As to the big question of Romance, I have decided to do a romance for all three, however I will be doing one at a time so apologies to those who may want me to do different characters first. The order is as follows: Boromir, Aragorn, and last but not least Legolas. The story line will change between the three, but Rosa will remain the OC that I use for each story. Hope everyone is okay with that! :)

On another note...my story has things from the book, movie and just other lotr lore that some of you may not know about so just in case here are a few things I want you to know before you read:

1. Eru Ilúvatar is the Supreme deity of Arda (the world that middle earth and Valinor are on)

2. The Valar are the powers of Arda there are technically 15; 14 good and 1 bad

3. The main Valar are: Manwë who is the King of the valar, Melkor (Morogth) who is the most powerful (but evil) of the valar, and Varda (Elbereth Gilthoniel) who created the stars and is the Queen of the valar (she's the equivalent of Hera and Aphrodite combined)

4. This chapter ended up being over 10,000 words so I split it into 2 parts. I'm super nervous about this chapter so pleeeeeaaaaaase review and tell me what you think once you're done. As always I love reading your reviews, you guys are awesome :) Enjoy!


~Chapter Eleven Part One~

Again, from beyond the stone archway, a ground shaking roar is heard. The orcs scattered, running in terror from what stood just beyond. Rosa watched them scramble up the pillars and away from them but was granted no relief. The fiery glow grew stronger and closer, "What is this new devilment?" Boromir asked, his voice barely louder than a whisper.

Gandalf shut his eyes as if he dreaded telling them what was to come, and in that moment Rosa realized that Gandalf knew his fate, just as she and Aragorn did.

"A Balrog, a demon of the ancient world. This foe is beyond any of you RUN!"

They didn't need to be told twice, the fellowship ran as fast as they could, leaving the cavern of columns far behind. As they headed towards a narrow staircase Boromir took the lead, coming to a skidding halt when the steps ended above a great chasm. Legolas pulled him back from the edge. Rosa ran in behind nearly bumping into Gandalf, she wasn't sure that she liked being in the back, but knew that she couldn't exactly lead the way either.

"Lead them on Aragorn. The bridge is near!"

Rosa was quickly pushed forward and began running down the steps just behind Aragorn. She tried to focus on anything but how high up they were, or how if she moved too far to the right or left she would fall to her death. Instead she stared forward at Aragorn's back, hoping to calm the thumping of her heart. Each step brought them closer to the bridge, each step bringing Gandalf closer to his death.

The staircase turned right, then left, winding their way to the bridge. Rosa was so concerned about the Balrog and moving fast enough that she had entirely forgotten about the gap in the stairs. Legolas deftly leapt over as if it were an inconvenient puddle in his way. He looked expectantly towards the others, "Gandalf!" He gestured for him to jump and as soon as Gandalf joined Legolas on the other side, arrows flew into view. Rosa yelped taking a quick step back, the arrow cutting her cheek as it flew by, the rest narrowly missing Boromir and the hobbits.

Legolas released an arrow of his own that sored through the air hitting its mark; the orc's head. Rosa took another generous step back, she was quickly learning that she really, really did NOT like heights.

Boromir took Merry and Pip into his arms and leapt across the gap, a piece of the bridge that they were previously standing on gave away and Rosa gulped, it was becoming more and more terrifying at the minute.

"Sam!" Aragorn yelled and picking him up, tossing him over the gap, to Boromir, then Frodo. Rosa watched, her eyes wide with fear, Aragorn turned towards Gimli.

He held his hand up, "Nobody tosses a dwarf!"

Gimli leapt across and landed teetering on the edge, Legolas reached out to stop him from falling, wrapping his fingers around his beard.

"Mind the beard!"

Suddenly more of the bridge gave way, Aragorn and Rosa jumped up the steps quickly, barely making it to safety. Rosa shakily stood, Aragorn helped her keep her balance. From behind her, Rosa could hear the Balrog, everything shook and she watched as a chunk of the ceiling fell onto the bridge behind her creating another gap. The column on which they stood, cracked beginning to fall. Rosa reached for Aragorn's hand, her whole body shaking.

