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Niphrediel slept a short sleep, before waking up and finding Aragorn to make sure he had not left. It was something she used to do when she was a child, and it was more acceptable then, which she discovered, when Aragorn was still sleeping when she found him. What could she have expected, for the darkness of night still reigned over the lands, and it would do so for much longer.
She did not disturb him, she instead moved away.
She thought about her cheeriness the day before. How disrespectful. How could she have even pretended to be such at a time? A sudden sadness filled her heart and she found herself stifling sobs as she made her way away. Such pitiful sounds…the weeps of a baby. She brought her hand over her mouth to stop them coming out as her reddened eyes began to seep tears. She seemed to be able to ignore the screaming pain inflicted on her skin in her state, for she did not remove her hand. The internal physical pain seemed to mingle with her sorrow thoroughly, and only resulted in her becoming more upset.
She stalked away through the archway into the abandoned garden.
When she walked a decent length away from the archway, she took her hand from her mouth and aloud herself to cry out.
She saw Gandalf smiling with the hobbits, helping her up after she vomited. She remembered his kindness for helping her with her wound; she remembered the velvety feel of his skin as his hands brushed passed hers when he gave up.
The secrecy of the Fellowship's quest had been diminished. All hope was lost.
Niphrediel felt her legs become weak and slowly helped herself down onto her knees. She saw everyone she loved dieing. She saw Aragorn lying in a tomb as a lid of stone was placed over him, hiding him within its cold embrace. She saw Gilraen, smiling down at a little girl that was once Niphrediel. She saw Gilraen closing her eyes one last time, her skin fading of it's beautiful colour and her lips turning a bruising blue, never to speak another soft word. She saw the world crumbling as fire overtook it all.
"Curse you stars!" She cried, looking up with hatred to the sky. Her mouth opened once more for her to speak, but she couldn't catch her breath the rivers borne from her eyes were moistened once more from a trail of salty water. She shook her head, trying her best to express all she could yet failing. "He is all I have left." She let out quietly, her voice coarse, her head falling limp as she brought the crown of her head to the ground, letting out a moan that seemed to fade into silence.
Niphrediel cringed, banging her skull against the ground in frustration. They are all going to die.
Niphrediel looked back to the stupid things she had said. All the stupid things she had thought. Oh, he'll just be a couple months. He'll be fine. Niralinde let out a cry for her foolishness.
The blackness created by the windows inside Niphrediel's closed eyelids began to take shape. Niphrediel seemed to be walking through a rotting garden, or perhaps an orchid. Despite the unreality of it all, Niphrediel could smell the sickly scent of the dieing plantation around her. A hand reached out from where Niphrediel's arm would be with cuts and ugly bruises over every area of its blackened skin. It reached out, directing down to a hunk of lying vines and just yanks the green ropes off with one tug. She looked down at the face of a gravestone. Worms seeped to seep out from the land around it, infecting the air above with the smell of the flesh of rotting corpses.
'ARAGORN, SON OF ARATHORN,
KILLED IN VAIN,
SACRIFICED FOR NOTHING.'
It was all her own stupid imagination, for the familiar blackness came back once more, clouding the gloomy images til they were but no more but rejected memories inside her crying mind.
When the Fellowship left, they would not come back. They were all doomed to die, and the rest of the world would crumble shortly after. Oh why did Niphrediel have to be born amongst these years? Oh Eru why?!
She could feel the presence of someone else and heard someone crouch down beside her, letting out a sad sigh.
For a moment, she thought it was Maranwé, but what on earth would she be going here? She let the sound of the sigh echo through her memory, analysing the almost sexless sound. It was only a moment before Niphrediel discovered the sound was masculine. From there, she knew who the person was.
She opened her mouth, sniffing absently. "Glorfindel--" She stopped and shook her lowered head. She knew this wasn't Glorfindel.
Niphrediel almost prepared to be scorned, and was surprised when a hand patted through her hair, against her head, in a compassionate gesture.
She frowned though, trying to be as hard as possible. "How"—
"I was not sleeping." His voice was firm, his tone making it clear he did not yearn for much questions.
"What is the matter?" Legolas then asked, his tone softer in means of comfort.
Niphrediel shook her head, bringing her fists down upon the hearth that pushed her body up. She continued to shake her head, refusing to speak the words for a long moment. Yet when she could, she whispered, "You're all going to fall."
"You are certain?" He frowned, not even thinking that what she had were visions, rather then Niphrediel's own over-beaten imagination.
Niphrediel nodded once, "How could nine people carry the weight of our world's fate?" She mumbled, in painful sacrament. "Just nine…..no army….no defences…"
"Hush now," He said, before Niphrediel had another chance to speak. "What happened to your rule? Oh, so I am not allowed to be heavy of thought, yet you are? Quite the hypocrite, eh?" He grinned, trying to lighten the mood, though put an end to that solution when Niphrediel frowned in annoyance and slight frustration of it. She wasn't in the mood for mirth.
With his slight realisation, Legolas's humorous demeanour was shredded, like a wet blade washed through water, with such quickness that it was evident that it had been forced upon his head. "Niphrediel," He began, his words but a whisper, "One must have hope. You must have hope. Do not despair because of the burdening loss of the dead. It is only the beginning…to lose your faith so soon…" His frown was dark, as he shook his head in reference to his thoughts, "will but belittle the strength I thought I could see in you."
Niphrediel's eyes lowered, but despite the Elf's hopes, her sorrow seemed to deepen into the dark depths of her being that only his elven eyes could sense. "Come now…." Legolas said, his voice calming to the ear. "Mithrandir saved you, hên. He stood his ground to keep you from harm." He reached out with his hand, patting the shoulder of the pained. "He would not hold you responsible, and the last thing he would want would be for you to do it to yourself, and to lose the hope that never once seemed to dim within him even in the darkest hours."
Legolas looked downwards as Niphrediel's face began to shift expressions once more, her lips curling up and her eyes closing to a squint as the layer of moisture over her eyes began to river once more with the second wave of her departing hope. His own face shifted into an expression of utter defeat, before watching as Niphrediel lashed out with her arms and held on tightly to his leg like what a baby would do to prevent its mother from walking away.
"Ah…" He stood there for a moment in slight shock and uneasiness, his widened eyes scanning the garden in urgency for anyone that could possibly help him out. He moved his right leg a step or two, but it seemed as if his left had been nailed to the ground. It did not seem to occur to him that his left leg could still be lifted and shifted away. The thought appeared to not even come to mind.
He took a moment, to look up at the moon, his eyes pleading with it, "Elil-Gadë, tu amin." He begged, closing his eyes in the hopes to regain his forgotten wisdom of caring of a young one. It had been a long time since he had been in such position, and he did not really enjoy it. It was not that he did not know how to comfort in brotherly empathy, but rather of whom such attention would be placed on. Niphrediel had a brother, and he a sister. He almost thought it might be disrespectful for he to needlessly take the place of a brother in her eyes. And, of course, it was just wrong. Two different species with too many differences, it was not morally correct in his eyes.
And yet when he looked downwards, he did not see a mortal, nor sister. He just saw a heartbroken infant. An overgrown infant, yes, and a very old babe, also. Yet the being needed the same thing as one: comfort.
"Now, now, now," He whispered gently, pasting on his most softest and melodic tone that he could manage properly, as he bent down and gently untwined the arms around his leg. He caught the arms below the triceps before they fell limply to the grass, and absently threw them upon his shoulders as he moved to get an arm under them in the means to be able to pick her up off the ground. Subconscious
Niphrediel frowned, in slight surprise, as was picked up into the air swiftly, though she did not really have the desire to truly care. The flowing borne from her eyes made it impossible for her to see properly now, and it was beginning to unconsciously annoy her amongst her stupid sorrow, yet she did not think to just wipe her eyes. Oh no. Throughout her thoughtlessness, she was still sane.
