Bilbo woke late, ate a filling breakfast in his private chambers and wandered off to see if any of the Company was up yet. He stepped to the top of the stairs leading from the VIP hall to see what appeared to be a battle between elves and dwarves below him causing shock to course through his body. All was well between the two races when he finally staggered to bed in the early hours. He saw and heard Gandalf trying to push the elves out of the mountain and ordering the dwarves to stop this madness.
Just as Gandalf was rushing out the gate behind the last of the elves, he spotted the Hobbit on a landing. His head swiveled, looking for anyone in the Company. He spotted Bofur, who wasn't among the Durin's. Nobody outside Durin's was in the room with the dams. "Bofur," he shouted over heads of short dwarves. When the lord looked in his direction, he pointed to the landing. "Take Bilbo to his quarters and stay with him. Keep him safe." He wasn't sure anything not a dwarf was safe right now.
Bofur raised a hand that he understood and pushed through bodies until running up the steps to Bilbo's side. "Come, it isn't safe here." He grabbed Bilbo's arm and forced him from the area. He didn't let go until inside Bilbo's chambers.
"What happened?" Bilbo couldn't wait to ask.
"I'm not sure," Bofur admitted. "I was walking through the area looking for Nori and all the sudden elves swarmed inside with weapons drawn. They were demanding the location of their lords and ladies. Someone that knew pointed in a direction. Some of the dwarves started objecting to being manhandled out of the way and blood was shed when a guard challenged an elf. The more the elves attacked, the faster the dwarves retaliated until it was a full blown skirmish. Not knowing the reason we went from being friendly to fighting, I spotted Lord Erestor running from Dwalin's office. He paused and watched the elves push dwarves to the side making a secure path and then drew his sword and hurried back to the doorway. He said something and Lord Celeborn carried his lady through the secure way and disappeared into the bright sunlight with Lord Elrond following a step behind. The elves started backing up towards the door and Gandalf was shouting for everyone to put their weapons down. King Thranduil and Lord Glorfindel were the last two from the mountain and Gandalf shouted for the doors to be shut."
Bilbo nodded. "I heard his order to close the doors. Maybe you can go and find out what is going on."
Bofur looked troubled all the sudden. "I don't know. Gandalf told me to watch over you."
"I've had time to think about the orders on the walk here. I am willing to risk my skin to be by your side and am sure I will remain unharmed," Bilbo assured him and patted his vest pocket.
"I don't like it," Bofur grumbled.
"Remember when I wanted to return to Rivendell and then found my courage in the goblin caves?" Bilbo reminded him. "My feelings towards helping the dwarves remain the same. If I can help at all, I am willing to risk my neck."
"Well…..okay, but stay close to me."
They ran back to the enormous entrance hall. It seemed as if all of Erebor was present and guards stopping all dams. Bofur found that strange, but didn't dwell. He searched for any Durin and found his status as a lord moved commoners out of their way. Finally he spotted Ori and pushed to his location. "What happened?" he asked.
"Not here," Ori replied. He took off in a direction with Bofur and Bilbo following. He spotted Bifur and motioned for him to also join them.
Dáin stood before the door to Dwalin's office. He acknowledged them with a nod and focused on Ori. "Well?"
"All the Durin ladies are safe in their chambers with extra guards; however, they are worried about the lads up on the mountain."
Dáin motioned for them to follow and entered the office. On the floor lay a dead dam in a pool of blood about her head. Thráin and Balin were arguing with Dwalin and Thorin, while their new wives stood to the side.
"I want ta go get the lads," Dáin interrupted and was relieved they seemed to be taking a break from finger pointing.
Thorin whirled on his father. "Who is outside the mountain?"
"I allowed Stonehelm, Gimli and Dárin to take the human lads, Elessar and Bain and walk up the mountain. I heard them talking about a swim in one of the pools dammed to catch runoff," Balin answered.
"When was this outing decided?" Dáin asked. He had no recollection giving his permission.
"The lads were all together at the wedding feast and getting bored," Balin explained. "They asked everyone for permission and since you were already deep into your cups, I filled in for you."