"Hang on," Aragorn yelled as the staircase swayed from side to side. The others watched with concern, they didn't think Aragorn and Rosa would make it.

"Lean forward!"

Rosa hesitantly did as she was told, she squeezed his hand tight, resisting the urge to shut her eyes. The staircase continued to sway then fell forward towards the rest of the fellowship, Rosa wanted to scream. Legolas held his arms out, "Come on!"

Aragorn and Rosa jumped, Legolas grabbed ahold of Aragorn and Rosa fell into Boromir's arms. He caught her and held her tight, keeping her from falling backwards. Rosa clung tightly to him her eyes still shut from when she jumped. She opened them to find herself securely in Boromir's arm. She let go of a breath that she didn't realize she was holding. Utterly relieved, Rosa leaned in and kissed him, "Thanks for catching me."

For a moment Legolas, Aragorn and Boromir just stared at Rosa, while the others had already begun running again.

"What?! Let's go!" Rosa said feeling abnormally, flustered. She pushed past them, following the others. Boromir shook his head, not even bothering to try and understand what just happened, and was the first to follow after her.

As she ran into the other room, Rosa was hit with a wall of heat. The room was consumed in flames, which continued to grow higher.

"Over the bridge!" Gandalf yelled, letting everyone pass him by. Gandalf turned towards the growing flames and Rosa stood just on the other side of the bridge watching. From amidst the flames the Balrog appeared, first its horns and blackened wings, the rest following with an earth shattering roar. Flames flowing from its mouth. Halfway across the bridge Gandalf turned to face the Balrog.

The moments that followed passed before Rosa's eyes, a horrifying display that shook her to the core. Time seemed to slow as everything happened.

"I am the Servant of the Secret Fire. Wielder of the Flame of Anor."

The Balrog drew its sword holding it high above its head.

"The dark fire will not avail you," he held out his staff in front of him, glowing white, "Flame of Udûn!"

The sword came crashing down but Gandalf held steady, his staff protecting him.

"Go back to the shadow!"

A cloven stepped out onto the bridge, Rosa could almost feel the strain that it put on the bridge. She watched the Balrog crack its whip, and flinched away slightly.

"You shall not pass!"

Gandalf rose his staff and sword above his head, bringing it down hard against the bridge. The Balrog stepped forward, snorting at them. When it's full weight came upon the bridge it collapsed underneath it. As the Balrog fell into the chasm beneath, Gandalf turned back towards the fellowship. Rosa tried to close her eyes, she tried to look away but couldn't, instead she ran forward as fast as she could towards Gandalf. She heard the crackle of the whip and ran faster, calling out to him.

"Gandalf!"

The whip snaked up and around Gandalf's ankle, dragging him down.

Boromir stepped forward, "No!"

Gandalf held on clinging to the bridge by his fingertips, Rosa dove forward her hand grabbing onto Gandalf's hands.

"Hold on, Gandalf!"

"Gandalf!" Frodo yelled.

Gandalf looked into Rosa's eyes and she didn't think that she could handle this moment. He began to let go of her hands.

"No, Gandalf, don't!"

"I must. Just as you must look into the mirror." He looked beyond her and to the rest of the fellowship, "Fly you fools!"

He let go of her hands and fell into the chasm beneath. Rosa got to her hands and knees and scrambled backwards as part of the bridge broke off. Once she was a safe distance from the edge she sat back on her feet, tears flowing unwillingly down her face.

Frodo struggled against Boromir who was holding him, "NOOoooooooo!"

"Aragorn," Boromir calls, passing Frodo off to him. Aragorn paused, then turned and ran dodging arrows.

Boromir ran forward lifting Rosa up off the ground, she immediately struggled against him, kicking and yelling. "No, no!"

