The power of Love

Disclaimer: I own nothing of Tolkien's, just so ya know. ;)

Chapter 8: Judgment

Araviniel woke to the sounds of birds. She moaned and turned on her side. Last night was the most restful night in her life. Unlike at home she didn't have to stay up late with a knife in her hand, sitting on her bed in fear. She didn't have to wait up until Cúdir went to sleep. And unlike in Mirkwood she didn't have to worry about waking up to find Legolas sitting by her bed staring at her. Then again she didn't mind very much waking up to his angelic face.

A small breeze stirred the tendrils of hair that stuck out of her one long braid. She had put it in a braid last night so that it would be wavy by morning. She smiled as the sun peaked through the open balcony doors. She took a deep breath and stretched. This would be a beautiful day. Sadly she wouldn't have time to enjoy it. Today she would have to face her step- father. At least she could look forward to seeing Tatharion again.

Araviniel grinned and pictured his face when he found out she was safe. He would take her in his arms and spin her around. Then he would kiss her and say, "I was so worried about you meleth an cuilen" (Love of my life) She would smile at him and they would run of into the forest and.....

Araviniel was interrupted by a small knock on the door. She groaned and stood up. She grabbed the sheet off the bed and wrapped it around her. Then she stumbled over to the door and opened it a crack.

Suddenly the door flew open and she found herself in Tatharion's arms. He spun her around and then stopped saying, "How could you do that to me? I thought you were dead! What ever possessed you to run off like that?!" 'Not exactly what I pictured.' She thought with a small smile. "I didn't run off Tatharion. I was kidnapped by a group of men in the forest. They took me to Mirkwood and I was rescued just in time by The Prince Legolas. I tried to get back as soon as I could but one of them broke my arm. And not to mention I had a concussion."

Tatharion stared at her in shock. Then he put her down gently and caressed her cheek saying, "I'm so glad you're safe. Are you sure you're all right? I mean, what did you mean by you were rescued just in time?" Araviniel turned around and walked over to the door she shut it silently and locked it. Then she turned around and said, "Nothing, love, I'm fine, really." Tatharion shook his head and walked over to her.

He scooped her up in his arms and laid her down on the bed. Araviniel looked at him questionably but he just smiled. He took off his cloak and slid in next to her. She turned to face him and he said quietly, "I was so worried about you. I really thought you were dead." A tear slid down his cheek and his smile faded.

Araviniel shook her head and wiped the tear away from his face with her finger. "I'm safe and I'm here with you. I love you forever Tatharion Son of Willow." He smiled and wrapped his arms around her waist. Araviniel curled up against him and breathed in his scent. He smelled like a forest after a rainstorm. He kissed the top of her head and stroked her back.

The sun flooded the room as it rose into the sky. She smiled and closed her eyes. She wasn't afraid anymore. She could face Cúdir. She could do anything. She could fly. She had the one she loved and she knew that he gave her the power.

When Araviniel opened her eyes the sun was high in the sky. She felt Tatharion's steady breathing and knew he was still asleep. She couldn't explain the feeling he gave her. It was as if nothing could separate them. She smiled contentedly and snuggled closer to him.

Suddenly she felt his breathing speed up. He was waking up.

Tatharion smiled when he woke up with a small figure in his arms. Oh how he missed the way she smelled and the way she made him feel. He inhaled her scent and smiled. She smelled like a fresh bunch of roses and lilacs. He moved his hand up to her face and stroked her cheek. Her head rose and his eyes met hers. They looked like an emerald sea still tossing about with the waves.

Araviniel smiled when her eyes met his. Right now his eyes were a light purple blue. He was deep in thought or extremely content. She guessed the later. He smiled softly and whispered, "I missed you." She smiled and said, "I missed you too." Her smile melted and she sat up slowly. "I have to meet Cúdir today."

Tatharion sighed and sat up next to her. He slid around behind her and pulled her to his chest. He put his chin on her shoulder and said in her ear, "Then we will do it together." Araviniel nodded and said, "I found out who my real father is." Tatharion's eyes widened in shock and he asked, "Who is He?" Araviniel sighed and leaned back against him. "Celeblas, the Lord and Lady's Son."

