In the Undying Lands
The brilliance of Anor was waning in the afternoon as Yavanna and Legrace left the others and strolled out into the gardens together. The light green canopy of apple trees soon gave way to the rich deep blue skies of South Aman, and Legrace turned her face upwards to the thick blue. Her own flame was brilliant.
An affectionate smile lit Yavanna's face. In her origins, Legrace had been a spirit of joy and love, full of merriment and physical sensation, both fire and earth. Being herself of life and earth, Yavanna shared a deep bond with the tall Maia; yet, the intensity and passion of Legrace's flame had always eluded her comprehension. The long ages dwelling in darkness had had some effect on Legrace: and edge, a wildness, a humorous selfishness that no other of their kind exhibited.
Unlike the other denizens of Middle-earth, Legrace had the sweet openness and the artless intrepidity of the Ainur. So many Ages had passed, and yet Legrace still retained the wonder, the thrill, the rapture of physical life in Arda. No surprise there she had always been of a hedonistic bent. The bond that Yavanna shared with her was as givers of life. Legrace was a mother of children brought forth from her body; Yavanna had createdolvarandkelvarwith her thought and effort and was no less a mother.
The differences between them were extensive, making them seem an odd pair. Yavanna was a slender, fresh spirit, like a maturing sapling, full of love and nurturing for everything that lived and grew. Her agony rose from the butchery, misuse, andcareless treatment of her children. Legrace was a voluptuous, molten spirit, caring for and loving those who filled her life: her children, who expanded her soul immeasurably; her beloved, whom she had long known would eventually be parted forever from her; and those creatures who gave themselves to her in absolute surrender and vulnerability.
"Your children have become much like you in manner and habit, though not in face," remarked the Vala with a smile. "What precious jewels they are!"
Aye," agreed Legrace with a wistful smile. "The fairest creatures that now dwell upon this earth. Long ages have passed away since I delivered the exquisite Kitarae from my body. Since then, there has been nothing."
"You have not conceived any other child?"
"I have known my husband innumerable times, as you may imagine," Legrace explained. "And others of the elven kindred without any result." Looking directly at the Vala now, all Legrace's thoughts were apparent in her eyes and expression. "What curse is this upon my flesh? Have I withered in the foul, rotting darkness that surrounds me almost constantly?"
"Nay," soothed Yavanna. "Legrace, no darkness could affect you!" She looked deeply into the other Aina's eyes, and they long held each other thus. Slowly, then, she raised her right hand and pressed her palm against Legrace's belly. The moment lengthened, and Legrace's anxiety was tactile.
"My dear Legrace, there is no frost upon you," Yavanna assured her. "You may bear more children." She spoke calmly with a smile.
Joy formed soft tears in the corners of Legrace's black eyes. "My dear lady… then, what is the problem?"
Taking her friend's hand gently in hers, Yavanna sighed, an awkward, heavier expression settling upon her naturally serene face. "It is your husband. As long as you dwell with him, you shall remain childless. He shall not beget life again."
Tears slipped onto Legrace's face. "It cannot be true!"
"I am sorry. Legrace, the problem lies in him. If it is your wish to be fruitful and pour forth more of your brilliance into a new being, you must leave your husband."
A pale, shocked expression appeared on Legrace's face. "Not for anything would I do so."
"Then, this is your fate, to share in his affliction, for his seed is poison and nothing shall grow from it again."
Turning away from the glorious Vala, Legrace raised an elegant hand to cover her eyes as tears coursed down her face and throat. "How much I am forced to give up!" she murmured. Then: "So be it. I must stay with him, for the day is not far off when I shall lose him forever."