Hey guys. I'm here with the next chapter. i have an important announcement that I will make later at the end of the story. I thank you all for continuing to read this story of mine, and for following it and adding it to your favourite stories list. A special thanks to those who reviewed. I got less reviews than I would have liked in the last chapter, but doesn't really matter. I just want to thank you all for giving a fifteen year old kid the motivation and the encouragement to write.
A brief answer to the 85th review
To supergreekgeek. Yes, I will try to include all that happens. Don't worry. I already have many ideas on what will happen. I hope you like them and continue to read. Suggestions from you are welcome, though, as you are obviously a veteran of LotR. ;P
Anyway, continue reading and read the announcement at the bottom! Enjoy the story! This will mostly be in Galadriel's P.O.V
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I amar prestar sen
Han mathon ne nen
Han mathon ne chen
A han noston ned wilith
….
The world is changed.
I feel it in the water,
I feel it in the earth
I smell it in the air
Much that once was is lost
For few now live who remember it
Galadriel
Queen Galadriel was troubled. Walking among the great trees of Lothlorien, the stately elven queen pondered upon the troubling events sweeping Middle Earth. The forest was beautiful today, the great trees provided a cooling shade, and the soft grass underfoot was an endless green carpet. Beautiful flowers of all colors adorned the ground here and there, and a clear bubbling brook flowed beside her. But Galadriel had no eyes for them. Her heart was troubled. Disturbing reports had been coming in from the east. The orcs were increasing in number and boldness, Darkness had settled over Mordor once again, and the Nine had been seen abroad. Things were changing very rapidly. The Ring of Power had been found, and she knew Sauron would stop at nothing to retrieve it.
In her desperation, she decided to consult her mirror. Her mirror was a mysterious magical object forged by the ancient elves, and even she did not know everything about it. It showed many things, the past, the present, the future, it showed things both known and unknown. It showed the impossible as well as the probable. It could show many visions both asked for and unasked for. Galadriel did not understand it fully, but she knew it was necessary. Slowly, she gazed into the silvery surface of the mirror, wondering what she would see. Show me the fate of Middle Earth.
The mirror darkened. A blur of images formed, changing rapidly. Images flashed across its silvery surface increasingly quickly. Against a black background were four Youths, wielding unusual weapons, two were male, the other two were female. They radiated a sense of power, even through the vision. The oldest male had sea green eyes and black hair. He had an unmistakable air of command in his eyes, he looked no more than sixteen years of age. Beside him was a girl with golden hair like hers, she had storm grey eyes that belied intelligence and wisdom well beyond her years. The second female had sky blue eyes and short black hair. She radiated a silver aura like the moon. The youngest was a boy dressed all in black. He also had an aura, but it was an aura of shadow and death, yet Galadriel sensed that he was a force for good. She knew now why the mirror would show her this, but she knew it had to be important.
Then, the image changed. Image after image formed, flashing by as fast as thought. Galadriel saw the ancient Caverns of Moria, and a grey figure plummeting down, she saw the Fellowship coming to Lothlorien, then leaving on elven boats through the river Anduin. The images in the mirror became fragmented and blurred, as fate was still uncertain. Many different fates, each hinged on the fellowship's actions. In one, she saw the man of Gondor riding at full speed towards his city, the One Ring glinting on his hand, in another, she saw the same man dying from three puncture wounds in his body. She saw Saruman forging a ring of his own and challenging Sauron, in another, Saruman cowered before three shining figures in white. She saw the Ents going to war, in another, she saw Orcs burning Fangorn forest. an elf and a dwarf and fought together in battle, in another, they killed each other and fragmented the fellowship. A hobbit with a knife raised over a cowering Gollum, Gollum lunging at the hobbits. The Youths stepping though a shining doorway, ignoring the cries of the Fellowship and abandoning Middle Earth, The same doorway, but the children were turning away from it. Every action, every inaction had significance to the quest. Things undone, things done, all these could throw off the quest. The quest truly stood upon the edge of a knife, ready to fall to either side and fail.
