Chapter 45 - Departing the West
"I suppose I have no use for this gown anymore." Vezely's voice held a hint of melancholy as she held the delicate plum garment in front of her. Legolas stood nearby, watching quietly as she packed her few belongings, not desiring to leave her side until he had to.
He gently took the long gown from her hands, "I will hold onto it for you," he told her while managing a small smile, "And you will wear it again," he added, bringing it closer to himself. She returned a grateful smile, needing then more than ever his optimism for their future life together.
With her rucksack packed, her boots on, her sai tucked into their holsters, and her black scarf hanging loosely around her neck, she sat down on the desk chair and looking into a small, handheld mirror, lined her eyes with a pieceof charcoal. Legolas watched curiously, for he had not seen her do this before, nor had she lined her eyes in some time. He reminisced when he first saw her standing on the edge of Fangorn Forest; the wind billowing the tails of her worn navy coat, her black scarf hiding her hair, and the blue-green of her eyes glaring at him through black lined lids; she appeared more foreign than ever then and far afield from how she appeared the day before, wearing the long gown he now held in his hands.
After finishing, she looked the room once over and her eyes fell upon the cup which yet held the gifted bouquet of white flowers, the ones Shelbi had given her and Glorfindel had revived by some unknown Elf magic. She walked over to it and plucked one from the bunch, slipping it into her rucksack; allowing it to rest between the folds of one map. Afterwards she declared with unhidden regret, "I suppose I am ready now."
They walked to the stables close to each other's side, but they kept silent; afraid to speak and stir their emotions too soon. Once there, Vezely bridled Léofara, the kingly black horse that Eomer gifted her, as Legolas chanted in lyrical Elvish verses; telling the young mare to watch after his beloved, to carry her softly and smoothly, and to swiftly carry her back home when her task was done.
Vez said nothing as she listened enchanted by the soothing tone of his voice when using their native tongue; knowing she had loved the sound of it ever since he first spoke to her using it. His ending request to Léofara pained her heart slightly, for she was ultimately uncertain if she were to return before the life of this young horse was spent.
They would then ride to the second level prisons where Faramir would release the prisoners and she would escort them from the White City. Vezely did not desire an entourage or farewell party to stand and bid her off. Instead, she had used the previous day's celebration to say her personal well wishes, gratitudes, and her goodbyes, though not explicitly saying the word to anyone. Thus, the last thing she expected when approaching the prison gates was her companions awaiting their arrival.
There were the four hobbits, Gimli and Gandalf, Eomer and Eowyn, King Thranduil, Lord Elrond with Lord Glorfindel by his side, the twins Elrohir and Elladan, and King Aragorn and Lady Arwen standing with pleasant smiles on their faces as she road closer; her eyes in disbelief. Legolas wore a keen smile, having arranged the whole affair whether she deemed it preferable or not.
"You did not think we would allow you to leave without a proper sendoff," Gandalf announced slightly gruff, noting the slowed trot of her horse, and her hesitation.
She had not been able to look any of them in the eye after dismounting, feeling both touched, embarrassed, and pained by their presence. And when finally meeting their gaze, she explained sincerely, "I did not want to create a fuss over my departure."
"You created a fuss when you arrived lass, don't think we'd let you off without one," Gimli remarked assuredly, lifting his heels up slightly as he said it.
"Fair enough," she tilted her head down in respect to the Dwarf, forcing herself to smile, though the task before her would be difficult.
The hobbits were the first to come forward. "It was sure fine to meet you, Miss Vez," Sam began, offering her his small hand, being the most forward and polite of the group, "Second breakfast in the city shan't be same without you."
"I consider myself most fortunate, Master Gamgee," she replied warmly, "For having never met a hobbit before, that I should have met four of the finest." The statement caused Sam to blush slightly.
"Vez, you are always welcome in the Shire," Frodo then told her graciously, "If you ever pass that way, please do not be a stranger."
Pippin added cheerily, "And there will be a mug of ale waiting for you at the Green Dragon, and some good pipeweed, if you'd smoke it."
"I will keep my map open," she cupped Pippin's shoulder as she did with the others.
Merry was the last to speak; he had a pensive look on his face as he handed her a large red apple, "Something for the road," he told her with a serious voice, knowing it was often what she ate at second breakfasts with them. "Hopefully you can stave off eating bugs for little awhile," he added cheekily, for they still joked about food oddities together; all stemming from that one conversation that started in Edoras.
Vez blurted a laughed, "That would be preferable," she told him with a nod and offering Merry her hand, he took it and gave a sturdy shake. "Take care, my fellow warrior," she told him warmly but with a firm resolve; she would miss the brave hobbit who she had shared many laughs and tense times with.
Gimli then told her, "At least you are looking less grim than when we first met. Makes me feel a little better about sending you off."
