A/N: Alright, before we begin, I just want to say…Mae govannen does NOT mean 'well met'. It means 'welcome'. Watch the Extended Edition when Haldir is talking to Legolas in that talan…or whatever. Sorry, pet peeve of mine.
Also, according to the timeline at the end of ROTK the Fellowship left Moria on January 15, we're making it the 16th since Gandalf said it was a four day journey through Moria and in this story we sort of hinted that the Fellowship had been in the mines for three days instead of Tolkien's actual two days. So, the result is the Fellowship reaches Caras Galadhon on the 18th instead of the 17th since, if I remember correctly, it's another day's journey from the border of Lorien to Caras Galadhon.
Now, welcome to Lorien.
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Chapter 12
T.A. January 17, 3019 Early evening
"Stay close, young hobbits," Gimli said gruffly, holding his axe up as if ready to do battle at any moment, "The say a great sorceress lives in these woods. An elf witch of terrible power. All who look upon her fall under her spell…and are never seen again."
Walking a few steps in front of the dwarf, Legolas rolled his eyes. Galadriel may have 'terrible power' for lack of a better term, but she wasn't as evil as Gimli made her sound. She was actually fairly nice and understanding.
Legolas was just about to look back and inform the dwarf about his error when the Fellowship was surrounded by elves, all aiming strung arrows at them. One elf came forward with an arrogant shuffle and glanced somewhat haughtily at Gimli as he spoke.
"The dwarf breathes so loud, we could have shot him in the dark."
Gimli's reply to that was a deep throated growl. Legolas sighed. This was the exact reason behind the enmity between the Elven and Dwarven races.
Aragorn drew the Lorien elf's attention by giving a polite half bow as he spoke, "Haldir o Lorien. Henion aniron boe ammen I dulu lin. Boe ammen veriad lin."
Legolas, who'd notched an arrow to his bow at the first sign of danger, suddenly had to bite back a chuckle when he saw Aragorn throw a look over his shoulder as if to say, 'Can you see why we need help? This group is hopeless.'
And, Legolas had to admit, they were dealing with some issues. After all, what was the Fellowship composed of? An elf who was sick when elves didn't get sick. The hobbits still had no clear idea of what they were getting themselves into. Boromir was probably the only one who really did since he'd been fighting Mordor his whole life, but he was starting to fall prey to the ring. Gimli was a little over confident and, due to that, still had a problem trusting elves other than Legolas, who he would never admit to trusting. And Aragorn, their new leader due to circumstances, had some major self-esteem issues when it came to being said leader.
Legolas has a suspicious feeling the Fellowship was headed for trouble. And not even Lady Galadriel would be able to stop it.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Ten minutes later the Fellowship stood in a talan, waiting to continue their journey. They stood in a line while Haldir greeted them in usual Elven fashion. He was looking at Legolas when he spoke, getting a small scowl from Aragorn, though his words were spoken innocently.
"Mae govannen, Legolas, Thranduilion."
Not really versed in Elvish, Boromir let his mind wander. His gaze fell on the ring-bearer. Frodo hadn't spoken a word since Gandalf had fallen, obviously dealing with guilt as well as grief. It had been his decision to enter Moria. It was only natural the hobbit would blame himself.
Boromir was just about to offer the hobbit some comforting words when his attention was claimed by Gimli growling, "So much for the legendary courtesy of the elves. Speak words we can all understand!"
Haldir looked at Gimli with an arrogant air, "We have not had dealings with the dwarves since the Dark Days."
Gimli gave a small smug huff, "And you know what this dwarf says to that?"
His next words were spoken in his own language and were followed by a momentary stillness. After a couple heartbeats Aragorn twisted around and grabbed Gimli's arm, giving him an irritated look and hissing, "That was not so courteous."
Boromir couldn't stop his small grin. Aragorn was already starting to sound like a king. That thought quickly chased Boromir's grin away. It also made him wonder, would he be able to answer to a king when the only people he'd had to answer to until now were himself and his father?
Haldir's voice saying the Fellowship couldn't go any further once again brought Boromir's attention back to the present in time to see the elf turn his back on them. Aragorn threw the Lorien elf a look that clearly meant 'Oh really', and followed him.
Boromir met Legolas' gaze. The Fellowship's elf merely rolled his eyes.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Aragorn wasn't exactly sure how long he'd spent trying to convince Haldir to lead them to Caras Galadhon. All he knew was that the Lorien elf had finally given in and, after resting for the night, the group had started on their trek through the Golden Woods.
