Chapter Thirteen: Vanyaleuthil in Fangorn Forest
Day melted into night and still Vanyaleuthil ran on, her pace unslowed after many hours. Her thoughts were with Legolas, and she feared for his safety. But she had to find Merry and Pippin…
Her beautiful gaze swept over the plains of Rohan. Leagues and leagues away, rows of Uruk-hai lumbered along. She probed into Merry's mind and she could not sense any thoughts. He was knocked out, or…she couldn't bear the other possibility! Her stunning eyes filled with tears and she turned her mind to Pippin. His mind was panicked but she calmed him down.
Pippin, what has happened to Merry?
I don't know! He's got blood on his head! Help us, Vanyaleuthil!
Don't worry, Pippin, I am coming. Fear not, my little one…
Then Vanyaleuthil began to sing in the beautiful tongues of the Mirequendi. The world seemed to stand still. She sang a divine melody that spilled across the plains and danced up through the clouds and over the sea, where it was heard in Aman and beyond where all the Elves and the Valar were astounded by the sheer beauty of Vanyaleuthil's voice. Ilúvatar himself was astounded. Námo (Mandos) himself was moved to tears.
Suddenly Iriador came galloping into view, silvery mane flowing, hooves gracing the ground with soft rhythmic beating. In one movement she leapt onto the unicorn and urged the beautiful beast into a gallop swifter than an eagle could soar.
As day melted into chilly black night, Vanyaleuthil approached a camp of Orcs. They were arguing amongst each other, and she could sense Merry and Pippin were frightened. She led Iriador behind a tree and crept over to the hobbits.
"Shhh," she whispered musically, putting a slender finger to her full, red lips. "Come with me, little ones."
"It's Vanyaleuthil!" Pippin whispered excitedly to his cousin. Merry saw her, shining with her own light, hair flowing out around her like an aura or a halo gracing her from heaven.
Vanyaleuthil gracefully led them into the dark safety of Fangorn Forest, away from the Orcs. She didn't make a sound until the three were about half a mile into the forest.
"Here I leave you," Vanyaleuthil said beautifully.
"No, don't go!" said Pippin, his green eyes wet with tears.
"Don't worry, little one," Vanyaleuthil whispered and smiled, a smile more beautiful than the most brilliant rays of an everlasting sunrise. "You will be safe here, with Treebeard. I have told him of you through thought-speak. He will protect you."
In an instant the beautiful maiden was gone.