Vez smirked, before replying, "So are you," then eyeing him over, "And a bit rounder around the midsection," for Gimli had been enjoying the abundance of food in the city, which they certainly had a lack of on the road.
"Ooh ho, that I am," he laughed a good hearty laugh while patting his belly, for he knew it was true. "Take care of yourself lass. I mean it," he sounded stern as if he was lecturing her as would a father, "For I want to see your bright face again."
"You too, Master Dwarf," then flicking her eyes to the one side where Legolas stood aside his father, she added quietly concerned, "And make sure he is happy for me."
Gimli nodded his head and frowned slightly, "Will do lass, will do."
"Speed to you, young Elf," Gandalf told her with a fleeting smile, for the phrase garnered him a strange look as Vez experienced an odd moment of déjà vu.
"It is strange," she explained to the wizard her confusion, "I was fare welled the same by Romestamo before my departure from Rhun."
Gandalf chuckled unsurprised, for he now remembered Romestamo was quite similar in character as he, "And some good it did you to, I think," remarking assuredly, seeing in her the change the Blue Wizards long desired and exactly what the White Council had hoped.
Nodding to agree, Vez offered him her hand which he took between his two well worn ones, "Thank you for your guidance, Mithrandir," she told him in Elvish; realizing she had come to terms with being called an Elf, which so often displeased her before. Gandalf nodded contently before letting go.
She then approached Elrond. The Lord of Imladris appeared slightly harsh in the face, his hands clasped behind his back, but his eyes were kind as ever. Next to him his tall sons smiled warmly upon her. "My lord," Vez hailed him respectfully. Yet the strain in her eyes displayed some hesitancy in forming words, so she ended up speaking her thoughts, "No gift or expression of gratitude can amount to the debt I owe for all that you have done on my behalf."
His lips curled up into a small smile, lightening his demeanor to match his eyes, "That you have taken this path is all the gratitude necessary."
"Thank you, from the very depths of my being," she then bowed her head down and pressed her first to her chest. When looking back up at him, she felt compelled to request something small, but which she considered of great importance though sorrowful in its realization. "Please tell my parents, memories from my childhood are some of the warmest I now hold."
He curtly nodded, observing the sadness in her eyes which was quickly blinked away. Elrohir and Elladan then bid her a safe journey and she spoke of her regret in not getting to speak to them more before her departure.
Glorfindel, who desired to provide her one last bit of council before she left, looked upon her less stern than he had previously contended to; these warm displays of friendship between her and these noble hearts continued to lighten his doubts on her convictions.
Vezely held great respect for Glorfindel, the warrior. Yet as her supposed new protector, and not completely understanding why this position was requested of him by Lord Elrond in the first place, she maintained suspicion; not only of his mission set on by the elusive Valar, but what place she may have in it. If she were to meet him again in the Eastlands, she foresaw some differences of opinion being inevitable.
The tall, golden-haired Elf looked down on her, his eyes gleaming, for the splendor of Valinor shone in them, yet she was not deterred to look at them as before. He spoke carefully, "We shall meet again on this earth, child of Eluréd. If you find yourself in need near territories you would not before enter, there you would find aid and comfort."
She knew he spoke as if he had prophesized her future and he could perceive in her return gaze she was again skeptical of his tidings; but she would not dare to question him now, and nodded, tilting her head down and placing her fist to her chest, "Lord, I will hold this to memory, as well as the rest of your council. Gratitude."
When Vez stood before Eomer and Aragorn, she offered a greeting one would to a leader, clinking her heels together and bowing with a fist to her chest in a stiff motion. "Kings of the Men of the West," she hailed them, "I leave with a promise to both of you. With whatever strength I can muster, I will keep the Eastward borders of Rohan and Gondor free from those who would do harm to your lands."
They could feel the strength of her charge and all knew she would commit herself to this and much more. Eomer stepped forward and offered her his hand to which she gripped it by the forearm, "We had a rough start, you and I," he stated considering, his face stern.
"We did," Vez agreed, a small smirk forming in remembrance of their distrust.
"But gladly no longer so. If aid is ever needed, Rohan will answer," he told her sincerely.
Aragorn also provided her his hand, "As will Gondor. You are forever a friend within these borders and beyond them. Take care of yourself, Vez."
Arwen then smiled upon her, gently taking both her hands in hers and saying softly, "Your heart will be your guide, listen to it when you are lost or in need of comfort."
She was slightly bewildered by the upfront remark, finding both her voice as beautiful as she appeared before her. Vez could only smile and show her appreciation, yet it was enough for them to communicate; for such grief of severance and of unknown reunion Arwen too had experienced when Aragorn set out from Rivendell.
Eowen was noticeably upset to say farewell, and hugged Vezely before saying any words, even if Vez was an unlikely one to embrace, even as a friend. "I will miss you dearly," she told her slightly flustered.
