PART 16:
(And the novel goes on . . . wow.)
Never had the assembly ridden so hard in their lives. The night flashed by as the twenty-eight horses plus the two centaurs and the Ent galloped through Fangorn faster than the wind that keened in the trees above them. Elladan cried and moaned as every jar of the horse's hooves sent shooting pains through his wound. As time wore on, his face whitened past its normal alabaster hue to a paleness that was as grey as the sky on a winter day. His beautiful clear eyes glazed over and glowed with a weird green light and his hair lost its dark shine. In the week that it took to reach Lothlorien, Elladan's elvish beauty faded, and he looked like a decayed version of his former self.
All of this had a horrible effect on Elrohir. The Mirror-Elf never left his twin's side, often administering the kingsfoil plant to his brother himself. He kept a firm hold on Elladan's hand, as if through this contact he could pump some of his own life force into the dying Elf. But none of it had any use; Elladan faded by the day, and Elrohir despaired of ever returning his brother to his former healthy aura.
The seventh day of hard riding brought results, as the golden mallorn trees began to shimmer far ahead after the assembly had left Fangorn. They all were tired, and each night brought little-satisfying sleep as the Company worried about Elladan and watches needed to be kept. When the mallorn trees were seen, so was the assembly's mood that a great cheer was sent up from the Riders at a glimpse of the golden beauty. And so it was that they arrived in Lothlorien in this mood, hopeful yet desperate at the same time.
Legolas was the first to pull up in front of the forest, whereupon which he saw a group of waiting Elves, their silver hair blowing a bit in the soft wind that accompanied all Lorien Elves. They had no weapons drawn, since they were expecting the Assembly of Twenty-eight, as the Rohan contingent plus the Company were called, but they looked askance and also with surprise at the Ent that trundled woodenly along on his bandy legs, never leaving Aragorn's side. Willowfoot had sworn allegiance to the Gondor king at the beginning of the hard ride to Lorien, and since then had protected him against any enemy that may cross his path. As it was, even in gentle Lothlorien the Ent stood defensively in front of his king, who had despite himself grown to have a fascinated respect for this animated brother of wood.
As expected, Haldir, a well-known guard of the Lorien forest, was the first to speak. "Where is Elladan, son of Elrond, second of the Mirror-Elves? We learned of his wound soon after Mithrandir rang the gong."
Elrohir, his brother lying limply in his arms, stepped up to Haldir and said, "I carry my brother. Would I have been there to carry him when the arrow pierced his fragile skin!" The Elf bowed his head in grief.
Haldir looked at him sympathetically as two Elves came up with a linen stretcher to receive the wounded Elladan. He was gently shifted to the softer conveyance, despite his cries and tears and pleas for his brother, and the light-footed Lorien Elves ran swiftly into the forest, bearing Elladan to Galadriel where he could be healed.
Haldir turned to the assembly. "The Lady has bid you all deep welcome to the woods of Lothlorien, and wishes your presence in her high palace. She has sent me to lead you there, and I am most honoured to do so." His eyes flickered from proud Nuhision to wise old Gandalf to majestic Elrond to humble King Elessar and he bowed a little from the waist. "Come, she is waiting for you."
The assembly moved forward and started on the ethereal path to the high palace of Galadriel. The trees, with their golden leaves and silver trunks, reminded Legolas of his own home in Mirkwood, but the trees here in Lorien were of the very best of their kind, and glowed with a magical light. The leaves were interwoven overhead to provide a natural canopy, and the wind was sweet here, as Nimrodel, the sparkling river, burbled along beside their path as even the horses made no noise walking.
Gimli was more overjoyed than Legolas had ever seen him, looking delightedly up and around, his face glowing at the prospect of meeting the Lady that had so touched him before. Aragorn's face was peaceful, and Elrond looked pleased for the first time since Elladan had been hurt. Gandalf seemed the same as always, absent-mindedly playing with his palantir (green light sporadically shooting out of it and hitting the trees), and Nuhision, mounted atop Telperonwen, was amazed as this was his first visit to Lothlorien. Only Elrohir's face was cast down and his eyes full of tears. Strangely, the first Mirror-Elf, as the elven-twins were called, Elrohir being first-born and Elladan second, seemed to be fading as well, and he kept rubbing his right shoulder, the very place where his brother had been shot, only on the opposite side.
Presently they came upon the first of the carven tree dwellings and Haldir bade them to stop. Once they had, he asked them to dismount and to leave their horses at the edge of the forest-city. The centaurs he let come forward and the assembly continued on. Now the trees were interchanged for dwellings of the most fascinating kind, being so translucent in design that they seemed almost to not be there at all. And yet there were inhabitants, Elves moving gracefully all about them, waving and smiling as the group passed, for they were the saviours of Middle-earth, and all who had a spark of intelligence knew that they would determine their fate. Some time later they came to the centre of the city, and here they stopped, their faces frozen in awe.
