Disclaimer: See Prologue.
Chapter 30
Mirror Images
Legolas woke with the dawn light that filtered through the trees of Lórien. Despite the fact he was sitting on the ground with his back resting against the trunk of a tree, he felt as though he had never had a better night's rest in his life. So much of the despair and bitter longing he had felt these past months had vanished last night. All because of the 'flower' that lay blissfully asleep in his arms.
Arodwen slept with her eyes closed (she had never been able to break the habit), her head resting against Legolas' chest, and one of her hands rested there as well; having been held unconsciously by the prince.
With an amused grin, he carefully released her hand, which then gripped his tunic instead. Legolas caressed the side of her face, tucking the golden locks behind her shoulder as he whispered, "Time to rise, mell nin." (my dear)
Her hand unfurled from the fabric of his tunic as she brought it to her eyes to rub the sleep from them. Blinking in the sunlight, and sighing in contentment, she remained next to him as she whispered, "Quel amrun..." in a sleepy voice.
"Aye, it is a good morning. And you must rise to enjoy it, haloth nin." (my hiding flower)
She mumbled incoherently, burying her head in the crook of his arm as though to hide from the sunlight. "This flower will rise when it wishes..."
"Oh, is that so?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Legolas-" she warned, knowing that the only thing that came from that look was mischief.
But her words were cut short as he lifted her into the air and tossed her over his shoulder, ignoring her as she yelled, "Legolas put me down this instant!" Arodwen pounded her fists against his back, her legs flailing uselessly.
Legolas whistled an annoyingly cheerful tune as he strut up the trail, ignoring also the admonishing gazes of the elves he passed. He could almost feel Arodwen's embarrassment emanating from her like a fire's flame.
She closed her eyes tight, still wriggling to try and escape his grasp, and hoping that no one of consequence saw her like this.
But apparently, she was Fate's fool for today.
Legolas finally dropped her upon a soft cushion next to a fountain, grinning mischievously as she scrambled to sit up; trying to get her hair away from her eyes.
Merry and Pippin were clutching their sides and laughing hard at the state Arodwen was in. Her cheeks flushed a deeper red, and she glared reproachfully at the still grinning prince.
"I thought you said you would return before night was at it's darkest, hiril nin." Chuckled a very amused Aragorn, whowas leaning casually againstthe Mallorn while smoking leisurely on his pipe."Were you delayed perhaps by the beauty of Lórien? Or, by the beauty of the creatures that walk in it?" (my lady)
Arodwen glared at him from where she sat and hissed, "If you ever wish to procreate, Estel, I suggest you speak no further. You never know what you'll find missing tomorrow morning."
Arodwen walked lightly down the carved stone steps that led to where Galadriel had asked to meet her.
She was anxious about her meeting with the Lady of Light; though, who wouldn't be? So many questions and worries ran through her mind... What would Galadriel tell her? What would she see? Was there something she didn't know?
Of course, there was something she didn't know. And it was that Legolas was stealthily following her; wondering what she was doing at this late hour...
Arodwen reached the last step, staring at the stone dais in the middle of the clearing. Her bare feet skimmed the dewy grass as she hesitantly drew nearer to it; drawn to the silent offer.
"Mae govanen, iell o Yavana." (Well met, daughter of Yavana)
Arodwen almost jumped at the voice, wheeling around to find herself face to face with that of the smiling Lady.
"A lle, arwen en amin." (And to you, my lady) Arodwen answered softly, sinking into a deep curtsy with her hand resting over her heart.
She was surprised to hear the Lady laugh.
"Why do you continue to bow to me, Arodwen? For you should know by now that you are far older than I, and that some of the Valar hold you in more esteem than myself." Galadriel said, beckoning her to stand. The Lady's eyes drifted to the top of the stairs, where she saw the elf prince standing still as stone. She did not call him, but continued toward the fountain and filled a small silver pitcher with the water in the basin.
Arodwen was staring at the dais again as Galadriel returned. The Lady poured the water slowly into the basin, saying, "You do not have the sight like I do; you only see few certain visions in your dreams. And even then you cannot interpret them." She set the pitcher aside, and then lightly breathed upon the water's surface.
"Uma, hiril nin." (Yes, my lady) Arodwen answered, lowering her gaze to her clasped hands.
"Therefore I give you the opportunity to gaze into my Mirror, and perhaps see something that may be of use to you." Galadriel told her, watching Arodwen's head immediately jerk up to stare back at her.
"Will I regret it? If I gaze upon it?" the elleth asked, taking a few hesitant steps forward, but not looking into the waters yet.
Galadriel only smiled knowingly. "I cannot make the choice for you Arodwen. I will not force you to look." she said, answering as elves were wont to do; neither a yes or no.
