Chapter 22

Advice From A Valar

Legolas met Gandalf on the seventh level of Minas Tirith. It had been two weeks since Tari had left Rivendell, and he was on his last thread of sanity. His daughter was a prisoner of war to Arya, and his wife was now missing.

The battle to siege Durthang had ended in a draw - both armies retreating back. The numbers on either side were now equal, and everyone who served was exhausted.

"Have you found Tari?" he asked the wizard desperately, fear written clearly across his elven features.

Gandalf shook his head, looking just as grave. "Nay... Though some men are certain they had a woman in their ranks... And, saw her enter the fortress after ripping an arrow from her shoulder."

Legolas didn't know whether to feel grief or anger. His eyes fell to the floor, as though it would give him a different answer. He clenched his fists, relaxed them, then clenched again. "And Estellia? Any news of her?"

Gandalf again replied with a shake of the head. "If Tari had rescued Estellia and escaped, she would be here right now... I fear the worst... Mornie, alantie..." (darkness, has fallen)

"No..." Legolas whispered. "Not yet... We still have an army. And until I breathe my last breath, I am not going to give up on them. Giving up would condemn them to death and torture..."

"Legolas-" Gandalf began hastily.

"Darkness has fallen, Mithrandir. Will the White Rider give us light, in this time of darkness?"

Tari was thrown into a cell, and the door slammed behind her, plunging her into utter darkness. She tried to move, but her bonds held firmly in place. The gag about her mouth impaired her breathing. She struggled to her knees, and sat against a stone wall. The cell was extremely cold, and dank... It smelled of death to her. Her arrow wound gave her blinding pain, as the poison coursed through her veins and consumed her strength.

She had not thought to even staunch the wound. She had plunged into the castle with absolutely no plan... And look what it had gotten her...

I failed her... she thought miserably, thinking of the look of utter fear on her daughter's face. I lied to Legolas... I betrayed his trust... And as punishment, will I now be condemned to death in the darkness? For my failure and betrayal, will he have to lose me again? Must I lose him? Damn my pride! Damn my foolishness! I failed my daughter! My husband! I've sentenced her to death with my actions...

She sobbed uncontrollably, as the weight of everything fell upon her shoulders. Valar! She cried in her mind, Forgive me for what I've done! I beg you! Do not let her die because of me! Do not let her suffer for what I caused! Sweet Elbereth! Hear my pleas!

I hear your cries, child... answered a maternal voice. It sounded surreal, and seemed to warm her from the inside out.

Starkindler! Tari cried, I beseech you! Good Valar! Let not the voice I hear be a delusion of my hopeful thoughts!

No matter how hard I try, little one, you always seem to end up in more trouble... Said the voice of Elbereth, as she wove a heavy spell of dreamy sleep upon Tari's eyes.

As her eyes fell closed, Tari found that she stood once again upon that beach. The same beach, save for it was the darkest night, and the stars shone brightly above. The vision of Elbereth stood before her, glowing like a star. Tari couldn't help but find herself on her knees in the Valar's presence.

Thee hast already given back my life once, Starkindler, I deserve not a second chance... Tari whispered, feeling her failure to Estellia sink in even more.

Sweet Tari... In your heart, I know that thee would give thine own life to save your daughter... But whether she lives or dies is not your choice. It is someone else's. The Valar said, taking Tari's shaking hands in her own, which were as pale as moonlight, and without the slightest scar or freckle. I grant you forgiveness without hesitation. But it is not my choice as to let you live or die. At the moment, you are weak, but alive. Hear my words, child; do not give up hope. Do not so willingly give up your own life. For it was granted by the Valar, and is not to be taken lightly...

Tari watched as Elbereth slowly faded from sight, and all was blackness.

She awoke with a start back in her cell, still bound and gagged. The tears came back to her eyes again, as she realized how utterly alone she was in the darkness that seemed to choke her. She tried to think of other things; of Legolas in happier days, and Rivendell... But she could not bring forth her memories... The blackness about her pushed all thoughts of light and goodness far from her mind, leaving her to weep in sadness and grief.

How long would she suffer? Why did the Valar put her through this? Did she not deserve peace? Why had they not chosen another to go through all this turmoil? Questions she feared she would not find the answers to, until Arya was dead.

Elves detest having to dwell in the dark. They need sunlight, or at least moonlight. Why do you think Legolas hated Moria so much?