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"Aragorn!" Legolas called out and stopped in his tracks when Ruth, whom he was caring on his back, coughed violently.
Everyone stopped and turned around while Aragorn frowned and ran over to Legolas and Ruth.
They had entered the outskirts of the Lórien forest and they were hoping that they had already caught the attention of the Elves.
"Boromir, help me put him down!" Boromir ran over and he and Aragorn lowered Ruth down on the ground. Legolas immediately kneeled so that they could place Ruth's head on his knees.
Aragorn took in Ruth's pale complexion and the traces of blood on his lips. "Damn it. His condition is getting worse," he muttered and unwrapped the improvised bandage to look at Ruth's wound.
"That looks bad," Boromir winced.
The Hobbits were around Gimli who looked around in discomfort. Aragorn took his flask and washed the wound to the best of his abilities, glancing up when Ruth moaned in pain and woke up.
"Aragorn?" Ruth stuttered out in a whisper, and Aragorn leaned closer. Ruth's eyes were milky green, the veins that spread from where the small pieces of the staff had imbedded themselves grew lighter in color and spread to under Ruth's hair and down his neck, contrasting sharply with chalk white skin.
"I'm here, Ruth. We'll get help for you soon," Aragorn said and glanced at Legolas who was about to say something but was stopped by Boromir's fearful exclamation.
"Ruth!" Boromir called when Ruth started to convulse in a coughing fit, and with Legolas' and Aragorn's help he turned Ruthímiel on his side.
"He's fading," Aragorn whispered despairingly.
"It would be great if someone could run forward. Night is about to fall, and the Orcs will catch up with us quickly. We cannot stop for another night," Legolas muttered. Ruth calmed slowly, and Boromir moved to pick him up.
"W-wait..." Ruth whispered between deep, raspy breaths.
"What is it?" Boromir glanced to where Ruth was looking and saw a small hedgehog sniffing Ruth's leg.
"Ruth..."
"He is- he is in Lórien..." Ruth blurted out as the hedgehog climbed his leg and settled on his stomach to sniff at his shivering hand, while the other three tried to make sense of his words.
Who is in Lórien?
"Go, little one. Tell him - tell him we need help," Ruth whispered. The hedgehog lifted his head, puffed loudly and then ran off faster than anyone thought was possible for a hedgehog.
"What was - Ruth!" Aragorn's question was forgotten when Ruth's head rolled back and eyes closed.
"We must hurry!" Legolas pressed out and Boromir stood up with Ruth in his arms.
"What's wrong?" Pippin asked with fear written all over his young face.
"Ruth is getting worse. The athelas plant only slowed the poisoning, and it seems the pieces of the staff that are under his skin are further harming him as well," Aragorn spoke as they ran deeper into the forest.
The sun was getting increasingly closer to the horizon and for some reason they feared that the closer it got to setting that much closer they were to losing Ruth.
Something caught Aragorn's eye and he looked up with a frown. "Did you see that, Legolas?"
"Yes. The Elves of Lórien are following us!" the Elf answered, hope tinting his voice.
They were forced to stop when with a flash of thunder a hunched figure appeared in front of them. When the brown clad man raised his head, the Fellowship felt a surge of pain pass through their hearts, for they were suddenly and quite painfully reminded of Gandalf.
"Don't be afraid. I am Radagast the Brown," he said and everyone practically sagged in relief.
One by one, Elves jumped down from high branches and soon enough they were surrounded.
"Please, can you help him?!" Boromir cried out before anyone could move and fell to his knees several feet in front of Radagast whose eyes widened in shock and horror.
"Ruthímiel!" cried the Brown Wizard and fell to his knees in front of Boromir who placed the fallen Istar on the ground, and Radagast immediately started to inspect Ruth's prone form.
"Can you help him?" Sam voiced weakly what every member of the Fellowship has been thinking.
"Not here," Radagast whimpered as he took a better look at the wound in Ruth's thigh, mumbling something unintelligible into his chin. "Sebastian did tell me that Ruth is in a bad condition, but not this bad. We must get him to Caras Galadhon. I shall need help with him."
"But Caras Galadhon is far!" Legolas said, and fear spread through the Fellowship.
"Then we shall carry him." A tall, proud Elf separated from the group and relief appeared on Aragorn's and Legolas' faces.
"Haldir!" The Man and the Elf exclaimed in relief and Haldir gifted them with a small smile which vanished when he looked at the two Istari.