The centre of the forest-city was a clearing in the trees, but unlike most clearings, it was perfectly round. The trees grew in towards the clearing, making a dome-like structure that at the top showed a perfect circle of the purest white light, which streamed down onto the inhabitants below. In the exact centre of the circle of light, a tree rose impossibly high, and where its trunk would be, was an amazing piece of architecture, carven in exquisite designs. This was the palace of Galadriel, and the Elves of the assembly bowed deeply in respect. The Rohan contingent just stared, their fierce faces softened by the white healing light.
Suddenly the light seemed to grow brighter and like Elbereth herself, an Elven-lady of incredible beauty stepped down the wide stairs in front of the assembly, her hand on the arm of a silver-haired Elf. She was dressed in the purest white, with silver points on her hands and head. Her golden hair glowed and her incredible blue stare pinned all that had not seen it before. The Rohan riders save Nuhision stepped back and knelt in deep awe, and the original members of the Company of Elessar stood with the great Supreme Rider at their side. The Ent had veered to the side so now he seemed a part of the trees that he stood in. The whole assembly was hushed.
The High Elves finished their procession and stood, bathed in white light, in front of the Company. Galadriel, for this was who this amazing creature was, looked them all over with her azure gaze, then spoke in an other- worldly voice which seemed to echo at them from everywhere. "I see that all have made it to the Golden Wood safely, save for one, who I have attended to." Her gaze softened when Elrohir involuntarily cried out in relief and she smiled at him. "Mirror-Elf, you may go to your brother when I have finished, for you are one of these who will be changing our fate."
She left Celeborn's side and walked down so that she was level with them all. "I have seen what is in each of your hearts, and I feel honoured to share company with such pure-minded people. All of you have forgotten your differences to stand strong against the enemy, and that is heartening for an Elf such as I. With your strength and love for one another, you will defeat Zycrah and her minions; it is inevitable." She smiled a lovely smile at them all. "To hearten you further, I have arranged a gift to be given to the seven who started this Quest. They will find it in their quarters. All may rest peacefully; no evil enters the woods of Lothlorien."
She turned away and bade the assembly leave. They all moved towards the buildings shining at the edge of the palace, which were the quarters. The Rohan contingent perferred to sleep out of doors, and so they set off towards the stabling areas, where the horses were kept. The centaurs, after playfully bucking and whinnying among themselves, followed the Riders and the Company was left alone.
Gandalf's old face was alight with peace and the years dropped from the wizard's timeless face. He muttered in delight, every so often breaking into snatches of song as they walked. Elrond stalked ahead, hiding his true feelings from everyone, Elrohir trotting at his side. Gimli had been speechless since the encounter with Galadriel and followed Legolas, who was deep in thought, like a happy puppy. Aragorn simply strode, his face wreathed in happy dreams. They reached their quarters and stopped short.
There, in front of them all, were their deepest desires. For Gimli, Galadriel stood herself, smiling at the grumbly Dwarf sweetly. It was all too much for the poor man and his mouth dropped into his beard, his beady little eyes alight with tears. For Elrond and Elrohir, they were met with Elladan, healed and more beautiful than he had been before his wound. The twins embraced and cried in joy, and after that, they were seen hand in hand, never leaving each others' sides. Elrond was often seen with them, and the Rivendell royal family was joyful and indescribably happy in the days to follow. For Aragorn, Arwen Undomiel stood there, and the lovers locked in a beautiful embrace, and the brooding King's desires were fulfilled in the most wonderful way. Gandalf was met with Frodo Baggins, the former Ringbearer, and the two burst into tears at the sight of each other, the stress and strife gone for the time being.
Legolas was so busy rejoicing in all his friend's families and loved ones meeting with them that he didn't immediately notice what Galadriel had for him. But a small hand on his shoulder made him freeze, and he didn't want to turn around for fear of getting disappointed. Still, he turned slowly to see.
Elladriel, with Ashira cradled in her arms, stood before him, and Legolas' proud face dissolved into happy, happy tears. The Elven-queen's eyes were overbright with joy, and little Ashira giggled and cooed as she caught sight of her father. Legolas touched Elladriel's face, his eyes brimming over with unbelieving tears, the proud prince humbled by the power of love. The family of Mirkwood was united again, and never was there more sweet a day in Lothlorien as the day of the assembly's arrival.
The sun travelled on and her warm rays cast down onto the happy people below, united with their families and friends, and joyously rejoicing in the sweet glow of love that surrounded them all on this wonderful day.