"As I will you, my dear friend," she held onto her arms after they parted, her eyes mirroring her sadness, but saying with hope, "Be happy in all that you do."
"I want to say the same to you," she replied back regretful.
"That day will come," Vez replied meekly but with a small smile, and she squeezed her hands before letting go, having to take a deep breath to resettle her emotions before standing in front of her future father-in-law. Thranduil stared pensive as he looked at her. Out of all she had met, the Elvenking had the most imposing stare, ice cold and condescending. Vez then bowed her head respectfully, "Gratitude my king, for your pardon of my past deeds in your realm, and for your acceptance of my betrothal to your son."
He narrowed his eyes, knowing quite well that his parting words would be measured by all those in attendance, especially his son. There was only one thing he desired to tell her and thus he spoke steadily, "I hold you to your promise," informing her of the bargain he made upon their first conversation together; that she would not die out East and leave his son to despair.
"And I to yours," she rejoined firmly; having made him promise to make Legolas sail West if she did not return; to not let him linger in grief when the shores of Valinor could uplift him.
Thranduil shifted uncomfortably. He knew Vezely was a pragmatist as he was, while his son preferred to hold onto even the tiniest bit of optimism, much like his mother. He curtly nodded, and while watching her form a grateful smile, he realized he indeed held hope she would return. She was strange and uncouth, and he still did not know what attracted his son to her, but he had brought him the rarest and most treasured form of happiness and for that, he had softened to her considerably. Perhaps one day, he thought, he would look upon her as a daughter without any discomfort.
She had never felt more vulnerable than at that moment when approaching Legolas; who stood last in the line to say farewell to her. She was afraid to look him in the eyes which she knew held the same sorrow as hers. Her sight darted the ground before her and she took in slow but deep breaths, preparing herself for the moment she had feared since falling in love with him.
The evening before they promised each other no tears; telling themselves they would not succumb to forgetting about the joy their future reunion would bring them. They had left the coronation party early and found an empty terrace to gaze upon the stars while embracing each other as they did the first night they accepted their feelings. There, Vezely requested Legolas to tell her again the story about the awakening of the Elves; how the first sight their eyes beheld were the stars above. A small part of her wanted to relive their first conversation on the way to Helm's Deep, which had stirred her desires to belong. She remembered how soothing the sound of his voice was, and the comfort she felt with being around another of her race, who understood what the race of men could not. She closed her eyes as he spoke the tale's lyrical prose, and he kissed her forehead when he had finished. "I will tell you more stories when you return" he had told her, keeping their conversation focused on the far future, "There is much you still have not heard..."
Legolas took her right hand with his own and their silver betrothal rings caught the morning's light; each knew the rings would stand as a material link during their separation; they both vowed to never remove them when they were apart. He then pressed her palm upon his chest, as he often did when desiring to tell her something important even if words would not be formed this time. He watched with concern as she lifted her eyes to his; those eyes which at first confounded him, and now stirred his heart to joy.
The discomfort of showing their intimacy in front of those there dissipated in their embrace. They kissed softly, but it was a short bittersweet kiss. Their eyes remained closed and their noses lingered close together; each desired to kiss again but they knew it would only become a never ending cycle. And when they opened their eyes, they saw again that they held the same sorrow.
"Hurry back," he told her in a whisper; afterwards bringing the back of her hand from his chest to his lips for a soft kiss.
She smiled for he had not said goodbye, and it sounded so simple a request. She touched the side of his face lightly, trailing her fingers down his cheek, desiring to remember his eyes looking into hers on those many nights when she would be without him. She took a deep breath before replying quietly but steadily, "As soon as possible," her gaze tried to confirm the determination of her voice. Though she knew nothing could mask the ache she felt when removing herself from his embrace.
At this time there came a large clang from the front gate, as it opened and out stepped the translator Derufin by the side of Faramir, leading out the thirty-two prisoners. Thanks to the generosity of the new king, each had been given a pack of provisions, among which were rations of food, a canteen of water, and extra clothes. It should be enough to sustain them until they reached the southern borders of Gondor and crossed into Rhun. A horse was also provided for the Captain to ride. It was more than Vezely could have hoped, yet also necessary. If she were to get these warriors back to their own land without any rebellions that could lead to the destruction of Gondor's lands or people, it was preferable to have them well supplied.
Legolas and Vezely exchanged one more look of encouragement before she turned to face her men, whose lives she was now responsible for. The general in her knew this responsibility well. She tilted her chin up and placed her hands behind her back, pushing aside her torn emotions as Faramir came beside her.
"They are all yours," he told her; the Steward was grateful for it too, and that Vezely would be far away from Gondor's borders for some time. She had caused him way too much trouble in her short time there.
