I'm back for chapter 19 and its going to be rlly long! Nine pages on Microsoft works! R&R!
Disclaimer: I don't own LOTR!
Lothlorien. Okay here's what the book and movie don't tell you. It's kind of scary. Yes it is very pretty. But come on. Eerie bluish silvery lighting, really dark, and it's surrounded by BIG FUCKING TREES! Oh yes. Another thing. The trees make noises. I expected that from Fangorn Forest. I remember that from the movies. I totally didn't imagine it for this place. We walked through the trees, and I noticed that there were actually houses up there shaped like Chinese lanterns. Once again, they were all radiating weird blue light. Aragorn and Legolas walked up front with Haldir. Gimli was grumbling under his breath and refused to look at anything around him, but I could tell even he was impressed. Mahtan walked stiffly beside me.
"Why aren't you up front with them?" I asked him. He glared at me and I pictured the stick again. I honestly tried the best I could to keep from smiling. I think he saw my lip twitch but he ignored it. Legolas glanced back and gave me a warning look. Geez. I am not five year old. I didn't need the almighty Legolas reprimanding me. Although I thought it was cute when he acted like a tough guy.
"Milady, if I could I would not be wasting time back here. But I have been assigned to protect the company's flank," he replied.
"Psht! I don't need anyone protecting my flank!" Mahtan rolled his eyes and snorted.
"Oh really? And exactly what will you do to protect your own flank?" I tapped my chin and thought for a moment.
"I don't have to do anything. I got Borimir and Gimli."
"Aren't we the lucky one." I stared blankly at him.
"Should I be grateful that you are under specific orders not to let anyone harm me?"
"Possibly." Well that was good to know. At least Ginger was scared enough of Galadriel and Celeborn to do what they wanted. If he weren't, my ass would be toast in an ambush. We finally came to a huge palace. Guess where it was? Yes. In a tree. W had to climb a staircase that wound around the tree trunk and finally came to a long marble platform with a large domed ceiling and bars around the edge of the platform. There was a short staircase ahead of us, where five armed guards stood tall and unmovable. Haldir and the rest of the elves fell out to the sides as Celeborn and Galadriel descended down the steps hand in hand. Both elves were tall, blonde-haired, blue-eyed, serene beings. Both had chiseled features and strong jaws. They weren't particularly beautiful but both were so radiant and peaceful that just the sight of them washed away every bad feeling you had up until that point. Celeborn glanced at each of us, his eyes resting on me for longer than the others. He seemed confused by my presence. I didn't blame him. After all, I was the only girl in the fellowship. We all got in a single line and bowed deeply to the golden couple. Celeborn addressed Gimli first.
"Gimli, Son of Gloin, I would like to begin my giving you my utmost apologies alluding to how you were treated on the journey to this city. I am deeply ashamed that we still cannot, even ion these hard times, put aside our differences and treat each other with respect when it is need. I sincerely hope that you will accept my apology and that we may put this incident behind. You are a friend here in Lothlorien and will be shown our best hospitality," Celeborn said warmly, bowing slightly to the dwarf (A/N: Since I don't have the book with me, that's not what he actually said word for word, but it sounded like something that Celeborn would say). He next addressed Aragorn, "The Enemy knows you have entered here. What hopes you had of secrecy are now gone." I picked up on the unspoken command to not mooch off of them any longer than necessary. Stupid Frodo and stupid ring. At least once we left I wouldn't have to sleep in any more trees. I hope. "Eight there are here, yet nine set out from Rivendell. Tell me, where is Gandalf? For I much desire to speak with him. I can no longer see him from afar." I was about to answer, but stupid Galadriel got all teary.
"Gandalf the Gray did not pass the borders of this land. He has fallen into Shadow," she whispered. Once again, I was going to say something, but then Legolas cut in.
"He was taken by both Shadow and Flame, a Balrog of Morgoth. For he went needlessly into the path of Moria," Legolas clarified vehemently. I put a hand on his arm to calm him down. Gimli bowed his head, and I felt bad for him. He had been the one that suggested the path to Gandalf. He didn't need Legolas making him feel even worse. The grief was plain of Celeborn's face and he gripped his wife's hand tighter. Galadriel, as usual, looked totally spaced out.