By mid-day they'd reached a ridge over-looking the Elven city and Haldir looked at it with pride, "Caras Galadhon. The heart of Elvendom on earth. Realm of the Lord Celeborn and Galadriel, Lady of Light."
The Fellowship silently studied the scene before them. Even Aragorn, who'd visited Lorien more than a few times in his lifetime, was a little awed. It wasn't every day one met one of the most powerful beings on earth, and Lady Galadriel certainly qualified.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Aragorn sat back a little way from everyone else with his back against a tree. Gimli was asleep close to him while the hobbits and Legolas were listening to a lament for Gandalf.
Legolas was actually in a fairly good mood now, considering the situation with Gandalf. In fact, he was positively giddy. And, truth be told, Aragorn found the sudden switch from 'ready to bite someone's head off' to suddenly 'floating on air a little unnerving. Actually kind of eerie.
So, at this point, instead of trying to figure out the elf, Aragorn was simply trying to relax and listen to what Sam was saying. Something about Gandalf's fireworks.
However, it wasn't easy when you had a dwarf snoring right beside you. Narrowing his eyes, Aragorn glared over at Gimli, then smacked him in the side with a fist. The truly amazing thing was that Gimli stopped snoring…and stayed asleep!
'Thank the Valar for small favors', Aragorn thought as he glanced over at the small clearing a little way away. Boromir was sitting there by himself with his shoulders hunched and he looked rather depressed.
Aragorn only hesitated a second before getting up and walking over to the younger man. After all, he had watched over Legolas during the journey and had been very understanding toward Aragorn. The least the ranger could do was offer some comfort.
Walking as casually as possible Aragorn approached Boromir. The man of Gondor hated showing weakness just as much as Aragorn so he wouldn't accept an outright act of worriment on Aragorn's part.
"Take some rest," Aragorn said as he walked past Boromir, "These borders are well protected."
"I will find no rest here," Boromir said sighing. Aragorn looked over at him but said nothing. He allowed the younger man to continue talking on his own.
"I heard her voice inside my head," Boromir confessed, "She spoke of the fall of Gondor"
Aragorn looked up, surprised. Galadriel rarely entered someone's head without a purpose. Which meant she must have been worried about Boromir.
"She said to me, 'even now there is hope left', but I cannot see it. It is long since we had any hope." Boromir said with a shuddery sigh.
Aragorn tensed at the man's despair and knew that he needed someone to listen to him, so he sat down beside the younger man and allowed him to talk.
"My father is a noble man, but his rule is failing," Boromir started, "And every hour our people lose hope. He looks to me to make things right and I would do it. I would see the glory of Gondor restored."
Aragorn bowed his head at Boromir's words, thinking he had misjudged the man. Behind the arrogant mask that Boromir always seemed to wear there was a man who really loved his city and its people.
"Have you ever seen it, Aragorn? The White Tower of Ecthelion," Boromir asked suddenly and Aragorn looked up at the abrupt change of tone, "Glimmering like a spike of pearl and silver. Its banners caught high in the morning breeze." He paused , then turned his head toward Aragorn, still talking, "Have you ever been called home by the clear ringing of silver trumpets?"
Aragorn hesitated, not knowing what to say to the emotion in the man's eyes and voice. "I have seen the White City," he finally confessed, "Long ago."
"One day our paths will lead us there," Boromir said, "And the tower guard shall take up the call: 'The Lords of Gondor have returned!"
Aragorn was struck speechless. Boromir's voice was so full of honesty and in his eyes was a new emotion directed at Aragorn. Respect. And acceptance.
'He believes in me more than I believe in myself.'
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Farothen rode toward Caras Galadhon as fast as he could. He couldn't wait to see his ada. And he'd get to ride Roch again, he thought as he rode into the small stable of Caras Galadhon.
Not that the white mare he'd been riding while patrolling the east border of Lothlorien with the border patrol wasn't a good horse…but she wasn't Roch. His beloved stallion had slipped a couple days ago and bruised one of his legs. Luckily it hadn't been anything serious, but Roch had still had to rest for a few days.
Farothen finally reined the mare to a stop inside the stables and looked toward the stall his black horse was kept. There was a familiar looking figure standing next to his horse, lightly stroking the sleek black neck. Farothen only knew one elf in Lothlorien whose hair was that perfect.
But something was wrong with the picture.
"Since when does Roch let you near him, Haldir?" Farothen asked the elf.
The elf in question stood up straight and Farothen could hear him chuckling. "Roch?" he asked, "You named your horse Roch?"
Farothen smile sheepishly as he realized the elf wasn't Haldir, "I'm sorry. I didn't realize…" He cut off as the elf turned around to face him.