A lone girl ran down a dark valley, knife in hand. A Young man fell over a tall cliff. A black figure standing on a wall in Helms Deep with arms raised, a girl in battle armor shooting lightning bolts at a Ringwraith. A hobbit with a knife and phial walked down a dark cavern, a hobbit lunged at the back of the Witch King. A hobbit fighting off a thin, white figure on the slopes of a mountain, a hobbit standing before a troll. An alliance of Elves, Men and Dwarves, cheering while a dwarf and an elf shook hands. A man of Gondor running through a battlefield filled with orcs and the gigantic Mumakil, a tall man unsheathing a long, gleaming sword. A white figure riding through a field, staff in hand.
Locations flashed before her eyes. the black slopes of Mount Doom, the black, malevolent fortress of Barad-Dur, The tower of Minas Morgul, the spider webs of Cirith Ungol. The Ents moving in Fangorn Forest, Orthanc of Isengard, The Dead Marshes with fires and rotting corpses. Edoras of Rohan, The White city of Gondor, the peaceful forest of Ithilien, The beautiful town of Hobbiton and Bree. The trees of Lothlorien, the darkness of Mirkwood and the dwarves in Erebor, the field of Pellenor and the plains of Gogoroth. The Argonath at Emyn Muil, the fortress of Helms Deep. A city like none she had ever seen before, iron buildings that reached for the sky, iron birds that transported people through the air, iron carriages without horses. Another city, gleaming white, on a tall mountain, a gigantic room with a fireplace in the middle, surrounded by twelve giant thrones. A place with cabins, an arena, a dining hall and a forest, with many Children that also seemed to have strange auras.
The visions shut off. Galadriel stepped back, her mind reeling from the visions she had seen. What did they mean? Galadriel slowly walked back through the forest, barely looking where she was going, trying to make sense of the visions. There were too many things, it was too confusing. She slowly sat down beneath the shade of a mallorn tree and closed her eyes. There was no use thinking about it now. She decided to use her favorite way of calming herself down—to listen to the forest, just to listen to nature.
The grass rustled softly as the wind blew, birds sang merrily in the tree, all in different tones. Whistling, chirping, hooting, the forest was alive with birdsong. Trees waved in the breeze, their leaves rustling gently, as if whispering to other trees. The sound of water flowing in a forest creek could be heard, along with the occasional plop of a surfacing fish. The sound of small animals moving through the forest, the light, lilting tones of elven conversation.
Eyes closed, listening to the forest, Galadriel smiled. There was nothing like the peacefulness and beauty of Lothlorien to calm her down. She loved these quiet moments when she could just enjoy the forest. Though her heart longed for the day when she would leave for Valinor, the Grey Havens, the dwelling place of the High Elves, she also loved the beauty and diversity of Middle Earth. She would not leave for a long time yet.
She was disturbed though, when she sensed something else entering her forest. something evil, something foreign. She clapped her hands together once. Five minutes later, one of the elven guards, Haldir, emerged from the forest, panting slightly.
He bowed low. "My Queen."
Galadriel smiled slightly. "There are newcomers to Lothlorien. Take them to me, but do not harm them, they are friends." She commanded.
Haldir grimaced. "Even the dwarf, my Queen?" he asked hesitantly.
She nodded slowly. "Even the dwarf."
Haldir sighed, but he gave another bow and bounded off into the trees."
Galadriel then turned her attention back to the newcomers. Slowly, she extended her senses again to the edges of her forest, listening.
"Stay close, young hobbits." a gruff, low voice said. A dwarf was speaking. "they say a great sorceress lives in the woods, an elf witch of terrible power. All who look upon her fall under her spell and are never seen again."