He held her tighter, "Stop fighting me!"

Rosa took a deep breath, letting her arms and legs fall limp, "Stop, I'm fine now...just.. Just put me down."

"Rosa-

"Put. Me. Down!"

He complied and she ran the rest of the way, with Boromir close on her heels. When they burst forth from Moria the fellowship collapsed in grief. Rosa realized just how much she missed the outdoors as she met with it, the air was fresher, the light was natural and she could see further than two feet in front of her. Unlike the others, Rosa couldn't fall down and cry. Instead she kept walking forward, she didn't know where she was going but she couldn't stop. The hobbits leaned against rocks, crying. Legolas, who always hid his emotions so well, looked forlorn. Rosa watched Boromir hug an angry Gimli, before turning away. She walked aimlessly not paying any attention, she was about to fall over an edge when Boromir reached forward and pulled her away from it. One look at her face and he pulled her in to a hug. Rosa started to collapse against him, tearing flowing again.

"It's not fair," she tried pulling away but Boromir held her tightly against his chest. She began hitting him, pounding her fist against his chest yelling, "Why?!"

When she was finally done she just sagged against him, and he held her up. Brushing her hair down with his hand but saying nothing. Rosa wouldn't admit it to anyone, but it felt nice and was calming.

Aragorn wiped his sword, he was determined to keep moving, "Legolas! Get them up!"

Boromir turned to Aragorn, "Give them a moment! For pity's sake!"

"By nightfall these hills will be swarming with orcs! We must reach the woods of Lothlórien. Come, Boromir, Legolas, Gimli, get them up!" he reached for a tearful Sam and lifted him, "On your feet Sam," he patted him on the shoulder.

"Frodo?" he saw Frodo walking away in the distance, "Frodo!"

Frodo, stopped walking and turned to face Aragorn, tears rolling down his face and Rosa felt a sad tug at her heart.

It was moments later that they were on the move again and Rosa could feel the pain begin to tug at her muscles, until then it was nothing more than a dull ache nagging at the back of her mind, but with nothing to run from her body was screaming at her to stop. But she knew she could not.

Aragorn led the remaining Fellowship away from the rocky hills, the distance seemed meaningless to Rosa, and she didn't even know how long they ran. Aragorn just kept on moving, always running ahead. After he crossed a stream he stopped, looked down at woodland below. Though it was not a happy time, safety was a rarity and brought a smile to his face nonetheless. He also missed Lothlórien and his friends there.

Once inside the woodland, their pace slowed to a walk. Rosa felt dazed, staying silent and she shied away from everyone, choosing instead to fall behind them, walking at her own pace. She didn't know what to do, she still had so many questions and Gandalf was the only one who had offered her any answers. Suddenly she felt sick with how selfish she was being, they had lost their friend. She felt the loss just as they did but unlike them she knew he would return. Rosa mentally scolded herself, how shallow of a person was she? To be thinking only of herself and not the others or Gandalf, who knew what he would go through to return to Middle Earth.

Beckoning them forward, Gimli leaned in and said, "Stay close young hobbits," grabbing ahold of Frodo's arm, "They say there's a great sorceress lives in these woods. An Elf-witch of terrible power. All who look upon her fall under her spell... "

Rosa..

Rosa nearly jumped out of her skin, she looked around but no one else seemed to hear the voice. With night falling over them Rosa could start to see the soft glow from the stars and moon, though it was harder to see through the canopy of trees.

"...and are never seen again!"

You are lost, seeking answers to questions you have not yet found.

While Rosa searched around for the voice, she felt an eerily cold wind chill her to the bone. She shivered and pulled her cloak tight, lifting the hood over her head. She was so concerned with finding the voice that she hadn't notice the rest of them getting further away from her.

"Well! Here's one dwarf she won't ensnare so easily! I have the eyes of a hawk, and ears of a fox!"

I can show you the answers, show you your past.

