Hello everyone...yes I know I have some 'splaining to do! ***Please Read***
Firstly I realize the following chapters are messing with original plotline and timelines, and I am sorry if that offends you, it is just the creative direction I feel drawn in. I completely understand if the story loses its appeal in that case, BUT I will make an appeal to give it a chance there is a point to this.
Secondly Yes I know Elladan and Elrohir did not appear in the movie and they did appear later on in the book...YES I know they arrived with the grey company and were not there for the initial battle at Helms deep! But I think I have said numerous times before I LOVED that Peter Jackson had this elven element at Helms deep in the movie, I think I might have been the only fan at the time that thought it was a brilliant idea! So with that thought process I rearranged the order of events and were certain characters come in...you will see what I mean by the end of this chapter. Please do not hate me, pllleeeaassseee! Also time lines will be slightly lengthened for the order events required the set up of the next act. I have a point I swear and I promise I will handle with care, this part of the books and more so the movies was my favorite :)
LOVE YOU GUYS so much for your support; as always thank you to Win Lockwood, Celticank and the fan review who are continually supportive with their awesome reviews! Thank you to the followers, it makes me happy to see people following my work :)
So yea read and enjoy, be open minded and if you wish please review, let me know what your stance is on this! Thanks :)
18. An Act of Will
The small flame crackled to life and sparked excitedly on its bed of dried grass and twigs, Ellenya sighed happily, at last she had managed to coax life into the hastily built fire pit. She hurriedly fed the small flames, the warriors here could do with the cheer of the flames to bring them warmth and comfort. It was a cold dusk in the eaves of Lorien, and the Imladris Company were the first to come to the pre-decided meeting spot; they would rest here and await the arrival of Haldir and the few volunteers from the Golden Wood.
It had been an uneventful and speedy journey to get to this place, no time was to be wasted and the elves were relieved for a short rest. Ellenya however, missed the mind numbing sensation of Belan's heavy hooves colliding with the ground; she could focus on that sound and did not have to think much around it. Now she was forced to converse with other elves and actually come to terms with the evident lack of Elladan at her side.
What was infuriating was that even though he had kept his distance, he still treated her with all the care and devotion a husband would show his wife. Elladan took the time to check she had enough food, was comfortable and ensured all her needs were met; sometimes he even attempted a conversation. Though they were sparse and answers were often in one syllable words, still, Elladan did not have to be so thoughtful and Ellenya found it harder to maintain her indifferent exterior every time he was near her. Elladan did not understand nor did he want to understand her reasons for doing this, and he certainly wanted no part in it, but being the type of elf he was he never once stopped caring, but whether that was out of duty to her or not Ellenya was not sure.
The suddenly distressed elleth felt a tear sting at the corner of her eye and furiously rubbed it away, there was no point on dwelling on the repercussions of her decisions. Maybe it was a mistake to have married Elladan so soon; maybe adhering to tradition actually served a purpose? Regardless of the answer Ellenya did not regret the time spent with him, for it was the first time in centuries she had forgotten about her inadequacies and found immense joy in the small wonders of life. Like laughing until her face hurt or sunrises, yes a sunrise was her new favorite thing;
"Whatever you're thinking about, that brings so much happiness, I wish I had it."
Ellenya started at the unfamiliar voice and lifted her head to see who it was joining her at the comfort of the fire. She narrowed her eyes when she realized it was none other than the arrogant little ellon that had insulted her a few days ago, Cendir, yes that was his name. She opened her mouth to reply with something smart, but noted the young elf had a downcast expression as he sat cross legged on the ground scratching letters onto a piece of parchment.
"Just memories of happier times and love shared," Ellenya replied softly and then tilted her head to the side her silvery blues eyes probing Cendir's own, the gaze made the ellon uncomfortable but he could not look away so easily; "Do you write to Gwyneth?" she asked in a lilting and hypnotic voice.