~TO BE CONTINUED~
(And the novel goes on . . . wow.)
Never had the assembly ridden so hard in their lives. The night flashed by as the twenty-eight horses plus the two centaurs and the Ent galloped through Fangorn faster than the wind that keened in the trees above them. Elladan cried and moaned as every jar of the horse's hooves sent shooting pains through his wound. As time wore on, his face whitened past its normal alabaster hue to a paleness that was as grey as the sky on a winter day. His beautiful clear eyes glazed over and glowed with a weird green light and his hair lost its dark shine. In the week that it took to reach Lothlorien, Elladan's elvish beauty faded, and he looked like a decayed version of his former self.
All of this had a horrible effect on Elrohir. The Mirror-Elf never left his twin's side, often administering the kingsfoil plant to his brother himself. He kept a firm hold on Elladan's hand, as if through this contact he could pump some of his own life force into the dying Elf. But none of it had any use; Elladan faded by the day, and Elrohir despaired of ever returning his brother to his former healthy aura.
The seventh day of hard riding brought results, as the golden mallorn trees began to shimmer far ahead after the assembly had left Fangorn. They all were tired, and each night brought little-satisfying sleep as the Company worried about Elladan and watches needed to be kept. When the mallorn trees were seen, so was the assembly's mood that a great cheer was sent up from the Riders at a glimpse of the golden beauty. And so it was that they arrived in Lothlorien in this mood, hopeful yet desperate at the same time.
Legolas was the first to pull up in front of the forest, whereupon which he saw a group of waiting Elves, their silver hair blowing a bit in the soft wind that accompanied all Lorien Elves. They had no weapons drawn, since they were expecting the Assembly of Twenty-eight, as the Rohan contingent plus the Company were called, but they looked askance and also with surprise at the Ent that trundled woodenly along on his bandy legs, never leaving Aragorn's side. Willowfoot had sworn allegiance to the Gondor king at the beginning of the hard ride to Lorien, and since then had protected him against any enemy that may cross his path. As it was, even in gentle Lothlorien the Ent stood defensively in front of his king, who had despite himself grown to have a fascinated respect for this animated brother of wood.
As expected, Haldir, a well-known guard of the Lorien forest, was the first to speak. "Where is Elladan, son of Elrond, second of the Mirror-Elves? We learned of his wound soon after Mithrandir rang the gong."
Elrohir, his brother lying limply in his arms, stepped up to Haldir and said, "I carry my brother. Would I have been there to carry him when the arrow pierced his fragile skin!" The Elf bowed his head in grief.
Haldir looked at him sympathetically as two Elves came up with a linen stretcher to receive the wounded Elladan. He was gently shifted to the softer conveyance, despite his cries and tears and pleas for his brother, and the light-footed Lorien Elves ran swiftly into the forest, bearing Elladan to Galadriel where he could be healed.
Haldir turned to the assembly. "The Lady has bid you all deep welcome to the woods of Lothlorien, and wishes your presence in her high palace. She has sent me to lead you there, and I am most honoured to do so." His eyes flickered from proud Nuhision to wise old Gandalf to majestic Elrond to humble King Elessar and he bowed a little from the waist. "Come, she is waiting for you."
The assembly moved forward and started on the ethereal path to the high palace of Galadriel. The trees, with their golden leaves and silver trunks, reminded Legolas of his own home in Mirkwood, but the trees here in Lorien were of the very best of their kind, and glowed with a magical light. The leaves were interwoven overhead to provide a natural canopy, and the wind was sweet here, as Nimrodel, the sparkling river, burbled along beside their path as even the horses made no noise walking.
Gimli was more overjoyed than Legolas had ever seen him, looking delightedly up and around, his face glowing at the prospect of meeting the Lady that had so touched him before. Aragorn's face was peaceful, and Elrond looked pleased for the first time since Elladan had been hurt. Gandalf seemed the same as always, absent-mindedly playing with his palantir (green light sporadically shooting out of it and hitting the trees), and Nuhision, mounted atop Telperonwen, was amazed as this was his first visit to Lothlorien. Only Elrohir's face was cast down and his eyes full of tears. Strangely, the first Mirror-Elf, as the elven-twins were called, Elrohir being first-born and Elladan second, seemed to be fading as well, and he kept rubbing his right shoulder, the very place where his brother had been shot, only on the opposite side.
Presently they came upon the first of the carven tree dwellings and Haldir bade them to stop. Once they had, he asked them to dismount and to leave their horses at the edge of the forest-city. The centaurs he let come forward and the assembly continued on. Now the trees were interchanged for dwellings of the most fascinating kind, being so translucent in design that they seemed almost to not be there at all. And yet there were inhabitants, Elves moving gracefully all about them, waving and smiling as the group passed, for they were the saviours of Middle-earth, and all who had a spark of intelligence knew that they would determine their fate. Some time later they came to the centre of the city, and here they stopped, their faces frozen in awe.