Rosa watched from behind as the rest of the fellowship was surrounded by elves with their arrows drawn facing them. Aragorn held his hands up, ready to comply with whatever they wanted, while Legolas had already drawn his own arrow in response.

Rosa watched as one elf stepped forward, the one she guessed to be in charge, "The dwarf breathes so loud, we could have shot him in the dark."

She thought there was something familiar about him but for the life of her, Rosa couldn't remember his name. Rosa could swear she heard Gimli growl at him. After a moment of deliberation Rosa slowly stepped forward, uncertain whether or not she wanted to be seen. Again she felt the cold chill, this time it settled over her instead of passing through like the wind. She didn't know what it was but Rosa wasn't too keen on finding out. Hesitantly, she put one foot forward, trying to stay as silent as possible, following behind as the fellowship was lead further into the woods.

"Mae govannen, Legolas Thranduilion." (Welcome Legolas, son of Thranduil.)

"Govannas vîn gwennen le, Haldir o Lórien." (Our Fellowship stands in your debt, Haldir of Lórien.)

Ohhhhhh right that was his name...Haldir.

Rosa stood back for a while longer, as she watched they seemed to be arguing over whether not the fellowship would go any further. It didn't look to be going so well, especially when Rosa saw Gimli step forward and say something.

"You can go no further."

Her decision made, Rosa crept forward and slid in between two elves, making her way towards Aragorn and Haldir.

"Hey guys! Did ya miss me?" She watched as all eyes fell on her, and she shifted uncomfortably. All the elves were staring at her with the same expression, bland disinterest...Rosa wasn't sure if that was a good thing. Haldir grabbed Aragorn's arm briskly and they turned away to speak between themselves.

Rosa shifted again, "I'll take that as a no..." She passed by Legolas, Gimli and Boromir, keeping her hood down as she went.

Time passed slowly as Aragorn and Haldir argued, everyone splitting off to sit. Rosa watched Frodo go sit by himself, everyone stealing glances at him. She started to walk forward but stopped as she heard Boromir speak.

"Gandalf's death was not in vain. Nor would he have you give up hope you carry a heavy burden Frodo. Don't carry the weight of the dead."

Haldir then walked up to Frodo, "You will follow me."

Rosa scoffed, Thaaat doesn't sound ominous at all.

They walked on and Rosa was surprised that she didn't fall asleep walking, morning light was peeking through the trees and they still had not reached their destination. When they finally did reach the heart of the forest Rosa stopped moving, she just stared in awe. The trees were taller than any she had seen, the trunks thick enough to support the long winding staircases. It was beautiful, with lights that glowed like starlight. As magnificent as the whole place was, Rosa was still nervous to be climbing up that high, so she made sure to walk very closely behind the others. When they finally stopped, Rosa made the mistake of looking over the edge, Ohhh boy, that's a long way down.

Rosa stepped forward bumping into Legolas, "Sorry, sorry," she whispered sulking back.

Rosa watched, with her jaw wide open as two elves made their way towards them, walking down the steps. Rosa was both stunned by their beauty and that they were also glowing like starlight.

"The enemy knows you have entered here," his voice resonated with authority over all of them, "what hope you had in secrecy is now gone. Nine there are here, but ten there were set out from Rivendell, tell me where is Gandalf?"

Galadriel's eyes, which had before been cast down from the fellowship, met with Aragorn's and then Rosa's.

"For I much desire to speak with him...I can no longer see him from afar."

"Gandalf the grey did not pass the borders of this land, he has fallen into shadow."

Rosa had to bite her lip to keep from gasping, Galadriel's voice was the same one that had spoken in her mind, and also in the rest of the fellowships if she had to guess. Legolas looked up, "He was both taken by shadow and flame, a Balrog of Morogth. For we went needlessly into the net of Moria"

At his words, Gimli lowered his head in sadness.

"Needless were none of the deeds of Gandalf in life. We do not yet know his whole purpose," Galadriel turned her head to Gimli, "Do not let the great emptiness of Khazad-dûm fill your heart, Gimli son of Glóin."