"He needs help as soon as he can get it," Boromir spoke, trying to stop his voice from wavering, but failing horribly, although no one needed to hear him to see that the Son of Gondor feared for the Green Istar's life.
"Then I shall personally carry him to my Lady's Healing House," Haldir promised and Boromir bowed in thanks.
The tall, blonde Elf approached them and kneeled beside Ruth, eyes widening for the smallest of bits, but what surprised most gathered people was the way Haldir raised a hand and gently brushed a strand of Ruth's raven hair, matted with crusted blood, away from the pale face.
"He is fading into the Shadow already," Haldir commented quietly, sharing a glance with Boromir before turning to Aragorn. "How long has it been since he was injured?"
"Almost two days," Aragorn said and Haldir's eyes widened. "We ran without pause since we got out of the Mines of Moria, but had to find shelter during the night. We continued our journey here with dawn in hope that you could save his life." Haldir nodded and without another word scooped Ruth's lax body into his strong arms.
Radagast stood up and gently caressed Ruth's cheek when his head lolled to the side to rest on Haldir's chest.
The Green Wizard looked so small and vulnerable in the tall Elf's arms, so fragile that it broke the hearts of all who knew him and heard of him.
"I'll follow you on my sledge," Radagast spoke to Haldir who nodded and turned to the Elves of Lothlórien.
"Rumil, you and your men will bring the Fellowship to Caras Galadhon. Orophin, position your men along the borders."
The addressed Elves nodded their heads and half of them was gone before the Fellowship could blink.
Haldir took a better hold of Ruth and looked down when the Istar moaned in pain, his heart aching at the sight of the trembling figure curling closer to him in search of Haldir's warmth.
"Take care of him," Aragorn pleaded and Haldir nodded, gifting Aragorn with a reassuring smile.
"He survived this long. He is a strong one," Haldir said and looked at Radagast. "Tol." (Come) The Brown Istar turned around and disappeared from sight quickly while Haldir spared one last glance for Aragorn. "We shall meet later," he spoke and followed after Radagast in a quick stride quickly disappearing from sight.
"Can they save, Ruth?" Pippin asked. He, Merry, Frodo and Sam stood together, looking frightened and weary.
"Brother will bring the Istar to our Lady," spoke Rumil, apparently completely certain of his words if his proud stance was anything to go by. "There is no doubt in my heart that Calenim'othar will survive."
"Calenim'othar?" Frodo asked with a confused frown, looking to Aragorn and Legolas for an explanation.
"It means Green Paladin in the language of Lórien Elves," Legolas spoke while Rumil nodded in confirmation.
"We have heard many stories of Ruthímiel the Green from Master Radagast. Calenim'othar is the name he is known for here in Lothlórien," Rumil spoke, receiving understanding nods from the Fellowship. "Come now. You are now in the Forest of Lórien. Soon you will be able to rest."
While Aragorn and Legolas summoned the Hobbits closer, Gimli walked over to Boromir who was still kneeling in the same place where he fell with Ruth earlier, looking at his bloody hands.
"Come, Boromir," Gimli spoke, placing a comforting hand on Boromir's back. "Ruth will want us there when he wakes up. You know he worries more about us than himself."
Boromir looked at the Dwarf and then at the rest of the Fellowship. Aragorn and Legolas nodded at the Son of Gondor, and Boromir's a spark of hope appeared in Boromir's heart. He looked at the hopeful and tired faces of the Hobbits and nodded, doing his best to smile. "You're right," he said. "Let's go."
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The Fellowship had been left breathless when they had entered the city of Caras Galadhon. Night had already fallen, and the lights which reminded them of stars shone down upon them with an ethereal glow.
"No matter how many times I have entered this city its beauty does not cease to amaze me," Aragorn whispered and Boromir nodded in agreement although Aragorn couldn't see him.
"What say you, Master Dwarf?" Legolas asked and Gimli glanced at Legolas with a low grumble making Legolas smile, deciding against teasing the Dwarf.
"It's beautiful," Pippin and Merry spoke together while Frodo and Sam continued to look around.
"8 are here, but 10 there were that set out from Rivendell."
They turned swiftly and all besides Aragorn gaped at the royal Elf that descended down the stairs.
