creature fell whipping it's massive whip as he did so. Mina was already there grabbing Gandalf's hand. He struggled to help Mina with her attempts but more arrows flew past and before long Pluto, Haruka and Michiru found themselves without their weapons. Gandalf had risen up but a great cracking was heard. The old bridge had grown weak underneath the force of the Balrog and now would break. The six of them began to fall except Mina whipped her golden chain around a sturdy pier before letting go.
"You first Gandalf for you are the guide. Hurry now!" said the blonde. "We'll be fine. You first." The istari reached too late for the bridge collapsed and then they fell into the pits of darkness.
"NO!" screamed Serena and escaped Aragorn's hold. "MY FRIENDS! GANDALF!" Tears streamed down her face but Legolas followed, drawing her back and carrying her towards the freshness of the outside.
The darkness fell when the hope began to break
May they rest their weary souls with Mandos
Soon it will be that they will hear the call aloud
May they rest, may they rest before that time
"Get them up." Aragorn said after scarce five minutes. Boromir threw up his hands into the air.
"Oh give them a moment for pity's sake!" said the man of Gondor.
"By night these hills will be swarming with orcs and goblins. We must make haste. Come Legolas, Boromir get them on their feet." said the Ranger's stern and quiet voice. They rose wearily before running towards the Lothlorien. Their hearts wearied and troubled. That was not to be the end of their journey for they still had yet meet the Lady of the Golden Wood. Woe and happiness to them as they made their way.
The darkness fell when the hope began to break
But into the woods will they soon meet
The Lady of the Golden Realm, Galadriel of Noldor Old
Soon the truth be told of the Elven Prince's heart
And the truth of dear Silver Princess secret dreams
The company small is breaking but let me tell thee
Many a day will come to pass of peace's new morning song
So it came to pass that out of the remaining Senshi only Hotaru, Rei, Ami and Lita were the only ones left standing. They weeped for the passing of their friends and even the beauty of the woods were not comforting. Aragorn though he remembered and wept inside, he led them with such ease and comfort that in no time at all, they travelled in a more eased silence. Frodo felt old and weary inside. Looking towards his niece he knew that he could not even begin to fathom what had happened to her to make her change so rapidly. When she had come that rainy night eleven years ago when she was but four years old (for he decided that her birthday would be on the day he and Sam had found her upon the steps), he noticed that she had seemed to think of him as an innocent child and also her revered guardian. 'Serena, Serena, Serena. Where has my little one gone?' thought he in solemn silence.
"Look friends. Tis the Nimrodel! Long have I wished to cleanse my feet in its pure waters. Come Serenity and let me tell you a tale of the elven maid that this pure river was named for." said Legolas as if an Elven Child. When the company sat and rested beneath the mallorn listening as the Elven Prince sang of the magic of Nimrodel the fair.
(excerpt from the book)
An Elven-maid there was of old a shining star by day
Her mantle was hemmed with gold, her shoes of silver-grey.
A star was bound upon her brows, a light was on her hair
As sun upon the golden boughs in Lorien the fair.
Her hair was long, her limbs wer white and fair she was and free;
And in the wind she went as light as leaf of linden-tree.
Beside the falls of Nimrodel, by water clear and cool,
Her voice as falling silver fell into the shining pool
And on he went singing the tale of Nimrodel and the sorrow that came upon Lothlorien.
"Tis a sad and fair tale friend Legolas but we'd be much better off if we were in safety and away from our enemies." said Lita.
"Yes that's true. They say that the Elves in Lothlorien had their homes upon the branches above the ground not within it." Ami added.
"I am more comfortable on the ground than above." Merry said gruffly.
"Dig your hole master Merry and make it so it will hide thee from our enemies. I fear there is trouble tonight." Aragorn finished sharpening the blade he carried.
"Come then," Rei said climbing up the nearest tree. "Let us make our rest." No sooner did she climb that no sooner did she fall.
"You shall not go farther." came an unfamiliar voice. "You have entered the Wood of the Golden Lady, speak strangers before we take your treacherous souls back to Moira." The company looked in shock as arrows pointed straight at them with sharpened ends. Serena fumed at the voice of the tall elf that said it.