Gimli looked up at her.

"For the world has grown full of peril. And in all lands, love is now mingled with grief," as she spoke her last words they were harsher, and her attention turned towards Boromir. He took on a pained expression, turning away from her sight as tears streamed down his face. Rosa side stepped over to him, hoping to remain unnoticed as she stood behind them all. Once she reached Boromir's side she reached out and took his hand in her's, it was her turn to comfort him, or at least that was her hope, but Boromir turned away from her and there was little she could do about it; his strength far outweighing her's.

"What now becomes of this fellowship? Without Gandalf, hope is lost."

Lost...just as you are.

"The quest stands upon the edge of a knife. Stray but a little and it will fail to the ruin of all."

Rosa was getting tired of this doom and gloom attitude, weren't they in this forest for help? I think we already noticed that luck isn't on our side, thank you.

Rosa was lost in her thoughts as the conversation continued on, she did her best to stay hidden in the back, she knew that Galadriel could speak in her mind and Rosa was not looking forward to anything she had to say.

Yet you must listen, Rosa...For you do not know the danger that lurks in your past.

Rosa looked up to find Galadriel's eyes boring into her own.

Those dangers will find you, you will put the others in great peril should you stay.

When they finished speaking Rosa was the first to start walking away, thankful that Galadriel didn't speak to her again. Once they were back on the ground the hobbits settled down to rest, Rosa could hear the elves singing. Their voices were silky and should have been soothing, but the way their words floated hauntingly through the air unsettled Rosa, it was as if they carried sadness with them and Rosa didn't think she could handle much more of it.

Rosa smiled when she heard Sam add a verse about Gandalf's fireworks, she liked Sam. He led himself with his heart and was the most loyal person she had ever seen. It was reassuring to know that Sam would stay by Frodo for the rest of his journey.

"Oh, that doesn't do them justice not by a long road."

She turned herself away from the group, seeing Boromir off by himself, sitting on a great root. She stood and walked over slowly, careful to not let him see or hear her until she was sitting down next to him. He looked up at her but said nothing.

"You know I think we're safe here, you should rest. It's been a long day."

Boromir looked weary and sad, his eyes darker than usual, "I will find no rest here. I heard her voice inside my head. She spoke of my father and the fall of Gondor. She said to me, 'Even now, there is hope left.' But I cannot see it. It is long since we had any hope."

Rosa placed her hand on Boromir's but after a moment he pulled away again, strike two...

"My father is a noble man, but his rule is failing. And now our… our people lose faith. He looks to me to make things right and I — I would do it. I would see the glory of Gondor restored."

Rosa gave him the smallest of smiles, he looked handsome when he spoke of his city, like a fond friend that he wished to see again. His eyes took on a brighter green as his lips twitched up into a smile. Her mind wandered to her own city for a while, but she did not think of it as a home the way Boromir clearly thought of his.

"Have you ever seen it? The White Tower of Ecthelion, glimmering like a spike of pearl and silver. Its banners caught high in the morning breeze. Have you ever been called home by the clear ringing of silver trumpets?"

"I have not," Boromir started to turn away from her, "But...maybe..you could show it to me sometime?" She looked at his back with pleading eyes, as if she could will him to turn back towards her and she smiled when he did.

"One day, our paths will lead us there," he smiled in return, "and I would be honored to show you my city."

As they spoke Boromir and Rosa inched closer to each other, she would ask him all sorts of questions about his home, where his favorite place to go was, and the first time he had left, if he missed it, and Boromir would answer each with growing enthusiasm as she asked them. Rosa was surprised to find that she really enjoyed just talking to him, and he was smarter than he looked. At first glance one would think him more brawn than brain, but he was no idiot.

"Where is your home?" Boromir abruptly asked. Rosa tensed.