'No. It couldn't be.'
Legolas had once again woken up early with a severe bout of nausea that had caused him to stumble to his feet and barely make it to the bushes before vomiting. Afterward he had walked toward the stables since being around horses tended to calm him down.
The black stallion at the end of the row of stalls had seemed to call to him, 'Come see me. Please, Master Elf.' Of course, that could have been the continued illness compounded by losing Gandalf that was making him lose his mind.
He'd just barely reached the horse when he heard a rider enter the stables behind him. The voice seemed eerily familiar when the rider spoke but Legolas couldn't place it. It slipped his mind when he heard the horse's name.
"Roch? You named your horse Roch?" he asked, chuckling as he turned around. His chuckle died a quick death when he got his first good look at the rider. A wave of shock slammed into him full force, and the rider looked just as shocked.
"What…who…" Legolas cut off with a sigh. 'You're an elf prince. Stop stammering.' Taking a deep breath he opened his mouth to speak but the rider beat him to it.
"You're the prince of Mirkwood. Legolas."
Legolas nodded, wondering what an adan was doing in Lothlorien, how he knew the royalty of Mirkwood and mostly…why he looked like him!
"How…how do you know me? And…how is it…you look…like me?"
The adan shifted on his mare's back uncomfortably, "Um…well I'm…Farothen…your son. Yours and…Aragorn's."
The words hit Legolas with the impact of a cave troll's punch to the stomach. His son? His and Aragorn's. So, he'd left Aragorn a gift.
Taking a deep breath Legolas said the first thing that came to mind, or rather, he yelled it.
"ESTEL!!!!!"
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A/N: Okay, I know we said we'd figure out why Legolas has been getting sick in this chapter but we ran out of time this weekend and this seemed like a good place to stop a chapter. Sorry about the horrible cliffy but at least Legolas now knows about Farothen if that's any consolation. Now, I can promise you all for sure this time, that Legolas will find out the nature of his illness in the next chapter…right in the beginning actually, and he'll confront Aragorn about Farothen as well.
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Elvish translations:
Haldir o Lorien. Henion aniron boe ammen I dulu lin. Boe ammen veriad lin. – Haldir of Lorien. We desire your help. We need your protection.
Mae govannen, Legolas, Thranduilion. – Welcome, Legolas, Son of Thranduil.
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Replies to reviews:
Well, since there were no questions to answer we'll just say thanks again for your continued support and great reviews.
~Becky and Brina~
Also, according to the timeline at the end of ROTK the Fellowship left Moria on January 15, we're making it the 16th since Gandalf said it was a four day journey through Moria and in this story we sort of hinted that the Fellowship had been in the mines for three days instead of Tolkien's actual two days. So, the result is the Fellowship reaches Caras Galadhon on the 18th instead of the 17th since, if I remember correctly, it's another day's journey from the border of Lorien to Caras Galadhon.
Now, welcome to Lorien.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Chapter 12
T.A. January 17, 3019 Early evening
"Stay close, young hobbits," Gimli said gruffly, holding his axe up as if ready to do battle at any moment, "The say a great sorceress lives in these woods. An elf witch of terrible power. All who look upon her fall under her spell…and are never seen again."
Walking a few steps in front of the dwarf, Legolas rolled his eyes. Galadriel may have 'terrible power' for lack of a better term, but she wasn't as evil as Gimli made her sound. She was actually fairly nice and understanding.
Legolas was just about to look back and inform the dwarf about his error when the Fellowship was surrounded by elves, all aiming strung arrows at them. One elf came forward with an arrogant shuffle and glanced somewhat haughtily at Gimli as he spoke.
"The dwarf breathes so loud, we could have shot him in the dark."
Gimli's reply to that was a deep throated growl. Legolas sighed. This was the exact reason behind the enmity between the Elven and Dwarven races.
Aragorn drew the Lorien elf's attention by giving a polite half bow as he spoke, "Haldir o Lorien. Henion aniron boe ammen I dulu lin. Boe ammen veriad lin."
Legolas, who'd notched an arrow to his bow at the first sign of danger, suddenly had to bite back a chuckle when he saw Aragorn throw a look over his shoulder as if to say, 'Can you see why we need help? This group is hopeless.'
And, Legolas had to admit, they were dealing with some issues. After all, what was the Fellowship composed of? An elf who was sick when elves didn't get sick. The hobbits still had no clear idea of what they were getting themselves into. Boromir was probably the only one who really did since he'd been fighting Mordor his whole life, but he was starting to fall prey to the ring. Gimli was a little over confident and, due to that, still had a problem trusting elves other than Legolas, who he would never admit to trusting. And Aragorn, their new leader due to circumstances, had some major self-esteem issues when it came to being said leader.
