Chapter 7
Galadriel took Elrond into her arms, letting him weep. She understood his pain, she and Celeborn both missed their daughter dearly, but they must learn to go on. Gently releasing him Galadriel said, "I understand why you grieve, truly I do, but we must go on no matter how difficult it may be." "Others are depending on us and we cannot let them down." Elrond looked at her knowing she was right, but life had seemed to have lost meaning without his wife.
Galadriel gently smiled and got up to leave. "Rest, and you will feel better in the morning." As Elrond watched her depart, he knew that he could not live in the past. He laid down and let his mind wander, quickly drifting off into sleep.
The next morning he awoke to the sound of elven laughter. He looked to see Thranduil departing with his host and Galadriel and Celeborn bidding him farewell. Elrond made his way down and greeted the Lord and Lady. "Forgive me for not being here to say goodbye to Thranduil." Celeborn looked at him. "I think he understood that last night was a bit too much for you." "He sends you his best wishes." Elrond nodded. He would leave Lothlorien today, but he would no longer weep for circumstances he could not change.
As Elrond was departing from the Golden Wood, he heard a sweet melody drift across the trees. It was a song of farewell and as he listened his heart began to feel lighter. He turned to see Lady Galadriel and Lord Celeborn watching him leave. Lady Galadriel lifted a hand and smiled at him. Elrond bowed and turned around and continued on. He would not return to Imladris the same as he had left. He promised that he would do his best for his people no matter what.
Galadriel and Celeborn stood watching them until they were no longer in sight. She turned to look at her husband and put her arms around him. The future held much in store, not all of it good, but for now she would think of nothing but the love that she felt for her people and her husband.
The End