"Needless were none of the deeds of Gandalf in his life. We do not yet know his whole purpose," she answered sharply, coming out of her reverie. A twitch of embarrassment showed itself on Legolas' face, but it was only there for no more than a split second. She turned her gaze to Gimli and smiled graciously. "Do not let the great emptiness of Khazad-dûm fill your heart, Gimli, son of Glóin," she told him softly. Gimli looked up, startled, as she continued. " For the world has grown full of peril. And in all lands, love is now mingled with grief." The wrinkles in Gimli's face had deepened, his grief more intensified than before. Borimir was crying. Hell, I think everyone was close to crying. Except me. I could have tried to look like I was, but I'm not a good little actress. Galadriel stared a little longer at Borimir, who started crying even harder. Celeborn looked at us in pity and shock. I think the news about Gandalf was hard for him to swallow.
"What now becomes of this fellowship. Without Gandalf, hope is lost," Celeborn whispered to our little group. There was a silence as we realized that Celeborn could be right. Then Galadriel spoke up.
"The quest stands upon the edge of a knife. Stray but a little and it will fail to the ruin of all," she warned. Sam was staring at her in open awe. She smiled at the hobbit. "Yet hope remains while the company stays true." I glanced involuntarily at Borimir. I honestly did like the man. He was a good man, and I knew that in his heart he really did want to defeat Sauron and protect the people of middle earth. But I'd seen the movies. I'd read the books. And hopefully, Galadriel knew that. "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." Frodo caught her eye and started shaking. He turned away from her quickly and walked away quickly, struggling to catch up with Strider. Celeborn motioned for me to stay, and Legolas came back too. Celeborn gave the prince a long look.
"I wish to converse with the young lady in private. It will not take long, Legolas of Mirkwood," he told the elf. Legolas hesitated, unsure. "Evil has not yet touched Caras Galadhon. She is safe. I will send her along in only a few moments, if you wish to wait on the ground." Legolas squeezed my arm and bowed without a word. The golden couple gave him serene smiles and he ran lightly down the steps to the ground below. The man and woman watched me silently and I started to feel uncomfortable. I fidgeted around and put my hands behind my back. Galadriel was the one that moved forward first and looked into my eyes. I stiffened. I could feel her inside my mind, searching my heart and soul. It was scary and unpleasant. The faraway look came into her eyes again.
"She is not of this world, yet she has known of this journey long before it was to happen," she told Celeborn. Damn, she was good. The man joined his wife.
"I had wondered why Lord Elrond would be foolish enough to send a child on such a perilous quest." he expectantly waited for me to explain. I sighed and met their eyes, hard as it was for me to do.
"It would take much too long to explain why I got here, how I got here, my life before I ended up in Middle Earth. The only explanation I can give you that you could understand would be that I belong to a different time and somehow one day ended up here. It happened in the blink of an eye. One second I was in my world, the next I was in yours. Elrond gave me shelter and when he found out that I knew all about the ring and I thought the ring was creepy instead of alluring, he somehow thought that I would be of some help to the fellowship. I have no idea what he saw in me that would make him think I could be a hero of Middle Earth," I whispered the last part, shaking my head slightly. Galadriel put a hand on my arm and smiled.
"My son is not rash or prone to make foolish decisions. If he thinks you have some part to play in the fellowship, he may or may not be right. But for now, I see no evil in your soul, nor a sign of corruption by the enemy, and for that, you are welcome here in our kingdom," she said lightly. I looked up at the both of them and a wave of relief and exhaustion washed over me. My knees sagged and I felt my arm start to throb again. Celeborn frowned and looked at the bloody stain on the arm of my sweatshirt.
" Haldir will escort you to a one of the rooms in the palace. We will send a healer and fresh clothes for you, and afterwards you may join your friends. Mahtan will make sure that Legolas knows. Quel esta, child." Galadriel touched my hand in farewell and the two exited through a side hallway. Mahtan disappeared down the stairs and Haldir came to take my arm.
"Oh, um, I'm fine. It's okay I can walk on my own," I told him, surprised that he was being this nice. I had thought he didn't care for me much. Haldir shook his head and smiled.
"You are weary, and I am your escort. It is only proper." He was right. I hadn't realized how tired I was, and the throbbing in my arm was starting to get worse. It had been hurting ever since we came to Lorien, but somehow the pain had been less then.
"Where are the others?" I asked as Haldir started to lead me up the stairs that Galadriel and Celeborn had entered from.