Legolas picked her up, and he was quite surprised how easy it was. Unfortunately, his presumptions were not correct; her body was not the perfect size for his arms. Her form did not fall perfectly into his, like he had thought since she was of easy compact and favourable height. He wondered for a moment, wether or not she was possibly uncomfortable. Their difference of body types resulted in a mismatch when it came to embracing.
What did he expect? Elves and humans were not physically compatible. It was just like putting a rat and a mouse together. Though they may seem similar, they are different beings.
Niphrediel stared blankly into the root of a tree much afar, upon the velvety green of the grass. Legolas felt hard and bumpy against her and she just wanted to take a step back, and felt horrible about that because of his kindness to even bother with her. Her body felt uncomfortable and imperfect against his. She was not of same form as elven woman; who are made to be held by elven men. She closed her eyes for a moment, and stiffened to prevent a cringe.
She shuffled once, and her eyes opened when solace came. Though it was still uncomfortable, the little movement made an almost drastic improvement. There was chance for such a stupid reservation. With her breaking heart still tearing, and her eyes still falling with the drops of diminishing faith, Niphrediel edged once more to the left, which was quite difficult since her feet swayed in the air above the ground and she did not move her arms that idly hanged down from the elf's shoulders. Once more, there was a huge improvement, and she felt almost relaxed, yet she seemed to be held almost diagonally. She shuffled once more, and exhaled, her head stiff perched just above the elf's shoulder also, her hair shrouding her face like a veil to hide everything. She had found her place within the firm forest that was the Greenleaf. Her tensed body drained of it all, and her limps just seemed to fall into perfect place like a puzzle.
Legolas, though, did not seem to notice. What he did notice was that her body no longer moved, which made him think that perhaps she wished for sleep. If so, that would be a good thing, for it meant he could put her down and return to the gazebo to rest. Though he was absently trying, he could not drowse off. Perhaps his conscience thought it wrong of him to at such a time when his help was needed, for he knew no other reason why.
Remembering an old trick of his naneth, he began to sway Niphrediel ever so gently from left to right. He then took her hand from his right shoulder, letting it lie limply upon his palm as he continued to sway, in soft dance.
"Iire tel'ringwe hrive tuluva,
N'elen dome tuupuva re.
E' tel' fanya o Anar
Lye trialluva e' kotyaer rosa.
Nan' e' kaimeluva
Amin tena essalle
Ar' e' kaimeluva
Lyre omentuva au'."
He sung the verse in a whisper once more, though this time making purposeful mistakes and making his voice brake at the higher bits on the times that he did not sing completely out-of-tune. As he knew he would, he was replied with a muffled laugh amongst a little sniff.
His arms, still fine carrying the weight of another person, tightened slightly when he turned towards the archway of the garden, and Legolas let out a short cough, to clear his voice of the residue of his ridiculous falsetto. He let out a short exhale, his grin still planted upon his face as he eyed the gap.
"What do you say we make our way back inside?" He asked half-heartedly, predicting already that the plan would not be complementary in the child's eyes.
Her reply confirmed his prediction.
"I would rather rot." Niphrediel said, without hesitation.Letting out another sigh, she was placed back on the ground, where she slumped back down, though now without the tears and sobbing. Though, her face was thoroughly tear-streaked, her eyes were becoming dry.
She frowned as Legolas walked a couple metres away, and bent down. Placed on the ground, one on top of the other was a very thick, large, quilt, a more softer and larger folded quilt, and two flat pillows.
"Here, catch." Legolas said, giving little warning before throwing a pillow at Niphrediel's head in playful roughness before laying the thicker quilt down to create a layer overtop of the green sprouts.
Moving onto the thin mattress, Niphrediel laid her head upon her pillow, separated by about a metre from the other one, and allowed her body to relax upon the hard, yet favourable, bed. A couple memories came into mind as the soft blanket fluttered down to cover her from the chest down. Memories of being tucked in as a younger child.
Letting out an absent exhale, Legolas lowered himself onto his own pillow, pulling his arms up so his hands could also be behind his head to make the pillow slightly thicker. He did not lie in the blanket covers, for he had to reason to do so. He was not cold, nor will he ever be. He was an elf, after all. It was only natural.
Niphrediel turned around, into the elf, though her eyes were closing so it did not really matter to both of them, as she gave a dark yawn.
"Why aren't the elves and mortals better friends, Legolas? Why has the old alliance fallen to distant memories?" She asked, in drowsiness.
Letting out a sigh, Legolas shrugged. "I'm not sure Niphrediel," he said. "Perhaps because most have no faith in them."
"Men or elves?"
Legolas shrugged once more, "Both, I suppose. Men have no faith in the First Born, and the Elves…. they see only the bad things of the Second Born."
Niphrediel nodded, her eyes beginning to close. Though, despite the child's exhaustion, she sat up and shuffled around, her eyes half-opened in a daze. She seemed half-asleep already, as she lay herself back down, now in a totally different position. Lying her head down on her arm atop of the elf's stomach, her legs slightly folded up to prevent them from going over the bounds of the large blanket, it was then when the child stopped shuffling.
Letting out one last yawn, Niphrediel began to fall to sleep, her body then lying limp. "Never die, Legolas." She let out in a whisper, in her half-minded state, her hand that lay beside her face on his abdomen gathering a small gathering of his tunic, like what a baby would do with it's blanket.
Legolas lay then, totally uncomfortable, though it did not show. He contemplated trying to pry the human from him, til he shunned himself in anger. The child was showing affection for the Valar's sake, and not even harmful affection that he sought to prevent in females that would lead to their infatuation on their part. But, strangely though, his unconscious spurn worked. Though, he still wanted to be left alone, his being relaxed extensively.
As elves do, he could not feel the cold. He could not even imagine what being cold would feel like. But, he could sense the change of temperature, and judging by the slight shivering of Niphrediel's shoulders, it was not becoming warmer.
Lifting his head, Legolas brought his left hand up from under his head, and grabbed the corner of the top quilt and pulled it over the curled body of the young girl, and soon after that, the shivering stopped. Legolas replaced his hand, looked up to the sky and slept deeply, unconsciously feeling the company of the child soothing, to his shock.
He was getting too used to her, maybe. Legolas did not really think about it, since it was not important. It did not really matter still, and Legolas knew if never would. It was all harmless and insignificant, so he did not bother pressing or analysing. He forced himself to sleep, and slept his most deepest and more comfortable slumbers in a very long while, even with the girl lying on him. He actually ended up finding it comfortable in the end, like having a heavy pillow lying on him.
'What is your name?'
'…Niphrediel.'
'That's a beautiful name.'
'…What's yours?'
'Hmmm…what do you want it to be? What do you think my name should be?'
'…'
'Come on, child! Lo! it'll be just for fun.'
'…gold…'
'Gold…?'
'….Golden one.'
'Golden one? Very good decision.'
'…What's your name?'
'Glorfindel.'
'Oh…What does that mean?'
'Golden-haired.'
'Oh…'
'You do not know Elvish?'
'…Yes. I only know how to say goodbye, though…'
'Really? Say it for me.'
'….'
'Please, child? I beg thee.'
'…Nama…'
'Nama…?'
'…Namarië.'
'Aiya! That was brilliant! Your voice was made to speak elvish words.'
'But that's all I know.'
'Do not worry child. I'll teach you.'
'…Very well…'
'Very well…??'
'…Very well, Glarfindel.'
'Hey, its Glorfindel. You should know naught to mess with me, lass; I am one tough brute under this pelt of dung.'
'.....'
'Hey now…is that a smile I see? I think it is!'
'…Naw!'
'Yes! Behold! Look! The most beautiful smile ever to reach the borders of this Elvenhome! Hurrah to one and all for this vision!'
Glorfindel….
Niphrediel's eyes snapped open, a bang erupting through her subconscious, waking her up with or without her consent.
She gingerly moved her head, of which had not moved nor had been moved throughout her slumber. Legolas seemed to still sleep, though he must have noticed her movements, being an elf and all. But, he did not make any reaction that Niphrediel could sense, so she did not tarry her attention on him. He was obviously very tired.