A smile touched her face. She wondered whether to be insulted or amused. Elf witch? Galadriel then sensed other presences, twelve of them. Among them she recognized a few. Aragorn, Isildur's heir, and beloved of her granddaughter. Legolas, son of Thranduil, King of Mirkwood and a great friend of Celeborn. There was another man and a dwarf, whom from what Elrond had told her should be Boromir, the man of Gondor and Gimli, son of Gloin. She sensed the Ringbearer, of course. Frodo Baggins, the young hobbit and his loyal follower, Samwise Gangee. There were two other hobbits and four presences which she could not identify. Curious. She continued to listen.
"Aragorn, this is not wise." Muttered Boromir nervously. "I, too have heard tales of the Lady of the Golden Wood. I do not deem it a good decision to enter this cursed forest."
"Peace, Boromir. I am on good terms with the Elves of Lothlorien. They will not harm us." Answered Aragorn.
Galadriel heard the Elven guards slowly creeping up on them to ambush them. The dwarf was still speaking. Slowly, she tried to contact the Ringbearer. "Frodo." The hobbit paused, evidently, he had heard her.
"Well here's one dwarf they won't ensnare so easily. I have the eyes of a hawk and ears of a fox.
"Shut up Gimli!" came another voice. A voice of an adolescent male. "In case you haven't noticed, we're surrounded!"
Another voice was heard, a girl's voice, calm and reasonable. "We know you are up there. Reveal yourselves, please. This is surely not the way to treat friends and allies. And please lower your bows, we have no wish to fight."
There was a muffled curse from Haldir, then the bushes rustled as the elves showed themselves.
"the dwarf breathes so loud we could shoot him in the dark." Muttered Haldir.
Galadriel had to smile. Slowly, she walked back to her quarters to get ready to meet the newcomers.
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Haldir
Haldir and his troop had just spotted the intruders walking into the wood. Quietly, he motioned to them to surround them. He watched from a high vantage point as his troop leapt about the trees with barely a rustle of noise, slowly surrounding the hapless newcomers.
The dwarf was still talking. Haldir couldn't believe it. the dwarf had insulted his queen. Angrily, he notched a wooden arrow to his powerful bow and aimed it straight at the dwarf. The arrow would pierce his helmet and put an end to his blabbering. Looking around, he saw at least six other bows aimed at the dwarf. Abruptly, he remembered his queen's command not to harm them. With a sigh, he lowered his bow.
"Well, here's one dwarf she won't ensnare so easily. I have the eyes of a hawk and the ears of a fox!" boasted the dwarf.
"Shut up, Gimli! In case you haven't noticed, we're surrounded!" shouted one of the Youths.
The girl with the golden hair then spoke up, her eyes looking straight into Haldir's eyes. "We know you are up there. Reveal yourselves, please. This is surely not the way to treat friends and allies. And please lower your bows. We have no wish to fight." She spoke calmly, reasonably. Haldir was shocked, to say the least.
He gave a muffled curse and motioned to his troop. Slowly, they descended from the trees. A few of them glared angrily at the dwarf. Despite himself, he was impressed that the humans had even detected their presence. They were perceptive indeed.
The dwarf looked extremely shocked. Haldir couldn't resist. "The dwarf breathes so loud we could shoot him in the dark."
The fellowship burst into laughter, but Haldir noticed that it was tinged with loss. perhaps they had lost somebody. The dwarf looked extremely affronted, though.
Aragorn spoke up. "Haldir of Lorien, we come here for your help. We need your protection."
Haldir raised an eyebrow and glanced at the dwarf. "All of you?" he asked Aragorn reluctantly.
"Aragorn! These woods are perilous! We should turn back!" yelled the dwarf.
Haldir glanced at the dwarf in distaste. "You have entered the realm of the Lady of the Wood. You cannot turn back." Though if the Lady allowed it I would kick you out personally…
"And turn back to what?" the girl with the black hair spoke up for the first time. "Moria and the Orcs?"
Moria? Orcs?
Grumbling, the dwarf subsided. Haldir sighed and pulled out a blindfold. He glanced contemptuously at the dwarf. "We cannot allow a dwarf to see the secrets of the Golden Wood. You must be blindfolded."