"They have been given fresh linens and clothing. They will be shown the washrooms and be allowed to freshen up. After that there will be food brought to you and the rest of the fellowship. Please wait in here until we send someone for you," he said, pausing outside of a what looked like a wrought iron gate except in silver and all glowy and everything. He opened it and the room inside was very nice. It was a lit by the same eerie light and had silvery floors. There were about four twin beds in the room, a cabinet full of linens and bottles and other things, a chair in the corner with a small pile of folded clothes on top of it, and a white door on the left. I turned to face Haldir.
"This is a bedroom?" I asked. The blonde elf chuckled and shook his head.
"No, this would be the healing wing. The healer will be sent up shortly. Someone will be in to help you draw a bath. A healer will be sent up to take care of your arm. I will be back soon to check on you," he said. I took it all in and for once I couldn't think of anything to say.
"Wow. Thank you." Haldir bowed slightly when a beautiful female elf came up behind him. He spoke to her in Elvish, gesturing at me every now and then. The woman curtsied and Haldir left.
"I am Merdiriel," the elf said. She was tall, blonde, incredibly thin, but had deep green eyes that reminded me of Rhana's. She seemed nice enough. "I have been sent here to make you presentable for your stay here." Was I really that bad? I looked in a mirror and was horrified. I was pale. My hair was limp. I was covered in grime. My eyes were bloodshot. And I was also starting to recognize a horrible smell emanating from somewhere in the room that I was pretty sure was coming from me.
"Oh.My.God." Merdiriel nodded sympathetically. "Where's the nearest bath?" Merdiriel opened up the white door which revealed a large chamber. Inside were stone bath basins, a few ornate bowls, a shelf of linens on the side wall, and a mirror. Oh and another thing. No walls. Just the same kind of wrought silver walls that the door to the bedroom was made of. That made me feel better. Not. She went over to one of the baths and started to fill it up. I felt awkward just standing there.
"Do you want some help? " I asked. Merdiriel smiled at me and shook her head.
"No my lady. But I do thank you for offering," she replied.
"Oh. Okay. You don't have to call me 'Lady'. Just call me Lena." Merdiriel nodded again. The bathtub was full and she stood up.
"Very well, Lena. I will wait outside. Do not hesitate to summon me if you need any assistance," she said with a small curtsy. I called her back as soon as she had turned around. She waited expectantly for my command.
"Uh, where are the soaps and stuff?" I asked hesitantly. Merdiriel laughed and gestured towards the 2 bottles and the bar of soap sitting on the edge of the tub. "Oh. Which one is for my hair?" Merdiriel laughed again, a little harder this time.
"Mistress Lena, would it be better for you if I helped you freshen up?" I flushed and held up my hands.
"No I wasn't trying to hint for you to wash my hair for me or anything. I don't want you to act like my servant or anything," I said quickly. Merdiriel raised an eyebrow. Oh yeah. For the next 10 minutes she basically is my servant. I told her that her help in the bathroom wouldn't be necessary. With another curtsy she left the bathroom and I stripped down. I wadded around in it for a bit, got out and put a loose nightgown on, did my business, and left to find Merdiriel standing patiently by a bed with another blonde elf sitting in the chair beside her. The man, apparently, was the healer, and he never spoke a word as he washed the wound. The liquid that he used burned like hell and I gripped the arms of the chair tightly to stop myself from screaming. He wrapped it in a clean bandage, bowed and left. I grimaced and rubbed my arm.
"Damn it. That fucking stung. So can I go see my friends now?" I asked. Merdiriel smiled.
"Of course. Would you not like some proper clothes first?" she asked. I looked down at myself and shrugged. It looked fine to me. Merdiriel picked up a pile of clothes from the chair. I picked out the one on top. It was a dress. I sighed.
"Merdiriel. Now don't take this the wrong way. I mean, the dress is beautiful, but I'd prefer tights and a vest," I said cautiously, handing back the dress. She gave me an odd look, but left the room to find what I asked. She returned moments later with white tights, a pale blue shirt, and a white vest. She also returned with my now clean boots and what I'm guessing was a pair of socks for women. After I got dressed, Merdiriel brushed my hair and pinned it away from my face. I was finally finished. I thanked her gratefully and gave her a hug, which I think surprised her somewhat. She led me back to Haldir. After curtsying to Haldir and I she quickly scurried from the hall. Haldir didn't take my arm this time, but he walked close enough for it not to matter. He was invading my bubble a teensy bit, so I scooted away. The elf noticed and didn't move any closer.