"Yes," Cendir answered, though he had not wanted too, but this elleth had the ability to command answers from another even without their consent, "It is my last chance to send her some comfort, I may never see her again."
Ellenya felt a coy smile play on her lips and she chuckled, "You love her!" it was more a statement than an actually question.
"Maybe?" he grinned in response, "At least I believe I do, but how do you ever know you love someone?"
"I do not believe you ever truly know you love someone until that relationship has been tested," Ellenya began softly, Cendir leaned forward suddenly interested in the wisdom this elleth could impart to him; "Love is not a feeling, that is the pleasant effects of love, you know the feelings of happiness, security and lust, lust is always confused with love, it is not, it is just a fun aspect of it." Cendir frowned not liking the direction of the conversation, Ellenya just giggled at his expression and continued; "But real love that is an act of will, is loving someone to the point that you will accept their flaws and errors even if it is difficult, even if you do not at that point like them very much. Most importantly real love is acting for the benefit of that individual, even if they are going to hate you for it or even if they do not understand what you are doing at the time. Laying down your life to protect someone you love, is an act of will Cendir, you are protecting Gwyneth by doing this so you do love her, and I would not fret too much I am sure she knows that."
"I do not believe I have ever heard a definition of love put in such a way," Cendir commented and smiled at the blonde elleth, there was certainly much more to her than he originally thought.
"I speak from experience, not from my own mind you," Ellenya answered with a sad smile, "That act of love leaves a mark, and you never forget when it is shown to you."
"Your Naneth?" Cendir asked softly and then suddenly regretted his question when a flash of pain descended on Ellenya's features, "I apologize I did not mean to stick my nose where it does not belong."
"It is okay," Ellenya managed to quickly reset her features, "You better hurry and finish that letter, and be of courage Cendir you will see her soon."
"I will, and thank you Ellenya you have brought my mind some ease, Lord Elladan must be very lucky to have such a wise one as you for his wife," Cendir praised, but was confused when Ellenya dropped her gaze another flash of hurt lighting her eyes.
"Yes indeed he is very lucky."
The familiar and soft voice of Elladan, had both elves jumping in surprise they were not aware they were being listened too. Cendir nodded his acknowledgments to the young lord and quickly gathered his meager belongings, taking the hint that his presence was no longer wanted. Ellenya peeked up at her distant husband and slowly sidled across the ground, just in case he wanted to sit by her, which she found herself dearly hoping he would. The ellon seemed to deliberate this for a moment and then obliged Ellenya, settling down beside her and offering her a gentle smile.
"Hello," Ellenya murmured shyly, it was the first time they had spoken all day and she felt awkward being so formal with him.
"Hello," he grinned and held out a small plate with a portion of food on it, wild berries her favorite.
"Thank you, but I had my rations for today, Elrohir beat you he already brought me my meal," Ellenya responded and pushed the plate back towards Elladan.
"I know he did," Elladan sighed and shrugged, "This is mine; I know how much you like them and I thought it would be incredibly mean of me to withhold them from you."
"I am not eating your rations do not be absurd," Ellenya huffed, he was just being too self-sacrificing now.
"Take them, I am not hungry," he commanded, "anyway it is just Lembas bread and water from now on in, you should take advantage while you can, besides I know you want them." Elladan dangled the plate teasingly under her nose and Ellenya eventually relented and took the plate.
"Alright, I want them, but we shall share them!" She replied with a resolute tone and divided up the small portion.
Elladan chuckled in response to her defiant tone and accepted his share of the meager meal; "You made a friend at last," he commented with an amused tone to his voice, he had overheard the whole exchange between Ellenya and Cendir and he had to admit he was impressed.
"I am capable of making friends you know, granted I cannot think of any right now off the top of my head," Ellenya muttered and then shot Elladan a sarcastic look making him snort with laughter. The sound filling Ellenya with a sense of relief she liked that sound, it meant the foundations of their friendship were still intact.