"I don't have a home," she stated sadly, "I was an orphan, taken in by a family at a very young age. My mother died by the time I was six and my father passed away some years ago. Though they weren't my biological parents, they took care of me as best they could and I love them dearly for it."

"I'm sorry for your loss," Boromir said solemnly.

"Thank you, but I've had many years to mourn them and though I miss them, I'm fine now."

Boromir nodded and Rosa felt a small bit of relief that he didn't pry for more information, she didn't know what she would tell him. Gandalf and Elrond had advised against telling others of her world and she didn't want to lie.

"Thank you for speaking with me, setting my mind at ease in this place," Boromir said, looking around. He looked restless.

Rosa smiled at him, "It was my pleasure," she said nearly laughing at how ridiculous she thought she sounded. He smiled in return.

"I heard her too. Galadriel, that is. She called my name, said she had answers to my questions...that I must listen, even if I don't want to. That there are — are dangers in my past," dangers that will get you all killed... Rosa said quietly, glancing at him from under her lashes.

Boromir looked at her, curious, "What questions?"

"I don't really know..." Rosa looked off into the distance, shaking her head. Instinctively, Rosa looked up at the stars, they always gave her comfort. She didn't know why but they felt familiar, safe. She leaned back with her arms behind her, using her hands to prop her up. The stars are shining brighter tonight...

Rosa felt Boromir's hand cover her own, she glanced down at it, then up at him, "Boromir, I-

After a moment Boromir's smile faded a little, he reached forward and pulled the hood from her head. Her breath hitched in her throat. Hesitantly, he pushed her hair back from her face and Rosa sat, frozen before him. His eyes studied her and she leaned in slightly. After what felt like a century he said, "Rosa you're...you're glowing."

His fingers brushed gently against her cheek and she shivered, "I'm what?!"


She took off running through the forest, dashing between trees and dodging branches. Her heart thundered in her chest, she was going to be sick. Her whole life she had always wondered who she was, who her parents were, why the left her. Now that she knew, Rosa felt her world spin out of control.

Her feet pounded against the ground as she pushed herself further and further. When she finally came crashing to a stop she felt the contents of her stomach rebel. Rosa collapsed to her knees and crawled away. Letting the tears flow down her cheeks, she looked up at the stars.

Rosa…

"No!" she yelled.

Rosa you cannot run from who you are.

Galadriel's voice echoed in her mind and Rosa struggled to stand, mindlessly carrying herself further and further away.

You cannot run from your fate.

~Two hours earlier~

"I'm what?!"

"You're glowing," Boromir said, a little surer of his words.

Out of the corner of her eye, Rosa saw Galadriel appear. She stood tall, a regal air about her as she strode forward with her white dress trailing behind her. Her gaze turned slowly to fall on Rosa.

Follow me…

Rosa stood, her hand slowly slipping from Boromir's. Concerned, he watched her leave but did not rise to follow. Whatever Galadriel spoke in Rosa's mind was for her only and he would not intrude. His eyes flickered down to her hand which still lay in his, she had paused to look back at him. Thoughtlessly his thumb was caressing the back of her hand, which was much softer than his own. She smiled at him before taking another step forward, turning away. He leaned forward not wanting to let her hand go but moments later her fingertips slipped from his hand and he leaned back again, laying down against the stone. Boromir's eyes wandered through the stars as he heard the crunch of the leaves telling him that Rosa moved further from him. He felt his heartbeat slow, though he hadn't even noticed that it picked up pace to begin with.

Rosa walked slowly behind Galadriel, she wasn't certain where Galadriel was leading her but she felt the same ominous chill settle over her. Shivering she pulled the cloak tighter and picked up her pace. Galadriel had a calamity that Rosa found herself envious of. Her life had been completely out of her hands for some time, lacking a sense of control that she desperately needed. Hopefully Galadriel would provide that answers that she sought.

"Where are we going?"