Aragorn bowed at the Elf who nodded at the Numenórean, thin, pale lips tilting into the smallest of smiles. "Lord Celeborn," Aragorn whispered. "One of ours should have arrived earlier with Haldir and Master Radagast," he swallowed over the lump of pain in his throat and the rest of the Fellowship bowed their heads, "Gandalf has been lost to us at the bridge of Khazad-dum."
Celeborn's eyes filled with sadness, and it seemed as though the very light which seemed to radiate from the white trees of Lothlórien dimmed at the terrible news. "I see," spoke the Lord of Lórien mournfully. "Indeed, the young Istar is in the Houses of Healing with Master Radagast and my Lady Galadriel."
"Is he well?" Merry stepped out.
"Can we see him?" Pippin followed suit, but both froze in their places when Celeborn's endlessly blue eyes settled on them. They took a deep breath when a small, understanding smile decorated the Elf's ethereal face.
"Calm your hearts. First you shall rest." Celeborn's prideful head tilted to the side, eyes glimmering wisely as the Fellowship nodded in hesitant acceptance. He could feel the pain and sorrow among them and see the fear and weariness in their hearts, and he could not hold it against them that they wanted to see one of their own they had almost lost. "Don't let your hearts be troubled." He looked at each one of them with a kind smile. "Go now and rest, for you are weary with toil and much sorrow. Tonight you shall sleep in peace," he said and Aragorn, Legolas and Boromir bowed their heads in thanks.
"Forgive me my insolence," Boromir spoke and Celeborn looked at him, allowing the Son of Gondor to speak with a slight nod, "but I desire to at least see Ruthímiel before I am able to rest."
Celeborn took a good look at him and Boromir breathed in a sharp breath when he felt a warm caress against his brow. "Come with me then, Boromir of Gondor. You shall have your wish fulfilled," Celeborn said and Boromir breathed a sigh of relief.
"I shall bring you news of his condition," he said to Aragorn and the Numenórean nodded with a gleam of gratefulness in gray eyes. Boromir smiled at Legolas, Gimli and the Hobbits and followed after Celeborn who was waiting for him at the top of the stairs.
"Come," Aragorn addressed his remaining friends. "I doubt you wish to sleep up in the trees. I shall take you to where I used to camp when I was in Lothlórien." He made his way down one of the stairways knowing that the others were following him.
In the silence reigning over them, they couldn't miss the sad, mournful song carried by the light, warm breeze dancing through the high canopies of the white trees, pale lights shining like stars against the darkness of the heavens above them.
"What is that song?" Frodo asked.
Legolas looked at the Ring-bearer with sadness darkening baby-blue eyes, and he swallowed difficultly turning the pained gaze from Frodo as pain surged through the proud Elf's heart. "A Lament for Mithrandir," he spoke in a tight, quiet voice. "A Lament for Gandalf the Gray."
"Can you tell us what they say?" Gimli asked and Legolas offered him a small, apologetic smile.
"Ar abelas," (I'm sorry) Legolas apologized and looked at the ground in front of himself. "I have not the heart to tell you. For me the grief is still too near."
Everyone bowed their heads, and Aragorn placed a hand on Frodo's shoulder, attracting the Hobbit's attention. "I am not the best of translators," apologized the Ranger and everyone looked at him with hope, "but I can try to translate it for you."
Frodo smiled at Aragorn and the rest of the Fellowship looked at their leader with gazes of gratefulness. "Please do, Aragorn," Frodo asked, and the Dúnedain took a deep, heavy breath.
"Olórin, who once was sent by the Lords of the West to guard the lands of the East. Wisest of all Maiar; what drove you to leave that which you loved? Mithrandir, Mithrandir, O Pilgrim Grey, no more will you wonder the green fields of this earth. Your journey has ended in darkness. The bonds cut, the spirit broken, The Flame of Anor has left this World. A great light has gone out."
Aragorn's voice broke more times than he cared to count, but not one member of the Fellowship minded. The Hobbits were silently crying, Gimli was muttering a prayer in his tongue, and Legolas had his head bowed and eyes closed, keeping his grief in his heart.
Aragorn took a deep breath and looked at the sky with tear filled eyes. Please. I have never asked anything of you, but now I do. Take not Ruthímiel from us. I beg of you. Grant him life.
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"He is in here," Celeborn said and moved aside a curtain that separated one of the rooms at the House of Healing from the great hall. Boromir swallowed, suddenly afraid to enter. He looked at his hands and clothes, noting the dried blood and dirt, hesitating to walk into the room.