Niphrediel looked about the garden, lush and warm under the shade of the leafed sky. Yet there seemed a strange weariness about her as she looked about, her brow slowly furring into a frown, as she seemed to sense something different about the atmosphere in which had engulfed her in her waken hours.
She slowly perched herself up onto her good knee, her eyes grazing the area around her. Her few tracker skills were now to be put to use, taking the place of her so called 'intuition'. She did not know too many tricks-of-the-trade. She was no Ranger, nor any Tracker or such…. But she was Aragorn's student, and he did not spend important years just teaching her how to hurt others.
Her eyes searched the far reaches of the garden and the fountain, the orchard and the bushes. There was no unnatural change there that her palan eyesight could identify in those numerous places, and that was when Niphrediel's stare dragged downwards, carrying with it the attentiveness of a tiger as it came upon the floor of entangled flowers a mere two metres away from Legolas's booted feet.
Niphrediel slowly edged herself closer to the edge of the blanket, doing her best not to disturb her healing shin. Once she positioned herself in a position that allowed her to look down at the prints, she no longer moved closer, but rather, continued to narrow her stare closer and closer to the two engraves of heavy boots made on the dampened grass and flowers.
Niphrediel let out a long exhale, her left brow twitching to rise as her mind began to ponder. She slowly lowered her hand, allowing it to lay flat and straight in the heart of the left imprint. Closing her eyes for a moment to focus all her mind upon her ability to touch, Niphrediel's palms pressed against the squashed hearth still covered in the morning layer of wetness.
"The prints are deep and no grass has sprung back up and no evidence of moisture," Niphrediel whispered, thinking aloud, of which seemed to help her waking brain as it tried to make some sense of this discovery. Which means they were made during the night before the sun came up, She thought, now silent, lifting her hands from the ground and rubbing the dry soil between her thumb and index. Dry soil… that means that the floor had been sheltered through the waning end of the night when the garden floor became damp… Niphrediel's face became rather unsettled as she dropped her hands to her sides, in realisation.
"Lo! someone would have had to stand on the hearth for at least an hour for this to have happened, at least under this place's weather settings."
Niphrediel, uncomfortable in the fullest, slowly rose to her feet. Though her thoughts still upon the mornings circumstance, her depression beginning to melt under Lorien's benefit.
Suddenly her eyes slightly widened, as she stood on both legs, the nightdress still worn upon her a little grass-stained here and there and indeed ready for a change.
Her leg was scorned no longer! Ilúvatar has shone upon this day! Lo! bless the One of all living creatures! Bless his mercy and magnificence on the gratified (though disturbing) morn!
Niphrediel did not jump or hop, though, just in case. She looked down to her elven friend, of whom still lay down in peace and wide-eyed while he walked the paths of elvish dreams, and gave a thankful smile that quickly dwindled when a rather uneasy feeling was released into her gut like toxic fumes to a herd of mice.
She then looked to the sky, hoping that it would help her relieve herself perhaps, and began to let her senses roam, to allow her thoughts and worries a temporary asylum.
The air smelt like sweet morning due, if Niphrediel could ever imagine that fragrance, which she could, and the sky was coloured a rich colour, stating that the sun was in the middle of it's arising glory. Though, despite the sky's beauty, it seemed as if Anor had painted the sunset with blood and fire. It was a glorious sight, but seemed almost a blade with two edges.
Niphrediel could see one star beginning to dim in its twinkling endeavour. It was the last. For some reason, looking at it made her fill with dread. The feeling went right to her gut, making her feel unclean. Niphrediel did not know what made her feel that way, but it was like her body knew something she did not, or perhaps something she had forgotten.
Niphrediel frowned, and made her way away at a brisk pace, feeling so much better that she her steps fell will so much more ease and without any numbness or heaviness. It felt as if she had not been hurt in the first place, and that was a grand feat indeed.
The sun had not risen, and the Fellowship were slurping the last few sips of long sleeps hungrily, or so it seemed, so it was easy for Niphrediel to slip passed under the watch of her own over-excited attention.
Back to the Infirmary Niphrediel went, and through the oak doors she entered, finding Maranwé at the table happily preparing more potions and creams.
"Maer aur." (Good morning.) Maranwé smiled, her voice tuned in the language of perfectly pronounced Sindarin.
I wish it was so, Niphrediel cringed, before smiling a weak and forced smile to the carefree healer. "My leg feels as good as new," Niphrediel said.
Niphrediel could only frown when Maranwé's eyes began to widen, her brilliant features depicting a canvas of shock rather then…. say…joy, surprise, delight or relief. Maranwé almost looked ready to scream, as before her stood a headless carcass with a bloodied stump at its neck and tentacles for fingers.
"What ills you?" Niphrediel asked carefully, her stare inquisitive and her manner beginning to travel the borders of edginess. "Oh please, Maranwé, tell me what churns the waters of your river such a livid green." She whispered, walking up to Maranwé and patting her shoulder.
Maranwé shook her head, slowly walking Niphrediel to a cot and motioning for her to sit down, of which the child complied. Letting out a sigh, Maranwé moved over to a tray placed a couple metres away near her table and brought it to her side at Niphrediel's bedside.
"I am shocked, in pure honesty." Maranwé said, gently gliding Niphrediel's legs up onto the body of the sheeted cot, making her lie down before kneeling upon the floor to be at perfect stature from her staggering height. "In all accounts…. your leg should take at least three months to properly heal itself from it's wound." She said, lifting Niphrediel's long (and quite dirtied) skirt to a modest length at her knee, and beginning to unbandage her bandages.
Niphrediel frowned, turning her head on the surface of the feathered pillow. "Three months…." She whispered, for her own attention.
Maranwé slowly peeled back the last cover that separated her newer-grown flesh from the fresh air, and her gasp stunned the room, the tools in her hands cluttering to the floor as her stare pierced Niphrediel's skin.
Niphrediel sat up, frightened, her terror and anxiety as clearly seen as the sun in the sky on a clear day. "What is it?!" She cried, panting.
Maranwé's stare flickered back at Niphrediel, though this time her eyes seemed to dive into hers, as if to find something. Her shocked and almost ghastly expression marring her such succulent features would make even the most aloof jumpy. "Your skin…. it has properly healed."
Niphrediel looked down at her bared shin and let out a long sigh, relieved that Maranwé's reaction had not been drawn from the opposite occurrent. "Ah…. thankyou Eru." She whispered, letting her thanks be spoken almost to quiet for Maranwé's ears to pick up, if she had been actually listening to it. "That is lucky." Niphrediel said, looking at the small, fading scar of about five inches that was all left from her nasty experience. It may not fully fade, but it wouldn't be noticeable in a couple months at the least.
Maranwé shook her head, standing up, "There is no luck, Niphrediel, that will repay someone with unbelievable wound-healing." She said, her quiet and soft, yet also rather frightened. Frightened of what exactly, Niphrediel could not bring herself to tell, but it was not her. Maranwé did not fear Niphrediel, or the other way around.
Niphrediel let out an exasperated sigh, and looked to a window, her gaze falling down to Beren prancing around like a jumping mouse, trying to reach the window and see what was going on. Only the top of his black nose was Niphrediel able to properly identify, but even that brought a smile to her limps as she was taken out to bath herself and get dressed into her own clothing that had been washed in her favour.
She did not put on her black tunic, though. Instead she was more content to wear the white shift shirt she wore underneath it. It was thin, airy and comfortable with its relatively square neckline and loose sleeves that stopped at her wrists. It was more of an underwear-like garment, but it revelled nothing nor pushed the boundaries of modesty, and underneath it she wore her plain green bodice for support for her breasts, so she was not in any means 'naked'. Her leggings and boots were placed upon their rightful places though, and Niphrediel cherished the feeling of the material between her legs that a skirt did not grant. Niphrediel also liked much that the many scratches and sleeves covered bruises on her arms.