Silence followed her question and Rosa did not bother asking again. Instead her eyes wandered to the forest around them. Each tree spiraled up into the sky, growing thicker and higher than any other trees Rosa had ever seen. Their color was rich and glowed with the light of the stars, Rosa wasn't sure which was more amazing the forest, or the elves that lived within it. Each elf that she saw was a perfect specimen, they were tall and fair. Moving with a swift gracefulness that only elves seemed to possess. Their hair fell down past their shoulders within braids or as straight, sleek strands. Though for all their beauty and grace they looked cold and unfeeling as their eyes watched her, pale and unrevealing.

They continued walking further and downhill until they reached an opening that held nothing more than a stone basin and tall pitcher.

"Will you look into the mirror?"

'I must. Just as you must look into the mirror.'

Rosa looked from Galadriel's pale blue eyes to the shimmering surface of the water. With growing tension she stepped forward, standing at the edge of the mirror. Galadriel took the pitcher and poured water into the basin. Rosa focused on the surface watching the ripples tear through the water's stillness but as she continued to stare into it, the water no longer held the reflection of the night sky but instead a fire bright with flames of creation.

The images danced in her eyes, showing Rosa the same memories that plagued her nightmares. She watched a broken Rosa weep over the body of her dead fiancé and a happy Rosa laugh with joy as he swept her up into his arms, but soon the images were no longer her memories.

"What are you doing Melkor?" Varda asked, venom in her tone.

He turned swiftly towards her, his dark cloak sweeping across the floor behind him, "Morogth is my name now," he spat back. His eyes, once just as stunning as the rest of him, now darkened with the evil that he had become. They traveled from her face to her stomach and back again, a foul grin spreading across his face.

She distrusted him, and always had. It had been many years since Melkor had betrayed the rest of the Valar, always causing disharmony within their works, trying to overcome the good in Arda. Since then he had corrupted the elves, turning them into monsters...into orcs.

With time the other elves that had awoken were found and though she wept for those they lost, she became close to remaining elves quickly, and they named her Elbereth Gilthoniel, Queen of the stars. She was, out of all the valar, the dearest to the elves, and them in turn most dear to her. But Varda had become closer to one elf in particular, Finwë, High King of the Ñoldor, and with time she grew to love him. Just as Finwë's love for her grew beyond the love that all elves shared for her. This was no surprise being that Varda was the most beautiful of all the Valar, glowing with the light of Ilúvatar: the god and creator of all Arda.

Though their love for each other was great, it was kept secret for a union between Valar and Elves was forbidden. Eventually it came time for Finwë and the other elves to leave Valinor and return to Middle Earth. Varda was saddened by this but kept quiet for she knew it was best for him and the others. They said their farewell and that was the end to it, as far as Finwë knew.

Now Varda did her best to not let her feelings show, but she had a secret that only one other knew...

Varda stood taller, stepping directly in front of him preparing herself for a fight, "Leave, Melkor."

His eyes narrowed to deadly slits but he did not advance, "As you wish..."

She watched Melkor walk away, a growing feeling of wariness in her body. Her hand rose protectively to her stomach and she kept her guard up until she was sure he was gone. It wouldn't be long now, in just a few short weeks Varda would bring her child into the world.

...

When the time finally came for her to give birth, Varda hid herself away, with the help of one of her dearest friends, Valainistima. Her labor extended throughout the night until the stars were at their brightest in the sky. The moon shown bright in the sky, was just over head as Valainistima brought Varda her freshly cleaned child. Though just born the baby girl had a full head of hair and bright blue eyes. Her beauty following after her mother, with the same bright glow of Eru's light.

Varda smiled at her beautiful child and Valainistima asked, "What shall you name her?"

"Merilwen." (Rose.)

The moment of happiness did not last, for when Varda looked up in the sky she could see Melkor's mischief. The moon slowly turn a dark blood red and the sky crackled, threatening a storm. Weary from the labor Varda could not stand so she gave her child to Valainistima, "Please protect her."

