The Power of Love
Disclaimer: I do not own anything of J.R.R. Tolkiens.
Author's note: I received a very nice and uplifting review a while ago along with two MEAN reviews this week and I just HAVE to address them.
Carcilwen Thorned-Rose: I'm sorry you don't like this story but that just isn't my problem. If I changed for every person that didn't like something there wouldn't be much of a story here now would there? Please don't send in your nasty stuff. It only goes to the recycle bin anyway.
Gothmog the Balrog (): Um, Did I tell you to read this? No. I don't hold a high opinion of myself but a lot of people say this story is good. I didn't force you to read all 11 chapters, if you didn't like it, pray tell, why did you keep reading? Please spare me your criticism. If you don't like my story don't review.
CourtneyNKay: Thank you so much for your sweet review. I need lots of those long nice ones. When I get a mean review I just can't help but feel terrible
Chapter 12: Trust
Araviniel was roused by a small pecking sound. She opened her eyes to find a small pair of bird feet resting on Tatharion's chest. She suppressed a giggle as the small blue bird walked over to him and started to peck his chin. Tatharion groaned and put his arm around her waist, pulling her closer to him. Araviniel watched the small bird fluff up his feathers and pursue Tatharion's chin. She giggled out loud this time.
Tatharion woke with a start and was met with the small black, round eyes of a bird. He looked at it in amazement before remembering he was outside. "Shoo!" He yelled at the bird and with a protesting squawk it leaped into the air, spread its wings and flew to the nearest branch.
Araviniel closed her eyes and breathed deeply. They were engaged. Her dreams had come true. She couldn't love anyone else more deeply then she loved this elf lying beside her. A soft sigh caught her attention and she opened her eyes. Tatharion was staring at the sky. His eyes were dark blue and his face showed worry.
Araviniel propped herself up on her elbow, resting her hand on his chest and said, "What is it?" Tatharion looked back at her concerned face and tried to mask the worry that shone clearly through his eyes. "Nothing my love. The day is new and the morning sun rises. Would you like some tea?" She scowled at him and said quickly, "Don't even try it Tatharion. If you really love me you're going to have to be completely honest."
He sighed and turned on his side so he faced her. "I have tried to hold this off as long as possible must you must know sooner or later." Araviniel sat up. What could this possibly be about? He sat up next to her and took her hand saying, "They are calling for more troops. Orc are everywhere. Soon we shall be overrun and there will be nothing left of Lothlorien but burnt ashes. I must help. They need all the elven troops they can get."
Araviniel looked up to the sky. Her eyes fell into a vision and her heart beat faster as she relived her nightmare. Blood, so much blood, Tatharion's blood mingled with her tears. "No!" She yelled. She rose quickly and went into the talon. Tatharion rose to follow her and walked quickly to his bedroom. He was about to step foot into his room when the door slammed in his face. "Araviniel!" He sighed and banged on the door. "Let me in! Come on Arvin! Please..." He sank to the floor and placed his head into his hands.
Araviniel stormed into the room and went straight to the closet, ignoring all protests from Tatharion. She pulled out her favorite outfit and threw it on the bed. It was a mint green dress that came to her knees. She also threw a pair of tight fitting dark green pants onto the bed next to it. Grabbing her only pair of long brown riding boots she got dressed. Araviniel laced up the boots and grabbed a sword from above Tatharion's bed and strapped it over her shoulder. Lastly she took two small knives and placed them into her boots.
Araviniel stormed out of the bedroom, nearly slamming Tatharion's head with the door and left the talon. Tatharion got up quickly and ran after her. By the time he slid on a pair of boots she was down the ladder and off into the trees. He called out after her in vain. "Araviniel! Please wait!"
Araviniel knew it was a long walk to the palace but she was confident she could loose Tatharion. After all Haldir himself had taught her how to track and fight. He taught her other things too.... She smiled inwardly; if Cúdir had found that out things would have been a lot worse for her.
She grabbed the nearest tree branch and weaved up the tree. She calmed her breathing and closed her eyes. The foliage around her shielded her from the outside world. She smiled as she heard Tatharion beneath her. He stopped and then ran off toward the springs. Then her smile faded and she reminded herself of her mission. This was not going to work unless her grandmother didn't think she was crazy. "Oh I can just see it now." She mumbled "Hi Grandma! Tatharion's going to die and I know because I had this dream where dead people float around in a pool and I saw his face." She shook her head and rolled her eyes "That'll go over real well."