"Anything happen ta him; I hold ye responsible," Dáin thundered. "Permission or not, I'm going." He turned to leave.
"I'm going with you," Dwalin inserted before Dáin reached the door.
"I'll go also," Bofur volunteered.
"It would look bad if I didn't go as well," Thorin grumbled. "This is definitely not how I planned on spending my honeymoon."
"Nobody is leaving the mountain until Gandalf returns with a report," Thráin's deep voice and formal order resonated around the room.
There was silence.
Bilbo braved the question. "What happened?"
Thráin focused his one eye on the hobbit. "Master Baggins, that we are still trying ta determine." He pointed to the dead lass. "Would someone get her out of here an take her ta the Halls of Healing. Óin, examine her an tell me all the damage the wizard did ta her."
Dáin opened the door and motioned for a guard. "Get ah stretcher an blanket. Send ah crew ta clean the blood off the floor." Without waiting for a reply, he slammed the door.
"Are we at war with the elves?" Ori asked Dori, but loud enough for all to hear.
For once, Dori didn't have an answer, but all looked to the king.
Thráin was staring at the parchment with the names of the dams. Without looking up he replied, "I will do all in my power ta avoid war with the elves, but should the lady die, I'm afraid war is at our doorstep." He turned his wizened eye to Balin. "Do ye know exactly where the lads are on the mountain?"
Balin nodded. "I'm sure they are in the dammed pools where we used to swim as lads. I heard an old dwarf tell the lads how to get there as they left this morning. My head was still clearing, so I thanked Mahal he gave me daughters and headed for breakfast instead of trying to have an intelligent conversation with them." He sadly added, "I should have known not to let them go."
"I'm sure the elves will be wanting the human lads back an we know where they are," Dáin stated. "Maybe we should use the tunnel ta the outside an bring them here. That way if we are at war, we have the humans ta barter with."
Thorin nodded. "I like that plan."
Bilbo felt sick. He remembered his tenure as a hostage to Thorin's capriciousness and didn't want to see the boys put in harm's way. His hand went to his vest pocket and he patted the circle hidden by thick fabric. He had his own plan forming if the dwarves couldn't be persuaded to let the human lads go to their own kind.
Bard heard the blasts of horns; the first two he ignored, but when they repeated many times a short while later, he called for his horse and rode to the elven encampment intent on learning why there was such a ruckus the morning after the biggest wedding to hit the mountain since King Thráin was married, or so he was told repeatedly the day before.
To his surprise, he didn't get very far when elven guards with long spears blocked the road.
"Orders from our lords. Nobody is to enter," the guard stated.
"I'm sure that doesn't include the king of men," Bard retorted.
"Wait until we receive instruction," came the reply and the spears didn't waiver.
Bard knew a silent conversation would make its way from the guard to most likely Thranduil, Elrond or Círdan through the lesser lords.
He was correct. The guard called to his squadron leader. 'Lord Agerhál, King Bard wishes to enter the elven compound. I request instruction.'
Agerhál, born in Gondolin, was older than Elrond, but a loyal guard in his care. He mentally called out to his superior. 'Lord Glorfindel, King Bard wishes entrance.' He was part of those that entered Erebor to provide a secure pathway for the Lady to be brought to safety when Erestor shouted out mentally what happened inside the mountain. He called for Elrond's warriors to guard the road to Dale and other high ranking warriors called for areas to be protected from anyone entering. Agerhál hadn't heard any mental commands coming from anyone other than Erestor from his realm. Now he was standing guard outside the medical tent that housed the lady, along with many of the highest ranked elves. Lord Glorfindel, his direct commander, was inside the tent, but he hoped was able to make a decision.
Glorfindel was holding Galadriel's remaining free hand, knowing Celeborn wouldn't relinquish his hold on the other. He heard the request as he poured his fëa into his cousin. "King Bard wishes to come and learn what is going on." His verbal command was tossed out to anyone who cared to make the decision.
Elrond, at Galadriel's head, where his hands glowed turning her golden hair white, answered. "Bring him here."
'Escort King Bard to our tent,' Glorfindel passed on the message.
