Hey guys! We're back for another instalment of Faron Friday! Just got to say I am really to thankful to all of you who are still reading on from A Light in the Darkness, love you guys! So, here's the latest chapter, the one I'm sure most have been waiting for!
Review responses;
Guest - I am really glad you are enjoying this story, I'm enjoying writing it. But, no your criticism isn't weird at all, I value all criticisms and I do appreciate what you're saying. I just really liked for Faron to take out the troll as, in her eyes, no one messes around with Bilbo's kin and gets away with it. But, don't worry, in the future Faron will have her own little heroin moments. Thanks again for the criticism, and I hope you continue to read and enjoy what I write, I am hoping you like the little twist at the end of this chapter XD!
Dinosaur Imperial Soldier - Yup. She's lost her uncle Balin as well as Oin and Ori and then to lose Gandalf as well. Feeling really sorry for the elleth. You'll have to read on and see what happens in this chapter.
Tibblets - Yes, I wasn't happy about going this way, especially with Balin, Oin and Ori, I actually cried when writing that, and then with Gandalf. As for Galadriel knowing things. . .you'll have to read on on and see.
kionforever89 - I know! Poor Faron! My wife, who rereads my chapters for me, said that with everything that she has gone through, she's surprised that Faron hasn't faded yet from heartache. I just said that I think if she didn't have Elrond and Aragorn to help her through the lose of her father and brothers, along with Balin and Dwalin she would have done. And at least she has Gimli to help her right now. As for the surprise, you'll have to see at the end!
Applejax XD - I know :( Feel sorry for Faron. You'll have to read this chapter for the surprise, and let's just say, it could be one that'll change her life forever!
thewolf74 - It is sad, I did not enjoy writing the chapter, but it had to be done. Here's the next chapter for you!
Lothlorien
It takes us a few days to reach the woods of Lothlorien. As we walk through the trees, I can sense the magic of the elves. As I am looking around, the magic and the woods around me feel comforting and. . .familiar? How can it be familiar if I have never been here before?
"Stay close, young Hobbits!" I hear Gimli say from behind me. "They say that 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."
I have to roll my eyes at this. While living in Rivendell, I have often heard about the Lady of Lothlorien and know she's nothing like he says.
"Well, here is one Dwarf she won't ensnare so easily. I have the eyes of a hawk and the ears of a fox!"
I suddenly whip out my bow, an arrow notched onto it and aiming at an elf who has his arrow on me. He seems to look at me in shock and surprise. Why? I do not know.
"The dwarf breaths so loud we could have shot him in the dark." a male voice says smugly.
I turn to glare at the voice as Gimli grumbles from beside me, only to freeze as I see the elf. He looks like a male version of myself. . .but, how can that be? Many of the others, whether from our company or not, have noticed the similarities and are staring between us.
The two elves behind the leader looks at me with wide, shocked eyes and. . .is that disbelief I can see? The leader finally looks to me and his eyes narrow for a moment before they also go wide.
"Ca-Calathiel?" he asks as he steps towards me.
I quickly lift my bow, pointing the arrow at him in warning. He stops as the other elves also raise their arrows at me, even more so when Gimli stands close beside me protectively, a hand on his axe. The elf steps back, turning to look at the two behind him, who watch the interaction with surprise, hurt and suspicion on their faces.
The leader just turns and leads us further into the wood. One of the two elves try to get close to me, but I purposely put myself between Gimli and Aragorn, Gimli placing a comforting hand on my arm, growling and glaring at the elf.
The elf looks on with a hurt expression before going back to the other elf, who looks just like him, so I assume they are brothers.
We are lead to a platform that seems to glow in the darkness. The leader turns to Legolas.
"Mae govannen, Legolas Thranduilion."
"Govannas vîn gwennen le, Haldir o Lórien." Legolas replies to him.
I look to Legolas for a moment as he says to elf's name. . .Haldir. . .why is that name so familiar?
"A, Aragorn in Dúnedain istannen le ammen." Haldir says to Aragorn, bringing me out of my thoughts.