"Nimromen, put down your arrows." came the authoritive voice of another. "Hello elven-friends, I am Haldir of Lorien. I have heard your song Elf from the North. You speak it well yet you have the tone of our cousins in Mirkwood. Please forgive my sister for her unkindly words." Serena smiled gently at the Elven Princess.
"Should we go back Wilwardin?" asked Gimli to Hotaru with fear at being surrounded by many skilled elven archers.
"Nay, we can not turn back. Moira has taken too many of our company, we can not go back." Wilwardin answered. Haldir was talking to Legolas as the two exchanged their words.
"Come, you wish to see the Lady and she you. However it will be a two day march from here. You will rest with us on a talan* for the night and we will see what needs to be done. Halflings will stay with me, my brethren and Aragorn. You others will rest on another talan." Haldir announced.
"Oh really? I will not go within a tree so I can stay there useless!" Gimli gruffly replied.
"Then sleep on the ground! You will be in great danger!" Legolas sighed before climbing skillfully up a rope ladder with Pippin in hand.
"Come friend, have no fear for the rest of the senshi will be there." said Lita kindly yet with a sadness in her green-eyes. Gimli muttered that Elves were more stubborn than ever and it was they who cursed the Dwarves mines.
"Oh for the stubborness of both elves and dwarves." groaned Rei. Hotaru giggled a little but then they noticed the stern looks they recieved from everyone.
"Come for there is still much to do ere the night is through." Aragorn said pulling the two girls towards another rope. They did not know that a creature would visit them and with him will come a darkened day when the Light is taken to darkness and the only hope left is the love of a long-lost King.
Later that night, there was a rustling and Hotaru woke with a start. Her heart troubled her as she blinked through the dark night.
"What is it?" she heard from the nearby tree the voice of Frodo.
"Yrch!" hissed Nimromen to him and Hotaru could feel the dark creatures below.
"Orcs! What are they doing?" asked the curious Hobbit.
"Hush now Uncle." came Serena's voice from across the talan. No sooner did she say that there were no more sounds. Only the light breeze flew through the leaves as the darkness left. Hotaru though she was a part of death and destruction, the side of her that was healing and rebirth had wakened and it was stronger than before. It was probably because of the light Serena had given her. The light that she could see in all the darkness. Most of the company slept soundly and without disturbances except Serena, Hotaru, Frodo, Aragorn and Legolas. With good reason did they not rest for a sudden sound was heard. A kind of steathly walk upon a tree. Hotaru peered through the darkness and the sound stopped. Whoever made that sound was gone for the night seemed more calm and less darkened however Hotaru, Aragorn and Legolas could not rest. Serena had already dozed into a deep slumber whilst Frodo sunk into light hearted dreamings. It was within this moment did a soft voice flit through the air.
One mind to bind them to darkness
One heart to bring them back
One Soul tarnished by Kaos
One Soul purified since the beginning of time
Two they are as Fate plays her games
Two they will not be for one will be freed
One will die to peacefulness
While one will remain only to save
Death will not come to She who is the Light
But to Death upon itself will it be lost
And One will be, will be, will be, will be, will be
Will Be One
By the last three words, all were asleep and quiet. The elves who had surrounded them had drifted into a deep sleep without dreams but a calm, peaceful darkness so rare for their race. Elves can remember their dreams unlike the human race and yet in this darkness, all thoughts were gone and only the rest of their ancient limbs were required. Only one was awake in that darkness and thought of the future ahead. She knew much that it would have scared the bravest of the brave. Even the Lady Galadriel whom read the minds and dreams of those near and far from her was startled and frightened. For the future was there in this slip of a young woman. The Lady's heart broke.
~A Glimpse of the Future~
"Leave me behind friends. Run and look after Ami, Lita, Pippin and Merry." said she.
"No!" said the Elven-Prince.
"LEAVE!" said she, so forcefully that he was obliged to do what she spoke of. They left her and it was the last they saw of her as they made their journey towards their destiny. Hearts wearied with defeat. Six had fallen to shadow whilst eight journey on. One left behind to cleanse the darkened soul of the Dark Lord.