She quickly pulled a tail of her damp hair back, tying it at the back of her head with a black thong, before walking out of the infirmary and straight into the bulk of Aragorn who had just reached for the handle of the door at the same time.
Letting out a short gasp, Aragorn took two quick steps back, while Niphrediel helplessly fell straight back onto her behind with a quiet thump.
Niphrediel cringed, swallowing a startled gasp as she hit the ground, cursing herself mentally as she registered what had happened when she found herself looking up at the apologetic and rather daunting face of Aragorn.
"Good morning, gentle brother." Niphrediel said, sarcasm reeking from her tone as she hesitantly gathered herself back up to her feet.
Aragorn simply looked at her, yet Niphrediel could see something flash in his eyes. Was he angry at something? At her? Niphrediel could only wonder, until her attention spanned when she saw a small group of male Quendi standing behind him.
Niphrediel raised an eyebrow; giving a bow to the elves, while shooting Aragorn a confused stare.
"Estel?"-
"Come on, Niphrediel." He said, his voice gentle yet his expression drained of gentleness which made his features look sharp and his skin more worn. The expression did not suite him well. It looked as if he were sick.
Niphrediel frowned, "Aragorn"—
"This is Haldir, of Lorien," Aragorn said, interrupting her sentence and train of thought.
To the elf that Aragorn spoke of, Niphrediel gave another brief nod, "I am Niphrediel, daughter of Arathorn. Mae Govannen, Haldir." From the corner of her eye, Niphrediel saw Aragorn lower his head. What was amiss?!
"Vendui', arwen en amin." The elf Haldir said, giving a warm and polite gesture with his hand over his heart. He looked then away from the human girl, and to his company of three behind him, all fair with golden hair and sparkling eyes. One, of whom seemed the more least experienced of them all, Niphrediel admitted, was almost as fair as Glorfindel. The elf would probably be in the same category as Legolas.
Haldir whispered something to the bad of Aragorn's ear, which made Aragorn look a little confused for a moment, his eyes slightly blank. "Ah…. very well. Change of plans, Niphrediel." He said, turning back to her.
Niphrediel frowned, "Huh? So, we're not going anywhere?"
"No, no, no, our course seems to have changed," He replied turning to the elven leader. "Where it is that we are asked to go, I know not. That is why Haldir and his company will guide us there, as the elf just informed me."
Haldir nodded, his stare penetrating into Niphrediel's face like a dagger, "My lord Aragorn, is the girl ill? I have seen snow with more colour then her cheeks." He asks, his question making Niphrediel lower her head in slight shame.
Aragorn looked momentarily at Niphrediel, not seeming to see anything out of the ordinary, though he now noticed more her alabaster colouring. At least when they were back in Rivendell Niphrediel was usually shrouded in the light of candles…. of which Aragorn thought actually made her look rather becoming. If he did not say so himself, of course…but, then again, Niphrediel could've been horrible to the eye and Estel would still see beauty somewhere.
"She is still a little ill…. infection perhaps," Aragorn mumbled, subtly coming to his sist—Niphrediel's defence, before turning his stare away once more. "Should we now be on our way?"
Haldir's attention was then placed onto the activity now at hand, of which confirmed by his diligent nod before he began to walk back, his group of edhil following him without any hesitation.
Aragorn, though, watched the elves slowly walking down the stairs of the porch, seeming rather timid to follow. He sighed, eyes lowering to the floor from the last elf's lean back.
Niphrediel frowned, walking to the door and putting a hand on his shoulder, "Aragorn, are you well?"
Her frown did not smoothen nor dim in the lightest when Aragorn turning his shoulder away from her hand.
"I am fine, Nieninquë." He said, his voice tired and quiet, before he walked from her to follow the elves. Niphrediel almost forgot to do so also until he turned back and waved for her to follow, braking her moment of frowning and thought.
Niphrediel followed, as instructed. She walked blindly with her eyes always to the ground where her next steps were made. The elves were leading them into the wild, the bush and forest around them confirming the thought. They also seemed to be going uphill, which Niphrediel noted quite early.
The trees around them were tall and well branched and generously leafed, shrouding them all in shade, to Niphrediel's benefit she was sure. Being outside so often at daylight, wether in shade or no, Niphrediel had noticed, was doing her quite well.
Despite what the elf had said about her complexion, Niphrediel had noticed she was a little darker. Only a little bit more, but Niphrediel had noticed the change and thought it quite remarkable. It was not very enjoyable being more pale then white porcelain, nor did it help that the darkness of her hair seemed to drain even more colour from her skin…. if that were possible.
Nieninquë kept her thoughts to herself, as it seemed they all did. Something was wrong with Aragorn. Perhaps he missed the Evenstar, perhaps he was in doubt. Perhaps he was just plagued with thoughts that Niphrediel should respect and not try to predict. She could not help it. She was only human, after all.
It was not too long in the log jumping and uphill-hiking that Niphrediel slowly began to become bored. The forest seemed to span forever.
Though, that was just before the elves walked through to a wall of vines flung over the high, but droopy, branch of a great Willow. The company of elves stopped and looked back to the two humans, waiting patiently for them to come closer.
"Why have we stopped?" Estel asked, his brow furring in a frown. "Is there any trouble?"
Haldir shook his head, coming forth from his place at the front. Niphrediel's eyes narrowed on his face. Something seemed wrong…no, not wrong…strange… Something strange was at work here, but she had not the foresight to behold it.
Niphrediel raised an eyebrow, but kept silent.
Haldir sighed, glancing at his comrades with an assuring nod before looking to both Niphrediel and Aragorn as the elves began to walk behind them. Taking a step back, away from the vines, Haldir nodded once more.
"Take another step forward," He said. "Do not worry, just do as I say."
Aragorn took a step forward practically immediately, but Niphrediel was not so instant. She was suspicious….she could feel something wasn't right…..at the bottom of her gut she could feel it. It made her sick.
Her eyes narrowed once more on the commanding elf, as if doing so would, in some way, give her end to her suspiciousness.
Haldir only nodded to her, his eyes lowering as he took another step forward, as if in some kind of strange respect. "A step forward, child." He said, yet now his voice wasn't so light.
"Come, Niphrediel," Aragorn sighed, annoyed at her hesitation.
It was more out of Aragorn's reaction then her conscience that made her take another step forward. She did not want him to be frustrated with her, so she did what she was told like an obedient puppy, despite her own desire.
Niphrediel heard the crunching of leaf and grass under her boots as she took the step forward. The wall of vines, thick and green-leafed, created a curtain less then an inch from her nose, and Niphrediel swallowed the urge to part the veil and take a peak through to see what was on the other side…and yet she did not…for there was some part in her that was weary.
Though she did not turn her head, her eyes moved to their corners to look at Aragorn. He seemed calmer then she was, if not slightly a little curious and confused. His eyes of mixed grey and blue searched the leaves in front of him, before they sensed the stare of Niphrediel and looked back at her. His face was blank, but he offered a weak, but meaningful smile.
The gesture settled Niphrediel for a moment, just as Aragorn had thought it would, and for that moment Niphrediel lost her restlessness……that was, until the elf behind Aragorn pushed him.
Aragorn's eyes widened, and his mouth opened to let out a gasp and curse as he was pushed forward through the vines….into the SUNLIGHT!! He seemed to fall straight down, though Niphrediel could also hear him sliding down rock, which gave evidence that he wasn't falling down……but rolling down. Niphrediel couldn't see, for after the vines were parted, they almost magically fell back into their previous places, in opposite direction of the current breeze.
Niphrediel's lips parted, eyes widening shock and horror. She quickly turned around, moving away from the vines, a frown on her forehead as she looked to the elf who had pushed him. "Why did you"—
Before she knew it, Haldir stepped forward and grabbed onto the front of her shift (for now that she had turned around, her back faced the vines) and lifted her off her feet.
Haldir frowned and took a step forward, seeming to carry the weight of the youth as if she were nothing.