The dwarf glared at him. "I will not consent to this. I will never submit to an elf." His hand went to the haft of his axe.
Haldir groaned. "A plague on the stiff necks of dwarves!"
Then the oldest of the youths took the dwarf aside and started speaking to him. the golden haired girl joined him. the others looked on, amused. Haldir watched as the dwarf's face grew angry, then defiant, then frightened, then sullen. The dwarf walked over to him, grumbling resentfully. Behind him the two young adults made a strange gesture of slapping one palm with the other's palm in the air, evidently a gesture of success.
Haldir tried his best not to grin sadistically as the dwarf approached. "Are you ready, dwarf?"
The dwarf glanced at him. "I consent." Haldir moved forward, but the dwarf raised his hand to stop him. "on one condition, that Legolas also shares my blindness." The dwarf glanced back and smirked at the elf's horrified expression.
"I will not consent to this! I am an elf and a kinsman!" the elf defended.
The oldest of the young ones groaned. "And now let us say… a plague on the stiff necks of elves!" the others chuckled at this, and even Haldir found himself smiling at the joke.
Thankfully, Aragorn stepped in. "Alright, we'll all be blindfolded." He shot an exasperated glance at Legolas and Gimli. "Is that agreeable to the pair of you?"
Slowly, grudgingly, they nodded.
Haldir sighed. "Well now that's settled," he pulled out a blindfold. "Alright, who will go first?"
Later, as Haldir led the blindfolded company through the woods, he had to chuckle at how colorfully dwarves could curse when they stubbed their toes on the multiple rocks by the wayside. The lady couldn't blame him for a couple of stubbed toes, could she?
Finally, they reached the city of Lothlorien. He untied their blindfolds one by one, leaving the dwarf for last. Multiple gasps issued from them as the newcomers took in the sight of their beautiful city. Even Haldir, who lived here and had seen the view many times before, was still struck by the beauty of the forest city whenever he saw it.
A large hill rose out ofthe woods. Upon the hill rise many mighty Mallorn Trees, the golden trees that only grew here, taller than any others. Nestled high in the crown of the mallorns, the beautiful city of the elves was built . Houses were built on the broad boughs of the mighty trees. Stairways and courtyards were built all over Lorien. Everything gleamed in the low rays of the late afternoon sun, green, gold, and silver. To the east, the palegleam of Anduin, the great river flowed benignly on its course to the sea. It was truly a beautiful place, and one of the last places on Middle Earth where the elves could be found other than Rivendell. Haldir loved his city. The fellowship stood before the great forest, staring in awe.
"Well? Are we going to stand here all day? My feet are aching and I'm hungry!" piped up one of the hobbits.
Haldir grinned. "Alright, young one. I will take you to my Queen."
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Galadriel
The company had come before Celeborn and Galadriel in the leafy courtyard. The Fellowship of the Ring stood before them, ragged and weary. The hobbits and the Youths looked ready to collapse; they were swaying on their feet. Aragorn and Boromir stood tall and strong, as befit men of their status, but Galadriel could see the signs of fatigue and great sorrow hidden in their faces. Legolas looked around in wide-eyed wonder, having heard of Lothlorien of the elves all his life, while the dwarf Gimli stood sullenly, without a word. Galadriel felt pity on them, she wanted to let them rest, but this matter could not wait. As she observed the members of the Fellowship, she suddenly realized that Mithrandir was not with them. Where could he be?
Her husband took her hand, and together they walked towards the fellowship. "Twelve there are, yet thirteen set out from Rivendell. Tell me, where is Gandalf, for I much desire to speak with him." Said Celeborn.
Suddenly, a flash of remembrance struck her. She remembered looking into her mirror, and seeing a grey figure plummeting down deep into the Caverns of Moria. She now realized who it had been, and what it had meant. "He has fallen into shadow…"
Celeborn looked to her with a questioning expression, opening his mind to hers. She shared the visions she had seen with him, and he withdrew with a thoughtful expression, pondering over the things she had shown him. She looked to the company and gave them a warning. "The quest stands upon the edge of a knife, stray but a little and it will fail, to the ruin of all." She saw their expressions fall. "Yet hope remains whilst the Company is true."