"What will happen will happen for that is the way of fate." said she, to the Lady as she saw unbidden images of the lost and forsaken. "Now it rests on the shoulders of the Hobbit race and the deeds made by the three Hunters and the Nine Senshi. Tis the way of fate. Tis the way of truth. Tis the way of life."
One mind to bind them to darkness
One heart to bring them back
One Soul tarnished by Kaos
One Soul purified since the beginning of time
Two they are as Fate plays her games
Two they will not be for one will be freed
One will die to peacefulness
While one will remain only to save
Death will not come to She who is the Light
But to Death upon itself will it be forever lost
And One will be, will be, will be, will be, will be
Will Be One
One mind to bind them to darkness
One heart to bring them back
One Soul tarnished by Kaos
One Soul purified since the beginning of time
"Oh Eru, why must this be?" gasped the Lady as she shook her head out of her trance. It was the first time the lady had cried and the tears fell and shaped themselves into thirteen flowers so pure and beautiful yet the greatest sorrows and knowledge concealed within. The lady knew that only eleven would remain of these precious gifts when the company arrived. T'was then did Fate spin her wheel as the first of three trials began.
The time is changing once again
Now is the tale when the Light dims
When hope begins to fade
Where love must prove itself once more
Now is the time where all must wait
Time, Life and Death all must take their place
For as the hour grows near
She who is the light will disapear from Arda
Until the Battle among Plennor Fields
Until the Ring is cast into Mount Doom
In the place of Inbetween will she know of everything
Will she find a peace in deep sleep
With Nomansil and Erril at her side
The Light will sleep and not waken until the Time has come
Fear not all her loved ones for sleep and peace is what she needs
To recover her strength, to recover her light, to recover hope
* * * * * * *
The company had spent two 'glorious' days trekking through the woods of Lorien. Under an order from Haldir and Aragorn, the company were blind folded and tied with Elven rope by the hands and made to march. This only happened because of the elven folks' weariness and cautiousness towards Gimli. It would have been only fair for the rest of the company to undergo the same treatment as Gimli. Legolas did not like this much but he did this anyway with some reluctance and also because Serena smiled winningly and willingly underwent the same as the others.
"This is a fine fix." Pippin muttered.
"Indeed it is Pip," agreed Merry misreably for he was right behind him in their steady walk.
"Just be quiet and be patient for now before we reach Lorien. It is for courtesy that we must take this road this far." Ami said for she was the first one behind the two hobbits.
"Quiet there!" an elf who was towards the side of them who made sure to guard and even kill any traveller who said anything suspicious. Ami bowed her head and though she couldn't see through her blinds, she could feel a great sadness all around her. On and on they walked until Haldir told the company to halt.
"Stop, we are at the final hill before our golden city. Take off their blinds and binds. Tampa!" said the elf leader with a commanding tone. Quick as lightning, the binds were taken off and Serena sighed as she rubbed her hands with relief. Legolas who had been right behind her as they were walking stepped nearer towards her. Serena looked surprised as Legolas stood next to her but felt happier than before. She almost forgot the painful memories she had when remembering her...
Legolas looked at Serena and wondered why she had stopped looking happy.
'Oh, how I wonder how I can make Lady Serena happy.' he thought in his mind but could not dwell to long in his thoughts for the company had to start walking again. At every turn that they took or every step that they placed, Serena looked around her with awe. As did the others. It was as if time had stopped and it seemed agreed that as they got nearer and nearer to Caras Galdhon, a more ancient peace had blanketed them.
Frodo watched his step as he walked wearily upon the path that the Lorien Elves were taking them through. He could see Serena ahead of him with the golden headed prince of Mirkwood. He looked at them curiously and wearily. Suddenly, he felt old and tired. Just watching Serena with the tall elf made his heart heave. Sam, who was beside him felt the same thing that Frodo was feeling and with some protectiveness. In fact the four hobbits all felt like that. They were wondering what was happening to their little Serena. In truth, they had seen a drastic change in the way she talked to them and to the others. It was if she had aged in years and years of knowledge.
'Serena is a mystery if there any was in a female.' thought Sam as he walked with Frodo. 'I wonder if the others think the same.'