After several moments of soft laughter and nibbling on the remains of the berries, Elladan eventually cleared his throat and leveled Ellenya with a serious look; "I heard what you said, about love that was a very insightful statement."
"It is just what I believe," Ellenya muttered feeling awkward again and lowered her eyes away from Elladan's.
"I like it, I think I believe that too," he responded and gently coaxed Ellenya to look at him by raising her chin with his hand, to his dismay she flinched at his touch; "If love is an act of will, then I will stand by your decisions whether I agree with them or not."
Ellenya felt her mouth pop open in shock; "What?"
"I should have never said those things to you Ellenya, I did not even mean them it was just anger. Can you forgive me, or at least start to forgive me?" Elladan pleaded, his grey eyes so full of remorse that Ellenya could barely look in them for feeling incredibly guilty.
"You have every right to be angry with me, and I do not expect nor will I even ask you to support this mission of mine, it is as you said, a fantasy," Ellenya replied sadly, "but I am desperate."
"No that is where I have failed you," Elladan replied and grasped her hands in his, "You should not have to ask me to support you, I should just do that automatically, but instead I questioned you and left you alone, I am disgusted at my behavior."
"Stop!" Ellenya cried in alarm, "Stop blaming yourself, I am the one that did not take your feelings into consideration. I realize that me being part of this battle is torturing you, but really Elladan would I be any safer in Mirkwood, there is just as much risk to my life here as there is in my home."
"I know, I have already come to that conclusion, but this is going to be a little different from a war on your own terrain. Ellenya there will be nowhere to hide, if the fortress is breached there is no escape route, it will turn into an elaborate trap instead of a sanctuary," the anxiety colouring Elladan's tone, moved Ellenya, he really was concerned.
"I am not frightened of a challenge," Ellenya replied, "I have to try Elladan, I just cannot ignore these visions."
"I understand," Elladan sighed in defeat, "So I will do my best to keep you alive and we both may pray that these visions were not just elaborate dreams!"
"I know they mean something," Ellenya replied resolutely, "besides I know you do not want to admit it, but you need me in this company."
"No I really do not!" Elladan defended, "It is enough I have to watch Elrohir, now I have to defend you too!"
"Elladan, you and I both know it is Elrohir and I that will be defending you," Ellenya teased.
Elladan laughed again, though he did not doubt the statement, Elrohir was the better warrior; "What can I say, I am healer not a fighter! So all the more reason you should forgive me, you do not want the guilt of having never forgiven me on your conscience, especially if something terrible was to befall me!"
"Elladan!" Ellenya wailed and punched him hard on the arm, "Do not even jest."
"You see it is not a pleasant thought is it?" Elladan commented with a serious look.
"No it is not," Ellenya admitted, "but there is nothing to forgive, I am just so relieved that I still have a marriage."
"Ellenya do not be so dramatic!" Elladan scolded playfully, but squeezed her hands tightly, "that was never under question and it never will be. I do not regret this and I will treasure it always, you have given me hope Ellenya, you are my reason for fighting! I will endure because of you."
"I do not deserve you," Ellenya mumbled, as their foreheads met and Elladan cupped her face in his hand, gently shaking his head in disagreement to the statement. She relished in his closeness, the smell of his breath on her skin and the familiar warmth of his body close to hers, she could happily stay like this but time was no longer her friend.
"My Lord Elladan," A dark haired elven warrior interrupted their peace, "Haldir has come, and he bids your presence."
Elladan sighed audibly, his whole body slumping forward ever so slightly, he did not want to leave his love not just yet but he had responsibilities. As he rose to his feet he kissed Ellenya on the forehead, a small gesture but it was enough to make her heart sing.
"He also asks for your wife's presence," the elf added and looked to Ellenya.
"My wife, how does he know-?" Elladan started his brows furrowing in confusion.
"Because it is not just Haldir," Ellenya gasped and jumped to her feet, gripping Elladan's hand and urging him forward.