As she looked into the eyes of the Company one by one, she tried gently to probe their thoughts, to find out their inner feelings. She wanted to help them, to reassure them. To tell them that there was hope, that all was not lost yet.
First was Aragorn, the Heir to the throne of Gondor. He carried himself differently from when he had first come to Lorien. She saw his fear of failing and letting his people down as Isildur had done, he feared repeating the mistake of his ancestor. Galadriel was surprised. He was older, wiser, and he had a new bearing, as if he had accepted his fate to rule. He had certainly changed from the young, wild ranger who had come many, many years ago. Now, he met her gaze evenly, and did not flinch as she spoke to him in his mind.
"Aragorn, do not fear. You have become a great man, and you will not let your people down. You will stay strong, and you will rule your people well. You will not fail your people as Isildur did. Do not give up, Aragorn. Do not."
Aragorn gave a calm smile. "I thank you, My Lady."
Galadriel smiled back at him and turned her gaze to Boromir. Boromir flinched as she touched his mind, but did not retaliate. She saw his fear for his city, and his father, and she tried to talk to him.
"Boromir, I know what is it you fear, but do not lose faith. Even now, there is hope left. You will have a part to play in the events to come. Do not let your fear overcome you. I know what is it that tempts you, but do not give in to it. you are strong, Boromir. Do not give in to it."
Boromir seemed to think about it, then he gave a hesitant nod. New resolve burned in his eyes. "I cannot see it, my lady. I see Gondor burning in my dreams. I see the White Tower falling. I see my people dying. But I thank you for your words. I swear I shall not lose hope."
To Legolas, she simply said "You are strong, but not even the strongest fight alone. Stand with your friends, and do not shun the dwarf. Dwarves are different from us, it is true, but their hearts are brave and stout. Inside, they are not so different from us."
To Gimli, "Do not let your hatred for elves blind you, Gimli, son of Gloin. Elves are not your enemy. Do not be controlled by what your race believes. You will play a big part in the coming war. We will need you to bridge the gap between dwarves and elves.
The dwarf looked extremely disconcerted, but he looked at Galadriel and gave a short bow of respect.
She turned to the hobbits. To Merry and Pippin, she said. "You are young, but do not let others look down on you. Do not give up, and even when situations are dark, do not lose hope. Also, laughter is an amazing medicine. Do not lose your ability to cheer people up."
The two hobbits visibly brightened, and they both bowed low.
To Sam, she said. "Stay by your master, most loyal of hobbits. Do not let him leave you. He will need your help greatly in his quest, and you must be there to help him. You will go through great trials, but do not give up hope, and encourage your master as well."
Sam nodded, resolve burning in his eyes. "I will, My Lady. I'll never leave him. If a dragon swallows him up, he will have Samwise Gamgee to reckon with. If he goes to the moon, I'll find a way to follow him. Don't you worry."
Galadriel smiled and turned to the Ringbearer. "Welcome, Frodo of the Shire. You bear a great burden, perhaps the greatest in the company. You will suffer pain, toil and great exhaustion in your quest, yet you will have friends beside you, friends who will help you. You have a great task to accomplish, Frodo Baggins, but I have faith that you will have the strength to complete your quest."
Frodo looked overcome with emotion. His hand unconsciously went to a chain around his neck, fingering something. He nodded in thanks to Galadriel.
Galadriel then clapped her hands together once. A group of elves nearby walked over. "Take our guests to their quarters. Give them everything they need." She turned to the rest of the Fellowship. "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." Almost as an afterthought, she looked to the four young adults and requested. "Could you please stay for a moment, I wish to speak to you."
She noticed their eyes all flicked to the eldest. He seemed to hesitate, and he shared a look with the golden haired girl, who nodded. He then turned back to her. "We will, My Lady."