Arodwen closed her eyes for a long moment, thinking on her choice... Looking into the Mirror was a dangerous thing... She might see something wonderful, and fill her with hope and happiness... Or, something that would make her feel utterly worthless, depressed, and alone...
In the end, she found that it would be worth the risk. Besides; 'whatever doesn't kill you, makes you stronger'... Right?
"I accept." Arodwen answered at last, taking the last few steps toward the dais.
Galadriel raised her hand to stop her, "Hold a moment, dear one. For someone else should be beside you to witness what you see."
Arodwen looked at the lady with confusion, before following her gaze to the top of the steps; where Legolas was now descending at the lady's call.
She looked at him with a mixture of relief and growing anger. Why had he followed her? Did he not trust her alone on her own for a few moments?
"Do not begrudge the prince's presence, Arodwen. You might find it a comfort, rather than a hindrance..." Galadriel chastened gently, as Legolas came to stand closely beside Arodwen.
Arodwen looked pleadingly at Galadriel, saying, "I do not wish him to look, my lady, for fear that he might behold something terrible, while I have to power to prevent it."
Galadriel only smiled knowingly, while Legolas looked slightly indignant. "He will look as well, Arodwen." she answered, her tone not inviting her to protest against her decision.
Legolas grasped Arodwen's hand in his own, bringing it to his lips as he bestowed a reassuring kiss on it. "Avo osto Arodwen." (worry not)
Much to her displeasure, Arodwen felt her angerbegin to ebb awaythe moment he brushed his lips against her skin. Taking a deep breath to steady her nerves, she looked to the lady, and said, "I am ready to look."
Galadriel simply nodded to the Mirror, silently giving consent.
Arodwen laid one hand upon the dais, her other still held in Legolas's, and they both looked into the Mirror...
At first, all they saw was the bottom of the basin through the clear water. But then, the water seemed to mist over, and parted, revealing the first of the visions...
Aüle stood next to a being, whose figure was shrouded in light. A voice echoed from it; strong and firm.
"I was lenient to you when I discovered your creation of the dwarves, Aüle. I allowed you to keep them, and let them roam Arda after the First Born awakened. And I warned you not to do such a thing again. You went against my word, and worse; that of Erú's."
Arodwen gazed down at her father, her father, with wide eyes. She felt compelled to reach out and touch him through the waters, but held back.
"I know this, my lord. And I beg forgiveness. Both Yavana and I longed for a child of our own. Surely you understand this? You, great Ilúvatar, who yourself made the firstborn? Your own children?" Aüle answered, his own voice strong like Ilúvatar's.
"Aye, Aüle, I do. But once again you have made something without the permission or will of Erú or myself. If it were but a gem, or simple stone, I would not be so angered. But it is a being with gifts more so than of my own creations. And, it knows the future of Arda, traveling with those who will or will not turn the tides against the evil of Sauron."
Aüle suddenly looked tired and worn, as though a great weight had suddenly been placed upon him. "You seek to punish her for my faults? As you did the dwarves?"
Arodwen felt Legolas tighten his hold on her hand, and his breath come sharper.
"It is not a question, Aüle. I do as I am ordered."
The waters misted over again, veiling her father and the luminescent being of Ilúvatar. Arodwen felt Legolas about to speak, but he fell silent as more visions began to appear...
Arodwen saw herself riding upon a horse, with Legolas and a company of elves, in a forest she couldrecognize dimlyas Mirkwood. She looked immensely happy, as did Legolas. He was holding her hand, upon which there was silver band... an engagement ring... Then something happened... The horses were suddenly running in wild abandon... She could hear the sounds of fighting... The vision flickered, and she saw herself lying on her side, covered in bleeding wounds as the shadow of a figure came running up behind her...
A new vision appeared... Arodwen saw her old home, just as it had been when she had left it. Then, she saw herself entering the same spare room Legolas had used, looking somber... But it was different. It had been painted in soft shades ofsky blueand cream... And there was a bassinet where the bed had been...
The Mirror misted again, then returned to it's clear and normal state.
Arodwen was breathing fast. She hastened back from the Mirror so quickly that she stumbled and fell. She didn't move to get up, but instead, drew her knees up and buried her head against them as she let her tears fall.
Legolas pulled her up against him, and then into his arms. But she did not respond to his touch. She kept crying silent tears, not answering his questions as to what the visions meant.How could she, when she now knew her fate because of that accursed Mirror?
A/N: I am really sorry for not updating as often as usual. Things just aren't going as smoothly as I hoped. You can't really force a good chapter out of someone who isn't inspired - otherwise it will turn out crappy. I'm gona watch all 3 movies this weekend and see if that helps... Otherwise, expect and update within the week.
Woohoo! I am 15 on the 18th! does happy dance The HP movie seems to periodically come out on my birthday - isn't that weird? Sweet, but weird...
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