Sam didn't know how right he was.
AN: THANKS FOR REVIEWING AND READING!
by Empress Blade
Part 6
"I will kill you all!!!" screamed the bloodthirsty Serena uncharacteristically as she weilded her great swoard with skill and accuracy. Within moments, more than a dozen orcs and goblins had died. The others doubled their efforts to fight back. There was only the cave troll left and already Merry, Pippin, Mina, Michiru and Hotaru were taking great pains with it. Serena stopped her rage when she saw her friends take a blow. Her eyes turned dark and black only seeing the misreably tall creature swing at each of her friends. Haruka reared onto the back of the great beast and stabbed it with her great saber. Pluto and Rei both yelled out at the same time their great attacks.
"Time's Deadly ARROWS!"
"Fire Soul SHARDS!"
The two blows hit the troll with deadly accuracy and gave it even more pain. Before anyone could stop her, Serena called out the most deadliest attack of all with her heart frozen as ice.
"Silver Light Desolation!"
A great light shot out of her sword and within a minute the monster screamed a blood curdling scream before it turned into dust. Luckily for Sulwen the attack went through her as if a gentle breeze. However she fell with a thud upon poor Gimli who had tried to dodge away from the great lug. Serena had enough strength to speed towards her uncle before tripping and falling next to him.
"Now is the time to run! Bring the fallen fast away from this place!" ordered Ami. Legolas, Boromir, Pluto and Aragorn were already a step ahead of the orders. They each held two people in their arms. Aragorn had taken up Frodo and Serena for he was closest to the two whilst Legolas took hold of Gimli and Merry. Boromir held Mina gingerly while Pluto kept Hotaru close at hand. Gandalf led the way whilst Rei and Lita carried Michiru and Haruka as Ami was in charge of Pippin. The group fled down flights of stairs until they reached a certain passage. By that time Frodo, Merry, Pippin, Michiru, Mina and Haruka were up and running. Hotaru and Serena were still weakened by their actions. The greatest puzzle was how fast Frodo recovered from the death-defying blow. For an hour, they wandered through the dark passage before reaching some flight of stairs.
"It is getting hot!" Pippin said aloud by accident.
"Tis a wonder Pip that we're both alive." Merry huffed as he moved to catch up with his friend who was running faster and faster. Hope began to run out for them it seemed when they began to descend down the stairs. By the time they reached the seventh flight Hotaru was up and running with the rest. The air around them swirled hotter than hot and they felt it all. They ran through an arch that led into another dwarf hall. It almost seemed that they may have a fighting chance but then again all in vain. For in the distance behind them, in front and side to side were the horrid noises of approaching goblins and orcs. Faster did they try to run but could not for they had finally found themselves in a great ring with hissing goblins and growling orcs.
"Come and fight us cowards!" Lita shouted but was stopped when a loud and dreadful clang went through the darkness. The vermin heard it and began to feel uneasy. Again it fell and panic spread through them. The third time it fell the goblins and orcs had fled.
"Ha! We scared them off!" Gimli snorted in triumph.
"I do not think so friend." Haruka said next to him.
"Our troubles have yet begun. It is a Balrog. A demon from the dark. Do not just stand here waiting for doom. RUN!" screamed Gandalf and with renewed vigour they followed. Through the darkness they flew until they came upon they finally came on the bridge of Khazad-dum. It was when they reached the otherside did Serena wake to find the Balrog (whip in hand) face Gandalf.
"Go back to the shadow of whence you came from. You can not pass!!!" Gandalf stood tall with his sword Glamdring and his wizened old staff made of mallorn branch. The Balrog huffed.
"GANDALF!" screamed Mina and whipped out her golden chain before anyone could stop her. She ran towards the old wizard.
"Go back!" yelled the wizard. Pluto, Haruka and Michiru followed her with their weapons drawn. With one last yell the wizard drove his staff and sword into the old marble cracking it so that if any creature stepped upon it they would fall. The Balrog took the bait and stepped. A defeaning crack and a roar and the vile creature fell whipping it's massive whip as he did so. Mina was already there grabbing Gandalf's hand. He struggled to help Mina with her attempts but more arrows flew past and before long Pluto, Haruka and Michiru found themselves without their weapons. Gandalf had risen up but a great cracking was heard. The old bridge had grown weak underneath the force of the Balrog and now would break. The six of them began to fall except Mina whipped her golden chain around a sturdy pier before letting go.