Galadriel smiled. "Come."
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Nico
The elf lady was creepy. As Nico followed the Elf Queen through the huge, dark forest, he couldn't help but feel a bit creeped out. The lady was so otherworldly, so distant, and the way she looked at him, as if he was a puzzle piece she couldn't figure out seriously disconcerted him. add that to the fact that it was night and the forest was dark, and they were following her to a strange place made Nico more than just a little nervous. Were all elves this creepy? Legolas wasn't. maybe it's a lady elf thing. Wait…maybe not. Arwen wasn't this creepy. in fact, she acted just like a normal lady, talking and laughing with us and putting Thalia in a dress. The food in Rivendell was great. I wonder how the food here tastes like… Nico then slapped himself. Stupid ADHD.
Looking around at the enormous forest, Nico's night vision picked up small animals in the shadows walking around. He also saw a few elves in the shadows trying to watch them inconspicuously, following them with their eyes. He turned his gaze back forward. The lady was like a white wraith, walking, almost floating ahead. Nico swore he saw a slight white glow around her, making her look even more otherworldly. Nervously, he tried to inconspicuously summon a stygian iron dagger, just in case, only to have his hand slapped by Thalia.
"What are you doing, Death boy? Do you want to assassinate the Lady of the Golden Wood and face the wrath of the elves?" she hissed at him.
"She's creepy! I want to have a form of defense just in case!" he hissed back.
Suddenly, Annabeth was at his side. "What are you two doing?"
"nothing…"
"Come on… she's waiting for us."
Nico grumbled and hurried to catch up. A few moments later, they emerged into a starry glade. there was a mirror with golden edges adorned with elvish runes mounted on an ornate stone table in the middle of the clearing. Galadriel walked over to the mirror and turned to face them. Nico heard a sound behind him, and he turned to see Frodo standing there too. Together they stood, watching Galadriel warily.
"This is the Mirror of Galadriel. It is a magical mirror that can show events of old, events happening now, and events that have yet to come to pass. The mirror can be bidden to show many things, yet it can also show you things unbidden. Often, it is those that are the most profitable. The mirror can be cryptic, and I warn you that what you see might not come to pass, as the future is influenced by our actions. I believe that all of you are tied very closely to the fate of Middle Earth, and so I offer you this chance. Would you look into the mirror?" she said quietly.
Peer into a magical mirror that will probably not give me a straight answer and probably confuse me more than ever? Gee, no thanks. This is just like the Oracle back home, I guess. Except the oracle is a living thing and spews green smoke. Whatever. Nico debated with himself, then shook his head slowly. He had heard that knowledge of the future could destroy you, and if he saw something, he would probably second-guess himself constantly. "No thank you, My Lady." He muttered. He saw Thalia similarly backing away, and Percy too. But Annabeth stood up and walked over to the queen.
"Annabeth, no! Don't do it, Annabeth. knowledge of the future can destroy you. That's the reason you and Chiron didn't tell me the prophecy until I was sixteen, wasn't it? It's too dangerous. You may not be ready for this." Nico agreed fervently. He didn't want his best friend and "big sister" to get hurt.
"I have to, Percy. We are in a foreign world, remember? We don't know anything on what's going to happen. We need to know more. You must understand, Percy. I'm the daughter of Athena. I have to know. " Annabeth eyes pleaded at him to understand. "It will be ok. Its not that different from consulting the oracle, isn't it?" slowly, reluctantly, Percy nodded, worry clear in his eyes.
Nico watched as Annabeth turned to Galadriel. "I will look into the mirror."
Frodo also walked up. "I will too."
Galadriel nodded once. "So be it."