The two walked briskly, with the elven guard leading them through the hastily erected encampment and out into a quiet clearing, just out of sight of the other elves. The light in this clearing grew brighter as they approached, like the light of the stars themselves shone there, the ethereal light brought with it a familiarity and a comfort. In the midst of the clearing stood a poised and controlled looking Haldir, he did not even express his dismay at seeing Ellenya, which the elleth had to admit was a first for him. To his left Elrohir stood, in the center of things as usual, and at his side was the enchanting silhouette of the Lady Galadriel. She held her grandson's hand and was conversing with him silently; this was only evident because there was a distinct maternal light and unconditional love in the elleth's eyes. Beside her stood the Lord Celeborn, who was obviously uneasy he did not like his wife being so far from the protection of their home, regardless of her power and strength it was his duty to protect her.
At the arrival of their firstborn Grandson and his mate, both Galadriel and Celeborn redirected their gazes to them. Ellenya suddenly was unsure of herself and remained a step behind Elladan, hovering close to his side, half hidden. She adored the Lady Galadriel, and this was her reason for rushing Elladan here, but how would this great elleth react to her now that she had brazenly claimed her grandson as her mate.
"Why do you hide from us Ellenya are we not family?" Lord Celeborn was the first to speak, out of character for him, as he usually let his wife lead in all conversations. However the young elleth had not noticed the unspoken words being exchanged between Elladan and his Grandmother, and unconsciously pressed herself tighter to his side.
"I am uncertain of how you view my presence here my lord," Ellenya murmured, it was not a secret that she preferred the company of his wife over him, also she had her Adar's temperament and that meant in nearly all things she disagreed with Celeborn.
"I know why you are here for I have come to offer you guidance child, I too wish to see my Woodland kin protected and for once I feel we may have a common goal," Celeborn replied and then rolled his eyes, "Thranduil, being the incredibly pig headed and stubborn mule that he is will not outwardly ask for my help! So I come here with hope that his daughter might be more forgiving and amicable?"
"She would be if his lordship was more thoughtful of the words he chose to describe her Adar," Ellenya warned, it was second nature to defend her Ada she always had. She felt Elladan squeeze her hand in warning and he turned his head to speak directly to her;
"Act of will Ellenya, attempt to be loving." He added with a smirk, which only irked his wife. Elladan was well aware of the long standing disagreement of principles between the two great kingdoms, and for the most part stayed out of that disagreement, but Ellenya needed to listen.
Celeborn let a small smile play on the corners of his mouth and tried again with the difficult elleth; "Oh little star how you remind me of a young and spirited Thranduil, I see why the Valar would entrust their plans in you, you would steely forge ahead without fear or concern."
Ellenya frowned and stepped around Elladan, "What do you know?" she asked with her wind chime voice, so innocent and free of bias, a clever tactic.
Celeborn did not answer immediately but instead shared a look with his wife before continuing; "You seek the return of what is rightful your inheritance, but Ellenya just because you are Lairiel's daughter does not mean it is rightfully yours to take nor even does Legolas have such a claim. Though you should seek to return the power to its rightful home, among the elves of the wood who can defend and cherish it."
"You speak like the amber stone has a life and will of its own?" Ellenya questioned, the more she learned the more difficult the puzzle in her mind became; "Lord Elrond advised that the Valar never return something in the same way, what then am I looking for if not a stone and how will I know if I have found it?"
"We do not know," Galadriel spoke outwardly for the first time, "You will need to learn to see Ellenya and if you cannot then trust the seeing eyes of those close to you."
"I do not understand," Ellenya murmured and locked eyes with enchanting elleth. In the same moment her mind was filled with the images of her repeated dreams, only with slight differences that alerted Ellenya that these were not her dreams but Galadriel's;
'We share the same visions little star, and I also know something stirs within Legolas too, something calls to him he is unsettled. But the connection is not between him and the stone, it is the connection between him and Lairiel, he has her eyes Ellenya, he sees what is hidden from others. A pure and curious heart, trust his judgement," Galadriel finished her unspoken words of guidance, those words burning into Ellenya's very mind.