Niphrediel cringed, too terrified to cry, as she looked back to oncoming doom, then back to the face of the elf she got closer and closer. "Please!" She screamed, "Put me down! The sun burns me, if I am directly under it, it will be death!!"
Haldir shook his head, pitying Niphrediel. Did he know? Niphrediel frowned. Why would elves seek to hurt her?! "I was ordered to do this from the Lord Celeborn; The Lord of Light and this haven of my kin. His word overrules all others, save the Lady Galadriel's."
Niphrediel shook her head, her desperation igniting her emotions like fire. "Please," She cried, her hands clenched over his as if she would try and pry open his hands from her shift. "Please! Kill me, not."
"NIPHREDIEL!"Aragorn's voice boomed down from behind the vines to a place far bellow. "HALDIR! NO! NO! LEAVE HER BE!" He cried, pleading. His voice so loud it echoed.
Someone help me! Niphrediel begged, Ilúvatar, help me…please! Oh Eru do notkill me, please. Boromir! Gimli, Legolas, hobbits! Glorfindel please!!
Haldir seemed to hesitate, and Niphrediel used that to her advantage without any proper thought. She lashed out with her leg, putting her boot against his chest to allow her to push herself down, do he was forced to drop her on the ground. Just before he let her go, though, Niphrediel kicked him once more in the stomach. He let out a groan and seemed to be winded. Once released, Niphrediel rolled onto her feet, took one look at the elves about to grab her, and ran to the side into the trees, which was in the only direction where no elves stood.
They're elves! You cannot outrun elves! Nevertheless, Niphrediel tried.
Her feet, very quick in human terms, were no match. Niphrediel ran through the trees, dodging them and jumping over fallen logs while listening to her weeping panting.
I'm going the wrong way!! Niphrediel quickly turned, sprinting left. She did not care what way she was going. She had to escape. She had to survive.
Glorfindel!Niphrediel cried, weeping as she ran. Maybe Glorfindel could hear her. Maybe he could hear her plea. After all, elves had amazing hearing, both telepathically and physically. In a childhood book written by an unknowing mortal Niphrediel remembered that the elf in it heard his friend's voice from……… over fifty leagues away………
Niphrediel's eyes widened, and she took in a deep breath before opening her mouth and screaming, as loud as she possibly could, "Legolas!!!" In her blind screaming, Niphrediel accidentally tripped on a fallen branch and fell down a short, muddy overhang.
Legolas! Legolas! Legolas! Legolas!
Niphrediel could hear her voice echoing from her place on the grassy ground where she had landed, her temple lying on top of the greenery, aching and pounding. Oh please hear me, Greenleaf. Her eyes unfocused for a moment, as Niphrediel found herself about to black out, and yet she woke up and slowly gathered herself up to her feet and began to run again.
Oh yes, Niphrediel ran. She ran an entire three steps before she was picked up roughly from behind from the elf that Niphrediel had once thought could almost be matched by Glorfindel's majesty. Now, Niphrediel couldn't have thought of a demon more ugly. But, then again, she thought she was going to die.
He carried her easily, and skilfully, for no matter how much Niphrediel screamed and kicked and lashed out, his hold on her never loosened. Niphrediel also noticed the little distance she had made from the vines. And yet she thought she had been running for quite some time.
The elf let out a short sigh, giving a nod to Haldir and the other elves that seemed unmoved, waiting for him, and slowly walked to the wall.
Niphrediel looked down at him from her unusual position in his arms and watched as a tear dropped from her jaw, onto his cheek bellow. The broken tear ran down his cheek too, as if it were his own. His attention momentarily moved, and he looked up, his eyes locking onto her own, it's pull too powerful for Niphrediel to avoid. His face, cold and hard, momentarily softened, and an apologetic smile curved the shape of his lips and, as softly as the distant sound of the beach, he whispered, "I'm sorry."
This did not make Niphrediel feel better. It did not make her 'understand' or any such thing. Now that he had said sorry, was she supposed to think it right or abide by it?
Nieninquë wanted to just spit on his crown for that. But, her moment of silence was broken once more when the elf took a breath and lifted her higher, ready to throw her. His arms tensed, and Niphrediel sobbed as she felt him about to let go.
And then it all went silent, save the sound of an arrow being nocked and the stretching of an arrow string.
They all heard it. All at the same time. Such was the stealth of the Greenwood prince.
"Put her down."
Niphrediel let out a long sigh, closing her eyes as tears of relief were shred.
Legolas stood, his arrow a mere inch from the elf's temple. The other elves could only look on, defenceless for once.
Niphrediel opened her mouth, the residue of a sob coming out with her breath. "L-L-Legol"-
"Shhh, Niphrediel," Legolas whispered, his stare not taking the chance to move to her at that moment, his voice changing remarkably from the orderly, demanding and hard tone of his warrior self, and the quiet, gentle voice of the gentle elf he really was.
Niphrediel nodded, but frowned when she noticed that the elf's hold had not softened in the least. Legolas noticed that too, and he once more tightened the grip of his arrow.
"Let. Her. Go."
The elf looked to Legolas, or rather the arrow now a mere centimetre from his eye. "You do not want to do that, Thranduilion."
"Nor do you want to stand against me, Herendilion. To that I swear to you. Now, put her down."
The elf nodded and a smirk came upon his mouth, and he nodded, "As you wish, prince." And thus he let her go. But not without a hard flick of his hands. A flick that caused Niphrediel to fall outwards rather then down.
"Niphrediel!" Legolas shouted, as Niphrediel fell backwards through the vines.
Light momentarily blinded her, but Niphrediel was rolling, and it had not had its chance to scorn her. Her back hit rock, and she began to roll backwards, her body feeling hollow as she did, and light weighted, for she couldn't stop herself.
She could hear Aragorn's voice as she continued to roll, until she felt nothing back air under her body. Though, as quickly as the feeling came, Niphrediel fell—boom—flat onto the stone bottom. And, as she opened her eyes, it was just about then when she was convinced that she was going to perish.
She looked up and screamed, momentarily blinded by light so strong to her sensitive sight.
"No!" Aragorn cried out, reaching out to her from his place on the stone ground, his leg caught between two rocks, tears blinding his eyes as he did so, and yet they promised not to fall. Not again, please Eru, he thought, do not hurt her again.
Niphrediel looked to Aragorn, the sun bedding down on her, "I'm going to die"—
"No your not!"'
Niphrediel nodded, and Aragorn shook his head, trying looking about himself for anything he could use, but failing miserably. Any onlooker would've pointed out that Aragorn could've used his tunic or any other piece of clothing, but something had eliminated that very thought from his minds. Something that did not want Niphrediel to live, maybe, or perhaps something that just wanted Niphrediel to realise something.
Niphrediel cried, preparing herself for death so much that she did not realise that death wasn't on its way. Niphrediel wept, holding up her hand to the sky, waiting for it to burn.
It did not.
Niphrediel looked at her hand in disbelief, and began to cry, never taking her gaze off it.
Its real! Its real!
When she closed her eyes, amongst her sobs, she felt Aragorn's arms come around her.
Niphrediel.
Niphrediel opened her eyes. Who was that man? His voice was……a stranger to her. Who was he?
Welcome to the light, child. I am sorry you had not come to me sooner.
Who are you?
You will see me.
But I still won't know who you are!
I assure you, child. You will.
But—
You will.
That was when Niphrediel began to feel sick and her head began to lighten. That was when her eyes closed and the light within engulfed her. That was when she fainted.
And thus, a discovery had been made.
Was it the healing of Lorien that had given Niphrediel this gift, or someone within it? What magical means had been cast over her?
Niphrediel did not know. She was too spellbound to actually enjoy what she had been given.
After the screaming from the hollow the elves had pushed the two mortal's in had come to an end, the elven company released Legolas from their holds and allowed him to part the vines. Though, instead of rolling down the stone wall as the humans did, the elf preferred to run his light feet across it while the elves watched on, relieved that they had done their task despite the barriers.