In the background and out of the way of the healers, were the other lords and King Thranduil. None spoke, but to lose Galadriel wasn't in their realm of possibilities. Círdan had a hand on her foot, pouring from his fëa also.
Wishing to be of use, Erestor departed the tent, for it was too painful to see the Lady thus and hurried to intercept King Bard and fill him in.
Agerhál was already moving towards the road to speak personally to the king when Glorfindel's command pierced his mind. He quickened his pace, not bothering to inform his warrior the decision. He would personally oversee the safety of the human king. Behind him, Erestor was hurrying to catch up.
Gandalf stood alongside Thranduil. The weight of Middle Earth was resting on his shoulders and he despaired defeating Sauron without Galadriel. What was going on in the mountain seemed like a petty matter and he doubted today's events were in the Valar's plans and wondered if they were aware what transpired this beautiful, sunny day.
Galadriel felt herself pulled from her corporeal form and saw her body on the healing table. She wanted to reach out and touch Celeborn, but was pulled out of reach and from the tent.
As she sped across Middle Earth, behind her, Celeborn cried out in anguish as their fëas were sundered.
Thranduil was at his side immediately, as was Gandalf. It took both of them to hold him down against his curses that he was going to slaughter every last dwarf in Erebor.
The shock of Celeborn's fëa telling the elves the Lady was gone, was like a blast with Celeborn the epicenter. Erestor fell to his knees in front of Agerhál and Bard. They had just united to talk when the blast hit. Agerhál turned pale and grabbed Erestor's shoulders for comfort.
Bard stood stunned and looked around at the warriors. All were panic stricken and he had never seen so much emotion on their faces. That something catastrophic happened, he would be blind not to see. He focused at the lord on his knees before him.
Erestor felt tears streaming down his face. He screamed out loud his own anguish. "Elbereth, I was assured no death would happen this time. Whyyyy," he trailed off and lowered his head.
Bard now knew an elf most likely had died. He looked to Agerhál, who likewise had a trail of tears. "Who?" he spoke softly.
"Galadriel," Agerhál replied.
Bard thought he would pass out.
Thranduil knew exactly what Celeborn was feeling and the pain of his own loss slammed back into him and it was like half his being died that day and he had yet to recover. His arms found their way around Celeborn and he lay his head on top of the mighty warrior's. He let his tears fall and felt Celeborn shake in spasms of grief, her hand still held in a crushing grip with both of his.
Galadriel passed over her grandsons and Legolas, high on the mountain at the High Fells of Rhudaur. To her surprise, all three looked up at the same time.
"I just felt like someone walked over my grave," Elrohir commented.
"I think it's this place," Elladan replied and looked warily around. They hadn't been to that spot in hundreds of years and it was on the tour plans for Legolas.
"Maybe we shouldn't proceed," Legolas cautioned.
The twins smirked at each other and Elladan replied. "And miss seeing the opened tombs, not a chance."
"I wish Gandalf would get back here," Thorin complained. "I would go back to my honeymoon, but would wonder too much the outcome of this little scuffle."
Dwalin grunted in agreement. All talking ceased when a knock pounded upon the door.
Dáin, being closest, threw it open and stepped aside for the body removal and behind them was a servant with a bucket of soapy water and a mop.
The servant was nervous cleaning the floor in front of the king and ranking Durin's, but kept his eyes on the task until a clean wet spot remained. He bowed to the king and departed, nodding thanks as Dáin held the door for him.
Before he could close the door, he spotted General Lötun almost upon him. He stepped aside once again and the general entered.
"Dirjin is personally guarding yer wife an daughter," Lötun started his report. All sections of the mountain where the invading dams might be hiding are in lockdown. Nobody can enter or leave without giving ah reason."
Thráin handed him the list of names. "Take whoever ye need, but I want every dam on this list in the dungeon by nightfall."
"It will be my pleasure," Lötun stated and gave a half bow and departed as fast as he came.
"That blasted Gandalf better get here soon," Thráin snarled in true dwarven fashion.
Celeborn couldn't breathe. His chest hurt and he felt his fëa yearning to leave his own body. Hands were restraining him and normally he wouldn't tolerate such an invasion, but they were pouring strength into him also. He knew them, but in his anguish, they were an unwanted intrusion. "Leave me," he rasped.