A hand on his shoulder made Boromir look up and he came face to face with Haldir whose clothes were in much the same state as his. "Worry not, son of Gondor," said the proud Elf and his silvery gray eyes looked deep in Boromir's. "You may enter."
Boromir looked at Celeborn who nodded with an encouraging smile, and Boromir took a deep breath before slowly entering the room. Immediately his eyes met orbs of the clearest blue he had ever seen.
The one Boromir assumed was the Lady of Lothlórien smiled at him in welcome. She was sitting at the head of the bed with Ruth's head in her lap. Ruth had been cleaned and he already seemed somewhat better. At least his breathing seemed to be lighter.
'Fear not, Boromir of Gondor,' her voice echoed through his mind and brought peace to his weary hear, 'the Green Istar will be alright.'
"Come," she spoke aloud and Boromir walked over to the bed. He kneeled beside it and caressed Ruth's cheek with all the gentleness of the world.
He noticed that the veins that were black before now adopted a silvery sheen, and almost melted into Ruth's skin. At the beginning of each vein there appeared to be an incredibly small pearl, unnoticeable if one didn't look closely enough.
Galadriel noticed what Boromir has been looking at and showed at Ruth's hand which rested on his stomach. "We didn't know what to make of these," she said and Boromir took a closer look.
"When he and - and Gandalf fought Balrog, his staff was destroyed," Boromir explained, licking dry lips as he covered one pale hand with his bigger, warmer one. "Small pieces imbedded themselves in his skin. We had no way of taking them out." Galadriel nodded and Boromir looked at her, eyes dark with fear. "The poison..."
"Is gone," She said and smiled tenderly. "Calenim'othar is a strong man. He fought the poison for as long as he could. He shall recover."
"What about his staff?"
Galadriel looked at Ruth and gently traced the silvery veins that branched from their starting points on Ruth's arms and a few that were close to his heart, but before she could answer a voice sounded through the room saying "Once an Istar's staff is broken, he loses his powers."
Boromir jumped to his feet and looked at Radagast who stood in the doorway with Haldir, with his head bowed.
"What?" Boromir asked weakly.
"That may not be the case with Ruthímiel," Galadriel said and all three men looked at her. She placed her hand over Ruth's heart and closed her eyes. "There is still much power in him. He is different from any other Istar I have ever met. His powers come from his heart, not from an outer source."
"That may be why he survived for so long," Haldir said and entered the room. Galadriel nodded and Boromir let go of a relieved sigh.
"Thank you," he whispered and looked in Galadriel's eyes. "I thank you with all my heart, all that I am. Ruth has..." Boromir swallowed difficultly and squeezed his eyes tightly shut. "He has become like a brother to me. I wouldn't bear losing him," he finally managed to say and Galadriel's eyes glimmered with understanding.
"You would have been lost to the Shadow had he chosen against joining the Fellowship. He has changed to course of Destiny with his deeds," she spoke in a slightly deeper voice, turning her wise gaze back to Ruth's sleeping form.
Boromir breathed a sigh of relief, mind finally finding a semblance of ease, and shoulders straightening for the smallest of bits. "I would like to rejoin the Fellowship. I need to bring them the good news."
Galadriel nodded with a smile. "I shall take you to them," she said. "Radagast?"
The Istar rushed over and gently raised Ruth so that Galadriel could stand up.
"Master Radagast, you must rest. You have arrived to Lothlórien barely three candle marks ago. I shall go and change and then I shall take over your wake," Haldir said, and Radagast nodded gratefully while Boromir bowed at the Lothlórien Elf in thanks.
Neither if the three had noticed the mysterious, almost mischievous smile which graced the Lady's full, pale lips, enchanting eyes glimmering with concealed amusement. "Come, Boromir. Your company waits for news," she said and the two left after Boromir cast one last glance at Ruth.
Haldir hesitated at the door, eyes seemingly stuck on Ruth's sleeping form, and Radagast looked at the Elf with a confused expression. "Is everything alright, Lord Haldir?"
Haldir blinked, as though awakening from a trance, gaze meeting Radagast's questioning eyes. "Something is pulling me to his side," Haldir answered honestly and Radagast looked at Ruth, his eyes softening and filling with grandfatherly love.
"There is something about him, isn't there?" Radagast murmured lovingly, brushing gentle fingers through long raven locks, glancing up when Haldir hummed dismissively.