Haldir sighed, the elves at his flanks doing the same as they watched Thranduilion help take out the leg of Isildur's Heir from two heavy rocks from the centre of the stone plane, of which had once been called the 'Circle of Stone' in years long passed.
Herendilion, or properly named Herentur also let out a sigh of his own before looking to his leader beside him. "Should we help them?" He asked.
Haldir hesitated before asking, keeping the vines parted with his hand so that the happenings beyond could be seen properly. I suppose the least thing we could do is carry the girl, Haldir thought, as Aragorn picked her up from the ground, burying his face in the black hair upon her shoulder and cradling her like a baby.
The elves had scared him, Haldir knew. He thought his child would be killed; one of the most powerful fears Haldir could imagine, regardless that he had not his own.
Haldir watched as the mortal man slowly sank to his knees, holding the poor girl so tight it seemed to almost be the means for him to never be able to let go. The shoulders of the Dúnadan shook as he wept, hidden from view by the girl's
"We will wait here," Haldir said. "When they reach us we will lead them back."
Herentur nodded, "Will the mortal not want us to carry the girl instead?"
Haldir shook his head; "I doubt the mortal would want any one to so much as touch the girl at this moment, mellon."
Soron, beside Herentur, frowned, lowering his fair head to the ground. As his crystallin eyes scanned the grass bellow, he embodied the expression of one sad. "Do they see us as enemies, Haldir?"
"That is not what we are, Soron," said Haldir. "Aragorn now knows why we were told to do this. And if anything, I am sure he is grateful that we have bared this discovery. He is just recovering from"—
"The fear of loss," Herentur concluded. And thus, the group remained silent.
Glorfindel?
Nieninquë.
Am I dreaming?
Hahahahahaha, of course you are.
Oh…
Never fear. I'm dreaming, too.
You are?
Of course. How else will I be able to reach you?
…very well.
It does not matter, Nien. How are you?
…I miss you.
Aw, do you?
Yes.
I miss you, too.
Why can you not be here with me?
You miss me that much?
Yes.
You have to stay with your brother.
He will be leaving tomorrow. Follow him, I cannot.
Well……you need to stay in Caras Galadhon a little longer.
I do not want to.
Come on.
I miss you.
Gwilwileth, I am with you always.
Don't give me any of that, Glorfindel.
Well, what can I say?
…I do not know.
Well…how are you?
I saw the sun.
You did, did you??
You do not seem surprised.
We will talk about that later. How was it? The sun, I mean.
Bright…scary.
Scary? Have no fear of it, but do not release yourself into it too quickly. Your skin is not used to its rays, it will burn easily. Perhaps there is a healer there that may make a lotion in the means of skin protection?
Maranwé?… I'll ask.
Hmmm…no no no, I think there will be no need to ask.
How is my naneth?
She misses you.
I miss her more, I assure thee.
Hehe, she will be pleased to know that.
And my lord Adar?
He is troubled with business between he and his daughter, but he fairs well. As he does.
And Arwen?
…
I can hear your eyebrow raising, but I wish an answer. How is she?
I never thought you would ask, Niphrediel.
…
You know I understand naught why your love for her dwindled. You were in utter love of her as a child.
I only saw her a couple times—
And on those occasions when she did visit you never parted from her, not once. There is some half of me that understands, and yet the other is confused. She completely loved you, too. She still does, completely.
Yes, well that was before I had the pleasure of realising her relationship with my keeper.
You would not want her to be his?
I do not understand it.
What is that?
A mortal and an elf. I do not understand how--
What? People could say the same about our relationship, Niphrediel. As well as the one you share with my Lord and Ivanneth.
But—
I am just giving you this insight, Niphrediel. Love was something neither Arwen nor Estel could fight—
I wish not want to hear this.
—Nor could they ever. Despite race and age.
What was the point of that?
I just wanted to tell you that she cares about you too, Nieninquë
…very well.
She sends her love, and her care.
……Tell her the same.
Wake up, Niphrediel.
What?
Wake up.
Wake up?
Wake up.
"Wake up."
Niphrediel stirred, frowning in her sleep. Someone was shaking her shoulder, rousing her from her enforced sleep.
"Wake up, Niphrediel. Awake."
"Legolas?" Her voice came out in a coarse whisper, and Niphrediel coughed and cleared her throat several times to get rid of it. Her eyes opened, and when Niphrediel blinked she good feel sleep in the corners of them.
Legolas loomed over her, dressed ready to leave in his tunic and belt, his quiver on his back empty over his pack. The hilts of his knifes could glinted underneath the dying candlelight of the dim-lightened sick room, and even in Niphrediel's drowsiness she still wanted to play with them.
Glorfindel? No reply. It was just a dream. Niphrediel sighed, disappointed.
Legolas threw a green robe on Niphrediel as she yawned and sat up on the bed. Niphrediel groaned, removing the heavy satin draped over her head, but could not help laughing quietly.
"What time is this? You shouldn't be here." Niphrediel said, frowning slightly, "You should be gone."
Legolas gave a little smile, "Well, I will be leaving. But, if you do not hurry up and get up then I will not be able to get this done."
"Wha"—
"Just get up and put the robe on. It is quite cold for the night is ending." Legolas beamed, before bowing and jogging outside with Beren (of whom Niphrediel had not noticed) following him like an excited puppy.
Niphrediel lifted the heavy covers from her body and stood up. She was wearing cloths she did not remember putting on, her hair brushed and all braided into thick braids, thinning it out. Niphrediel patted the loose white tunic she wore, and the matching loose trousers. Niphrediel imagined these were an outfit that Ivanneth referred to as 'pyjamas'. It was quite nice, too! Niphrediel wanted a more pairs so that she wouldn't have to sleep in another nightgown again.
Niphrediel quickly put on the green robe. She did not do up the claps, wearing it more as a long, heavy cloak with sleeves, really. She eyed the white slippers in the corner and threw them on when she could hear the beckoning barks of Beren calling to her from beyond the porch.
Niphrediel quickly ran to the door, opening it and walking out into the lightened darkness. The illuminative glow of the trees prevented it from ever being dark, but the sky showed it all the same.
Legolas and Beren waited in the front yard, and Niphrediel hurried down the porch steps to them, wiping the sleep from her eyes.
"Curses!" Legolas hissed to himself, looking at the sky and seeing something completely different. He looked down to Beren in an almost comical way, despite his absolute seriousness. "We'll have to hurry."
Niphrediel raised an eyebrow, laughing, "Are you ill?" She jested.
Legolas shook his head and simply held out a black blindfold to her. "Put it on!" He beamed, like a child.
Niphrediel looked at the black cloth, shaking her head, "Um, I think not."
"Come on!" He beckoned.
Niphrediel laughed, "No! I wish not to blind myself."
Legolas sighed, "Fine. Then I shall do it for you," He groaned, before putting the blindfold over her eyes despite her arguments and the times she pushed him away. In the end, though, Niphrediel gave in. She was a little angry, but tried to swallow it down. He was going to leave, and she would miss his company, of which surprised her! It would be worse enough missing her brother when she made light friends with the elf, too.
Niphrediel couldn't see, but she could navigate where she was going good enough. Though, once she was being lead through what seemed to be a plain of grass, she was lost.
What was quite surprising was that she did not trip. Not once. She never stepped where she should not have, and she knew she wouldn't. She had a stupendous guide, it seemed.
Soon, the crunching of her footsteps came to a stop and Niphrediel brought her hands up to undo the loose knot behind her head when there came no argument for her to not do so.
Niphrediel slowly took the blindfold off, and her brow arced.
Though the vines had been tied back to the tree, Niphrediel recognised where she stood immediately.
"Interesting choice," She mumbled, looking to her side when she felt Beren's nose trying to find her fingers in the large, dangling mass of her sleeve.
There was night here, rather then the midnight glow in the heart of Caras Galadhon. Here it was dark, and some how, Niphrediel preferred it that way.