"Celeborn," Elrond's soft voice reached the part of his brain that still functioned. "Celeborn, you are not alone. Círdan and I know the pain of a sundered fëa, and Thranduil with the death of his mate." He desperately didn't want Celeborn to do something foolish or fade. That he would sail was a given.
Celeborn let go of the cherished hand and with power rose, shaking off the hands and pushing those that cared back. "Leave us alone. I want to be alone with her," he clarified.
"All right." Círdan spoke for everyone. "We will be just outside." He motioned for everyone to leave.
Gandalf laid a hand on Celeborn's shoulder. "I don't think this is supposed to happen. I'm sending Glorfindel to Taniquetil for answers from the Valar."
Still Elrond lingered, tear filled eyes on his mother-in-law.
"Please Elrond," Celeborn pleaded.
"Her loss is also shaking my fëa as we are bound through the rings." He left to join the others. It dawned on him that Arwen wasn't among them. "Where's Arwen?"
"She fled the tent when Galadriel's fëa started to separate from her body," Gandalf supplied.
Elrond hurried to her tent. He found her sitting on her cot, arms tightly wrapped around her body. He helped her up and pulled her tightly against him. Her shaking wasn't from tears, but a fear so deep, her fëa was vibrating in grief. All he could do was hold on tight and not speak, but send comfort to her.
Outside, Gandalf addressed Glorfindel, who had just confirmed the lady's death to the warriors guarding them and word was spreading like wildfire and murmurs of the dwarves killed their Lady pierced their hearing, along with the elves would ruin Erebor and end the treachery of dwarves once and for all. It was like King Elu Thingol's murder all over again. "Lord Glorfindel, could I impose upon you to go to Taniquetil for answers?"
Still numb from grief and shock, Glorfindel nodded.
Erestor led King Bard into their midst and overheard. "I will guard you, mellon-nín."
"We will all guard Glorfindel," Círdan announced. He secretly wanted to watch the Balrog slayer leave his body.
"Will this take long?" Gandalf asked.
Everyone looked in surprise at him.
"Why should it matter?" Erestor asked.
"I need to get back to the dwarves and tell them something." Gandalf needed to be in two places at once. He knew leaving the dwarves for too long could have them leaving the mountain and attacking the elves; who were also on standby, ready for war.
"Are the elves back to war with the dwarves?" Bard asked. He quietly was informed what transpired by Lord Taíban while the other discussion was transpiring.
"I'm trying to avoid a war, like last time," Gandalf replied and threw warning looks at the elves. "They didn't kill the Lady. It was the dark wizard. If they fight anyone, it should be the wizard and Sauron's forces."
"It was you Mithrandir that came to the elves and enticed the Lady to her doom. Perhaps it is you that is the dark wizard." The accusation came from Thranduil, but Gandalf saw several heads nod in agreement.
"Don't be absurd," Gandalf spouted in indignation. "Thranduil, if you had an ounce of brain, it would have been lost by now." Done with that fool, he turned to Bard. "Perhaps it is best that you return to Dale and close your gates until we get this straightened out."
Bard nodded in agreement. It would be sad news he imparted to them and then remembered. "My son is with the dwarves on the mountain. I would like him brought home."
Erestor replied for the elves. "I know where they are, having explored the hills and vales near here during my stay last winter. I can retrieve them. I bet the dwarves would feel better with their young safely inside the mountain. If we had known the wizard was once again loitering nearby, nobody would have gone exploring, young or old."
"I think we need to take the young Durin's hostage," Thranduil inserted.
"I don't want my son injured while elves play games," Bard angrily retorted, his mild manner snapping. He decided having Thranduil as a neighbor would try his considerable patience.
"We're not taking hostages." Círdan overruled Thranduil. "But take a group of warriors to retrieve the youth."
Erestor nodded and quickly stepped inside his and Glorfindel's tent. "Bruin meldir, I spoke in haste when volunteering to sit a vigil while you went west. I volunteered instead to fetch Elessar back here along with the others."