"Is something the matter?" he asked. I flushed deep red and looked down as we descended the staircase.
"Uh no," I replied nervously. He rolled his head in a very un-elf-like manner and mumbled something in Elvish. I was getting pretty excited here. I will be officially the only person I know who will be able to swear in Dwarfish and Elvish. Take that all of you die-hard Tolkien geeks! (A/N: If you are a die hard Tolkien geek please no flames!!) Haldir and I reached the bottom of the steps and he led me over to yes, another giant tree. But at least this time it was on the ground. Our beds were these big fluffy cots with really soft pillows and silky silver duvets. I pulled mine over to where Legolas, Gimli, and Aragorn had set their's. Gimli was snoring loudly as he slept. Aragorn, who was sharpening his sword, reaching over and hit the dwarf's pillow. It elicited a small grunt from the dwarf, but the continued to snore, in fact even louder than before. Aragorn shook his head and continued to sharpen his sword. I saw putting a small candle in the stream and made my way over to him. I was too late to find out what they were talking about, but Sam stood up and recited the cutest little poem about Gandalf's fireworks:
"The finest rockets ever seen,
"They burst in stars of
blue and green…
Or after thunder…silver showers
Came falling like a rain of flowers"
The hobbit sat down next to Frodo and shook his head, his eyes wet with tears. "That doesn't do them justice by a long shot." Aragorn tossed aside his sword and walked away to talk to Borimir. I smiled and called out to Sam.
"I thought it was really sweet. In fact, I think it's better than what the Elves are singing." The hobbit blushed and grinned modestly. I stood next to Legolas for a few minutes, and then sat down, pulling him down with me. "So," I started, turning to face him Indian style, "I feel like I haven't talked to you in forever." He looked confused.
"I spoke with you only this afternoon," he reminded me. Apparently, elves don't get what an exaggeration is.
"Never mind. But you have to know what I mean. It's like things have been really…weird…with us. And I don't know why," I started. Legolas didn't face me. He just stared at the stream. He wasn't crying or anything. I guess when you're a prince, you're not supposed to cry or show weakness or whatnot. But he definitely wasn't well.
"I can't believe he's gone," he whispered. I considered telling him about the whole Gandalf not really being dead thing, but for once I decided to keep my mouth shut. I didn't know what to do to make him feel better, so I did what seemed to make me feel better when I was upset. I reached over and gave him a big hug. Not like the polite, playful hugs I gave him and the rest of the fellowship, but one of those "you're-my-friend-I'm-here-for-you" bear hugs. He was surprised at first and just sort of sat there for a second, but he finally warmed up to me and hugged me back. I released him, but was still holding his hand. And no. It was not on purpose. I didn't realize I was doing it. Until he just kind of stared at my hands in his for a second. I tried to pull away, but he gripped me tighter.
"Um…Legolas?" Legolas looked at me, and the grief and pain was plain on his face.
"My good friend has died only two days ago. For hundreds of years I have known the Mithrandir. But I'm still thinking of you." Oh. Back to that topic.
"Listen Legolas, you're very nice. You're brave. You're definitely the most handsome elf I have ever seen. You're a prince. And many elf-maidens would love to be your wife. But I'm human. Not only would you be giving up your immortality. But if I ever have a chance to go back to my own world, I will not hesitate to take it. Do you understand?" Legolas smiled.
"How could I ask anything less of you?" he whispered, touching my cheek. Crap. That wasn't how it was supposed to work out. Now, how to put it delicately.
"Yeah, Legolas. But You're probably like a thousand years older than I. I mean, in elf years, I'm still a baby. Wouldn't you rather have someone more mature and sophisticated. Someone who could actually be a princess," I asked. Legolas started to respond, then stopped. His hand fell from my face and he released my other hand.
"I see. You do not want to be with me," he said sadly.
"No it's not that!" He looked up hopefully. "I mean, um, well, it's just, I don't want to be with you like that. I'm not ready to save the world or be princess of Mirkwood. I don't want to be married and have the other…shall we say…responsibilities…if you get what I mean…of being a wife and soon after that, a mother. You're looking for someone to spend the rest of eternity with. A loving wife, competent mother, and diplomatic princess soon to be queen. I am none of those things. Its not fair to anybody." The elf bowed his head and gave a defeated sigh.