"You first Gandalf for you are the guide. Hurry now!" said the blonde. "We'll be fine. You first." The istari reached too late for the bridge collapsed and then they fell into the pits of darkness.
"NO!" screamed Serena and escaped Aragorn's hold. "MY FRIENDS! GANDALF!" Tears streamed down her face but Legolas followed, drawing her back and carrying her towards the freshness of the outside.
The darkness fell when the hope began to break
May they rest their weary souls with Mandos
Soon it will be that they will hear the call aloud
May they rest, may they rest before that time
"Get them up." Aragorn said after scarce five minutes. Boromir threw up his hands into the air.
"Oh give them a moment for pity's sake!" said the man of Gondor.
"By night these hills will be swarming with orcs and goblins. We must make haste. Come Legolas, Boromir get them on their feet." said the Ranger's stern and quiet voice. They rose wearily before running towards the Lothlorien. Their hearts wearied and troubled. That was not to be the end of their journey for they still had yet meet the Lady of the Golden Wood. Woe and happiness to them as they made their way.
The darkness fell when the hope began to break
But into the woods will they soon meet
The Lady of the Golden Realm, Galadriel of Noldor Old
Soon the truth be told of the Elven Prince's heart
And the truth of dear Silver Princess secret dreams
The company small is breaking but let me tell thee
Many a day will come to pass of peace's new morning song
So it came to pass that out of the remaining Senshi only Hotaru, Rei, Ami and Lita were the only ones left standing. They weeped for the passing of their friends and even the beauty of the woods were not comforting. Aragorn though he remembered and wept inside, he led them with such ease and comfort that in no time at all, they travelled in a more eased silence. Frodo felt old and weary inside. Looking towards his niece he knew that he could not even begin to fathom what had happened to her to make her change so rapidly. When she had come that rainy night eleven years ago when she was but four years old (for he decided that her birthday would be on the day he and Sam had found her upon the steps), he noticed that she had seemed to think of him as an innocent child and also her revered guardian. 'Serena, Serena, Serena. Where has my little one gone?' thought he in solemn silence.
"Look friends. Tis the Nimrodel! Long have I wished to cleanse my feet in its pure waters. Come Serenity and let me tell you a tale of the elven maid that this pure river was named for." said Legolas as if an Elven Child. When the company sat and rested beneath the mallorn listening as the Elven Prince sang of the magic of Nimrodel the fair.
(excerpt from the book)
An Elven-maid there was of old a shining star by day
Her mantle was hemmed with gold, her shoes of silver-grey.
A star was bound upon her brows, a light was on her hair
As sun upon the golden boughs in Lorien the fair.
Her hair was long, her limbs wer white and fair she was and free;
And in the wind she went as light as leaf of linden-tree.
Beside the falls of Nimrodel, by water clear and cool,
Her voice as falling silver fell into the shining pool
And on he went singing the tale of Nimrodel and the sorrow that came upon Lothlorien.
"Tis a sad and fair tale friend Legolas but we'd be much better off if we were in safety and away from our enemies." said Lita.
"Yes that's true. They say that the Elves in Lothlorien had their homes upon the branches above the ground not within it." Ami added.
"I am more comfortable on the ground than above." Merry said gruffly.
"Dig your hole master Merry and make it so it will hide thee from our enemies. I fear there is trouble tonight." Aragorn finished sharpening the blade he carried.
"Come then," Rei said climbing up the nearest tree. "Let us make our rest." No sooner did she climb that no sooner did she fall.
"You shall not go farther." came an unfamiliar voice. "You have entered the Wood of the Golden Lady, speak strangers before we take your treacherous souls back to Moira." The company looked in shock as arrows pointed straight at them with sharpened ends. Serena fumed at the voice of the tall elf that said it.