Tatharion just sat there. He registered what she said but couldn't believe his own ears. "You mean you're a...a..." She nodded and finished for him, "A princess." He nodded and swallowed. "So then that means you have to live here, in the palace?" She shook her head, "Not if I don't want to. The throne is not mine until the Lord and Lady pass. I am free." He smiled and nodded. "Does this mean I have to call you your majesty, or maybe your highness or perhaps I should call you Princess Araviniel, Daughter of the new dawn?"

Araviniel caught on to his sarcasm and said, "No, You can call me all three." He smiled and leaned over her shoulder. Araviniel arched her neck and their lips met in a tender kiss. When they pulled back Tatharion's eyes had changed to ice blue. Araviniel's stomach did a flip and suddenly a picture of Legolas shot into her mind.

Flashback

There was a large tree in the middle of the garden. Araviniel smiled and pulled herself up into it. She stood up and walked out to the end of a think branch and held out her arms. The wind stirred and blew through her arms and caused her dress to swirl around her.

Suddenly she felt arms around her waist and Legolas leaned down and whispered a song in her ear, "Come away with me and fly. Come away with me. Come away with me and soar. Come away with me. Come away with me and touch the sky. Let go of yourself and fly away with me. Shoot the stars with me and Fly." She smiled as his melodious voice slid over her skin. This was heaven.

He lifted his head up and together they watched the moon rise over the palace.

End Flashback

Araviniel stared at Tatharion and noted the concern in his eyes. She smiled reassuringly but deep down inside her she was confused. She climbed off the bed and stretched. She turned around and said, "I have to get dressed. I am supposed to meet The Lady and Lord today in the throne room. Will you do me a favor and come with me. I think I'm a little nervous." He smiled and jumped off the bed. His lips captured hers in a deep kiss. Tatharion pulled away and said, "Of course I will melethen." (My love)

Araviniel smiled and nodded toward the closet. "Would you pick out the dress?" he nodded and walked toward the closet. Araviniel went inside the bathroom and washed her face. When she returned there was a long short sleeved lavender dress laid out on the bed. She turned around and saw Tatharion out on the balcony. He was leaning over the side and his eyes were closed, enjoying the warm sunshine on his face. Araviniel smiled and pulled off her red nightdress. She slid the lavender dress over her head and then found silver slippers from inside the closet.

Araviniel walked over to the vanity and frowned. Her dress looked great but her hair was still in a tumbled braid from last night. She shook her head and slowly began to work her fingers through her hair. The braid came out slowly. She took a brush off the vanity and slowly went through her hair. Then she swept it back and tied it up in a loose yet sophisticated bun.

She smiled and then turned around. Tatharion was still on the balcony with his eyes lightly closed. She shook her head and walked over to him. As she stepped out on the stone floor the corner of his mouth turned up in a smile. She came up behind him and wrapped her arms around his waist. Then she laid her head on his shoulder and closed her eyes. "I love you. I really love you with all my heart and soul." she whispered.

Tatharion smiled and opened his eyes. He turned around so that he was facing her. Araviniel didn't let go of his waist as he turned and then smiled as he leaned over and kissed her. "I really love you too." he said against her mouth. Then he pulled away reluctantly and said, "You know I'm guessing it's about noon and I think that makes you very, very late."

Araviniel gasped and put her hand on her mouth. Tatharion laughed and said, "You should hurry. I'll be along in a bit." Araviniel nodded and smiled she stood on her tip toes and kissed him before running out of the room.

Tatharion's smile faded and he turned around to once again face the sky.

Flashback

Tatharion was sitting up in a tree. Araviniel was sitting in between his legs and together they were watching the sun rise. He smiled and pulled her closer. Araviniel leaned against his chest and sighed. "When will you be leaving?" His smile faded when he hear the sadness in her voice. "Soon, love." She nodded and took a deep breath.

"Why do you have to go Tatharion? You don't have to. You can stay here with me. Please don't leave me alone." He couldn't see her face but he knew she was crying. "Oh please don't do this to me Araviniel. You know how much I want to stay but I can't. They need more elves in battle. If I don't help soon the orcs will be inside our wood and there will be nothing to stop them." Araviniel nodded and carefully crawled around his knees. She got to the other side of him and began her descent out of the tree.