Jumping down the tree she landed soundlessly on her feet and continued her run to the palace. When she finally reached the pearl-white tree city she was exhausted. Her limbs felt weak and her mouth was dry. She persisted onward untill she came to the first guard. He bowed and said, "Princess Araviniel, your grandmother expects you." She walked calmly past him and then mumbled, "Why does that not surprise me?"
The walk to the top of the tree palace was unbearable to say the least. Of all the things in the world right now she wished to be carried to the top.
"Araviniel! OH VALAR!" The happy yell indicated for Araviniel that she was about to be squished in a hug. Two slender arms encircled her shoulders and a young, beautiful she-elf stood in front of her. "Thenindiel, Oh I'm so glad to se you. How was your trip?"
The girl was Araviniel's height, but somewhat smaller. Her hair was dark brown, a tell-tale sign that she was not from Lothlorien. Her eyes however were green. The girl was very hyper and fun loving, but had no siblings of her own and so she adopted Araviniel as her sister. They shared everything. Thenindiel was the only other person who Araviniel talked to about her uncle and her problems, the girl had an unfailing ability to cheer Araviniel up.
"Oh it was all right, Mirkwood is highly overrated. Did you hear that the prince is going to get married?" Araviniel stopped smiling. "What do you mean? I thought he wasn't interested in that sort of thing." Thenindiel looked at her oddly before laughing and saying, "Not Interested?! You silly girl! Every male is interested. Besides, it was an arranged marriage. They say that the prince refused to marry her until he made sure there was no one else for him. They also say he found someone, but she didn't love him. Isn't that sad?" Araviniel sat down on the stairs. 'So that's why he came after me!' she thought.
"Oh my! Araviniel! Is that an engagement ring?" she squealed. Araviniel looked down at her hand and held the ring up to the light. "Yes, yes it is..." her voice was dreamy and Thenindiel could tell she was deep in thought. "WAKE UP! You have got to tell me who; as if I didn't know. It's got to be my best friend Tatharion! Isn't it?" Araviniel nodded and sighed.
Just then she remembered why she was here. She shot up and gave her friend a quick hug saying, "I just remembered I have to go see my grandmother! I'll talk to you later." Thenindiel blinked and then hugged her back. "Wait, you don't know who your grandmother is!" Araviniel stopped half way into a run and called back, "Yes I do and I promise to explain later. I'm royalty!"
"Yeah and I'm Lady Galadriel herself!" Thenindiel shook her head and ran down the stairs. Time to find the husband to be!
Araviniel raced to the throne room as fast as she could. She burst through the door and nearly collided with none other than Legolas himself. He grabbed her arms in order to steady her. As soon as she could stand she yanked away from him. "I know why you're here Legolas Greenleaf! Just because you are forced into marriage doesn't mean you should come here and tell me you love me as a way out. I bet you were hoping that I would return your feelings so you could use me to get out of a relationship! It isn't going to happen Legolas. Do you see this! Yes, that's right, it's a ring! I'm going to marry Tatharion because he loves me and I love him. You have no right to come here!"
"He has every right to be here because I invited him." The voice was calm but firm and it made Araviniel look to the thrones. She had been so angry she hadn't even noticed her grandparents were watching her the whole time. Lord Celeborn was coming closer, he stood in front of Araviniel and raised his hand so that he could stroke her cheek. Unfortunately Araviniel, who was used to being hit, took the gesture the wrong way.
Araviniel stepped back and yelled, "Don't touch me!" A small frightened sob escaped her lips and she backed away slowly. Lord Celeborn lowered his hand and he looked at her sorrowfully. "Araviniel..."
"Get away from me!" she yelled. Celeborn shook his head but before he could say anything Legolas interrupted. "Avin?" He walked over to her but she only backed up so her back was against the wall.