Valainistima ran as fast as shook could but it did not matter, Melkor found still found her. Hidden in a grove Valainistima hid Merilwen and stood defiantly in front of Melkor. However she was lucky, Melkor was not concerned with Valainistima and only shoved her aside. He picked up the child, holding it tenderly, as a sickening smile crept across his face, "Tarienelle." (Little Princess). Varda would pay for the trouble she had caused him and now he knew exactly how.

He set Merilwen back upon the stone and as he raised his hand in the air Varda stumbled in, her voice portraying the strength and bravery that her body lacked, "Do not touch her!"

He paused his movements for only a second but it was long enough for Varda, with her remaining strength she let the words pass through her lips, "Vara tel' Seldarine."

Melkor spun back to glare at her with a growing ferocity, "A protection spell?" he spat. Varda knew what she did was a large risk, Melkor could even kill her now if he wished but it did not matter now that she knew he could not harm her child.

He ground his teeth but was not through, he lifted his hand again about Merilwen, Varda dove forward but he easily knocked her back. She would not die but neither was she strong enough to stop him.

"Thanga yassen temple lle, Tarienelle, lanta kaima val."

Varda lifted herself to her knees, "It will never work, you cannot harm her," she crawled towards her child, wrapping her arms around her.

Melkor grinned, "Oh but my sweet Varda, I won't be harming her. She will never die. I have cursed her to forever live mortal lives. When she dies, she will be born again as a mortal but in a world far out of your reach, you will never find your precious daughter," he drew out his last words, his voice filled with disdain for the Halfling child. He took Merilwen from her arms and as he did Merilwen's glow faded, her eyes lessening to a dark blue and the bright glow of her hair faded to a dark brown.

Varda watched as Melkor vanished into the night, too weak to follow she collapsed on the ground. Feeling broken and alone, she wept.

Suddenly the grove was filled with light and deep but gentle voice called to Varda, "By the end of the blood moon the curse will be fulfilled. When she dies, Merilwen will be taken to a new world, to forever live her life as a mortal, but I will not forsake you, my child. I will grant her the power to return to this world if she should discover it herself."

"But how will she ever be able to discover it if she does not know of it?"

"You will be able to watch over her, through your gift," he made a gesture at the stars with his hand, "and speak with Merilwen through her dreams. Each life will allow you the chance to help her find this," he handed her a leather bound book, 254 Librum Arcanum.

Varda smiled up at Eru, "Are you not angry with me, father?"

Eru merely smiled down on her, "All living beings are my children, whom I love. Your child shall be no different." With that he, and the book, vanished.

Valainistima stirred, slowly coming to consciousness. When fully aware, she crawled over to Varda, "I'm so sorry, Elbereth, I was unable to protect her."

Varda smiled at her, gently caressing her cheek, "What you did was more than enough, my friend. But I must leave, return to my people. Promise me something Vala?"

"Yes?"

"Should my daughter ever return, you must promise to protect her and treat her with kindness."

"I will, Elbereth, but how will I know her?"

"When night falls and the stars are at their brightest, she will glow with the light of Eru, just as she did when she was born."

As the scene came to an end Rosa gasped, feeling as though she were choking, her eyes never moving from the silver mirror. The waters faded from showing her mother and Valainistima to Rosa's own reflection. She stared back into her strikingly bright blue eyes, that were just months ago the familiar dark blue of the evening sky. Her hair, that had always been a dull brown, nearly black, was now streaked with warmer golden browns and had a silky shine to it. Her skin was glowing just as Boromir said, as Rosa stared at the stranger in the water she felt her world crumble around her.

"Wha…

Rosa stumbled back from the basin, nearly falling, "What am I?!"


To be continued...

...So...Good? ...Okay? ...Never write a story again, this was horrible!? Should I continue?

Well, you wanted to know why she glowed...so there you have it! Now I would love to know what you think of the chapter...and I shall be nervously huddling in the corner, constantly pressing the refresh button until someone reviews. Have a lovely day, my wonderful readers!