"Where are you going?" he asked. She just shook her head and continued climbing. When she reached the bottom she ran off into the woods. Tatharion sighed. He jumped down the tree and went after her.

It wasn't long before he caught up with her. He easily grabbed her wrists and turned her sharply around. She jerked back into his chest. She didn't move. She just stood there with her head down and tears running down her face. Tatharion shook his head and lifted her chin with his finger. She diverted her gaze. Tatharion sighed and said, "Please Araviniel..." She looked up at him and said painfully, "You weren't supposed to leave me! You said you wouldn't!"

Tatharion pulled her into his chest and she sobbed. Her hands formed a death grip around his waist and she cried into his shoulder. "Swear...promise me you'll come back." Tatharion was crying now. The last thing he had ever wanted was to leave her here with Cúdir. "I promise you. I will return."

Araviniel clung to him as if he was the only thing keeping her alive. "I can't live without you." she said. He smiled and said, "You won't have to."

End Flashback

Tatharion sighed and shook his head. The air was filled with the scent of trees and roses. He slowly turned around and walked inside. With one last look to the balcony he shut the doors and grabbed his cloak.

Before he left the room a flash of color caught his eye. There on the dresser was one solitary rose. He walked over and picked it up. Hanging from one of the thorns was a small piece of paper. He stared intently at it for a minute before turning it over and reading it.

There, in small print, was a note neatly written. He read it to himself slowly, "Dear Araviniel, I am so glad you're home safely. It's too bad you won't be safe for long. I don't know how you managed to free yourself but soon I will come for you. Enjoy the rest of your time with Tatharion. Only remember this, soon you will be alone. Only death can separate the two of you. And so it shall."

Tatharion stared at the note before ripping it off the rose. 'Had she seen it?' he asked himself. He shook his head. 'No. she would have said something.' He frowned. This was not good. With one last glance at the note in his hand he placed the rose back on the nightstand and left the room.

Araviniel was nervous. Her whole self was quivering. "This is it." she breathed and nodded to the guards on both sides of the throne room door. The smiled and pulled it open. As like last night the two thrones were the only pieces on the wooden floor. As she stepped into the room the lord and lady came into view. And, there in the center of the floor, stood Cúdir. His back was to her but by his posture she knew he was mad.

When she stepped into the room Lady Galadriel smiled and said, "Good morning Daughter! We are glad to see you well." Cúdir turned his head and glared at her. She read the message loud and clear. His eyes seemed to say, "You will pay for this later."

Araviniel tore her eyes away from him and said, "It is a pleasure to see you again this morning your highnesses." Galadriel shook her head and said, "Please, we are your grandparents. Not your queen and king." Araviniel smiled and said slowly, relishing every syllable, "Good morning grandmother, grandfather."

The Lord and lady smiled. Then Galadriel looked back to Cúdir and all the harshness came back into her face. Araviniel was surprised to find hatred there as well. "Cúdir Bowman are you aware of the crimes you have committed against my granddaughter, The rightful princess of this wood?"

Cúdir's back straitened and he said viciously, "Forgive me your majesties but I have committed no crime. This girl here in our presence is a liar and is not worthy of even looking in your face, let alone being named Princess! I took her in as a last wish from my sister. All she has ever done was being ungrateful and take advantage of me. Now here she stands yet again doing just that!"

Before the lady could reply a voice came from the back, "THAT is a lie!" Tatharion bowed before continuing, "I have seen what this man has done. Sometimes late at night Araviniel would run away to my talon seeking comfort. The wounds she bore were not fit for any wrong doing! I have, on more then one occasion, interrupted him from doing hideous things. Even though it was hard for her she remained silent. Her tortures were not only hits and punches but he has made her suffer!"

Araviniel was staring at the floor. Some tears escaped her eyes but she knew that this time Cúdir would not go unpunished. She savored every word of Tatharion's. Oh how many times had he begged her to let him kill Cúdir! And what did she say? "No" Now it was out of her hands. She no longer had to pretend. It was almost over.

The lady Galadriel was holding back her anger. Justice, fairness, these thoughts were what Lothlorien was based on. She had to uphold the rights of all people, even this horrible elf before her.

"You, Cúdir bowman, are an elf. Elves are known for being better then the rest. They are fair. They are honest. They are just and right. All things done by an elf should far exceed those of a human or dwarf. Not because we are above them and not because we mean more.