Glorfindel was shedding armor in preparation to lying on his cot. He didn't know how long he would be gone and wanted his body to be rested and comfortable. "I too am torn between here and seeking answers. Arwen didn't take today's events well at all. I sense events cease unfolding correctly. It's just a feeling so far and maybe my fëa is suffering too much right now." He lay on his cot.
Erestor placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. "I feel the same." He looked around. The tent was becoming crowded as Thranduil and Círdan pressed inside. He quickly donned his Mithril armor. "I shall return expediently if possible. Someone needs to look over Elrond, Celeborn and Arwen in Glorfindel's absence."
"Don't worry about those you love," Círdan assured him.
"I'm leaving now," Glorfindel announced and all eyes turned to him. He closed his eyes and appeared to instantly fall asleep.
Curious, Thranduil picked his hand up and let it drop. It bounced off his chest and slid over the side of the cot to the floor. He raised his hand as if to strike him when Círdan snapped, "Enough."
"I counted on you stopping me." Thranduil stepped back with a smirk.
Galadriel floated over land until the Havens appeared. She spotted Galdor on the docks overseeing the loading of a ship. He looked up at her and she waved. He shook his head and went back to his duties. Then she was over the ocean and picked up speed. No time passed and she was looking down at Tol Eressëa, the large island off the coast of Aman. Then she was above her childhood home in Tirion; the palace on a hill, looking down upon the city and harbor. Now she knew where her destination was. She was going home to see her adar and naneth. She found herself in the capacious family quarters. The family was gathered and her eyes found one and everyone else faded into the background. Sitting beside her naneth was Celebrían. Gone were her scars and she was the picture of health. She felt a pull and cried out, "No, I want to remain here."
Erestor took a small group of warriors and rode hard up the mountain, not sparing their mounts. They topped a knoll and looked down into a draw that was dammed with cut granite blocks. The dwarves and human lads were swimming in the cool clear water while sheep and cows grazed above them on verdant grass that was higher than their bellies. He led the way down the single track while the warriors stayed above and looked for evil.
"Lord Erestor," Stonehelm called out when he spotted the elf first.
Erestor dismounted and walked to the edge of the pond. He dispensed with elvish pleasantries and got to the point. "It is not safe outside the mountain right now." He saw fear in the young eyes as they looked about.
"Is it orcs?" Bain asked as he pulled himself from the water and reached for his patched trousers.
Erestor made a mental note to have elves provide clothing fit for a prince. "I'm not sure, but this morning the dwarves found the dam that harmed Princess Lióni. Any further information is not mine to give. Hurry, we must get off the mountain." To influence his statement, he made a show of searching the immediate area. To his dismay something was approaching.
"Com'on, Dárin," Stonehelm challenged. "White Mountain dwarves are so slow, no wonder ye couldn't provide an army ta fight in the Battle of Five Armies."
Dárin was last from the quarry and endured the ribbing.
'Something is approaching from around the mountain. Don't let them harm the youths.' Erestor mentally called to the warriors that accompanied him.
'We see them,' Demythel, Thranduil's steward replied. A moment later, he reported. 'I don't understand dwarven customs, but there is a band of dwarves on foot approaching our position and it's led by Prince Thorin and Lord Dáin Ironfoot.'
'Understood. Let them approach and don't let them know you are near.' Done issuing orders, Erestor waited patiently for Thorin and Dáin.
Celeborn was lightheaded and his brow on its own accord came to rest upon her breast and it pained him it didn't rise under his cheek. He wasn't absorbing that she was really gone and not just sleeping. He was slowly preparing himself for the day Arwen died, but never was one warning that his golden queen would be first to go and so abruptly, as when Ríllas left Thranduil. Now he understood the pain Thranduil lived with daily. He knew she had no knowledge of her impending death because she kept so very little from him and he would know. "You blasted Valar," he snarled aloud. All he ever wanted in life was to build a kingdom to rule and love her.
He was unaware of any time passing. Suddenly he felt hands and fëas. Elrond and Arwen had joined him as closest kin. He felt their anguish and Arwen's tears as she kissed his cheek and laid her head upon his.