Thoughts were streaming into her head. 'Two of them and one of me.' She was afraid and she didn't know why. Celeborn seemed threatening at the moment and Legolas wasn't trust worthy. What was happening? Celeborn began to walk closer and she felt trapped against the wall. Then she remembered the knives in her boots. She was about to reach for one when Lady Galadriel lifted her voice. "Stop! There will be no bloodshed. Araviniel you must learn to trust us for that is why we are here; to help you learn to trust. You shall not be afraid. There is nothing to fear, we mean you no harm "
Araviniel felt the voice of Galadriel flow through her and calm her. She straightened herself and stared at the two males in front of her. Legolas finally caught on. He backed off and gave Araviniel a way out. She walked past him and went to Galadriel. "Tatharion is going to die and I fear you already know this."
Lady Galadriel nodded. "I have seen your dream." Araviniel looked at her, shocked before bursting out and saying, "Then you know why he must not go! I can't lose him." Lady Galadriel shook her head. "I can do nothing to stop a fate that the Valar have chosen." Araviniel clenched her fists. "I will not stand by while he dies!" Galadriel sighed heavily. "I know, I know..." Araviniel took a deep breath and her face softened. "I will do anything...please..."
Celeborn came up and passed her, sitting on his throne. Legolas walked up besides her and stood by her shoulder. "Anything?" The lady asked. "Do you realize what that means? Do you even know the cost of that phrase? Many have died horrible deaths from those simple words." The lady was testing Araviniel's love. But Araviniel knew that and she also knew that there was no limit to her love for Tatharion. "And I am willing to join them if it spares his life. But surely you, wise Lady, know that..."
Legolas put his hand on her shoulder and turned her toward him. "What is this dream that you speak off? Why is Tatharion in danger?" Araviniel closed her eyes and was silent. She could now see the vision whenever she wished. As the scene played before her eyes she noticed a new detail and it shook her to the bone.
Vision
Araviniel was kneeling next to Tatharion and his head was in her lap. His blood was surrounding them and slowly seeping up the cloth on her light blue dress. Arrows were imbedded into his chest and shoulders. She was crying and a solitary white rose slowly floated down into the blood. She threw her head to the sky yelling, "NO! NO! PLAESE! YOU CAN'T TAKE HIM! DON'T LEAVE ME ALONE!"
Then out of the forest came Legolas. He was dressed in a silver tunic and a bow and quiver of arrows were hung loosely on his back. He ran to her and enveloped her in a hug. Araviniel sobbed into his shoulder and whispered, "I love you." She looked down at his fingers and saw a ring. Looking at her own hand she was surprised to find a matching ring. He leaned over and picked her up. "Let's go home my love. He isn't here anymore."
End Vision
Araviniel gasped and her eyes flew open. She looked straight into Legolas's
ice blue eyes and whispered, "No..." She backed up a few steps and then fell to the floor, her knees tucked underneath her. Instantly Legolas was at her side saying, "What? What is it? Araviniel please speak to me." She shook her head and sat there silently while tears ran down her cheeks.
"Not all of your visions are true my dear." said Galadriel. She sighed and continued, "They will all be different. You will see all possible futures. Some of these have already faded with the passing of Cúdir. You must react to the visions at hand because sooner or later they will change with different events and changes." Araviniel looked up at her. "It can't be true. I don't love him. I don't love him!" Lady Galadriel shook her head. "Not now, no, and who knows if you may in the future. All I know is that you cannot change destiny. Not even I could do that my dear. You have the gift of foresight and you have received this gift through me. The enemy will try to use your gift if they can but thanks to your mother no one else knows that you even exist. Only me, Celeborn, Legolas, Tatharion, Haldir, and...and your father know of your existence." Araviniel shook her head. "I won't let him die! If you are just going to sit by and watch then I'll have to do something myself!"
Araviniel headed to the door but before she could leave Lady Galadriel spoke "Araviniel, I do not know what to do my darling. I am not used to being in a situation where I can do nothing. I will try my best for him. I shall try to somehow alter his fate. Go to Haldir. Tell him that orcs are near the border and that some have already entered the forest. I need you do me a favor."
Araviniel turned around. "Anything you ask I shall do Grandmother." Galadriel smiled. "You must ride with Legolas back to Mirkwood. We need help. Lothlorien and Mirkwood aren't on the best of terms, but this is necessary. You must go in my stead and plead for help to the king." Araviniel flinched. 'Go with Legolas?' she looked at him but he seemed to find great interest in the ceiling. She sighed, "Yes Grandmother, we shall leave tonight." Galadriel nodded and Araviniel left the room.
