{Chapter Three}
~Year 109 of the Third Age~
Siladhiel watched the happy ceremony of Elrond wedding Celebrian with a heavy heart. Over a hundred years had passed since the loss of her Father and her dear friend Glorfindel. She adored Celebrian and saw the joy that the Elleth brought her friend Elrond. She could pull herself together enough to partake in this joyful moment, even if she had to avoid Galadriel the entire time.
Lindon was still a strong hold and a vast kingdom under her command. She took care of the Kingdom in honor of her father, although Cirdan had attended all the councils since the war. She often traveled to the lands within her Kingdom under the name of Quenya attempting to sooth her shattered soul. Few others during her travels knew that she was the High Queen of Nolder and Queen of Lindon, titles she hated upon receiving them at the death of her beloved father Gil-galad.
The only thing that kept her going was that the one ring was still out there, and she could never allow Sauron to get his hands on his to be reborn in flesh again. So, she searched for it and will continue to search for it until it was found.
"Queen Siladhiel, how do you fare? It has been many years since we last spoke" Celeborn question after tricking her into a dance
"Time passes differently now" Siladhiel stated honestly knowing that there were often moments she forgot what age it was
"Thus, is the curse of the immortal race" Celeborn said softly knowing that it would take many years for her to heal
"Indeed" She said softly "The only comfort I take is that my father has rejoined my mother and that one day I will see them again"
"I have heard that Lindon is faring well" Celeborn questioned softly gauging her reaction
"It is, I have overseen the rebuilding of our borders and have seen many of my people begin to move on from war" Siladhiel explained calmly
"And you? Have you begun to heal from the war?" Celeborn questioned looking directly at the Elleth Queen before him
"It will take much time, but I have a purpose. I will serve and protect my Kingdom, I will find a way to rid the world of Sauron forever. Do not fret over me, I saw not allow the loss I have faced to corrupt my light or soul. If I allowed such a thing, Sauron would have won in the end" Siladhiel explained wisely
They finished the dance in silenced and Celeborn watched her walk away taking comfort in her words, Siladhiel would once again be the great Warrior of Light as he wife foresaw.
~Year 242 of the Third Age~
Siladhiel chuckled at the little Arwen laughing in her arms before tossing her in the air once more to catch her as Elrond smiled at the sight before him. His Daughter Arwen adored Queen Siladhiel and the adoration was returned per the sight before him. The twins came running up to their aunt of sorts begging her to partake in her schemes. It was her care for his children that put his heart of ease and the easy smile on her face that gave him hope for his old friend.
He was aware of the weariness in her soul, but the light was slowly returning. He knew that the only thing that would fully heal her soul was to meet her true match. He still took strength from the fact that Siladhiel had remain strong and pure after all she had suffered in the War against Sauron and the heavy losses she had suffered. Still, her light remained a bright beacon of hope to all that knew her.
~Year 1605 in the Third Age~
Siladhiel laughed lightly watching the hobbits danced drunkenly from the table as she sipped her ale. It was that sight that made many smile knowing tales of the Queen and all that she had face. Siladhiel took great joy from the newly found Shire in her lands and was unable to be saddened in their presence. She spent time learning their culture in the last five years and found them soothing to her weary heart.
Siladhiel loved Lindon and all the settlements that were contained in her lands, the Shire held a special place in her heart. These people were so full of life and naturally peaceful, they brought her comfort. She had been traveling more often in the last Thousand Years, as Lindon has finally been rebuilt to its former glory. The Kingdom had continued to grow, and many took comfort in the protection in her lands after all the darkness they had faced. She understood that feeling all too well and was more willing to protect all in her lands fiercely.
She loved the Kingdom that her father founded and took great care of his lands. Still, few outside the kingdom had ever met her as the Queen of Lindon and High Queen of Nolder. Cirdan was still in charge of the relations with others as she remained in the shadows. Many knew her story and none blamed her for her seemingly unwillingness to leave her lands, they never knew that the Traveler Quenya and the High Queen were one in the same.
~Year 2510 of the Third Age~
Siladhiel accepted the hug from Lady Celebrian as she prepared to leave Rivendell to return to her kingdom before returning to the search for the ring. It was a year ago, that she happened upon Celebrian returning to Rivendell from Lorien and could defend her from being captured when her escorts were kills by Orcs. She safely returned Celebrian to Elrond and remained due to the fear shown by the Lady of Rivendell when she attempted to depart.
