(grr! I just wrote a whole other chapter of this story and damn upsaid
deleted it! I could kill someone!)
PART 17:
The golden sunshine of Lothlorien shone over the happy Company as they reunited with their loved ones, and the mood of the Golden Wood was never so jubilant as it had been that unforgettable afternoon. All along the river Nimrodel, the happy people spent golden moments with those they cared for, and the memories never left them, not in the many trials and tribulations to come. These memories have been preserved partly in this account of the Zycrinian War, but those generations that populated Middle- earth long after the deaths and departures of these shining souls have filled in many of the gaps. Here is a look into that unforgettable afternoon under the mallorn leaves.
*******
The three members of the Royal Family of Imladris sat together by the riverside, their faces shining with happiness, their tears lighting their eyes that were grateful for the mere fact that they were together. Elladan was the picture of health, his dark hair gleaming under the golden leaves, his eyes as dark and bright as stars. His alabaster skin had acquired a glow that never left it, and the only sign about him that showed that he had been wounded was the awkward way in which he carried his left arm. This anomaly about him would stay with him for the rest of his life, and years later, the people identified the Mirror-Elves by this trait. For now, however, Elrohir and Elladan sat on a marble bench on the bank, Elrond before them, and discussed, in awe, Elladan's great recovery.
"I can't believe . . . you're the picture of health, how in Elbereth . . . I am so happy, but I am speechless . . ." Elrohir's mouth flapped open and closed in a less-than princely manner, and his eyes were wide with surprise and thankfulness. Elladan took his brother's hand and put it over his heart.
"I knew that you worried, brother, but I could feel your strength running through my body whenever you held my hands. I knew that if I left you, you would pine and eventually waste your life in grief, so I prayed to Elentari to bring me to Lothlorien so I could be healed, and when I saw the mallorn trees, I was so happy . . . but I blacked out, and then awakened with the pure light on my face, and no more pain, and I thought it was too late, but the Lady Galadriel smiled down on me, and told me I was healed, and I was so happy, so happy, because a life without you by my side is a life wasted for me, and I not only wanted to spend time with you, but also with Firgoniel, and raise our children together in Imladris. Thank Elbereth I was healed in time, and thank her also for your incredible strength and love." Elladan smiled gently at his brother and patted his hands. "I am forever grateful."
Elrond's proud face softened as he smiled, the tears running down his cheeks, and under the sun the Mirror-Elves were more identical than before in their mixed tears and joy. Those who saw the Royal family together never forgot them, and it was heartbreaking for Galadriel, who had seen all this ages before, to know that this was one of the last times the three would be together in body as well as spirit. She knew, however, that the Elves were strong, and there was no doubt that whatever purpose they were set on Middle-earth to fulfil, they would do it.
******
Gimli and the Lady Galadriel sat together on one of her swancrafts on the River Nimrodel, the wind softly stirring the current so that the boat moved slowly down over the sparkling water. Gimli, son of Gloin, was so changed that even Legolas would not have known him at that moment. Normally a short, stumpy little man, with a fierce scowl and tangled red beard, his beady eyes small and hard in his weathered face, he had changed, softened, so that he looked almost handsome in his appearance. He had taken his metal- girded helmet off, and his eyes were soft and bright love for the beautiful Elven-lady that sat before him. His voice, normally gruff and harsh with fierceness, was softer and more sonorous as his speech became cultured and gentle under the influence of the Lady of the Wood.
"I am a changed man, my Lady Galadriel, as I sit here before you today. Your impact in my life has made me a man of bravery, of culture, a man with a goal. I have never forgotten your kindness to me, over these years. My family knows all about you, and they can see in me your shining light. Elves and Dwarves united under your gaze, and I am sure that you yourself can see the positive aspect that this brings to our fair lands." Gimli cleared his throat and smiled at the beautiful Elf before him.
She smiled back. "I can indeed see this light in your eyes that was not there before. I am pleased to know that you have never forgotten me, as I have never forgotten you, Gimli son of Gloin. And I see your influence in the Elves of this Age, as they smile at the Dwarves that are welcomed in our fair wood because of our truce so long ago. You even tell me that you have kept my gift to you in an honoured place, and I am touched beyond words at your devotion. It was no trouble at all, and an extreme pleasure, for me to set aside some time for you today. Thank you for your light on the world."