"Gratitude, Steward," she replied impassively, her eyes yet on her men who had halted their march. She stepped forward, and commanded in Easterling that they face her, to which they obliged in perfect unison. She then turned and stood as one of them.
Aragorn stepped forth, desiring to break words before their departure, and Derufin translated as he did this. "Warriors of Khand and Harad, today you step from the bonds that bound you. And while your wounds are heeled, undoubtedly your hearts are heavy. But go forth to your lands with the knowledge that the West does not desire to look upon you as enemies. We want peace for you and your people. Bring my message to your leaders, and let them know that Gondor is willing to hold council with your emissaries."
Vezely was grateful for Aragorn leaving them with hope for renewed diplomacy; it would be important for Khand and Harad to send their own ambassadors to Gondor in order restart trade and keep communication lines open. While Rhun needed the most mending internally, they would also need to mend ties with the West in order to truly be peaceful.
Feeling obliged to reply on behalf of her men, Vez turned to them and held her fist in the air and from it she raised three fingers. In turn each man placed a fist on their chest and bowed their head low, agreeing to what she asked via the symbol she raised. She marched down the line, her eyes stern and her hand yet raised; finding all had lowered their heads.
Derufin then told the king and all those standing nearby, "She is asking for their approval."
"For what?" Aragorn asked curiously, uncertain as he watched Vezely halt in front of him.
She brought the three fingers to her chest as she ritualistically knelt onto the ground; placing her left hand on her left knee and straightening her posture. She spoke clearly in Easterling, "I speak on behalf of all who stand before you," she then brought the three fingers from her chest and swiped them in one fluid motion close to the ground before her, having them stop in front of her right knee. She spoke firmly again, "May the light set to shine upon me, find you instead. For in debt I will remain until the end of my days." She then tilted down low, showing the Western leaders the crown of her head. The men behind her kept their heads tilted down and their fists to their chests as she did this.
Derufin explained the ritual, "Three fingers raised, each one represents a source of light, the sun, the moon, and the stars, and by touching them to the earth below your feet, it is a sign of respect and of utmost humility," he then translated exactly the words she had spoken and added in astonishment, "For a general to do this in front of her men, well, it is not taken lightly." Derufin's expression proved that he was shocked Vezely had completed this custom, for he had taken her as only prideful in her leadership.
Aragorn bowed his head down, as did Faramir, and those behind him tilted theirs as well; many of them knew Vezely spoke even more on behalf of herself.
After a good moment in this lowered position, Vezely rose to her feet with motions just as equally measured and precise. She would then pivot, "Prepare to leave!" she commanded in their tongue, sounding as a general would; to which the Captain added his orders and the men stepped towards the road which would lead them to the city gates.
Vez and the Captain mounted their horses, and she gave him leave to ride ahead. She watched from atop her steady horse, waiting until the end of the line passed by. For the last time, she turned her head to look upon those who would watch her leave; a small, grateful smile graced her lips, and hope gleamed in her eyes. She turned her horse and recited a Balchoth proverb of old, and despite the harsher tones of the Eastward languages, it sounded lyrical to their ears. "The land stretches on, set your foot on it, make it your home, but do not stray from the warrior's path or forget the home you came from." She smiled once more, and added in common tongue, "Farewell, my friends. I will not forget."
Then her eyes fell upon Legolas and they locked their gazes for the last time. We will meet again, she thought with painful hope, in this land or in the far West, we will be together.
And Legolas felt he could hear her thoughts or read them through eyes. You are not separate from me, he responded in thought, for our love transcends borders and time cannot change it.
She then adjusted her black scarf over her head, cloaking her ears from sight. Placing her fist over her heart one last time, she lowered her head as she turned her horse about. With a deep breath, she nudged Léofara with her heels, encouraging her to follow in the direction of her men.
The group watched the Easterling-Elf depart, and Aragorn commented amid the silence. "She spoke this verse in Rohan while overlooking its plans, telling me it was about remembering ones home after leaving and making another," for he had remembered their short conversation and the lyrical verse she whispered to its winds, for it sounded strange but wonderful to his ears.
Derufin then input his understanding, "It is a proverb I suspect, though the dialect is no longer spoken," he then translated the verse the best he could.
Considering its meaning, Gandalf declared, "In the case of young Bellethiel of Mirkwood turned Vezely of Rhun, I truly believe evil will have been good to have been."
"Aye," Lord Elrond agreed, "And no longer is she lost to our kin."
Thranduil slowly cupped a hand on his son's shoulder, knowing he needed consoling. Legolas's strained eyes watched Vezely disappear from sight. Already his heart ached for her return...
A/N: My dear readers - to all those who have been reading since I started nearly 11 months ago and to those who just joined me - thank you so much for continuing this writing journey with me. I thought this chapter would never come, but alas, it has, and we now enter into the final stretches of this mini saga. Much love to you all!