Legolas nodded beside her, before sitting down on the edge of the rather daunting overhang that gave Niphrediel overbearing memories. He pointed absently before sitting down on the edge, letting his legs hang still over it. "West," He said. "Where my kindred sail away into the land of everlasting bliss."
Niphrediel did not say anything, hesitantly sitting down as well. "Why are we here?" She asked, frowning.
Legolas shrugged. He was somewhere else now. He was no longer with her. He was staring off into the air, in a half daze, his mind in a peaceful wonder stated by the surreal smile on his lips.
Niphrediel did not click her fingers or try to get his attention. She stared off into the distance to, pulling the robe around her as a chill made its way through her. Her breath marked the air as it came out, but it wasn't cold enough for her to shiver.
"I had a dream tonight," Mumbled Niphrediel, thinking aloud.
Legolas nodded, "Did you? What was it about?"
Niphrediel sighed, shaking her head sadly as she remembered, "I was by a pond with Glorfindel….we were just talking and throwing bread to the ducks in the water."
Legolas smiled, looking back at Beren and waving him over, "Then it was a good dream at least."
Niphrediel frowned….her dream was too real to not be fiction. She was speaking to Glorfindel….and he was speaking back. "Legolas?"
"Yes."
Niphrediel shrugged, wondering, "Can people have dreams…..about things that are happening…Can someone speak to someone else in there dreams?"
Legolas absently nodded, "I believe there are some people who can have that gift. In elves its is an ability given lightly." He said, then spoke no more as Beren began to move over.
Beren perched himself beside his master, rather then his mistress, and followed the line and stared off also into the sky also.
Lorien was truly beautiful. All elvish dwellings were. Elves were just going to leave the things the built so heartedly and let Man abuse it with untouched time and nature's harsh dominance. Niphrediel positively shuddered to imagine Imladris, abandoned and wretched. It's magnificence but mere memories that all, or at least all that was left, had left for forgotten.
Ivanneth….Glorfindel…..Elrond……………..Arwen. Niphrediel sighed and shook her head.
"Legolas? Legolas wake up." Niphrediel whispered, turning her head to the elf, his profile glowing in the mixtures of light. It was times like these where Niphrediel remembered his place. She forgot the majesty of Elves sometimes. Their wisdom. The years they had seen that she could not have even dreamed of. Elves were so much greater; it was too easy to either love or fear them.
Niphrediel frowned, watching a grand smile come over Legolas's face as a grand golden light beamed down upon it. Niphrediel's eyes widened, for they knew where the light was coming from, and the pure truth of it made them water.
Niphrediel's heart stopped and she felt her stomach tighten and drop. Niphrediel could basically see it jumping down the overhang and hitting the stone bottom.
A sunrise. She was going to see a sunrise. An actual sunrise.
Niphrediel began to shake. Though it looked like she was shivering, she had completely forgotten about the cold. Niphrediel thought back to her bedroom in Imladris, and the painting of a sunrise upon the mantelpiece of her fireplace. She remembered growing up, thinking that was the closest thing to an actual sunrise she'd ever have.
The sun came out. Oh did it come out. It shone down on Niphrediel's face as if embracing an infant it had lost for so long. Niphrediel could feel Anor's warmth. His blessing and love. She could somehow hear his apology. He did not want to hurt her. He would never want to. She was a child of the Sun unrightfully taken from him and he had missed her. She closed her eyes, never knowing that she would ever be able to do such. It was so beautiful.
All her pain had not been in vain. The years spent away from the lighted world. The scars, the cloaks, the hoods, the ointments, the pain. She had gotten what she finally deserved….But why? How? Niphrediel did not really want to think of it. Joy had never come in this variety.
Niphrediel smiled and silently wept, but there were no tears to mark that she was crying in happiness.
Legolas smiled, moving his knees up for his arms to hang off; a favourite sitting position for him, Niphrediel had noticed. He continued to watch the sunrise, pleased with himself. His mother had once said 'it is better to give then to receive'. That was the type of person she was, and so it seemed correct that Legolas inherited some of that.
Niphrediel looked neither away nor blinked, but Legolas noticed her movements, having the sight that he did, but he did not move nor respond. Niphrediel embraced him; though being beside each other would've meant she would've had to turn to put her arms around him, but being such an important moment, Niphrediel could not tear her gaze away from the sun. Instead, Niphrediel moved over and embraced him in another way. Her head tilted bellow his chin, her cheek against his shoulder.
Though there was meaning in her hugs, the impact of them were light and irrelevant. It did not matter to either of them, but her gesture was sweet, meaning to show thanks and appreciation. Legolas knew this, and took it nostalgically, but still with a smile that slowly dimmed.
Niphrediel hesitated before putting the full weight of her head on a stranger's shoulder. It was strange…like a step back in time when Niphrediel was a short, reserved, little baby, and Glorfindel was……..Glorfindel.
"Niphrediel?"
Niphrediel frowned; surprised that silence had been brought to a pause. "Hmm?"
"One day……when I follow my kin over the sea……will you tell people about me?" Legolas's voice was a mere whisper, but it was clear and unwavering.
Niphrediel frowned. "What are you talking about?"
Legolas looked down, as if he wanted to put his face in his hands. "Gandalf was there…..and then, like that, he was gone," he said, "Yes, there were laments, and all mourn his absence, but……"
Niphrediel nodded. "But….??"
"But his grandness…..his kindness…..his stature…." Legolas frowned, his voice coming to an awkward silence as if he had forgotten what he was supposed to say, "it will all be forgotten, despite it all. Maybe not in this age, but the next……That is what is going to happen to elf-kind. One day, we will all be forgotten."
Niphrediel grimaced, moving her head and seat so that she still sat close beside the elf, but she could look up to him. His face was hard, and his eyes seemed to glisten with tears of anger, his stare seemed now a glare, and Niphrediel bit back the urge to back away.
"One day, we will be myth," He said, through clenched teeth. "One day our very existence will be fiction. One day people will laugh at the thought of any Legolas of the Greenwood."
"But that day is not today," Niphrediel said, slowly, gently, surprising herself that she had said the words aloud.
"All the more still," said Legolas, turning his stare on her. "Will you tell your children about me, when I am gone?" Despite it all, he still managed his sweet smile, "Wether or not they are of your blood, of course."
Niphrediel lowered her eyes in laughter she deemed more appropriate internal, but her smile and slight blush at the thought of her having children showed her response to his sweet sarcasm. Children? Ha! Yeah right.
Though, now there was the large implication demolished (if she ever had the chance at something such), now all Niphrediel would have to change about herself would be herself. Though, even then, Niphrediel knew she'd be the aunt, not the mother. Just like in a play…. some (the lucky ones) get to be the two leads. The leading male and the leading female. And then, there is the supporting cast…. Niphrediel would be in that category. And strangely, that was where Niphrediel felt more comfortable in. She did not want to be any leading lady. She just wanted to be…. her.
Niphrediel nodded, and it seemed the weight of the world seemed to slip off his shoulders. "And what will I say?" Niphrediel frowned.
Legolas looked away, to the sky, before giving a small smile to something within his own extensive memory. He leaned on his arm, about to get up.
"That I lived," He said, simply, with a bright smile, before standing up and leading the way back.
Niphrediel nodded, before following.
She followed Legolas, of who travelled down in a light jog back deep inside the city, to the dock.
Niphrediel watched the Fellowship get their gifts from the Lady of Light: the Lady of Lorien. She couldn't take her eyes from her, but she did, however, when she spoke to Aragorn, her attention on the jewel about his neck rather then anything else. It was soon after that when she saw him.
She was too far away to hear what he was saying to the Fellowship, but the elves at his flanks placed cloaks bound by a leaf broach upon each member. It was before the Fellowship moved off, when he looked at her.
Time seemed to stop for a moment or two and when she looked closer and her eyes momentarily defocused, the white light of the elf foreign to her eyes, before she could see him properly. He stood tall and unbelievably regal, his robe of white cascading to the ground, and his silver hair shinning as it hanged in straight strands on both sides of his fair face.