"Thank you," Ellenya mouthed and bowed her head, so many more questions spinning around in her mind but all of them pointless to ask. It seemed things would be answered as and when it was deemed fit, a frustrating predicament for one used to demanding her own way.
Galadriel smiled the most adoring smile, full of light and encouragement as she gilded towards the younger elleth and her grandson. She first embraced Ellenya and placed a delicate hand on her cheek then whispered a blessing in the old language, the mysterious words brought with them a wave of confidence and Ellenya felt a powerful energy course through her fae in response;
"Know that the Valar are with you young one and that you also have my love," Galadriel smiled fondly, "There is no enchantment or spell that I can bless you with my child, that would grant you the same protection that you receive from my own blood, your bond with Elladan is more powerful than any weapon take courage in that."
The Lady dropped her hand and moved on from Ellenya, who was still trying to fit the puzzle in her mind with the greater part of her concentration, so she just about managed a parting smile. Galadriel carefully guarded her features so as not to alarm either of the youngsters in her presence, both treaded on dangerous waters but as long as one drew breath the other would live and there was faith to be had in that premonition.
"You know your path Elladan, you and Elrohir bring courage to men you should not doubt yourself now," Galadriel spoke with conviction to her eldest grandson and clasped her hands to his shoulders squeezing them comfortingly, "Ellenya is strong do not worry for her, there will be many eyes watching over her and that includes my own. When the time comes you must let go and trust in fate."
Elrohir quickly joined his brother and stood tall at his side as Galadriel graced them each with a kiss on their foreheads. The gesture caught Ellenya's attention because for a moment it appeared like a star shone on the brows of Elrond's sons, and she seen not her husband nor her friend but blessed lords of a higher purpose and lineage. For the longest moment Ellenya was awestruck but also she was reminded that there was a greater force at work, and that it suddenly seemed frivolous to be concerned about mundane things, like old disagreements.
"Will you protect the borders Celeborn? If I should not return will you do what you can for Ada and my people?" Ellenya suddenly questioned stepping forward, her eyes filled with a new worry.
"Without hesitation," Celeborn replied solemnly but then smiled fondly, "Though do not fret Legolas has already expressed his concerns, your brother has secured our aid, though it is freely given now that we are family."
"You have our deepest gratitude," Ellenya bowed deeply and pondered over how much her brother knew about their unique situation. Celeborn nodded in return and strode off to farewell his grandsons and offer final words of guidance, leaving Ellenya in the presence of Haldir much to her dismay.
"Thranduil's warrior children, truly I am blessed to have one serve under my command," Haldir commented, finally making his voice heard.
Ellenya rolled her head in the direction of the elf she had yet to see eye to eye with and smirked; "I may be dressed in your armor and I may even behave myself, but do not assume I serve you Haldir I have my own purposes."
"Indeed," Haldir replied pursing his lips in disapproval, "as I said Thranduil's warrior children."
"But you are relieved to see me?" Ellenya teased, "After all I am renowned for my swordplay."
"Ha!" Haldir mocked and bent down to retrieve a spare bow and full quiver he had brought; "I do not need swordsmen, or, arrogant elleth. I need archers!" And with that he tossed the bow at Ellenya, who caught it with ease.
"This is Legolas' bow," she gasped and glared accusingly at Haldir, "Parts of this bow are remains of our Grandfather's, why does he not have it with him?"
"He received a special gift from the Lady Galadriel, a new bow fit for a Sindar Prince, stronger more accurate. He asked me to keep this safe for it is of great sentiment to him, and that he should like it returned to his family," Haldir replied in a matter of fact tone.
"Consider it returned, with thanks," Ellenya replied dryly, unsure of the ellon's sudden agreeable attitude towards her.