*******
In a small clearing deeper in the golden woods, the King of Gondor and his lovely lady stood in a world all of their own. His dark hand on her white face, the language that passed between them has been lost to recent generations and cannot be translated. Only those who are deeply in love can have an inkling of what Aragorn and his Arwen Undomiel, Evenstar of Middle Earth, could have had to say. But despite the unknown details, those that happened to pass near them tell of a sweetness never felt before in Lothlorien; the sweetness of eternal love. Years later, that clearing held the brightest flowers and the most golden leaves, and only those Lorien Elves that had been there that day knew why. Forever they kept that beautiful glimpse into the realm of beauty in their hearts.
*******
Gandalf, immortal wizard of Middle-earth, finally felt that he had reached his quota of happiness in his long life. Seated on the grassy bank beside the sparkling river, his old face was creased in joy and peace as he puffed some of the finest Old Toby hobbitweed and listened to the stories of the hobbit that sat beside him, the wind playing over both their faces. Frodo Baggins had long since retired from the adventurous life that his old friend led, and after the Great War of the Ring, both had lost touch due to circumstances beyond their control. They had never forgotten each other, however, and so this meeting was a great one for them both, since it was Frodo's ninety-ninth birthday and the fiftieth anniversary of Bilbo Baggins' disappearance from the Shire to Rivendell. The old hobbit had died a few years ago, however, and Frodo had married a hobbitlass named Violet and had five beautiful children. The newest source of his delight, however, lay in his lap, a small child with golden curls and long eyelashes on her rosy cheeks slept on that warm afternoon as Frodo told Gandalf of his life after the end of the Third Age.
"And she is the sweetest little girl, Gandalf, that ever you did meet at the age of three. She is slowly learning the ways of a hobbit, but she is very determined and you can see that the fact that she is still in nappies and taking afternoon sleeps bothers her quite a lot, as she is trying to catch up to her brothers and sisters. We named her Pippa, after dear old Pippin, for she shares his insatiable appetite for mischief and you have to watch her every minute, the dear little thing. Samwise is a tweenager now, and is as hungry for books as I was at his age. Luckily, Bag End's library is very extensive, and I often find him there, buried deep in a book of geneaology, his eyes bright with intelligence. Drogo and Primula, the twins, are quickly catching up to him at eleven, but you know Drogo, he would rather be with the hobbitlads in the square than learning from his books. He's very like Violet in that way. Primmy just wants to raise a family, and she looks after half the hobbitchildren in Bagshot Row already at eleven! But the brightest of all my children lives up to her elven namesake, indeed. Many people thought I was silly, naming my second youngest daughter after the elvish word for star, but Eleni is as bright as the morning star and the most elvish of all my children. Glorfindel happened by the other day, still delivering Rivendell books to me, and Eleni greeted him in Quenya, as nice as you please, and nearly knocked the poor old Elf right off his feet. I am a happy hobbit, Gandalf, I am," said Frodo, cuddling Pippa to him, his clear blue eyes bright and proud of his family. He was not much changed at all, just a little stouter around the waist and of course, instead of the normal ten fingers on the hobbit's hands, there was only nine. "I do regret not coming with you this time, to help with this new bother, but you know, I have a family now, and what would I do? I can't leave Violet, and Bag End, and you know, I'm just very happy to fill dear old Bilbo's place in Hobbiton as the hobbit that had adventures."
Gandalf puffed his pipe thoughtfully and said, "It's well deserved, old boy, it's well deserved indeed. You performed your duty for Middle-earth in the Third Age, and we were all grateful for it. Sometime, after this silly war is over, I will have to happen by and meet your lovely family. I daresay they're very much like you were at that age. I can still remember old Bilbo, bless his dear soul, laughing like mad over a letter from Brandy Hall, telling of your antics there. He was so glad to have you, Frodo, so glad to have you. Bilbo always regretted never marrying."
Frodo nodded, his eyes grave. "I know, but he was the best father anyone could have been to me besides my own, and I am a better hobbit for it. You know, Elrond made a promise to me at the end of the Third Age that I should live in peace after the Great War, and you know, I am very glad he kept it. Adventures are all very well, but -" and he cuddled Pippa to him again, "- I am a happy hobbit in my peaceful old ways now, Gandalf, a happy, happy hobbit indeed."
*******
And what of Legolas? What of his reunion with his family under the mallorn trees that day?
