The precious time I was able to spend with my husband quickly passed, and before long I was walking with him to the boats, arm wound through his as the cloak I had woven for him lay clasped at his throat. "Walk with care and caution, my most beloved. May all the tender feelings of my heart go with you and guard you safely from all harm." I whispered as we finally turned to one another, lost in each other's gaze. "My soul shall ache until the moment of our next meeting."
"May such aching be short and painless, my starling." Running his hand through my hair Legolas then touched the jewels at my throat, smiling softly before kissing me one final time. The brush of his lips brought a warmth like no other to my being, gentle and tasting like a sweet summer breeze. "I shall return to you as you see me now, you have my word." Hoping that he would keep to his vow, I rested my head against his shoulder as he brought me into his embrace, bidding our final farewells until he had to let me go in order to begin filling the boats.
Turning around in order to seek Aragorn, I saw him with Galadriel, exchanging their own final words. As I moved towards them, my path was obscured by the presence of Boromir, the golden belt given to him by Galadriel shining about his waist. "My lady." With utter humility, Boromir bowed graciously before me, shield slung over his shoulder and horn resting upon his hip. "I wish to thank you for your care, and for your words of courage which you imparted upon me. I hope you know that my father…in moments where his mind is not waylaid with despair…often spoke of you with high esteem. A glimmer of beauty and light amongst all that has waxed and waned."
"It was my honour to offer counsel to your father, and his father before him." I responded warmly, reaching out my hand in an extension of friendship. "And it is my hope that one day, when the glory of Gondor and all free kingdoms is restored, we shall drink together and celebrate the hard earned peace that we have won." Nodding his head with a partial smile, Boromir took my arm and clasped it tightly as we shared our exchange. "Until next we meet, Boromir." By the time our farewell as done, Aragorn had also ended his farewell to Galadriel which now brought him to me, the Elfstone secured to his breast with a brilliant fiery green. "Dearest Estel, how I loath to let you go into untold dangers."
"You cannot protect me forever, Eleni, even if you wish it." Aragorn said to me with boundless affection, lifting his hands to cup my face and bring it towards him. "So long as I have your love, I shall carry you with me always."
"You have my love, Estel, and you know it well." I promised him, closing my eyes as our brows met. Revelling in his presence, I lowered my voice to a low toned whisper. "When the time comes for you to inherit your bloodline, to take up the broken line of kings and restore it anew…know that I shall be with you. You need not fear, for I know your strength, and it is enough to make the Dark Lord tremble." Giving him my blessing and kissing him upon his brow, I released Aragorn to continue onto his destiny, to lead and give hope to Man where all hope might otherwise be lost.
I gave each of the fellowship my blessings and farewells, noting in turn each of their gifts and laughing aloud with musical delight upon finding that Gimli had been given three hairs from Galadriel's head. "Does this gift please you, Master Gimli?" I asked him as I pulled a silk pouch from within my sleeve for him to place his delicate gift, to keep in safety and not be lost.
"Nothing could please me more. I shall treasure this gift until my final breath, and set it upon gold and jewels to be an heirloom of my line." He vowed, gratefully placing the three hairs within the pouch and drawing the cord closed before sliding it under his mail to rest against his heart. Smiling as I took his hand in mine, I asked if there was anything else that Gimli, son of Gloin, would ask of the elves, would ask of me, who was a friend to him and his people. "No gift could you give that is greater than that which you have already given to my kin. Without your grace there would be no more heirs of Durin, and for that, I owe you a great debt."
"Speak not of debts between friends, dear Gimli. It was my honour to fight beside your people, and I hope to have that honour again as the battles of the future unfold." Leaning in closer I kissed his armoured helm, drawing back to murmur. "I wish for you and my husband to deepen your bonds of fellowship. In allies we find trust, but in friendship, there is a love that endures." Passing on, I went with Galadriel to stand upon the banks and watch as the pale boats glided forwards upon the still water, gradually fading into the misty veil as I raised my hand as I looked last upon those I loved and cherished, as well as those who I would come to love and cherish as deeply as those who came before.
"My lady, we must not linger in the open." Haldir said gently, more for my sake than Galadriel's. Knowing that the dangers of the hunting orcs and Uruk-Hai were not yet vanquished, I went hesitantly with Haldir who offered me his hand to take me away, bringing me into the safety of our protected borders. Long did my heart linger with the memory of Legolas walking beside me within these same woods, the wisp of his hair brushing against my shoulder whilst the brightness of his eyes shone alight amongst the silver and golden trees. I took to wandering alone, lost in the reverie of longing and apathy which would not abate itself for all the silent dreaming and yearning for better days to come. So lost had I become in my own thoughts that when the sudden onslaught of my own power came upon me, it took all sense from my body and I fell to the ground in a loose limbed descent, unable to feel or see anything beyond that which the future envisioned before me.