"Nimromen, put down your arrows." came the authoritive voice of another. "Hello elven-friends, I am Haldir of Lorien. I have heard your song Elf from the North. You speak it well yet you have the tone of our cousins in Mirkwood. Please forgive my sister for her unkindly words." Serena smiled gently at the Elven Princess.
"Should we go back Wilwardin?" asked Gimli to Hotaru with fear at being surrounded by many skilled elven archers.
"Nay, we can not turn back. Moira has taken too many of our company, we can not go back." Wilwardin answered. Haldir was talking to Legolas as the two exchanged their words.
"Come, you wish to see the Lady and she you. However it will be a two day march from here. You will rest with us on a talan* for the night and we will see what needs to be done. Halflings will stay with me, my brethren and Aragorn. You others will rest on another talan." Haldir announced.
"Oh really? I will not go within a tree so I can stay there useless!" Gimli gruffly replied.
"Then sleep on the ground! You will be in great danger!" Legolas sighed before climbing skillfully up a rope ladder with Pippin in hand.
"Come friend, have no fear for the rest of the senshi will be there." said Lita kindly yet with a sadness in her green-eyes. Gimli muttered that Elves were more stubborn than ever and it was they who cursed the Dwarves mines.
"Oh for the stubborness of both elves and dwarves." groaned Rei. Hotaru giggled a little but then they noticed the stern looks they recieved from everyone.
"Come for there is still much to do ere the night is through." Aragorn said pulling the two girls towards another rope. They did not know that a creature would visit them and with him will come a darkened day when the Light is taken to darkness and the only hope left is the love of a long-lost King.
Later that night, there was a rustling and Hotaru woke with a start. Her heart troubled her as she blinked through the dark night.
"What is it?" she heard from the nearby tree the voice of Frodo.
"Yrch!" hissed Nimromen to him and Hotaru could feel the dark creatures below.
"Orcs! What are they doing?" asked the curious Hobbit.
"Hush now Uncle." came Serena's voice from across the talan. No sooner did she say that there were no more sounds. Only the light breeze flew through the leaves as the darkness left. Hotaru though she was a part of death and destruction, the side of her that was healing and rebirth had wakened and it was stronger than before. It was probably because of the light Serena had given her. The light that she could see in all the darkness. Most of the company slept soundly and without disturbances except Serena, Hotaru, Frodo, Aragorn and Legolas. With good reason did they not rest for a sudden sound was heard. A kind of steathly walk upon a tree. Hotaru peered through the darkness and the sound stopped. Whoever made that sound was gone for the night seemed more calm and less darkened however Hotaru, Aragorn and Legolas could not rest. Serena had already dozed into a deep slumber whilst Frodo sunk into light hearted dreamings. It was within this moment did a soft voice flit through the air.
One mind to bind them to darkness
One heart to bring them back
One Soul tarnished by Kaos
One Soul purified since the beginning of time
Two they are as Fate plays her games
Two they will not be for one will be freed
One will die to peacefulness
While one will remain only to save
Death will not come to She who is the Light
But to Death upon itself will it be lost
And One will be, will be, will be, will be, will be
Will Be One
By the last three words, all were asleep and quiet. The elves who had surrounded them had drifted into a deep sleep without dreams but a calm, peaceful darkness so rare for their race. Elves can remember their dreams unlike the human race and yet in this darkness, all thoughts were gone and only the rest of their ancient limbs were required. Only one was awake in that darkness and thought of the future ahead. She knew much that it would have scared the bravest of the brave. Even the Lady Galadriel whom read the minds and dreams of those near and far from her was startled and frightened. For the future was there in this slip of a young woman. The Lady's heart broke.
~A Glimpse of the Future~
"Leave me behind friends. Run and look after Ami, Lita, Pippin and Merry." said she.
"No!" said the Elven-Prince.
"LEAVE!" said she, so forcefully that he was obliged to do what she spoke of. They left her and it was the last they saw of her as they made their journey towards their destiny. Hearts wearied with defeat. Six had fallen to shadow whilst eight journey on. One left behind to cleanse the darkened soul of the Dark Lord.