Across the green lawns of the high palace, the Mirkwood royal family came amidst the ruins of the old palace not fair from the Nimrodel. Elladriel sat upon a half-submerged stone and smiled lovingly as Legolas spent some well-earned time with his daughter not far away.
"Ah, there you are, nîn tithen pen, there you are my little darling one, so you are, hmm? Your papa has missed you, little elfling, more than he can say. And mamma tells me that you have missed me, isn't it so?" He cuddled the laughing Ashira to his chest and sighed. "I couldn't go on without seeing you again, my little singing bird, it just couldn't be done." He suddenly tossed her in the air and relished the high note of laughter and delight he elicited from her little body. "But no matter, here we are, hmm, here we are!" He tickled her and she kicked her legs in delight and laughed as he settled her back in his arms and came back to Elladriel, who was laughing at their antics.
"And you, nîn mell pen, you I have missed more than anything. My heart has gone cold from being away from you. Without you by my side, I am less than I am." He sat beside her, drawing her close into his embrace. Elladriel sighed happily and breathed in his scent. "My heart has been cold too, and I have missed you more than I can say. But I am exceedingly glad Galadriel has called me here to see you, and to love you ten times more than I ever have before!"
Legolas brought her white hand to his lips and whispered against it, "Even although I live forever, I would not spend any more ages alone without you. You complete me, nîn mell pen, your love surrounds my soul. And if I am lost after this, then you will know this, and continue your life with my essence in your heart too."
The two would have stayed locked in their loving embrace had it not been for the fussy cries of Ashira from below. Legolas lifted her in his arms and smiled. "Ahh, her bottom is damp. Comfort comes before love to you, eh nîn tithen pen?" He kissed her tiny face and then took his wife's hand to attend to their little daughter.
*******
Such ran some of the many meetings that took place on that golden day in Lothlorien. Generations afterwards tell of the sweet air and light mood that accompanied the Lorien Elves as they went about their work. But since all has passed out of knowledge now, only Nimrodel herself can tell of the happenings that went on by her gurgling shores. And so our dear Company of Elessar had their many sweet memories to accompany them in the trials and tribulations to come, memories that stayed with them the rest of their wonderful lives.
~TO BE CONTINUED~
Author's Note: The elvish was taken from Neon Star's story, "My Daughter" - thanks for the help!
PART 17:
The golden sunshine of Lothlorien shone over the happy Company as they reunited with their loved ones, and the mood of the Golden Wood was never so jubilant as it had been that unforgettable afternoon. All along the river Nimrodel, the happy people spent golden moments with those they cared for, and the memories never left them, not in the many trials and tribulations to come. These memories have been preserved partly in this account of the Zycrinian War, but those generations that populated Middle- earth long after the deaths and departures of these shining souls have filled in many of the gaps. Here is a look into that unforgettable afternoon under the mallorn leaves.
*******
The three members of the Royal Family of Imladris sat together by the riverside, their faces shining with happiness, their tears lighting their eyes that were grateful for the mere fact that they were together. Elladan was the picture of health, his dark hair gleaming under the golden leaves, his eyes as dark and bright as stars. His alabaster skin had acquired a glow that never left it, and the only sign about him that showed that he had been wounded was the awkward way in which he carried his left arm. This anomaly about him would stay with him for the rest of his life, and years later, the people identified the Mirror-Elves by this trait. For now, however, Elrohir and Elladan sat on a marble bench on the bank, Elrond before them, and discussed, in awe, Elladan's great recovery.
"I can't believe . . . you're the picture of health, how in Elbereth . . . I am so happy, but I am speechless . . ." Elrohir's mouth flapped open and closed in a less-than princely manner, and his eyes were wide with surprise and thankfulness. Elladan took his brother's hand and put it over his heart.
"I knew that you worried, brother, but I could feel your strength running through my body whenever you held my hands. I knew that if I left you, you would pine and eventually waste your life in grief, so I prayed to Elentari to bring me to Lothlorien so I could be healed, and when I saw the mallorn trees, I was so happy . . . but I blacked out, and then awakened with the pure light on my face, and no more pain, and I thought it was too late, but the Lady Galadriel smiled down on me, and told me I was healed, and I was so happy, so happy, because a life without you by my side is a life wasted for me, and I not only wanted to spend time with you, but also with Firgoniel, and raise our children together in Imladris. Thank Elbereth I was healed in time, and thank her also for your incredible strength and love." Elladan smiled gently at his brother and patted his hands. "I am forever grateful."