Nico watched worriedly as Annabeth gazed into the mirror a trifle hesitantly. He saw Percy standing with a very tense expression, his hands balled into fists. Annabeth looked into the mirror, and her expression changed. Her face became wistful, homesick. Then it became an expression of shock. "Mother! NO!" Her face became fearful and stormy. Then, it changed again. Annabeth face became surprised, shocked and grieved. "Gandalf? Gandalf!" then she saw something else that made her give a scream of grief, pain and pure terror. "Percy!" Percy immediately ran forward, only to be stopped by Galadriel, she shook her head gently, and Percy seemed to deflate, watching Annabeth with a helpless expression. Annabeth's face became panicked, her eyes dilated with fear. Her hand went to her knife. She became very still. She continued gazing into the mirror for a few moments, then wrenched herself away.
She fell to the grass, tears leaking from her eyes, chest heaving. Percy ran forward and held her gently. She started sobbing uncontrollably, helplessly. Nico ran forward, full of worry. He was closely followed by Thalia. Even Galadriel looked distressed. "I confess that I did not foresee this. this has never happened before." She held Annabeth's hand in her own. "I apologize." That's probably the most human I've ever seen her act.
Annabeth nodded softly. "it's not your fault. I chose to do it."
"do you want to tell us what you saw?" asked Nico hesitantly.
"later… I need time to think."
Nico and Percy glanced at Galadriel. She gave a curt nod. "Go and rest now. I will speak with Frodo."
Slowly, they walked back through the woods, huddled around a distraught Annabeth. She was still crying softly from what she had seen. Nico remembered her saying. "Mother! NO!" and "Gandalf!" and then the worst. "Percy!" the last word had been screamed with grief and fear. Nico wondered just what she had seen. He shivered involuntarily. Elves were creepy.
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Galadriel. (again)
Galadriel watched in surprise and worry as different expressions coursed over the young human girl's face. Homesickness, anger, worry, shock, grief, hope, fear and pain were displayed on her visage. She wondered just what the girl had seen. The first experience of looking into the mirror was always disconcerting, but none had ever had such a reaction. Annabeth wrenched herself away and fell to the ground sobbing. Her friends immediately ran to her side, holding her, whispering comfort into her ear. Galadriel saw just how much Annabeth had been affected. Guilt immediately coursed through her, and she knelt to the ground and took Annabeth's hand in her own. "I apologize."
Annabeth looked up at her and answered. "It's not your fault. I chose to do it." Galadriel was surprised at her readiness to forgive. She had expected her to be angry at her. She was obviously wise beyond her years. Galadriel had no doubt she was capable of handling what she had seen in time.
Nico and Percy looked to her, asking an unspoken question. In their eyes she saw mistrust and slight anger. She sighed and gave a nodded to them. "Go and rest now. I will speak with Frodo." The young hobbit had hung back throughout the proceedings, and his face was pale. Galadriel fervently hoped that he would still trust her. What had happened earlier was definitely no way to gain someone's trust. She watched as the young adults walked back to their rooms, protectively huddled around Annabeth. She hoped they would not hold it against her.
She then turned to Frodo. "I have no explanation for what has happened, but I would never ask anyone to go through that. I will no longer ask you to look. You may return to your rooms too, Ringbearer."
To her surprise, Frodo shook his head resolutely. "I will still do it." Galadriel had to marvel at his bravery, and she stepped back to allow him to look. The young hobbit walked over and stared deep into the shadowy depths of the mirror.
After a while, his young face lit up with hope. "Gandalf!" then shock and anger. "Gandalf… "The vision must have shifted, as Galadriel watched, despair and anger come over his face. "No…NO! Not our home…please no…" horror was clear in his face, as if he was seeing something dear to him destroyed. "Merry…Pippin…Sam…NO!" Suddenly, he stiffened. Frodo seemed mesmerized by an image in the water. As Galadriel watched, his face got closer and closer. The ring dangled from his neck, almost touching the cool glass of the mirror. Fear, horror and disgust were in his face. With a yell, he pushed himself away from the mirror, his hand clutching the ring tightly on his neck.