Not because we are worth more but because we don't sink to the levels of beating our own children and cheating because we do not get drunk and become immoral, because we love all things and have respect. You on the other hand, are everything we despise. And you are everything I despise. You are a corruption. You are not worthy of your race, the Elves. Because you are not worthy and because you are undeserved you shall pay the price.

With the power given to me, by my people and by all the justice I am held to, I sentence you to life in the dungeons of Lothlorien." Galadriel finished with no emotion.

Araviniel inwardly gasped. 'LIFE!' she thought. Deep inside her something stirred. 'What would mother do?' she asked herself.

Flashback

Araviniel was sitting on her mother's lap. They were in the parlor and a nice warm fire was burning. The walls danced with shadows and she laughed as her mother tickled her. "Momma?" she asked. "Yes dear?" her mother gave her full attention. It had always made Araviniel feel important. "There was a man in my storybook. He did a bad thing and the king said he had to die. At the end everyone was happy. How could they be happy if that man died?"

Araviniel snuggled against her mother's chest and waited for the answer. Her mother paused and thought before answering. "If someone does something bad then they must be punished. Just like if you don't do as you're told. I believe that if the man did something wrong he should be punished too. But a punishment is like a tool to teach you how not to act. Death is not a just punishment if the man did not kill. The people at the end of the story were happy because the man could not do bad things anymore. He could only do good things. Do you see now dear?"

Araviniel thought about it and then smiled. "Yes mommy! So if the man did something VERY bad then he had to die so he couldn't do that again. But if he did something not so bad then he only had to get a spanking, Right?" Silaerien laughed and squeezed her daughter. "Yes dear, that's right. No go off to bed and in the morning you can see your father. He should be back by then." Sadness creped into her voice as Araviniel scampered off to her bed.

End Flashback

"Your majesty, if I might say something?" A shocked looked came to the lady's face but left as fast as it came. "You may." Araviniel took a deep breath. She stepped in front of Cúdir and faced the Lord and lady. "This man here is cruel and cold hearted. He is what I have been afraid of all my life. By the power of his hand I have been driven into fear and hate. All unjust things are very clear to me. I have been subjected to them all of my life with this elf. This man deserves to die!

My mother once told me, 'I believe that if a man does something wrong he should be punished. But a punishment is like a tool to teach you how not to act. Death is not a just punishment if the man did not kill.' This man, however, did not kill. But He has done things far worse. It may be hard for you to understand what could be worse then death but I assure you what he did is far deserving it. He has done things far worse. I begged for death, to live happily somewhere else. Instead I received more hurt! I did nothing to deserve this cruelty!"

The room was quiet. She could almost see Tatharion's fists clenching. He thought a just punishment was death the same as her. He loved her and that is why he wanted Cúdir to die. She wanted Cúdir to die with all her heart. But it was not her heart that could make such a decision. It was the Lord and Lady here in front of her.

Lord Celeborn stood. He looked to Cúdir who at this time was very pale. Then looking back to her he said, "Your heart has endured much pain, as well as your body. But now is not the time to let personal things cloud justice. This man did not kill. What could be more suiting to some one who has done nothing but mistreat then to spend his whole life locked up and alone?"

Araviniel stared pleadingly at him for a minute before bursting out and sayings "If you wish to let this man endure what I have, then have him raped and tortured. If you seek a rightful punishment then do as he has done to me. I was shown no mercy why should he!"

She was crying now. The Lady Galadriel refused to look at her. Araviniel shook her head and turned around sharply. She looked at Tatharion for a minute and found that his eyes were black. He was angrier then she had ever seen him before. She wiped away the tears and ran out of the room.

The Lady Galadriel stood from her throne and said coldly, "Cúdir bowman you are to be taken away to the dungeon. Tomorrow you shall appear in public for a trial, where you shall receive your punishment in front of the entire kingdom. Therefore You shall stripped of your title and throne into prison." She motion to the door and said, "GUARDS!" Immediately four guards appeared and took Cúdir out of the room.

Tatharion stood in front of the royal pair and said, "By allowing him to live your majesty you allow evil to endure." He bowed and left the room in search of his Love.