Mutilated forms of abhorrent creatures bred from abominations laying as a feast for ravenous crows, sightless eyes gazing into a blank void whilst the continuing of battle sounded with clashing blades. I saw the fierce intensity of their battle, how quickly it moved from one place to another as if rushing me to see what was important. Boromir, horn in hand and calling for aid. I could see the sweat upon his brow and the blood of Uruk-Hai upon his blade, the slain fallen at his feet as he continued to fight valiantly until a black arrow exploded from his chest. Dulled were the sounds around me, nothing more than muted echoes as Boromir staggered under the force of being struck, wide eyed gaze trembling before he seemed to look directly into my eyes with fear and a noiseless plea to be saved.
He was not ready for death, and yet death was to claim him. My vision gave me no further insight as to where this death might occur, or how far into the future, but I was not willing to risk searching for more answers when already I could feel the strain taking its toll on my body. The moment I awoke I gasped and lashed out instinctively, still feeling as if I were surrounded by those monstrous creatures and in my alarm I cried out for a single soul who could placate me, any being who felt warm and comforting to the touch to ease the seizure which had set upon my mind. A hand grasped mine and gentle murmurs began to seep through into my thoughts, rousing me from my confusion until I saw that I was resting in my own chamber with Galadriel sat beside me and Haldir lingering close with worry. "You are safe, dearest one, you are safe here with me. It is naught but a lingering shadow which avails you." Galadriel spoke, her affluence of light pouring into me until I could breathe without the sensation of restriction upon my chest. "I know what it is you saw."
"I must go to them, I cannot sit idly by whilst there is still time to save them. Warn them, perhaps." Grasping her hand tightly, my gaze filled with urgency as Haldir glanced between us silently. "They will be slaughtered." Knowing that not a power on this earth could stop me, Galadriel nodded her silent consent. I thanked her profusely and hurried to stand but would have fallen had Haldir not been there to steady me.
"Wherever it is you intend to go and whoever it is to save, you cannot do so in such a condition."
"I cannot waste time, Haldir. I must go and not lose a single moment. Lives are in peril, and the fellowship are walking into a trap. Do not think that you can stop me, Haldir. Though great is my love for you, I cannot allow myself to ignore my conscience." Gripping onto his tunic for a moment until I had found a sense of stability, I looked to my wardrobe and immediately set myself upon it, gathering clothing suitable for travelling a long distance in a short amount of time. Haldir quickly excused himself whilst Galadriel helped me to undress, sliding the dress from my shoulders and then folding it after it dropped to the floor.
Swiftly dressing in the garb of the Galadhrim, the silver threads clad against my skin made paler my skin and darker my hair as I pulled taut the lacings and secured my belt to which I attached my sword, Gilestel, as well as a skin full of fresh water from Galadriel's own pool meant to restore strength and stamina. It was something I carried for the sake of easing my recovery should I become overwhelmed with visions whilst alone. One sip will give me the strength to return home, two will completely restore me entirely but such powerful magic was something meant to be used sparingly, for fear of it addling with my mind. My hair was quickly and efficiently tied by Galadriel with expert fingers which moved with an elegant speed which I alone could not have achieved, standing still as she wove my already existing braids into one which ran down my back. "You must move with speed and haste if you are to reach them in time. Do not stop. Follow the river whilst keeping to the trees where you can. The woods are still dangerous with enemies unnamed and unhindered. Without fail you must return to me, dearest one, unharmed."
Stroking the back of her hand down my cheek, Galadriel gave me her blessing, giving me pause to take her hand in mine and squeeze her fingers softly. "Long have I considered you a mother to me, my lady. I shall return to you, less than three days hence. Look to my coming upon the rise of the dawn when the first rays of light touches the crowns of the foundation trees." Her timeless smile gave me courage, and so I picked up my quiver and bow before deeming myself ready to depart, descending the trees by jumping and falling until my feet touched the ground only to meet Haldir there, waiting for me.
Behind him stood a number of my kin, all armed and patiently standing in wait for their Marchwarden's command. "If you think I am to let you rush off into danger without someone to watch over you, mîr el, then you are gravely mistaken." Haldir announced to me and my heart fluttered with warmth at his kindness. "Each of us are ready to depart at your word. We will follow you, if that is what you wish."
"Haldir." Gladdened that he had chosen to trust in me, I quickly clasped hold of his arm and pressed my brow to his in an intimate bond of friendship which we shared, thanking him with all the powerful silence I could offer. "Come, now we run." Giving the order, we all departed Caras Galadhorn and delved into the darker recesses of the forests, knowing that we were running directly into danger, but none of us felt a single flicker of fear as we went forth together as one.