"If my memory serves me correctly you may need to brush up on your aim," Haldir replied a hint of a challenge in his crystal clear blue eyes.
"My aim is fine!" Ellenya growled and stood toe to toe with the fair haired ellon, who flinched from the close and threatening proximity of the elleth, she swept her icy gaze over him and cocked her head to the side before replying; "besides I enjoy close combat, it gives me great satisfaction to watch my enemy suffer at my hand, I call it justice!"
"Call it what you will but in this battle distance is your friend," Haldir replied gruffly, "When it comes to swords we have lost ground, make sure you can handle that bow!"
Ellenya enraged by the insinuation ripped an arrow from the quiver and loaded the bow, pointing it straight at Haldir's head for a moment, before spinning and releasing it. It whistled through the air and with a thud embedded firmly on a high branch; "Just because it is not my weapon of choice does not mean I cannot wield it!"
"Ah wonderful, now I know I have another archer!" Haldir smirked, "Be sure to show that passion in battle and I think you may survive."
Ellenya engaged in several minutes of scowling at the march warden, before turning on her heel and making her way back towards her husband, his twin and the Lord and Lady of the Golden Wood. She had given them enough time to say their farewells and Haldir was testing her patience with his insulting behaviour.
The lady Galadriel gave Ellenya one last smile before promising to alert Thranduil to his daughter's whereabouts, though Ellenya had contested this the elder elleth had assured her it would only cause the King pain to be left in the dark. No direct words were spoken of her union to Elladan but enough approving and loving looks were exchanged for the princess to grasp she was accepted. Ellenya supposed the lack of words was due to the ever present fear that death loomed over their heads, and the Lord and Lady did not wish to bring sadness to this brief visit only hope. When the short reunion drew to a close, Celeborn and Galadriel made their final goodbyes and left with a small escort.
Ellenya noted the now somber and more reserved countenance of both Elladan and Elrohir, she knew they were silently expressing their questions and worries with one another and it irked her that she was not entirely included in the conversation. However she did not make a nuisance of herself and instead took to practicing her aim while she awaited the convoy to start their onward mission. Ellenya kept her mind busy working through her plan; first she intended on locating Legolas and prayed that he would not hate her for this, then seek out the council of Mithrandir whom she assumed was equally as involved in this battle. She did not however give much thought to the impending battle, she had fought in many a battle before, her home was continually riddled with them and she knew how to fight and how to fight well! What Ellenya did not want to dwell on was the inevitable loss of life, she did not want to look around at the faces that could possibly not live to see another summer. So she withdrew to her cold and indifferent self, maintaining her distance from the others and putting all of her focus into the task ahead of her.
xXx
The elven company had traveled several days and had now entered into the realm of Rohan, the rested briefly and for the last time. Any horses and unnecessary burdens would be left behind at this point and Ellenya was taking her time over her farewell to Belan.
"You are a good friend Belan but you cannot go with me this time," she whispered as she scratched his grey muzzle. The stallion nickered softly and stamped a foot in protest, "Now do not make this any harder than it has to be, honestly you can be so difficult!" Ellenya scolded playfully and giggled as he purposefully pushed her hard on the shoulder.
"You talk more to that horse than me sometimes!"
Ellenya sighed and turned to smile at her approaching husband, who came to stand at Belan's flank and absently stroked the horse. This time Belan did not flinch and happily allowed the comforting gesture, now that Elladan was no longer a threat to his mistress he trusted the elf.
"I talk to him more because he does not talk back something you find great difficulty with," Ellenya replied with a chuckle.
"Someone has to try and keep you reigned in!" Elladan laughed, "Granted I am certainly not that person, but I can try."
"You should know by now you cannot control me my love," Ellenya smirked as she ran her hands along Belan's neck, "Did you not once say I was as wild as my horse?"
Elladan grinned and nodded in agreement to the old memory; "I still agree with that statement, though I feel Belan may be tamer than you are now."