Elrond's proud face softened as he smiled, the tears running down his cheeks, and under the sun the Mirror-Elves were more identical than before in their mixed tears and joy. Those who saw the Royal family together never forgot them, and it was heartbreaking for Galadriel, who had seen all this ages before, to know that this was one of the last times the three would be together in body as well as spirit. She knew, however, that the Elves were strong, and there was no doubt that whatever purpose they were set on Middle-earth to fulfil, they would do it.
******
Gimli and the Lady Galadriel sat together on one of her swancrafts on the River Nimrodel, the wind softly stirring the current so that the boat moved slowly down over the sparkling water. Gimli, son of Gloin, was so changed that even Legolas would not have known him at that moment. Normally a short, stumpy little man, with a fierce scowl and tangled red beard, his beady eyes small and hard in his weathered face, he had changed, softened, so that he looked almost handsome in his appearance. He had taken his metal- girded helmet off, and his eyes were soft and bright love for the beautiful Elven-lady that sat before him. His voice, normally gruff and harsh with fierceness, was softer and more sonorous as his speech became cultured and gentle under the influence of the Lady of the Wood.
"I am a changed man, my Lady Galadriel, as I sit here before you today. Your impact in my life has made me a man of bravery, of culture, a man with a goal. I have never forgotten your kindness to me, over these years. My family knows all about you, and they can see in me your shining light. Elves and Dwarves united under your gaze, and I am sure that you yourself can see the positive aspect that this brings to our fair lands." Gimli cleared his throat and smiled at the beautiful Elf before him.
She smiled back. "I can indeed see this light in your eyes that was not there before. I am pleased to know that you have never forgotten me, as I have never forgotten you, Gimli son of Gloin. And I see your influence in the Elves of this Age, as they smile at the Dwarves that are welcomed in our fair wood because of our truce so long ago. You even tell me that you have kept my gift to you in an honoured place, and I am touched beyond words at your devotion. It was no trouble at all, and an extreme pleasure, for me to set aside some time for you today. Thank you for your light on the world."
*******
In a small clearing deeper in the golden woods, the King of Gondor and his lovely lady stood in a world all of their own. His dark hand on her white face, the language that passed between them has been lost to recent generations and cannot be translated. Only those who are deeply in love can have an inkling of what Aragorn and his Arwen Undomiel, Evenstar of Middle Earth, could have had to say. But despite the unknown details, those that happened to pass near them tell of a sweetness never felt before in Lothlorien; the sweetness of eternal love. Years later, that clearing held the brightest flowers and the most golden leaves, and only those Lorien Elves that had been there that day knew why. Forever they kept that beautiful glimpse into the realm of beauty in their hearts.
*******
Gandalf, immortal wizard of Middle-earth, finally felt that he had reached his quota of happiness in his long life. Seated on the grassy bank beside the sparkling river, his old face was creased in joy and peace as he puffed some of the finest Old Toby hobbitweed and listened to the stories of the hobbit that sat beside him, the wind playing over both their faces. Frodo Baggins had long since retired from the adventurous life that his old friend led, and after the Great War of the Ring, both had lost touch due to circumstances beyond their control. They had never forgotten each other, however, and so this meeting was a great one for them both, since it was Frodo's ninety-ninth birthday and the fiftieth anniversary of Bilbo Baggins' disappearance from the Shire to Rivendell. The old hobbit had died a few years ago, however, and Frodo had married a hobbitlass named Violet and had five beautiful children. The newest source of his delight, however, lay in his lap, a small child with golden curls and long eyelashes on her rosy cheeks slept on that warm afternoon as Frodo told Gandalf of his life after the end of the Third Age.