Elrond laid a hand on Galadriel's brow, searching for any spark. Her body felt different from any elf upon death. He closed his eyes and concentrated. "Her fëa isn't here, but the body still lives."
Celeborn didn't remember shaking his granddaughter off or hitting Elrond so hard that he flew from the tent and landed on his back in the dirt, lip bleeding profusely.
Stunned guards were immobile as Celeborn followed his fist and dragged Elrond off the ground. Holding him by the front of his tunic, he raged, "You filthy mongrel. How dare you say that to me!"
"I have the ring," Elrond retorted, blowing blood over Celeborn's face when he exhaled.
Gandalf heard the disturbance through his ring, heard the sharp exchange and moved away from the tent of Glorfindel. He saw the two lords a few feet from him and hurried to insert himself between them. "Our lady isn't even cold and you two act like orcs fighting over a scrap of meat."
Elrond grabbed the wizard by the arm and dragged him back into the tent where Arwen was the only one standing watch, with tears still streaking her face. He laid the gnarled hand on her brow. "Use your ring, Mithrandir. Search for a dead body."
Gandalf closed his eyes and concentrated. "I've never seen anything like this. The body isn't dead, but the fëa is missing."
"That's what I tried to tell this hard-headed lord of Eriador. Galadriel isn't dead, but missing."
Gandalf looked closely at the skin. "She is still warm."
Celeborn pushed in and knocked Gandalf's hands away. He took her face in both of his large hands trying to feel what the ring holders could. Try as he might, he couldn't feel her.
"Will Daernaneth come back to us?" Arwen pulled herself together enough to ask. She would sail if she lost her beloved grandmother.
"I don't know," her father answered truthfully. He accepted the damp cloth, Melcótte insisted he use.
"Allow me to heal your lip, Elrond." Melcótte got a better look at the split.
Elrond took the camp stool vacated by Celeborn when attacking him and allowed his head healer to work his magic.
Celeborn released his wife and accepted the hug from Arwen holding her close and accepting what little comfort she was able to impart. She could feel his broken fëa and knew without a doubt should her mate die, she would be as him and cease to live. Losing her grandmother was unconscionable, but to lose both of them would shatter her world. She had a fleeting thought that this will also destroy her brothers. She took the offered warm cloth and gently wiped blood splatters off his face.
Glorfindel stormed through the main gate at Taniquetil. As usual when his ethereal visits to the palace of Manwë occurred, he was stopped by a Maia. Today, it was none other than Eönwë that stepped from the shadows to great him.
Glorfindel sank to a knee and bowed his head.
"Rise, greatest warrior in Middle Earth," Eönwë said in a light tone. "What brings you to our shores at this time of night? Usually your visits are timed when most beings in Middle Earth are resting."
"A most urgent matter, Lord Eönwë." Glorfindel, although tall, had to look up into the bright blue eyes. He was always in awe of the most famous Maia.
"Walk with me." They strolled down a long balcony overlooking the majestic range of mountains that traversed the distance of Aman. "Tell me your troubles."
"Lady Galadriel is dead."
Eönwë stopped so fast, Glorfindel took a step before realizing he was alone. He spun around to see a stunned look on the Maia's face.
"That is not in the plans. Come we must inform Lord Manwë." He took off in a direction with his long strides that Glorfindel struggled to match.
Turning into the palace, he traversed several halls with doors that led to rooms for guests and those that lived there. Down a long winding stairwell, they came into an underground paradise heated with warm springs and waterfalls. The light of the Valar shone all about so flora grew in abundance.
Glorfindel was shocked to see the leader of the Valar reclining in a pool with his wife. Again he dropped to a knee and held the position, eyes focused on the stone before him.
"Rise, my servant."
Glorfindel stood tall before the now robed Valar. He fell in step because he knew Lord Manwë liked to stroll around his massive home while conducting the affairs of Arda. Eönwë took his other side and he felt like an elfling between two tall beings.
Reading his thoughts, Manwë replied. "Yes, even the Ainur indulge in carnal pleasures once in a while. It helps us understand the eldar."
"I meant no disrespect, M'lord," Glorfindel quickly replied. He lowered his eyes and saw bare feet beneath the swishing of royal blue robes. "I hardly ever see you in corporal form."