"Maybe so?" Ellenya mused and then leveled her husband with a serious look; "I know why you are here, you are going to try and talk me out of this again."
"Ellenya," Elladan began softly taking her hand in his and pulling her close, "I will continually try and talk you out of this but I see it is futile."
"Good!" she replied her tone become more irate, "It is decided and Haldir already admitted to needing my services, so stop fighting me over this."
"Alright, hush, I promise I will not utter another word," he sighed and rested his forehead against Ellenya's, "I love you even if you are mad."
They stood like this for a little while, taking advantage of the privacy and quietness it would be the last time they could enjoy such time together. Unbeknownst to the couple at that moment a horse and rider approached at speed, his presence quickly alerted by a sound of a horn, and both Ellenya and Elladan turned with concerned expressions. With one look the two made towards the sound of approaching hooves, followed dutifully by Belan, who was not yet prepared to be separated from his mistress.
"My Lord Elladan, My Lord? Mithrandir seeks your counsel!" Cendir approached both Ellenya and Elladan with an urgent look, "He is with Haldir and Lord Elrohir as we speak, he begs that you do not tarry and come now."
Elladan turned to remind his wife to stay put, but met with her unhappy expression thought better of it and allowed her to follow. The two jogged through the camp and it did not take long to make out the silhouette of the wizard sat upon a noble horse. Ellenya felt her heart constrict in her chest, whatever news Mithrandir bore it would not be what she wished to hear.
"Elladan thank the Valar for I am mighty blessed to see you," Mithrandir greeted with relief as the ellon assisted him off his horse.
"You have much changed since last we met my friend, I believe it is I who is blessed to meet you," Elladan greeted in return, his grey eyes full of hope and wonder at the startling changes in Wizard.
"Ah there will only be time for that strange tale if you can spare me your assistance," Mithrandir began and let his eyes flicker to Elrohir and then to Ellenya, "Though I should be more interested in your own story, I have missed much in my short absence."
"All in good time," Elladan replied and met the wizard with a concerned look; "We bring assistance from my Adar, what more can we do?"
"Yes and Aragorn will be greatly appreciative of this, as I hope King Theoden will be also, but it will not be enough!" Mithrandir warned, giving them all a serious look.
"What do you mean?" Elrohir cut in, "What other force can we gather; this is all our people can spare old friend."
"The Rohirrim and others loyal to Rohan are scattered I will not reach them all by myself in time, you and Elladan know these lands you know the men that dwell here, will you assist me?" Mithrandir urgently pleaded with Elrond's son though he had no need to ask.
"Of course," Elladan responded instantly and nodded to his twin who had fixed a determined look on his face.
"I knew I could count on the sons of Elrond to bring me courage, quickly now we must fly there is little time," The wizard ordered and mounted his horse once again.
"Fetch my horse Haldir and find one for my brother" Elrohir commanded as he secured his armour more tightly about himself, "I do love a chase."
Elladan turned quickly to Ellenya his features full or remorse but he had no choice, his grandmother had warned him that this could happen. He expected to see anger, hurt and even betrayal in her features, he expected her to shout and demand answers, but instead she was already racing towards Belan and coaxing him to follow her.
"Take Belan he is faster than the other beasts here, he does not tire easily and will see your task achieved," Ellenya spoke quickly and with feeling as she placed a blanket over her horse's back.
"Ellenya?" Elladan attempted to make some sort of an apology or form an explanation; he considered briefly that she could join him.
"You need to go Elladan," Ellenya replied her voice straining against the emotion that threatened to bubble up within her, "Go and get help, do not worry about me I can hold on until you return."
"No I will not leave you, I promised your Adar I would not let you out of my sight, come with me?" He attempted taking her hand and urging her to mount Belan instead.
"No! Elladan I cannot! I have to meet my brother, it is alright I will be fine, I have survived much worse," She soothed and squeezed his hand encouragingly forcing a smile on her face.