Legolas has a suspicious feeling the Fellowship was headed for trouble. And not even Lady Galadriel would be able to stop it.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Ten minutes later the Fellowship stood in a talan, waiting to continue their journey. They stood in a line while Haldir greeted them in usual Elven fashion. He was looking at Legolas when he spoke, getting a small scowl from Aragorn, though his words were spoken innocently.
"Mae govannen, Legolas, Thranduilion."
Not really versed in Elvish, Boromir let his mind wander. His gaze fell on the ring-bearer. Frodo hadn't spoken a word since Gandalf had fallen, obviously dealing with guilt as well as grief. It had been his decision to enter Moria. It was only natural the hobbit would blame himself.
Boromir was just about to offer the hobbit some comforting words when his attention was claimed by Gimli growling, "So much for the legendary courtesy of the elves. Speak words we can all understand!"
Haldir looked at Gimli with an arrogant air, "We have not had dealings with the dwarves since the Dark Days."
Gimli gave a small smug huff, "And you know what this dwarf says to that?"
His next words were spoken in his own language and were followed by a momentary stillness. After a couple heartbeats Aragorn twisted around and grabbed Gimli's arm, giving him an irritated look and hissing, "That was not so courteous."
Boromir couldn't stop his small grin. Aragorn was already starting to sound like a king. That thought quickly chased Boromir's grin away. It also made him wonder, would he be able to answer to a king when the only people he'd had to answer to until now were himself and his father?
Haldir's voice saying the Fellowship couldn't go any further once again brought Boromir's attention back to the present in time to see the elf turn his back on them. Aragorn threw the Lorien elf a look that clearly meant 'Oh really', and followed him.
Boromir met Legolas' gaze. The Fellowship's elf merely rolled his eyes.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Aragorn wasn't exactly sure how long he'd spent trying to convince Haldir to lead them to Caras Galadhon. All he knew was that the Lorien elf had finally given in and, after resting for the night, the group had started on their trek through the Golden Woods.
By mid-day they'd reached a ridge over-looking the Elven city and Haldir looked at it with pride, "Caras Galadhon. The heart of Elvendom on earth. Realm of the Lord Celeborn and Galadriel, Lady of Light."
The Fellowship silently studied the scene before them. Even Aragorn, who'd visited Lorien more than a few times in his lifetime, was a little awed. It wasn't every day one met one of the most powerful beings on earth, and Lady Galadriel certainly qualified.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Aragorn sat back a little way from everyone else with his back against a tree. Gimli was asleep close to him while the hobbits and Legolas were listening to a lament for Gandalf.
Legolas was actually in a fairly good mood now, considering the situation with Gandalf. In fact, he was positively giddy. And, truth be told, Aragorn found the sudden switch from 'ready to bite someone's head off' to suddenly 'floating on air a little unnerving. Actually kind of eerie.
So, at this point, instead of trying to figure out the elf, Aragorn was simply trying to relax and listen to what Sam was saying. Something about Gandalf's fireworks.
However, it wasn't easy when you had a dwarf snoring right beside you. Narrowing his eyes, Aragorn glared over at Gimli, then smacked him in the side with a fist. The truly amazing thing was that Gimli stopped snoring…and stayed asleep!
'Thank the Valar for small favors', Aragorn thought as he glanced over at the small clearing a little way away. Boromir was sitting there by himself with his shoulders hunched and he looked rather depressed.
Aragorn only hesitated a second before getting up and walking over to the younger man. After all, he had watched over Legolas during the journey and had been very understanding toward Aragorn. The least the ranger could do was offer some comfort.
Walking as casually as possible Aragorn approached Boromir. The man of Gondor hated showing weakness just as much as Aragorn so he wouldn't accept an outright act of worriment on Aragorn's part.
"Take some rest," Aragorn said as he walked past Boromir, "These borders are well protected."
"I will find no rest here," Boromir said sighing. Aragorn looked over at him but said nothing. He allowed the younger man to continue talking on his own.
"I heard her voice inside my head," Boromir confessed, "She spoke of the fall of Gondor"
Aragorn looked up, surprised. Galadriel rarely entered someone's head without a purpose. Which meant she must have been worried about Boromir.
"She said to me, 'even now there is hope left', but I cannot see it. It is long since we had any hope." Boromir said with a shuddery sigh.
Aragorn tensed at the man's despair and knew that he needed someone to listen to him, so he sat down beside the younger man and allowed him to talk.