Aragorn bows his head in greeting. "Haldir."
"So much for the legendary courtesy of the Elves! Speak words we can also understand!" Gimli says in frustration.
Haldir looks to him darkly and says menacingly; "We have not had dealings with the Dwarves since the Dark Days."
I glare at him from where I stand behind Gimli. Haldir sees this and looks surprised before Gimli replies indignantly;
"And you know what this Dwarf says to that? Ishkhaqwi ai durugnul!"
Aragorn grabs Gimli's shoulder. "That was not so courteous."
Haldir then glances at Frodo.
"You bring great evil with you." He looks back at Aragorn. "You can go no further."
He walks away, with Aragorn following, no doubt trying to get him to allow us entry. I stand and watch them argue for a while, my attention solely on Haldir, wondering why are he and his name so familiar. I also look over at the two brothers, who I notice glance at me every now and then, they two look familiar, but I have never met any of them before, so how could they be familiar?
"Faron, you alright, lass?" I hear Gimli ask me, pulling me out of my thoughts.
"Aye, I'm fine."
He looks to me for a moment, not believing what I say, but before he can say anything, Haldir returns, looking less than happy.
"You will follow me."
A caravan of Elves leads us all along a ridge, through the golden woods. We come to the end of the high ridge and look out. A great glade of trees rises above them.
"Caras Galadhon. . ." Haldir says, sounding proud. "the heart of Elvendom on earth. Realm of the Lord Celeborn and of Galadriel, Lady of Light."
We climb a winding way among the great trees, ascending the path until night falls. I look around in awe as the whole area seems to glow in the night, trees, platforms and even the elves seem to glow blue.
I wince slightly as a pain appears in my head, I push it aside as we climb a twisting stair about the trunk of a tree, past glimmering lights of silver and blue.
Far above, the silhouetted shapes of the shadowy tree-branches loom. Passing numerous platforms, we come to a great palace in the trees, lit with silvery lights. A curving walkway lies before us, leading up a low stair to an archway.
We gather before the arch as Haldir steps to one side. A glowing couple, hand in hand, descend to meet us. We all stare in awe. Aragorn touches his head in greeting. I quickly do the same, remembering my manners.
The light dims, and before us the Lord and Lady, Galadriel and Celeborn, halt. The stories Elrond and the others had told me about Lady Galadriel were definitely not exaggerated. She exudes an aura of such beauty and grace that it was hard to not be in awe of her. I now know where Arwen got her beauty from.
Celeborn begins to speak; "The Enemy knows you have entered here. What hope you had in secrecy is now gone. Nine there are here, yet ten there were, set out from Rivendell. Tell me, where is Gandalf?"
I look down at this; the grief of losing my oldest friend, and those of my kin still haunting me.
"For I much desire to speak with him. . .I can no longer see him from afar."
"Gandalf the Grey did not pass the borders of this land. He has fallen into shadow."
"He was taken by both Shadow and Flame: a Balrog of Morgoth." Legolas begins to explain. "For we went needlessly into the net of Moria."
Gimli bows his head, sadly, I place my hands on his shoulder, squeezing them in comfort, causing him to pat them gratefully.
"Needless were none of the deeds of Gandalf in life. We do not yet know his whole purpose. Do not let the great emptiness of Khazad-dûm fill your hearts, Gimli, son of Glóin and Faron, daughter of Thorin."
The dwarf and I look up as her words. I also notice Haldir staring at me after this.
"For the world has grown full of peril. And in all lands, love is now mingled with grief."
The Lady turns her stare to Boromir, who after a moment looks away, weeping. I glance at him, wondering what could have suddenly made him weep.
"What now becomes of this Fellowship? Without Gandalf, hope is lost." Celeborn asks.
"The quest stands upon the edge of a knife. Stray but a little and it will fail to the ruin of all."
Boromir looks back up at her, unsure.
"Yet hope remains while the company is true."
She then looks at Sam and smiles.
"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Go now and rest for you are weary with sorrow and much toil. Tonight you will sleep in peace."