Galadriel sighed. "I know what it was you saw, for it is also in my mind." Constantly searching for the Ring on my hand. "It is the future, Frodo." She said, softly, sadly. "It is what will come to pass if you fail." Galadriel's heart ached to see this young hobbit bearing such a heavy burden. She dearly wished that the cursed ring had never been forged. What the young hobbit said next surprised her utterly.
"If you ask it of me, I will give you the One Ring." His arm was outstretched, the ring sat in his palm. Such a small thing, such a pretty thing.
"You offer it to me freely…" Galadriel was touched by the gesture. She knew it was dangerous, but her mind began to wander on paths she thought she had locked away long ago, her secret desires surfacing. "I will not deny my heart has greatly desired this." Already her hand was reaching out. Already she was moving forward. Already her mind was thinking of the future with her as the ruler.
An unknown feeling coursed through her. She felt herself grow in stature. She spoke in a voice not her own. "In place of a dark Lord, you shall have a queen! Not dark, but beautiful and terrible as the dawn! Treacherous as the sea! Stronger than the foundations of the earth! All shall love me and despair!" Euphoria and excitement coursed through her. Strength was in her arms, power was in her hands. But there was something in her mind, yelling at her, trying to stop her arm from closing around the ring. She tried to suppress it, but that part of her mind grew stronger and stronger, returning sense and wisdom to her. What am I saying? I do not wish to rule! This is not me. This is the cursed Ring tempting me. I am stronger than this. I am Queen Galadriel of Lothlorien. I will not fall to this device of the enemy! With a herculean effort, Galadriel wrenched her hand away from Frodo. The poor hobbit was pale and shaking with fear from what he had witnessed, a battle of wills that could have very well decided the fate of Middle Earth.
A cool peace filled her entire being. She gave a short, sad laugh. "I passed the test." She laughed again, not of amusement, but of an effort to overcome herself. "I will remain Galadriel."
Frodo looked at her sadly. He, too, had just understood the significance of what had happened. He sagged. "I cannot do this alone." Raw fear and sadness was in his voice.
Galadriel knelt and put her hand to his shoulder. "You are the Ringbearer, Frodo. To bear a ring of power is to be alone. This task was appointed to you, and if you do not find a way, no one can." She gave him a reassuring smile. "But you will not be alone in this endeavor. Many others are on your side, and they will do their utmost to make sure you succeed."
Frodo nodded a sad smile on his face. "Then I know what I must do. It's just…" Galadriel heard the tones of vulnerability in his voice. "…I'm afraid to do it."
Galadriel looked deep into his eyes. "Even the smallest person can change the course of the future. Remember your uncle Bilbo, and how he helped the dwarves reclaim their treasure in a dragon lair. No one is above fear, but one can overcome it when they are determined and hopeful."
Frodo nodded, and not for the first time, Galadriel saw a young, broken child instead of a fifty year old hobbit. She gave him a short hug, and sent him on his way. He needed his rest.
As the Ringbearer disappeared into the shadows of the wood, Galadriel stood up and returned too to her rooms. May the Valar help us all and guide us when we need it.
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I hope you enjoyed this chapter
So here is the announcement.
Recently, I have reread my story from the viewpoint of a cynical reader. There are some things I'm satisfied with, others…not so much. Now, I am not sure I should continue writing at all. I'm really conflicted here. on one hand, I like writing, on the other hand, I don't know if I should continue, as I don't really think I'm that good of a writer. Please review and tell me what you think. I really need your opinion, guys. Do you really think this story is good enough to be continued? Or do you think this is a boring crapfic that should be deleted? I'm really not sure what to do. I don't think myself that good of a writer. I need your views and opinions. Please review and tell me if I should continue or not. If I get ten affirmatives I will continue. If not, well, I may put this story on a brief hiatus while I try to improve my writing skills. This story will not be abandoned, though, as I love this story. Its just a matter of when I continue it.
i really hope that you will review and tell me what you think of my story. i need to know what you readers out there are thinking. thanks
By the way, offer of the Q and A in every 5th review still stands. So if you're the eightieth reviewer you get to ask a question.
Pjcrazy