"I shall return swiftly," Haldir muttered and left, leaving Radagast alone with Ruth.
The elderly Istar sighed and pulled a chair from the other side of the room over to the bed, taking a seat in it and resting back with a huff. He placed a hand on Ruth's and gently rubbed callused fingers against Ruth's incredibly and surprisingly soft skin, concentrating on the silvery veins, the new addition to Ruth's beauty, for they took none of it, only added to the Green Istar's ethereal existence with their moonlight-like shine.
Radagast gently passed over one thin vein with his thumb and silently wondered how there was no difference between touching Ruth's skin and the veins.
Hearing a quiet moan, Radagast looked up in time to see Ruth frown before slowly shifting under the soft duvet. "Gandalf…" Ruth whispered and Radagast's heart broke.
"Rest easily, child," he whispered and brushed Ruth's bangs away from his face. Ruth shivered and Radagast stood up.
He gently raised the hand that was resting on Ruth's stomach and pulled the blanket up to Ruth's chin. Looking around the room Radagast saw that there were no additional blankets lying around, so he took off his (for once clean) coat and covered Ruth with it, hoping it would grant the sleeping Wizard more warmth.
"Radagast?"
The Brown Istar almost jumped out of his skin when the weak whisper broke the silence of the room. "Ruth!" he looked at the younger Istar's face. Ruth's eyes were barely open but he was awake.
"What-..."
"Do not speak, child," Radagast soothed tenderly and gently patted Ruth's head, brushing the raven hair back. "You were in grave danger, and you need to recover."
Ruth gave Radagast a minute nod and almost immediately went back to sleep.
Radagast smiled and took a seat, breathing a sigh of relief.
He would be fine.
Ruthímiel would be just fine.
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Aragorn was the first to see Galadriel and Boromir descending down the stairs to the place the Fellowship chose for their camp. "Boromir is back!" he called out, and immediately the rest of his company gathered around him.
They breathed a collective sigh of relief at the sight of Boromir walking straight, shoulders no longer weighed down by weariness and fear.
Galadriel smiled at them when she and Boromir had come to a stop in front of the Fellowship. "It is good to see you again, Ellesar," she spoke in greeting and Aragorn bowed at her, while Galadriel turned to Legolas, the Prince of Mirkwood bowing in a show of respect and honor. "Although Mithrandir's demise weighs down on us we bare you good news."
Everyone perked up at that and looked at Boromir who nodded with a small smile. "Ruth is going to be alright."
The Fellowship practically cheered at that, and Galadriel laughed slightly. "He is strong," she said. "You were quick to bring him here."
"Had Haldir and Master Radagast not arrived we wouldn't have made it," Aragorn said and Boromir nodded in agreement, eyes darkening for a moment before he remembered that Ruth would be alright, and that there was no sense in lingering.
"I wouldn't be so sure," Galadriel spoke, lips tilted in a small mischievous smile, "for as it appeared to me when I first saw him that he was fighting the poison with all his might. His mind has been focused on staying alive because of his promise to all of you."
In that moment Gimli, Aragorn and Boromir laughed heartily, Legolas bowed his head, chuckling into his chin and shaking the prideful head while Hobbits stared at them in complete confusion unable to figure out what had them laughing at Lady Galadriel's words.
"I can't believe him." Aragorn heavily took a seat on the nearest root, elbows resting on parted knees and face hidden in trembling hands.
"Even when his life is in danger he thinks of protecting others," Legolas muttered, smiling fondly at the thought of their raven haired Wizard.
"Have you expected anything less from him?" Boromir drawled with a relieved smile.
"So he will be alright?" Frodo asked and Galadriel looked at him. She smiled and tilted her head to the side with what was similar to relief on her face.
"Yes. He will be alright." She nodded and the Hobbit sighed in relief while Lady Galadriel looked around and gifted at them all with a calm smile. "Rest now," she spoke. "Your hearts, minds and bodies need to recover. Tomorrow is another day. Tomorrow we shall talk," with that she turned around and all but slid up the stairs.
She wasn't even out of hearing range when the Hobbits, particularly Merry, Sam and Pippin all but jumped on Boromir.
"Is it true?"
"Will he really be alright?"
"Was he awake?"
"Did he say anything?"
"Easy!" Boromir called through laughter, not even knowing who was asking what because the Hobbits' voice overlapped in their excitement, neither able to wait to have their question answered. . "Yes, it is true. He will be alright. No, he wasn't awake and he didn't say anything, but his breathing got better and he isn't so sickly white anymore. Although..."