Legolas grabbed her arm as she was about to leave. He started to say something but Araviniel interrupted him. "I know what you think of me. I am not weak. I don't need anyone; anyone! I am not as helpless as you think and soon you will discover that for yourself."
Araviniel ran out of the counsel room and ran down the rest of the way into the forest. She slowed down when she reached the woods. Her hair was down and it fell in front of her eyes. She didn't care and only kept walking.
It was only after a few minutes that she felt the presence of someone following her. She slowed down a second and pretended to lace her boot. Out of the corner of her eyes she spotted an orc. He was grinning and hiding behind a tree. She watched him make a hand signal and the next thing she knew there were 10 of them plus their leader surrounding her. She was deep into the forest. 'Tatharion was right. We're overrun.' She thought.
The orcs in Mirkwood were infesting the forest and now the Guard in Lothlorien was insufficient. The March Warden didn't have enough forces to keep the entire wood safe. If they didn't have reinforcements then there was no telling what could happen. Every day there were casualties and every day they became more desperate.
Now she stood in the middle of a group of orcs. She could smell them. The stench was rancid and decayed. She took a deep breath and unsheathed her sword. 'Looks like I might get to have some fun after all' she thought with a smile. It was her smile that made the orcs uneasy. Her sword gleamed in the morning sun and she could almost feel the intensity of the moment. Adrenaline rushed through her veins. She cried out and rushed her sword dead ahead, right into the skull of the first orc.
Then they attacked. She spun around and blocked a blow, then crouched down as another swooped over her head. She drove her sword through the legs of her attacker and stabbed another with the knife from her boot. Three dead orcs now lay at her feet. She screamed out with fury and lopped off the head of another. Then the leader did something unexpected. He rushed her from behind and knocked her to the ground. Araviniel's sword flew out from her hand and she looked up to find an orc on top of her. He cackled and lifted his sword above her head. She smiled into his face. "Listen to my laughter!" she cried.
The orc scrunched up his face and then bent down low, whispering, "No, I will listen to your screams." He grabbed her hair and yanked her head up. She pursed her lips and refused to cry out. He snarled and then shoved her head back to the ground. Then Araviniel saw her moment. She kicked her back legs up to his back and sent him into a somersault over her head. She dove for her sword and ran to him. The Orc rose in time to block her attack and she screamed in rage. With a renewed spirit she thrashed and swung her sword unmercifully until she was rewarded by a half of the leader on both sides of her legs.
Araviniel turned around and faced the six that were left. She was sweating and blue-black blood ran down her sword and arms. She grinned at them and rushed forward. Blocking one strike, she somersaulted underneath another sword. She came up and impaled another orc in the stomach. Then she turned to face the two she had avoided. She walked around in a circle and said, "Had enough? Didn't think you picked someone who could fight did you? Poor unsuspecting she-elf! Hah! Maybe next time you might choose more wisely, then again, there won't be a next time! YOU DIE HERE!"
The orc snarled and lunged for her. She blocked three strokes and then cut off his arm and head. The other four circled her and closed her in. She ducked to the ground when one of them struck out and cut off his legs. She then jumped up and stabbed one in the chest and the other in the stomach. She was left with one. He was tall and powerful and his eyes showed no fear. He walked slowly around her and they circled each other. She stared at him intently, waiting for his move. She was about to rush forward and cut him in half when and arrow flew out of the trees and grazed her arm. She cried out in surprise and pain.
The orc, seeing his chance, rushed forward. Araviniel barley blocked the blow. She was breathing hard and sweat was rolling down her face. She screamed and shot forward, cutting of his head. Then to her utter disbelief and horror 16 more orcs immerged from the trees. She whimpered in desperation and clutched the sword in her hands until her knuckles turned white. She reached down and grabbed the two knives in her boots and threw them into the faces of two of her opponents. They fell to the ground and she looked on in despair as the 14 others charged forward.