It had taken a year to sooth the fear that the attack had caused in her dear friend. She had come surprising close to the Elleth and even often spoke of things she would with no other. Being near Celebrian allowed a part of her to return and a strong foundation was forged between the two. With the promise of returning soon for a visit, Siladhiel departed for her kingdom.
~Year 2931 of the Third age~
Siladhiel smiled down at the little baby in her arms as Gilraen watched her a little uneasy since the relationship between Elves and Men were on shaky ground. Siladhiel had taken part in many conflicts though she never allowed Lindon's armies to become involved. She cherished the people that her father trusted but her kingdom needed a time for peace from war after the loss of so many lives. She returned to Gondor upon learning of the new heir being born, she couldn't help but wish to see if this infant would be the one.
"Aragorn, he is a precious little one" Siladhiel said softly handing the infant that giggled at her to his mother
"He is my world" Gilraen whispered softly smiling at the elf before her
"Shall you ever need aid or protection, go to Rivendell and speak my name to Lord Elrond" Siladhiel said softly "There is more to this little one than meets the eye"
"Who are you really Quenya?" Gilraen questioned suddenly as Siladhiel stilled slightly looking at the mortal woman
"Have you heard of Gil-galad?" Siladhiel questioned softly in nothing but a whisper containing the deep sadness she felt at speaking her father's name
"The Elven King that led the Last Alliance" Gilraen said softly with a nod of her head "His death was a great loss to Gondor"
"I am his daughter Siladhiel" Siladhiel spoke honestly sensing that this woman and this child would change her life.
"My thanks your majesty" Gilraen said suddenly realizing exactly who she found blessing her child in the nursery this evening
"We are friends, even family. Take care of this little one" Siladhiel said with a bright smile kissing the baby on the forehead before disappearing out the window of the palace and into the night as if she was never there
It was just two years later that Siladhiel would learn of the death of Arathorn II and assisted in escorting Aragorn to Rivendell. It seemed that Gilraen had taken her warning seriously and they were welcomed with open arms to Rivendell under the protection of Celebrian and Elrond.
~Year 2951 of the Third Age~
"Did you know?" Aragorn questioned Quenya in confusion and anger after just finding out his heritage
"I did" Siladhiel said softly "I visited Gondor shortly after your birth and your mother found me in your room. I told her that should she ever need protection to take you here"
"My mother spoke of a Queen that provided her safety" Aragorn questioned seriously always being as wise as his ancestor
"My true name is Siladhiel, the High Queen of Nolder and the Queen of Lindon" Siladhiel said turning towards her friend whom she had watched grow and even assisting in teaching
"Why would you keep this from me?" Aragorn questioned in anger feeling betrayed
"I have secrets to keep and at times even I hide from my past. I am not comfortable with my titles nor am I ready to accept them for they were bestowed to me at the death of my beloved father. Forgive me for keeping from you, it was not my intention to cause you pain" Siladhiel said honestly looking at someone she come to consider a younger brother of sorts
"I cannot fault you for that, fore even I do not accept my heritage" Aragorn said seriously
Siladhiel watched him for a moment knowing that destiny demands something of them both, it was only a matter of time before they would be required to accept it or fail.
~Year 3017 of the Third Age~
"How could this happen?" Siladhiel questioned in anger staring at Gandalf from the shadow of the trees
Siladhiel was angry that once again this wizard had involved the peaceful Hobbits in his schemes. She had watched from the shadows as he brought Bilbo along for a journey and even assisted a few times when able. Now, she was watching after Frodo praying that Aragorn found Gollum in time to stop this.
"Frodo will ensure no one finds it" Gandalf said seriously towards the Elleth Queen that had become a dear friend during their frequent travels together throughout the years
"At what cost?" Siladhiel stated turning towards him "These are peaceful creatures and have no part in this darkness"
"You cannot shoulder this battle any longer" Gandalf said seriously knowing that the sole purpose of her travels was to find a way to get revenge against Sauron
"Is this why you kept from me for 16 years? Because you think I will take him on without assistance?" Siladhiel questioned offended "I will not deny that my focus has been Sauron's final destruction, but I will not take on this foe alone. I will not however, allow innocents to continue to die not knowing how dark this foe is"
"Forgive me for keeping it from you, my only wish was to protect you" Gandalf stated seriously "I fear I will not be able to protect you from the darkness coming"
"You are not meant to" Siladhiel said seriously "I must return to my Kingdom and visit Rivendell, watch over him Gandalf and summon me when you know if the ring is the One Ring"
"I will, safe travels Siladhiel" Gandalf said softly as she disappeared into the forest no doubt to check on Mordor as well to see if Sauron was up to old tricks.