She then gives a last look at Frodo before we are all lead away.
After being lead to a giant hollow of a tree, we are then taken to some bathing chambers where we can clean up. After stepping into the nice hot water, I scrub down my body, cleaning myself of the blood, (both orc and a little of my own) dirt and grime, as well as washing my hair.
Once I finish, I dry off, I dress in my Durin blue tunic, light blue laces and the patterns for father, Fili and Kili on the front along with the insignia for the house of Durin, hammer and anvil below a crown and seven stars at the top, are stitched in light blue on the back. I slip on my black leggings and then my brown boots before picking up my things and going back to the tree, where everyone else were already there, beginning to eat some food the elves had brought.
"Here you go, Faron, we saved you some." Sam says while handing me a plate.
I smile at the sweet hobbit before taking the offered plate. "Thank you, Sam."
I sit down and eat, barely picking at the food, still feeling sick with grief, but I manage to force myself to eat. Once I finish, I grab my comb from my pack and walk over to Gimli, my beads in my hand.
"Gimli, could you braid my hair like you used to?" I ask, almost shyly.
It's been a while since I've asked anyone to braid my hair, not since father and my brothers died at least. Gimli just smiles.
"Of course, lass."
He pats the space on the ground in front of him while he's sitting on a log. I smile as I sit cross-legged in front of him, pacing him the comb.
"Can't you do your own hair? You are old enough, are you not?" Boromir asks.
I decide to ignore his ignorance, not having the energy to argue with him at this moment.
"Yes, Boromir, I can. But this is what family do with one another, it's a way we bond with each other. Language is not the only thing that is sacred in dwarven culture, so is a dwarf's hair and beard. The only people allowed to touch a dwarf's hair or beard are themselves, kin, or their one, partner in life. Gimli can touch mine as he is my cousin, as well as my brother. Aragorn would be another as I also class as my brother."
"Dwarves are very secretive, aren't they?" Pippin asks.
I nod. "They are. But they are also the most loyal and caring beings I have come across. If you gain a friendship with a dwarf, then you treasure it, as that friendship will last forever."
The others either nod or smile before getting on with their own thing. Gimli soon finishes my hair and I smile at him.
"Thank you, nadadith." I sign to him.
"You're welcome, namad."
I smile as I sit down next to Aragorn, Gimli going under the tree to lay down and sleep.
"How are you doing?" he asks me.
I sigh sadly. "As well as I can, considering."
He nods as he wraps an arm around me and holds me close.
"It's Gimli I feel for more. Balin and Oin were his kin by blood, I was just adopted into the family."
He takes my face in his hands, forcing me to look to him. "Just because you were adopted, it doesn't make you in anyway less family than blood. It just means you were special enough for someone to add you into their lives. That's what you used to tell me, remember?"
I smile as I nod, remembering when he was going through his adolescent years and struggling with thinking he didn't belong with the elves.
"Neither does it make you any less deserving of their grief. I remember the stories you used to tell me about Balin and Oin, and little Ori also. I know I never met the three of them, only getting a glimpse of them seventy seven years ago, but I know they were kind hearted dwarves. I also know they wouldn't want you to feel this way. Okay?"
I nod, a watery smile on my face. He smiles back before pulling me into him as we listen to the elves of Lothlorien singing about Gandalf.
"A Olórin i yaresse
Mentaner i Numeherui
Tírien i Rómenóri"
"Melme nóren sina
núra ala
Eäro"
"A lament for Gandalf." Legolas points out.
"What do they say about him?" Merry asks.
"I have not the heart to tell you. For me the grief is still too near."
"Maiaron i Oiosaila,
Manan elye etevanne
Nórie i malanelye?"
"Ilfirin nairelma
ullume nucuvalme.
Nauva i nauva."
"I bet they don't mention his fireworks." I hear Sam say to Merry. "There should be a verse about them."
I look up as he stands,
"The finest rockets ever seen,
They burst in stars of blue and green. . ."
Gimli snores loudly from next to Aragorn and I.
"Or after thunder. . .silver showers. . ."