She cried out in rage, despair, guilt and pain. This was it she was sure. Three orcs reached her and instantly they were sliced and impaled. The next bunch was much larger. Seven more charged her and she was swept away in the attack. She blocked and jabbed but felt her strength slowly leave her. She threw all of her remaining strength into the next attack. Her heart pounded and her mind was focused on only one thought, survival. Suddenly relief washed over her. Out of the corner of her eye she saw Haldir and a band of at least 17 elves rush into the fight. She smiled and continued to fight.
Araviniel's arms were growing tired and she was covered in orc blood. Her favorite green dress and pants would never be the same. Suddenly she felt a sharp pain in her arm and she dropped her sword. She looked in time to see two things; number one, an orc had sliced open the skin on her arm and two, Haldir was lifting his sword right behind the orc, about to strike. She ducked as Haldir's word whizzed over her head and through the orc's. She held her arm close to her and grabbed her sword from off the ground with her other hand. Haldir glanced at her arm and yelled, "Go! Get to shelter! I'll take it from here." She shared a quick nod of understanding with him before struggling up the nearest tree.
The battle was nearly won and Araviniel watched on as Haldir slaughtered the remaining two orcs. Even though Haldir was much older then her they shared a special bond. Their friendship was strong and she was like a sister to him. He walked over to the tree and helped her down. She hung on to his neck as he carried her to a place under a tree. As he looked at her arm she winced in pain. "How bad is it Haldir?" He just kept on examining it; "Its deep." was all he said. She shook her head and huffed. "How deep." He stared up into her eyes. "You will need a lot of stitches but from what I can see I don't think there's any poison." She nodded and leaned back against the tree
"What on earth possessed you to come out here alone?" She opened her tired eyes saying, "I had to find you." Haldir looked at her oddly as he pressed a cloth tightly to the wound. Araviniel continued, "My grandmother wanted me to warn you of orcs near here and the border but I seemed to have pointed them out for you." Haldir laughed, "That you did my gwathel." (Sworn sister) She smiled and then said with urgency, "Also, I had a vision, a vision of my fiancé," she held up her left hand so that Haldir could see her ring. ", He was dying. My Grandmother has seen it as well." Haldir nodded, "You have been told then?" She sighed, "Yes. Haldir you must help me, he is in danger. I love him with everything I have and I can't bear to lose another. He will die in battle."
Haldir wrapped a small cord around the cloth so that it was held close to her arm. "You don't understand do you Araviniel? So many elves die in battle. These men here," he swept his arm over to the elves that were resting away from the pair, "They might all be dead in the morning. When I rise each morning I am told of all the casualties that we suffered that night. Sometimes I fight with them after dark. Panic fills their heart when we are surrounded and I watch on as so many die before my eyes. Every day elven warriors stand at their doors and give last kisses to their wives and children. I already know that these elves will most likely die and I will not tell any of them to stay behind. It is their duty and responsibility."
Araviniel looked into his eyes as tears immerged in her own. She shook her head and looked away from him. "You are abandoning me." She muttered. Haldir took her chin and turned her face to his. "I am not abandoning you. I only wish to tell you that you are no different then any other elf. You are prideful, stubborn, selfish and arrogant. You know you are and you know I'm right." She shook her head and tucked a stray lock of golden hair behind his ear. "So are you, march warden." He smiled. "I know, I know."
Haldir grabbed her uninjured arm and pulled her to her feet. "Come with me, I will bring you to a healer." Araviniel shook her head, "No. I will heal on my own." Haldir laughed, "Manwe you're stubborn! You need stitches." Araviniel shook her head and took off the bandage. She placed her hand over the wound that was bleeding through her fingers. She whispered a silent prayer, "Mother, give me your strength and bless me with your power."
Araviniel's mother was the best elvish healer in middle earth besides Elrond and through her mother she received this power. Even though she barely used her gift, she needed it sometimes. When she was very young she had stabbed herself by accident and her skin suddenly started to bind itself back together. There were a few of her friends who had watched on and after that they had called her the outcast and sorcerer. She hadn't used her power very much after that, even though it had happened when she was a child.