"And she is the sweetest little girl, Gandalf, that ever you did meet at the age of three. She is slowly learning the ways of a hobbit, but she is very determined and you can see that the fact that she is still in nappies and taking afternoon sleeps bothers her quite a lot, as she is trying to catch up to her brothers and sisters. We named her Pippa, after dear old Pippin, for she shares his insatiable appetite for mischief and you have to watch her every minute, the dear little thing. Samwise is a tweenager now, and is as hungry for books as I was at his age. Luckily, Bag End's library is very extensive, and I often find him there, buried deep in a book of geneaology, his eyes bright with intelligence. Drogo and Primula, the twins, are quickly catching up to him at eleven, but you know Drogo, he would rather be with the hobbitlads in the square than learning from his books. He's very like Violet in that way. Primmy just wants to raise a family, and she looks after half the hobbitchildren in Bagshot Row already at eleven! But the brightest of all my children lives up to her elven namesake, indeed. Many people thought I was silly, naming my second youngest daughter after the elvish word for star, but Eleni is as bright as the morning star and the most elvish of all my children. Glorfindel happened by the other day, still delivering Rivendell books to me, and Eleni greeted him in Quenya, as nice as you please, and nearly knocked the poor old Elf right off his feet. I am a happy hobbit, Gandalf, I am," said Frodo, cuddling Pippa to him, his clear blue eyes bright and proud of his family. He was not much changed at all, just a little stouter around the waist and of course, instead of the normal ten fingers on the hobbit's hands, there was only nine. "I do regret not coming with you this time, to help with this new bother, but you know, I have a family now, and what would I do? I can't leave Violet, and Bag End, and you know, I'm just very happy to fill dear old Bilbo's place in Hobbiton as the hobbit that had adventures."
Gandalf puffed his pipe thoughtfully and said, "It's well deserved, old boy, it's well deserved indeed. You performed your duty for Middle-earth in the Third Age, and we were all grateful for it. Sometime, after this silly war is over, I will have to happen by and meet your lovely family. I daresay they're very much like you were at that age. I can still remember old Bilbo, bless his dear soul, laughing like mad over a letter from Brandy Hall, telling of your antics there. He was so glad to have you, Frodo, so glad to have you. Bilbo always regretted never marrying."
Frodo nodded, his eyes grave. "I know, but he was the best father anyone could have been to me besides my own, and I am a better hobbit for it. You know, Elrond made a promise to me at the end of the Third Age that I should live in peace after the Great War, and you know, I am very glad he kept it. Adventures are all very well, but -" and he cuddled Pippa to him again, "- I am a happy hobbit in my peaceful old ways now, Gandalf, a happy, happy hobbit indeed."
*******
And what of Legolas? What of his reunion with his family under the mallorn trees that day?
Across the green lawns of the high palace, the Mirkwood royal family came amidst the ruins of the old palace not fair from the Nimrodel. Elladriel sat upon a half-submerged stone and smiled lovingly as Legolas spent some well-earned time with his daughter not far away.
"Ah, there you are, nîn tithen pen, there you are my little darling one, so you are, hmm? Your papa has missed you, little elfling, more than he can say. And mamma tells me that you have missed me, isn't it so?" He cuddled the laughing Ashira to his chest and sighed. "I couldn't go on without seeing you again, my little singing bird, it just couldn't be done." He suddenly tossed her in the air and relished the high note of laughter and delight he elicited from her little body. "But no matter, here we are, hmm, here we are!" He tickled her and she kicked her legs in delight and laughed as he settled her back in his arms and came back to Elladriel, who was laughing at their antics.
"And you, nîn mell pen, you I have missed more than anything. My heart has gone cold from being away from you. Without you by my side, I am less than I am." He sat beside her, drawing her close into his embrace. Elladriel sighed happily and breathed in his scent. "My heart has been cold too, and I have missed you more than I can say. But I am exceedingly glad Galadriel has called me here to see you, and to love you ten times more than I ever have before!"
Legolas brought her white hand to his lips and whispered against it, "Even although I live forever, I would not spend any more ages alone without you. You complete me, nîn mell pen, your love surrounds my soul. And if I am lost after this, then you will know this, and continue your life with my essence in your heart too."
The two would have stayed locked in their loving embrace had it not been for the fussy cries of Ashira from below. Legolas lifted her in his arms and smiled. "Ahh, her bottom is damp. Comfort comes before love to you, eh nîn tithen pen?" He kissed her tiny face and then took his wife's hand to attend to their little daughter.
*******
Such ran some of the many meetings that took place on that golden day in Lothlorien. Generations afterwards tell of the sweet air and light mood that accompanied the Lorien Elves as they went about their work. But since all has passed out of knowledge now, only Nimrodel herself can tell of the happenings that went on by her gurgling shores. And so our dear Company of Elessar had their many sweet memories to accompany them in the trials and tribulations to come, memories that stayed with them the rest of their wonderful lives.
~TO BE CONTINUED~
Author's Note: The elvish was taken from Neon Star's story, "My Daughter" - thanks for the help!