"Although what?" Frodo asked and stepped forward, and worry had yet again gripped their hearts at Boromir's hesitation.
"Those veins..." He muttered, making everyone frown as Boromir bowed his head, but the expression Boromir carried had them more curious than truly worried. "They have turned almost silver and all but melted into his skin. You need to get really close to really see, but the places where the pieces of his staff imbedded themselves in look like pearls not bigger than a grain of fine sand."
The Fellowship exchanged worried glances.
"What did lady Galadriel say? Did she comment on that?" Aragorn asked and Boromir shook his head.
"Master Radagast commented that once an Istar's staff has been broken the Istar looses his powers, but Lady Galadriel said that Ruth is different." The Fellowship all but sagged in relief. "She said that Ruth's power came from within him, and not from an outside source."
"Honestly? I care little for that," Legolas said and took a seat beside Aragorn. "He will be well. That is all that matters."
"For once, I completely agree with you," Gimli muttered and everyone laughed.
"Will we be allowed to see him?" Pippin asked, looking hopefully at the Gondorian.
"I have no doubt that lady Galadriel will allow us to visit him tomorrow," Aragorn said. "For now we must rest." Nodding in agreement the Fellowship split up while Aragorn turned to Boromir. "I've prepared your sleeping bag."
"Thank you," Boromir spoke gratefully and the Numenórean answered with a slight smile.
It didn't take long for the Fellowship to settle, and the peace of the Lórien forest lulled them quickly into sleep, their hearts - although weighed down by the loss of Gandalf - lighter still with the knowledge that Ruthímiel would be well.
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Haldir stood up and bowed when Galadriel entered the room Ruthímiel rested in, although the Elf's gaze strayed to the sleeping form the moment Galadriel approached the bed.
"You are free to go, Haldir. I shall watch over him," Galadriel said and Haldir glanced at her licking dry lips and straightening his stance.
"There is no need for you to replace me, my Lady," he said. "I would not mind watching over him for a while longer."
Galadriel smiled for herself, knowing Haldir couldn't see her because his mercury orbs were focused on the sleeping Wizard. "You have been guarding our borders for days, Haldir," she spoke, keeping the mischievousness out of her voice. "You need rest as well."
Haldir hummed and thin eyebrows narrowed, and Galadriel suppressed a sigh, recognizing the state Haldir has fallen into but knowing that pointing it out would not bring them anywhere. Haldir would need to figure it out on his own.
"You will have time to observe him, Haldir," she said, managing to keep her tone leveled, although Haldir must have thought that something was strange about his behavior himself because when he looked at Galadriel his eyes were wide opened and those strong, wide shoulders tensed up only for him to slip into his emotionless persona not a second later, seeing his Lady raise an eyebrow at him.
"He will leave with the Fellowship," he answered, unable to keep his gaze away from Ruthímiel's closed eyes for long.
"No," Galadriel took a step closer to Haldir, "he will not be in a condition to travel so soon. The Fellowship needs to leave as quickly as possible. A lot is at stake. It is best for him to stay here and fully recover his strength."
Haldir frowned, head tilting forward, and something heavy gripped his heart. "So his condition has been worse than I had thought," he muttered and Galadriel hummed, rising her head.
"He has proved his strength when he held on for so long," she said and gazed at Haldir. "Whoever has his heart in keeping should be considered a lucky man," she dared to tease lightly, smirking when Haldir's eyebrows narrowed and hands fisted by his sides unconsciously.
"Have you seen anything, my Lady?" Haldir asked before he could stop himself, cursing in his mind and avoiding looking at the Lady whose knowing gaze he could feel even though she was out of his line of sight. "Excuse me," he bit out and left the room quickly, leaving Galadriel alone with the sleeping Wizard.
The Lady of Lórien sighed and shook her head. "Almost 3000 winters under his belt and he still fails to recognize the call of destiny," she spoke quietly before looking at Ruthímiel, smiling at the sight of Radagast's coat granting additional warmth to the sleeping Istar.