"My father is a noble man, but his rule is failing," Boromir started, "And every hour our people lose hope. He looks to me to make things right and I would do it. I would see the glory of Gondor restored."
Aragorn bowed his head at Boromir's words, thinking he had misjudged the man. Behind the arrogant mask that Boromir always seemed to wear there was a man who really loved his city and its people.
"Have you ever seen it, Aragorn? The White Tower of Ecthelion," Boromir asked suddenly and Aragorn looked up at the abrupt change of tone, "Glimmering like a spike of pearl and silver. Its banners caught high in the morning breeze." He paused , then turned his head toward Aragorn, still talking, "Have you ever been called home by the clear ringing of silver trumpets?"
Aragorn hesitated, not knowing what to say to the emotion in the man's eyes and voice. "I have seen the White City," he finally confessed, "Long ago."
"One day our paths will lead us there," Boromir said, "And the tower guard shall take up the call: 'The Lords of Gondor have returned!"
Aragorn was struck speechless. Boromir's voice was so full of honesty and in his eyes was a new emotion directed at Aragorn. Respect. And acceptance.
'He believes in me more than I believe in myself.'
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Farothen rode toward Caras Galadhon as fast as he could. He couldn't wait to see his ada. And he'd get to ride Roch again, he thought as he rode into the small stable of Caras Galadhon.
Not that the white mare he'd been riding while patrolling the east border of Lothlorien with the border patrol wasn't a good horse…but she wasn't Roch. His beloved stallion had slipped a couple days ago and bruised one of his legs. Luckily it hadn't been anything serious, but Roch had still had to rest for a few days.
Farothen finally reined the mare to a stop inside the stables and looked toward the stall his black horse was kept. There was a familiar looking figure standing next to his horse, lightly stroking the sleek black neck. Farothen only knew one elf in Lothlorien whose hair was that perfect.
But something was wrong with the picture.
"Since when does Roch let you near him, Haldir?" Farothen asked the elf.
The elf in question stood up straight and Farothen could hear him chuckling. "Roch?" he asked, "You named your horse Roch?"
Farothen smile sheepishly as he realized the elf wasn't Haldir, "I'm sorry. I didn't realize…" He cut off as the elf turned around to face him.
'No. It couldn't be.'
Legolas had once again woken up early with a severe bout of nausea that had caused him to stumble to his feet and barely make it to the bushes before vomiting. Afterward he had walked toward the stables since being around horses tended to calm him down.
The black stallion at the end of the row of stalls had seemed to call to him, 'Come see me. Please, Master Elf.' Of course, that could have been the continued illness compounded by losing Gandalf that was making him lose his mind.
He'd just barely reached the horse when he heard a rider enter the stables behind him. The voice seemed eerily familiar when the rider spoke but Legolas couldn't place it. It slipped his mind when he heard the horse's name.
"Roch? You named your horse Roch?" he asked, chuckling as he turned around. His chuckle died a quick death when he got his first good look at the rider. A wave of shock slammed into him full force, and the rider looked just as shocked.
"What…who…" Legolas cut off with a sigh. 'You're an elf prince. Stop stammering.' Taking a deep breath he opened his mouth to speak but the rider beat him to it.
"You're the prince of Mirkwood. Legolas."
Legolas nodded, wondering what an adan was doing in Lothlorien, how he knew the royalty of Mirkwood and mostly…why he looked like him!
"How…how do you know me? And…how is it…you look…like me?"
The adan shifted on his mare's back uncomfortably, "Um…well I'm…Farothen…your son. Yours and…Aragorn's."
The words hit Legolas with the impact of a cave troll's punch to the stomach. His son? His and Aragorn's. So, he'd left Aragorn a gift.
Taking a deep breath Legolas said the first thing that came to mind, or rather, he yelled it.
"ESTEL!!!!!"
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
A/N: Okay, I know we said we'd figure out why Legolas has been getting sick in this chapter but we ran out of time this weekend and this seemed like a good place to stop a chapter. Sorry about the horrible cliffy but at least Legolas now knows about Farothen if that's any consolation. Now, I can promise you all for sure this time, that Legolas will find out the nature of his illness in the next chapter…right in the beginning actually, and he'll confront Aragorn about Farothen as well.
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Elvish translations:
Haldir o Lorien. Henion aniron boe ammen I dulu lin. Boe ammen veriad lin. – Haldir of Lorien. We desire your help. We need your protection.
Mae govannen, Legolas, Thranduilion. – Welcome, Legolas, Son of Thranduil.
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Replies to reviews:
Well, since there were no questions to answer we'll just say thanks again for your continued support and great reviews.
~Becky and Brina~