"What will happen will happen for that is the way of fate." said she, to the Lady as she saw unbidden images of the lost and forsaken. "Now it rests on the shoulders of the Hobbit race and the deeds made by the three Hunters and the Nine Senshi. Tis the way of fate. Tis the way of truth. Tis the way of life."
One mind to bind them to darkness
One heart to bring them back
One Soul tarnished by Kaos
One Soul purified since the beginning of time
Two they are as Fate plays her games
Two they will not be for one will be freed
One will die to peacefulness
While one will remain only to save
Death will not come to She who is the Light
But to Death upon itself will it be forever lost
And One will be, will be, will be, will be, will be
Will Be One
One mind to bind them to darkness
One heart to bring them back
One Soul tarnished by Kaos
One Soul purified since the beginning of time
"Oh Eru, why must this be?" gasped the Lady as she shook her head out of her trance. It was the first time the lady had cried and the tears fell and shaped themselves into thirteen flowers so pure and beautiful yet the greatest sorrows and knowledge concealed within. The lady knew that only eleven would remain of these precious gifts when the company arrived. T'was then did Fate spin her wheel as the first of three trials began.
The time is changing once again
Now is the tale when the Light dims
When hope begins to fade
Where love must prove itself once more
Now is the time where all must wait
Time, Life and Death all must take their place
For as the hour grows near
She who is the light will disapear from Arda
Until the Battle among Plennor Fields
Until the Ring is cast into Mount Doom
In the place of Inbetween will she know of everything
Will she find a peace in deep sleep
With Nomansil and Erril at her side
The Light will sleep and not waken until the Time has come
Fear not all her loved ones for sleep and peace is what she needs
To recover her strength, to recover her light, to recover hope
* * * * * * *
The company had spent two 'glorious' days trekking through the woods of Lorien. Under an order from Haldir and Aragorn, the company were blind folded and tied with Elven rope by the hands and made to march. This only happened because of the elven folks' weariness and cautiousness towards Gimli. It would have been only fair for the rest of the company to undergo the same treatment as Gimli. Legolas did not like this much but he did this anyway with some reluctance and also because Serena smiled winningly and willingly underwent the same as the others.
"This is a fine fix." Pippin muttered.
"Indeed it is Pip," agreed Merry misreably for he was right behind him in their steady walk.
"Just be quiet and be patient for now before we reach Lorien. It is for courtesy that we must take this road this far." Ami said for she was the first one behind the two hobbits.
"Quiet there!" an elf who was towards the side of them who made sure to guard and even kill any traveller who said anything suspicious. Ami bowed her head and though she couldn't see through her blinds, she could feel a great sadness all around her. On and on they walked until Haldir told the company to halt.
"Stop, we are at the final hill before our golden city. Take off their blinds and binds. Tampa!" said the elf leader with a commanding tone. Quick as lightning, the binds were taken off and Serena sighed as she rubbed her hands with relief. Legolas who had been right behind her as they were walking stepped nearer towards her. Serena looked surprised as Legolas stood next to her but felt happier than before. She almost forgot the painful memories she had when remembering her...
Legolas looked at Serena and wondered why she had stopped looking happy.
'Oh, how I wonder how I can make Lady Serena happy.' he thought in his mind but could not dwell to long in his thoughts for the company had to start walking again. At every turn that they took or every step that they placed, Serena looked around her with awe. As did the others. It was as if time had stopped and it seemed agreed that as they got nearer and nearer to Caras Galdhon, a more ancient peace had blanketed them.
Frodo watched his step as he walked wearily upon the path that the Lorien Elves were taking them through. He could see Serena ahead of him with the golden headed prince of Mirkwood. He looked at them curiously and wearily. Suddenly, he felt old and tired. Just watching Serena with the tall elf made his heart heave. Sam, who was beside him felt the same thing that Frodo was feeling and with some protectiveness. In fact the four hobbits all felt like that. They were wondering what was happening to their little Serena. In truth, they had seen a drastic change in the way she talked to them and to the others. It was if she had aged in years and years of knowledge.
'Serena is a mystery if there any was in a female.' thought Sam as he walked with Frodo. 'I wonder if the others think the same.'
Sam didn't know how right he was.
AN: THANKS FOR REVIEWING AND READING!