The centre of the forest-city was a clearing in the trees, but unlike most clearings, it was perfectly round. The trees grew in towards the clearing, making a dome-like structure that at the top showed a perfect circle of the purest white light, which streamed down onto the inhabitants below. In the exact centre of the circle of light, a tree rose impossibly high, and where its trunk would be, was an amazing piece of architecture, carven in exquisite designs. This was the palace of Galadriel, and the Elves of the assembly bowed deeply in respect. The Rohan contingent just stared, their fierce faces softened by the white healing light.
Suddenly the light seemed to grow brighter and like Elbereth herself, an Elven-lady of incredible beauty stepped down the wide stairs in front of the assembly, her hand on the arm of a silver-haired Elf. She was dressed in the purest white, with silver points on her hands and head. Her golden hair glowed and her incredible blue stare pinned all that had not seen it before. The Rohan riders save Nuhision stepped back and knelt in deep awe, and the original members of the Company of Elessar stood with the great Supreme Rider at their side. The Ent had veered to the side so now he seemed a part of the trees that he stood in. The whole assembly was hushed.
The High Elves finished their procession and stood, bathed in white light, in front of the Company. Galadriel, for this was who this amazing creature was, looked them all over with her azure gaze, then spoke in an other- worldly voice which seemed to echo at them from everywhere. "I see that all have made it to the Golden Wood safely, save for one, who I have attended to." Her gaze softened when Elrohir involuntarily cried out in relief and she smiled at him. "Mirror-Elf, you may go to your brother when I have finished, for you are one of these who will be changing our fate."
She left Celeborn's side and walked down so that she was level with them all. "I have seen what is in each of your hearts, and I feel honoured to share company with such pure-minded people. All of you have forgotten your differences to stand strong against the enemy, and that is heartening for an Elf such as I. With your strength and love for one another, you will defeat Zycrah and her minions; it is inevitable." She smiled a lovely smile at them all. "To hearten you further, I have arranged a gift to be given to the seven who started this Quest. They will find it in their quarters. All may rest peacefully; no evil enters the woods of Lothlorien."
She turned away and bade the assembly leave. They all moved towards the buildings shining at the edge of the palace, which were the quarters. The Rohan contingent perferred to sleep out of doors, and so they set off towards the stabling areas, where the horses were kept. The centaurs, after playfully bucking and whinnying among themselves, followed the Riders and the Company was left alone.
Gandalf's old face was alight with peace and the years dropped from the wizard's timeless face. He muttered in delight, every so often breaking into snatches of song as they walked. Elrond stalked ahead, hiding his true feelings from everyone, Elrohir trotting at his side. Gimli had been speechless since the encounter with Galadriel and followed Legolas, who was deep in thought, like a happy puppy. Aragorn simply strode, his face wreathed in happy dreams. They reached their quarters and stopped short.
There, in front of them all, were their deepest desires. For Gimli, Galadriel stood herself, smiling at the grumbly Dwarf sweetly. It was all too much for the poor man and his mouth dropped into his beard, his beady little eyes alight with tears. For Elrond and Elrohir, they were met with Elladan, healed and more beautiful than he had been before his wound. The twins embraced and cried in joy, and after that, they were seen hand in hand, never leaving each others' sides. Elrond was often seen with them, and the Rivendell royal family was joyful and indescribably happy in the days to follow. For Aragorn, Arwen Undomiel stood there, and the lovers locked in a beautiful embrace, and the brooding King's desires were fulfilled in the most wonderful way. Gandalf was met with Frodo Baggins, the former Ringbearer, and the two burst into tears at the sight of each other, the stress and strife gone for the time being.
Legolas was so busy rejoicing in all his friend's families and loved ones meeting with them that he didn't immediately notice what Galadriel had for him. But a small hand on his shoulder made him freeze, and he didn't want to turn around for fear of getting disappointed. Still, he turned slowly to see.
Elladriel, with Ashira cradled in her arms, stood before him, and Legolas' proud face dissolved into happy, happy tears. The Elven-queen's eyes were overbright with joy, and little Ashira giggled and cooed as she caught sight of her father. Legolas touched Elladriel's face, his eyes brimming over with unbelieving tears, the proud prince humbled by the power of love. The family of Mirkwood was united again, and never was there more sweet a day in Lothlorien as the day of the assembly's arrival.
The sun travelled on and her warm rays cast down onto the happy people below, united with their families and friends, and joyously rejoicing in the sweet glow of love that surrounded them all on this wonderful day.
~TO BE CONTINUED~