Suddenly the skin on her arm started to close and she winced. When she removed her hand there was only a small cut left. Haldir stared at her before shaking his head and saying, "Have you told him yet?" She shook her head, not understanding. He grabbed her hand so she could see her engagement ring. "Oh, no not yet. I don't know how to tell him. I mean, you don't just walk over to someone and tell them you dream of them dying." He shook his head. "But you do, and if you both truly love each other you must find a way to tell him. Araviniel, I love you. You are like the sister I never had but you lack something, you lack the ability to trust, and that will be a thorn in your side untill you learn to undo it." She sighed and leaned over to give him a quick kiss on the cheek. "I love you too gwador" (sworn brother.)
Haldir whistled and a grey horse pranced over to them. "Take Balant. He will bring you home to your talon. The lady told me you are going to Mirkwood, you will need rest." Araviniel smiled, "Thank you." He nodded and helped her up on his horse. "You fought bravely today Araviniel." She grinned, "Well, I learned from the best."
With a small nudge she was riding full speed through the forest. She pulled up short when she found Tatharion standing in front of her horse, aggravated and very angry. She swallowed hard and was about to get off the horse when he came over to her right side. Grabbing her waist, he pulled her down off the horse and said through his teeth, "You...you..." he took a deep breath. "You young lady, need to learn responsibility. It's about time you've grown up! You aren't an elfling anymore and I'm tired of you running around as if you were." Instantly heat flared up inside her. She had never liked anyone telling her what to do and her quick temper was suddenly unleashed at Tatharion.
"Don't you ever grab me like that again and don't ever think that just because we are engaged that you ever have the right to tell me what to do! You have no right and I won't put up with this. I'm an elf and I will take however long I want to grow up. I'm sorry you don't know how to have any fun!"
Araviniel knew that Tatharion was sweet and gentle but only she knew of his inner fire that burned without showing. Now, in his eyes she saw that fire leap into his soul. She backed up against the horse as he stepped forward and gritted his teeth saying, "You are impetuous, inconsiderate, careless, ignorant, and a spoiled selfish brat! I don't know how I find the strength to deal with your childness." Araviniel felt exactly like a cornered animal at the moment and her inner rebel was fighting this retreat.
"Well maybe you would be happier without me then!" She turned around and jumped up onto the horse. Before she could gallop off in rage Tatharion dragged her back down and yelled, completely infuriated, "Don't you dare try to turn this back on me. You very well know this is about you. Maybe you should learn some respect! Did you ever think that maybe other people are worried sick about you while you run around for your own enjoyment, or maybe that you're causing other people pain and anguish!"
Araviniel huffed and pushed away from Tatharion. "I'm leaving tonight! Legolas and I are going to Mirkwood and seeking help from the king! At least he respects me for who I am!" Tatharion laughed mockingly, "What? Respect? Oh, so that's what you think it is huh? Maybe you never gave thought to the fact that all he wants to do is sleep with you! Once he's done with you do you think he will even know your name? Or will you find him with some one else?"
Araviniel was beyond reason. "At least he would give me the time to sleep with me instead of coming up with excuses for not doing so." Tatharion grabbed her wrist in a death grip saying with quiet tone that was hard as steel, "Maybe you just don't know what respect means. I respect you and that's why I'm not trying to hurt you like he would. As for your trip, I'm already aware. The lady, your grandmother, told me to accompany you. I guess we both agree that if I'm not there that we may find you both together. Don't give me that look, you know what I mean."
Araviniel was shocked but too angry to turn back now. "So you don't trust me is that it? Well I don't care what you think. You're just jealous! I have better things to do then stand here and argue with you. I will see you tonight at the palace. Don't be late or we're leaving without you. And I won't be coming back." The finality of her last statement had Tatharion thrown into a backslide. He wasn't fast enough this time and Araviniel rode off leaving him in the dust. His heart was heavy and he regretted some things he had said.
With a heavy sigh he shook his head. They were supposed to be married soon and they couldn't even control their tempers. He felt alone and weary. He knew that while he would regret the argument, Araviniel would still be fuming and her temper would not allow for a quick make up. Some things that were just said couldn't be quickly mended. He was also worried about the orc blood that covered her outfit. Had she run into trouble? He was still angry and confused so he headed for the nearest patrol. Maybe he could fight his way out of his frustration.
Sad eyes watched the fight that took place between the two lovers. Lady Galadriel had seen this coming but also knew that what would come of it would be for the better. She sighed and leaned away from her mirror. Her power over the wood was slipping and it worried her. "Only time will tell, only time..."