"You're right, of course. But I wish with all of my heart that it were not so. That we could be together forever. But it shall not happen. I want you to know, I did not want any of those things until I met you," he confided. I felt so sorry for him, that I am not responsible for what happened next. I plead temporary insanity from knowing I was the cause of the Legolas' heartbreak. I kissed him. Not a gross, full-on make out kiss. Just a light peck on the lips. He pulled away and continued to stare at the stream until our food was brought to us. We ate in silence and we crawled into our separate cots in silence later that night. We watched each other until I saw the blank, restful look in Legolas' eyes and knew he was asleep. I fell asleep soon afterwards.
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The next day there was a joyful feast held in our name. There was music and, my favorite part, lots of food. We talked and talked for hours. And then it was time to say farewell. We all gathered in front of Galadriel. We were given beautiful green Elven cloaks that Galadriel and Celeborn claimed would conceal us on any sort of terrain. They were attached with what looked like emerald and gold brooches cut in the shape of leaves. Then the royal pair presented each of us with a gift. Merry, Pippin, and I got our own daggers.
Legolas got a special bow. Sam got unbreakable rope.
"And what would a dwarf ask of the elves?" Galadriel asked Gimli. He blushed and looked at the ground.
"Nothing. Except to look upon the Lady of the Galadhrim one last time, for she is more fair than all the jewels beneath the earth," he replied vehemently. The Lady giggled and beamed at the dwarf. But suddenly a change came over him. "Actually, there was one thing but…that's quite impossible. Stupid to ask." Galadriel leaned over and he whispered something her ear. She smiled and nodded. Then she came to Aragorn.
"I have nothing greater to give, than the gift you already bear. Am meleth dîn. I ant e-guil Arwen Undómiel…pelitha." Aragorn met the Lady's eyes with tears in his own.
"Aníron i e broniatha ar periatham amar hen. Aníron e ciratha a Valannor," he told her. The two shared a moment of silence. She laid a hand on the man's shoulder.
"That choice is yet before her. You have your own choice to make, Aragorn… to rise above the height of all your fathers since the days of Elendil, or to fall into darkness… with all that is left of your kin." Aragorn nodded. She softly whispered something else to him in Elvish and turned to Frodo.
""Farewell, Frodo Baggins. I give you the light of Eärendil, our most beloved star," she told him gently, handing him a crystal teardrop filled with water and a clear white light. She kissed him on the forehead and we made to board the boats. When we were all leaving, I glanced back to see the Lady Galadriel pluck three golden hairs from her head. As everyone was getting our gear into the boats, I noticed Legolas talking to Merry and Pippin holding up the crusty toaster strudel (which actually wasn't too bad). I walked over to hear the end of the conversation.
"One small bite is enough to fill a grown man's stomach," Legolas explained. He nibbled off a little piece and smiled at me as I walked over.
"Hey," I said. Legolas waved and ran off to help load the boats.
"How many of those did you eat?" Merry hissed at Pippin. The hobbit thought for a moment.
"Four." Wow. I'd eaten six. I had a feeling I was going to regret that later. We set off down the river. I rode with Legolas and Gimli. Gimli told Legolas about Galadriel's gift and I choked back laughter. It was so sappy, but I had to admit it was very sweet. Who knew Gimli had a sentimental side? It was a long time before we finally passed underneath a huge cliff. Legolas cast a wary look to the riverbank on our left.
"What's wrong?" I asked. He just shook his head and kept paddling, glancing every now and then at the riverbank, and titling his head to listen to some sound that we couldn't hear. Hours later, darkness fell and we paddled over to the riverbank on our right. We pulled the boats onto it and made a fire. We talked occasionally, but mostly we sat eating our lembas in silence. Borimir suddenly got up and squinted at a passing log in the river. Aragorn followed and saw exactly what I saw. Two grimy little hands on top of the log. I tried to ignore it, but I couldn't help overhear what they were saying.
"Gollum," Aragorn whispered, "I had hoped we would lose him on the river, but he is too clever a waterman."
"And if he alerts the enemy to our whereabouts it will make the crossing even more dangerous," Borimir whispered back loudly. Frodo and I exchanged a dark look. Later, I fell asleep to Borimir and Aragorn arguing in hushed voices.
"…scared of who you are; of what you are…" That was the last thing I heard before I drifted off into a restless sleep.