He bowed his head to her, in a way that was almost like he was telling her it was truly he, in case she wasn't sure. He even gave her a quick smile, or at least the corners of his mouth did. There was only one face that Niphrediel wanted to see other then his, and that face was one she would never, ever be able to see again. At least not in this life.
That was all she was given for now, and she was content with that. Time came back, and continued to pass without hesitation after that, and Niphrediel just continued to watch.
She watched the Lord Elf take Estel away from the company as they put their equipment into three boats, and she watched as Estel was given an arced dagger, or at least something of the sort.
"Lord Celeborn speaks with Isildur's Heir," Whispered an elf standing on the large root of a tree somewhat behind Niphrediel. Just close enough to be in earshot of her.
"They are being tracked. He is just letting them know," Said his partner.
Niphrediel's lips parted. They were being tracked?
"Niphredili!"
Niphrediel turned her head, walking forward in direction of the person who had called her name, or at least something like it.
Merry and Pippin waved from where they sat happily on a boat.
"Hello, Niphredili," Beamed Pippin.
Niphrediel smiled, waving to them, "Hello boys. Ready for the trip?"
Merry nodded, "Yes."—
"We won't get hurt again, will we?" Pippin frowned, rubbing a scratch on his elbow.
Merry shock his head, "Who knows Pippin?"
"Well, we can always steal Boromir's shield and hide under it if harm comes our way," Giggled Pippin, replied with an elbow in the stomach from Merry.
The hobbits became quiet as Legolas came over and inspected a pouch near them. Merry and Pippin watched absently as the elf opened it and displayed a flat-based bread. Legolas smiled and looked to the hobbits, "Lembas," said he, taking a tiny bit, "One bite is enough to full the stomach of a grown man." Putting the piece back, he moved away.
Merry raised an eyebrow before looking to Pippin. "How many did you eat?" He asked.
Pippin thought for a moment before replying. "Four," He said, taking a moment before cursing the air with a fart.
Niphrediel laughed, and moved away before the smell had time to reach her.
Gimli nodded, holding up his axe to her as she walked passed. Niphrediel smiled and waved, but she did not say a formal goodbye to him. Something told her the dwarf did not want to be riddled with one as he left. His mind was somewhere else entirely.
Niphrediel did not receive a smile from Frodo. The poor hobbit looked like he wanted to be sick. His pale, once bright, blue eyes stared at her, and she could see his pain. Niphrediel did not have good eyesight in the least, but anyone who looked at him could see it.
Niphrediel was suddenly disappointed that she had not become better friends with the Ring bearer. Perhaps she could've helped in some little way.
She sighed and walked over, unthinking of what she could possibly say. Both Frodo and Sam where about to get into their assorted boats, but Frodo moved away from his craft as Niphrediel seemed to walk in his direction.
"Hello," He said, his voice small, unconfident.
Niphrediel nodded, moving into a crouch to be able to speak eye-to-eye with him. Frodo was older then her, she did not want to forget. "Hello," She said slowly, before searching his face with a light stare. "Are you well?"
Frodo nodded, slightly defensive. "I'm fine," He replied, his voice still remaining soft.
My world depends on this boy. Hobbit, yes…. but he is still a boy. Niphrediel nodded. She couldn't say anything of much significance that he would take attentively. Their relationship was not close enough, even though Frodo did only think good thoughts about her. Niphrediel once more was regretful that she had not spent more time with him, but that was all in the past now. Niphrediel did not believe time travel was something that could happen, no matter how hard she tried.
"Ah…you be careful, now, Frodo….Take care of yourself," Niphrediel nodded, patting the hobbit's shoulder before standing up. She looked down as the hobbit looked up and she suddenly felt like she was looking at him from a high cliff.
Niphrediel's words must have had some small impact, for a smile suddenly lit Frodo's face and somehow his troubles dissolved from public view. He slowly nodded, and moved away, and as did she.
Niphrediel walked to Aragorn, somewhat reluctantly. He wasn't turned to her, but she knew he could see she was beside him. He had the eyes of a tracker, after all. She cleared her throat, a little nervous.
"Don't get hurt. I know it may seem tempting at times, but it really isn't the right answer to your problems," Niphrediel grinned, trying her hand at humour.
Aragorn nodded, "Yes. I forget you're the one that does that."
Niphrediel smiled, walking him over to his boat that he hesitantly climbed in.
"I mean it," She whispered, her voice low in case some one was trying to hear it, crouching on a tree root that was used as a dock to hope into Aragorn's boat. "If you get hurt, I will kill you."
Aragorn smiled a wavering himself, making himself comfortable in his seat with Frodo and Sam. He simply picked up a hand that was resting on her knee and brought it to his mouth and lightly kissed it.
"I fear your wrath too much to ever do that," He replied slowly back, which made a clump rise in her throat. Would this be the last time I see him again? Will he return? Niphrediel frowned, focusing all thought on her change of topic. I love you, Estel.
Estel nodded, glancing away as Legolas and Gimli settled down in there boat. Boromir with the more mischievous hobbits slowly pushed off from the dock. They were leaving.
Aragorn's boat slowly pulled back with the current created by Boromir's boat, and Estel's fingers slowly slide out of Niphrediel's reach til all she could do was watch as they slowly made their way away.
She was a little surprised when someone looked back, the only one that seemed rather pleased. The elf seemed to look about before seeing her and gave her a wave.
Niphrediel shook her head, hopelessly, with a silly grin on her face and mimicked his wave.
Then, Legolas seemed to pat his heart, nodding for her to do the same.
Niphrediel raised an eyebrow, mumbled, "Queer elf," Under her breath before she did as he seemed to instruct and found that the robe she wore had a pocket. With her eyebrow still in check, Niphrediel put her hand in the pocket and pulled out what was inside.
The elf watched the child's face light up in laughter as she held the simbelmynë in her hand and giggled under his breath. Holding the flower in her hand, the mortal waved at him playfully, like someone would when they were saying 'scram' to a stray cat.
"Come on, Elf, we are falling behind!" Puffed the dwarf, looking back to see the turned head of his companion. Gimli raised an eyebrow, puffing once more with a burst of his breath. "Come now, Elf! Eyes to the front, eyes to the front!" Gimli instructed, making absurd gestures to the water in front of them.
Legolas nodded, turning back, with a happy grin on his face, "Alright then, Master Dwarf, let's catch up."
Gimli grinned, before sighing and continuing on with his daydreams as the elf behind him pressed on, pretending to have his mind on matters of the future, rather then the things that had just happened.
What happens to me now? Niphrediel could only wonder, as she watched her keeper and his company leave. It does not matter now, she thought. Not yet, anyway.
Niphrediel just continued to watch in her comfortable crouch, the face of the flower lifted to her nose.
Let them be safe. Each and every one of them.
Note: Not at all happy with this chapter, unfortunately. Though, I'm my worst critic so you could prove me wrong. Sorry this took so long, but this was the hardest chapter I've ever written. I don't know why, though….*sigh* Oh! And I purposely set out Neph and Glorfindel's 'dream conversation' like that. After Neph set the scene after it happened, you could get a better idea about what was happening. And! The silly lil' song Alfirin—I mean Legolas sings to Neph to make her feel better is a translation I did for 'In Dreams' in the FotR soundtrack. I will be putting up bits and pieces from the TTT's one only when the accounts of FotR are over, naturally. I also tried my hardest in the Neph/Glor conversations both when she was young and no, to show how different Neph has become through the years of maturity. I also wanted to show how close they are by how they speak to each other. I don't know if I did a good job, but trying has to count for something I suppose.
ALSO! Tell me if I'm doing anything wrong with Legolas and Niphrediel's relationship. I think I haven't done this chapter well in their honour, but as I said, I'm my own worst critic. I tried to make everything as realistic as possible.
Anyways, hope it didn't suck so back, and thanks for the reviews. I give you permission to kill me for taking so darn long, too.