She walked over to the bed gently raising Ruth's head. Taking a seat against the headboard, she placed Ruthímiel's head in her lap, and started to brush her left hand through Ruth's messy fringe with motherly tenderness, sky blue eyes turning silver for a sliver of a moment before thin, pale lips tilted into a loving smile. "Tiliathe yathár," (beautiful child) she whispered and a warm wind danced through the room, ruffling her hair and bringing with it the scent of incense. Ruth sighed and leaned into her gentle touch, whatever remained of pain in the lines of his face disappearing as peace settled in the Green Wizard's heart. "Tem gem luth beth ráste bréth di kýrdith." (For once you shall find time to rest.)
"Ekhárthe?" he whispered and nuzzled his cheek against Galadriel's leg, drawing a loving smile to her lips as he calmed down and feel into restful sleep to Galadriel's gentle fingers playing with raven black locks.
"Vaiaré yathár," (sleep child) she whispered. "Vaiaré." Ruth sighed and all tension seeped out of his body. "Poéat Ekhárte obóernuth, Ruthímiel me Mírd." (Our Mother didn't forget you, Ruthímiel the Green.) Galadriel looked at the ceiling and sighed. "She is with you still, and she will finally grant you your heart's desire. You shall finally be loved."
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"Are we going to see Ruth now?" Pippin asked and Boromir laughed.
The Hobbits were told that after they cleaned up their camp they would be allowed to go and see Ruth and while the older members of the Fellowship were equally excited and wanting to see their friend, unlike the Hobbits, they weren't jumping in their places.
"Dear Valar, Peregrine!" Boromir sighed with a smile full of fondness. "If I ever have a child I hope they have half of your energy and enthusiasm."
"More than a half would be difficult to handle," Merry muttered and Pippin shot him a glare while the others laughed.
"Can we?" Pippin obviously decided against chasing Merry around and instead looked at Boromir with big eyes. Boromir looked at Aragorn and Legolas with pleading eyes, and the two shrugged while Gimli huffed, leaving Boromir alone to handle the hyperactive Hobbit. "Fine. Is everyone ready?" Boromir asked and the Hobbits grinned at him. Gimli and Aragorn chuckled and Legolas smirked.
"I see you are all well rested."
Everyone turned around to find Haldir standing several feet behind them, observing them with unreadable mercury silver eyes.
"Blessed morning, Haldir," Aragorn said and Haldir nodded, straightening his stance and clasping strong hands on the small of his back.
"Lady Galadriel and Master Radagast asked me to bring you to the Houses of Healing. The Green Istar is awake."
Excitement spread through the Fellowship, hope shining in their eyes at Haldir's words.
"Let's hurry to see him!" Merry and Pippin shouted and Haldir raised an eyebrow before he nodded and started to lead the way.
"Has the Lady said anything else?" Aragorn asked, falling in step with Haldir with Legolas and Boromir walking behind them while Gimli walked with the Hobbits trailing after them.
"She has said nothing, but Master Radagast asked me to warn you about something; it seems there is something different with the Green Istar."
Excitement quickly turned to worry.
"What changed?" Gimli asked and Haldir glanced at the Dwarf over a strong right shoulder.
"Apparently, the Green Istar's eyes have changed," he said just as they reached the House of Healing and entered. They walked over to the last room in the grand hall and Haldir stopped in front of the curtain serving as a door, turning around to face the Fellowship. "Another thing," he spoke in warning, "he is still weak. Do not upset him," with that Haldir bowed at everyone and quietly left, disappearing quickly down a stairway.
"What did he mean by 'his eyes changed'?" Sam asked glancing at Frodo before turning to the others.
"There is only one way to find out," Boromir said and pushed the curtain aside. "Good mo..." words got stuck in his throat when he laid eyes on Ruth, and Boromir stopped in his tracks making Aragorn and Legolas run into him and the rest of the Fellowship bumped into the three of them by extension.
Legolas and Aragorn looked over Boromir's shoulders and both found themselves speechless.
Ruth was sitting in his bed propped up by several pillows. His skin was creamy white and the veins could be seen only when the sun hit them right as nothing more than thin lines of a star-like shine. Raven black hair pooled around the slight frame accenting the pallor of his skin and the white shirt loosely hugging the Wizard's torso.
But his eyes…
Oh, his eyes.
Just a few days ago they were an enchanting emerald. Now they were absolutely out-worldly.
The outer edges of Ruth's irises were the color of pure emeralds but as they neared the pupil they grew increasingly lighter until they melted into moon-light silver which contrasted sharply with the black of the pupil.
"Hello," Ruth spoke in a weak, raspy voice, offering everyone a small, hesitant smile.