"Elladan it is alright, I will care for her," Haldir interjected as he returned with Elrohir's horse, "I swear to you nothing will happen to her on my watch, but you must go now!"
"Princess Ellenya has her own path to take," Mithrandir spoke and all quietened, "You must let her go Elladan, trust you will see her again as I also hope I shall."
Ellenya smiled up at the white wizard whom she had met a handful of times in her life, she trusted Mithrandir and his guidance. She knew by his tone that he would be of assistance to her and she took great courage from that.
"Go on now," Ellenya murmured and gestured for Elladan to take Belan, "I will be waiting for you so do not be late."
Elladan was torn entirely in two, his heart screamed at him to stay with Ellenya whilst his head overruled the idea, burdening him with the knowledge that he had responsibilities and if he did not assist Mithrandir in retrieving more aid he was only putting Ellenya at increased risk. Haldir had come to stand by her side and appeared to be almost holding her upright, as much as she tried to hide it she was already reeling from the imminent separation.
"How long do we have?" Elladan asked not looking at the wizard as he gracefully leapt atop Belan, never taking his eyes away from Ellenya.
"Three days, before dawn of the third day we need to ride to the aid of King Theoden with the cavalry we have amassed." Mithrandir replied as he watched the sorrowful sight, indeed much had changed and indeed the presence of Thranduil's daughter ignited his curiosity. The lady Galadriel had conveyed the message that another mission was at hand, for the elves of the north needed aid too in these dark days if they too were to withstand and defeat Dol Guldor. It was not coincidence that had brought the elven princess here it was fate, indeed Gandalf's quick mind was already joining the puzzle pieces together but alas there was no time to speak of it now.
"We ride out on the winds, I shall ride north for I know that road, and my brother will ride west," Elrohir commanded as he moved his steed forward, patting Elladan hard on the shoulder bringing him back to his present situation. "Buy us time Haldir."
"We shall see you soon!" Haldir replied and nodded, tightening his grip on the elleth who leaned into him for support.
With that the three riders urged their animals forward, striking their paths out before them. Ellenya stood firm, using every last ounce of her will not to show fear or sorrow. The unreasonable and infantile part of her mind wanted to scream and demand Elladan to stay with her, the separation was not something she wanted. However the elleth had seen in the wizard's eyes the same genuine plea that had moved her husband into action, innocent people were going to die if they did not act and there was no one else more qualified for the task. Elladan had to go, just as she had to stay but that did not make it easier for her.
Elladan stopped Belan at the ridge of a hill a short distance away, pausing for a second to look back at Ellenya. He did not want to go it felt wrong to leave her behind; he could not recall a time in any battle, were they had fought together, when he had left her behind. Neither he nor Elrohir had left her to face any danger on her own, how could he trust this to be the safest way? Casting his eyes to the heavens he uttered a final prayer before urging Belan forward. The horse threw his head back and let a shrill nicker in response to the command; he too did not like the separation and wished to complete this task as soon as he could;
"Get me back to her in time Belan!" Elladan whispered and the stallion launched forward at lightning speed and out of sight of Ellenya and the small band of elven warriors.
Ellenya blinked and he was gone, the shock was momentarily overwhelming and without thinking she turned into Haldir. The ellon did not question or repel the need for the gesture and quickly wrapped his arms around the young princess. It was never easy to say goodbye, this he knew too well and knew for Ellenya this was the first time she had been separated from Elladan since their marriage.
"Courage Ellenya, you will see him soon," Haldir spoke firmly but with a soothing tone to his voice.
Ellenya pulled away to look at him, she frowned at the gentle nature of his actions for she had never been in any way polite or endearing to this elf; "Why are you being so kind to me?"
"Sympathy to your plight, and also I am not always so disagreeable. I do like you Ellenya, you remind me of someone dear to me," The elf replied with a smile and wrapped an arm around her shoulder guiding her back to the camp; "Come, eat some food and take a little rest you will need it."
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