Aragorn turns, annoyed, and swats the Dwarf's pillow, eliciting a grunt from Gimli, which makes me giggle.
"Came falling like a. . .rain of flowers. . ." He squats down again. "Oh, that doesn't do them justice by a long road."
I smile at him. "It certainly was a good attempt, Sam. It was how I remember Gandalf's fireworks to be."
Sam smiles as he continues what he's doing. It's then a Lothlorien elf walks up and bows.
"Excuse me for disturbing you, but Lady Galadriel would like to speak with Faron, daughter of Thorin."
The others look to me while I look to the elf for a moment before nodding and following him. He leads me through the wood before stopping and pointing to some stairs that lead down to a small glade.
"She is waiting."
I nod and thank the elf before walking down the stairs and sure enough, Lady Galadriel is standing before an ornate stand with a shallow silver basin upon it, a silver jug in her hands. She still seems to glow with light in the night.
I touch my fingers to my head in greeting. "You wished to see me, My Lady?"
"Yes, my dear. I know you have some questions about your past that no one, not even Mithrandir nor Elrond, have been able to answer. I can provide them for you right now, if you so wish it."
I look to her for a moment in surprise, first wondering how she could know, but then realising her power, I don't question it. And second, wondering how she could provide with with the answers I have not willingly searched for before, but sub consciously wished to know.
"How?"
She walks over to the stand and pours some water into the basin. "The Mirror will allow you to see things that were, things that are, and things that have not yet come to pass."
"How do you know it will show me what I want to see if it can show you the present and future also?"
"No one knows for sure what they will see before looking in, but I believe, if you wish it, it will show you what you want to know."
I look to her for another moment, watching as she steps back before slowing stepping towards the basin. Glancing to her once more before looking into the water. At first, all I see is my reflection, but then I get snippets of images running through the water.
I first see a family of five elves, a mother and father with three young boys, the father I see resembles Haldir and the two brothers I saw earlier, and I realise all three are brothers. As I watch the family, I notice the woman is with child. Her belly swollen as it holds the growing babe. The family seem happy, all five positively glowing.
Next, I see the family of five have now become a family of six, a small babe in the arms of the mother. The father is sitting next to the elleth and child, the boys surrounding them both, all looking on at the babe with love and pride exuding from their eyes.
Then, the mother is riding a horse, the child in her arms and guards riding behind them, when suddenly, bandits appear and slaughter all but the babe, who they take with them.
Lastly, the scene that shocks me most, is the bandits sat around a campfire, the elfling lying on the ground nearby when a dozen dwarves show up and fight with the humans, killing them all, before a dam appears and takes the child in her arms. The dam is my mother!
I quickly pull myself away from the stand, staggering back slightly, my breathing quickening as I take in what I have seen. That was my story from my birth to when my mother found me in the clearing.
"I. . .I was born here? Haldir. . .Haldir is my brother?!"
0_0 wow! What a surprise! I hope you enjoyed that, and with finding out about Faron's family! Keep your lovely reviews coming, I love hearing from you all! Also, those that are guests, could you put a name, nickname or some lettering to identify which review goes to which guest, thank you xx.
Translations;
Mae govannen, Legolas Thranduilion. - Welcome Legolas, son of Thranduil.
Govannas vîn gwennen le, Haldir o Lórien. - Our Fellowship stands in your debt, Haldir of Lórien.
Ishkhaqwi ai durugnul! - I spit upon your grave!
A Olórin i yaresse Mentaner i Numeherui Tírien i Rómenóri - Olórin who once was sent by the Lords of the West To guard the Lands of the East.
Melme nóren sina núra ala Eäro - Our love for this land is deeper than the deeps of the sea
Maiaron i Oiosaila, Manan elye etevanne Nórie i malanelye? - Wisest of all Maiar, what drove you to leave that which you loved?
Ilfirin nairelma ullume nucuvalme. Nauva i nauva. - Yet we will cast all away rather that submit. What should be shall be?
Nadadith - Little brother
Namad - Sister
Elleth – Female Elf
Elfling – Elf child