Radagast cleared his throat, stood up from the chair he has been sitting in and looked around uncomfortably. "I-I'll just leave you to talk then," he said and left the room after Aragorn, Legolas and Boromir entered.
They were followed by the rest of the Fellowship, who had suffered the same shock as the tallest among them once they had laid eyes on Ruth.
Seeing their more than obvious shock the Istar bowed his head, elegant, pale fingers picking on the rim of the duvet covering his legs. "I know they're strange but..."
"They're beautiful..." Pippin muttered and Ruth raised his head in shock. Pippin got closer to the bed and Ruth tilted his head to the side when Pippin leaned closer with an amazed expression. "Like jewels and moonlight all rolled into one!" Pippin exclaimed happily, grinning in amazement and Ruth smiled in an indulging way.
"I had thought I would never get to experience your enthusiasm again, young Pippin," he spoke in a quiet voice and looked at the rest of the Fellowship. "I am glad to see you are all well."
"Not as glad as we are to see you alive and recovering, Ruth," Gimli answered warmly and the smile vanished from Ruth's face, eyes darkening as he swallowed difficultly, hands fisting in the duvet.
"I-I don't remember much," he whispered, hands trembling minutely, and Pippin took a small step back, looking at everyone with wide, fear filled eyes. Frodo walked closer and took a seat beside Ruth mindful of the Wizard's injured leg. He put his hands on Ruth's fisted, trembling ones, and tried to look in Ruth's eyes by leaning forward. "Radagast told me that - that Gandalf..."
Frodo turned the rest of the Fellowship and climbed over to Ruth's left to pull the Istar into deceivingly fragile arms. Pippin followed Frodo and squeezed in beside him while Sam took a seat to Ruth's right and Merry squeezed in beside Pippin. Sam's arms joined Frodo's around Ruth's shoulders while Merry wrapped Pippin in a one armed hug and the both of them placed their hands on Ruth's uninjured thigh. Boromir took a seat on the chair and Gimli took a free seat on the bed. Legolas walked over to stand behind Sam, and Aragorn kneeled beside Boromir's and Sam's feet.
"Gandalf is gone, yes," Frodo whispered and Ruth choked out a breath. A few silvery tears dropped on his hands and Aragorn and Boromir reached over to cover them with their slightly bigger ones while Gimli placed his hand on Ruth's knee.
"Zethanle lah," (forgive me) Ruth whispered. "I'm so sorry…"
"Don't apologize. You fought bravely and tried everything," Sam spoke, although he, just like the rest of them, was crying.
"You should have seen yourself," Pippin whispered with a small smile and Ruth looked at him. "Two Great Istar against the mighty Balrog."
"That will be a story to remember," Gimli managed to press out, and Ruth looked at the Dwarf, silvery tears trailing down pale cheeks.
"But Gandalf..."
"He would have never blamed you," Aragorn spoke in full certainty and Ruth's gaze focused on him.
"Remember, he told us to run," Boromir recalled. "He had been ready to do what had to be done."
"But I could have saved him!" Ruth whimpered, whole body starting to shake with suppressed sobs.
"Some destinies cannot be changed," Legolas answered sadly, still unable to speak of the sorrow gripping his heart.
"And he still lives," Frodo said and Ruth tensed up when Frodo's hand settled on Ruth's chest, right over his heart. "Right here. We'll always carry him in our hearts." Ruth nodded slowly, removed his right hand from Aragorn's hold and placed it over Frodo's, resting his head on the Ring Bearer's and looking at Aragorn, Boromir and Gimli. Tilting his head back, Ruth looked at Legolas who only smiled with sad, understanding eyes.
Ruth took a deep breath, rested his head on Frodo's which lay on Ruth's shoulder and closed tired eyes.
Even though Ruth's heart was breaking the closeness of the Fellowship, the closeness of his new family was bringing him comfort.
"Eúrthuth," (thank you) he whispered and turned his head slightly to bury his face in Frodo's brown locks. "Eúrthuth tem gásto xör." (Thank you for being here.)
Ruth squeezed Frodo's hand tightly and pulled his hand from under Boromir's to join his and Aragorn's under his own. Legolas placed his hands on Sam's shoulders and together they finally allowed themselves to mourn.
cut
I hate writing the aftermath of tragedy. It's painful and difficult, especially if you are familiar with losing someone important.
So I am dedicating this chapter to everyone who has ever lost someone they've loved with all their hearts.
May they rest in peace.