"You've never seen me in the flesh before," Manwë corrected.
Glorfindel nodded his apology.
Manwë reveled in the purity of the Vanyar, but sensed Glorfindel was troubled. Again he reached into the mind of his loyal servant. He gave a mental summons and immediately before them stood Lord of the dead, Mandos.
"Námo, why is Galadriel in your Halls?"
"She is not," the lord of the dead responded with authority.
"You are keeper of all eldar fëas. Where is hers?"
Mandos let his gaze shift to Glorfindel and he nodded a greeting and saw the lord bow to the waist and rise upright just as fast. "She is in Tirion at the home of her parents."
"She is too important to enter your halls. Before she gets there, return her to the east and restore her health."
"As you wish," Mandos replied and vanished.
"It is as Eru wishes," Manwë spoke to the wind, but knew his fellow Valar heard.
He turned to the waiting elf. "Return to your body. She will be restored. I don't want Celeborn on these shores just yet. He is still a wild Moriquendi."
Glorfindel bowed low and vanished. Just as quick he was back in his body and opened his eyes. He looked around at an empty tent. "I thought everyone was going to watch over me," he said to the air and rose.
Manwë summonsed another Valar. "Go and give me a report on why the most important elf in Middle Earth just died."
"You are using us like servants," Oromë commented.
"We are nearing the end of the age and soon all the elves will be with us."
"Do you wish me to hunt down who did this?" Oromë asked.
"Yes, and inform them any further attacks on the lady and you will return and remove them from among the living."
Thráin made for his office and invited Dis and Lióni to join him. "Better than waiting alone in the honeymoon chambers for what may be ah long wait."
Dwalin provided protection on the short walk to the king's royal office. "What are my orders?"
"Right now, get the army ready for war with the elves. When Lötun gathers up the dams, he can join ye."
"What are you going to do to the dams?" Dis inquired.
"I will withhold judgment until I hear their stories. I think Thorin should interrogate after his honeymoon." He looked at Dwalin. Have Lötun toss them in the dungeon. Give them food and water until Thorin is ready. Isolate them from one another and post guards on every cell. Absolutely no talking."
Dwalin nodded and stole a kiss as he left to do his king's bidding.
Just as fast a servant entered with a pot of tea and pastries.
"Blasted elves beat us ta the kids," Dáin snarled and hefted his Warhammer.
Thorin pulled Orcrist and they approached with caution, taking stalk of the position of the elves.
Erestor refrained from drawing his sword and held his hands out, palms up to show he was holding nothing. "I'm glad you two are here," he began.
"Why? Ta slaughter us like ye did several of our warriors," Dáin replied.
The youngster's eyes went wide at this revelation. The dwarven youth moved to stand behind the dwarven warriors when motioned. The two human lads likewise separated and were pulled to safety by designated elves and moved out of the path of any fighting.
"We only came to collect the human lads," Erestor explained. "We mean you no harm, although we did lose Lady Galadriel."
Thorin and Dáin exchanged shocked glances.
"We didn't kill her," Thorin replied bellicosely.
"No you didn't." Erestor reassured him and the dwarves. "We don't want war. When the lady collapsed, we panicked. Never has one so powerful been struck down in the mind. We still don't understand how it could happen to her. She was too powerful."
"It was the evil wizard," Dáin stated firmly and raised his Warhammer in frustration.
'He's not attacking. Don't make any hostile moves,' Erestor gave a mental command to the elves. Aloud, he replied. "Or Sauron himself."
"You think Sauron could be here?" Thorin questioned with trepidation in his tone.
"I honestly don't know what to think. Take a message to King Thráin, if you please." At Thorin's nod he continued. "Tell him elves will not go to war unless provoked. When I return, I will suggest a meeting between your king and Lord Círdan. He is leader of all elves on these shores."
"I didn't realize he was so highly placed," Thorin said. He remembered the time he turned down supper with the elven lord, not realizing his importance. "And you take a message to the elves," Thorin countered. "Tell them, our gates will remain closed until all issues are resolved."
Erestor nodded. "Gandalf will be seeking entrance."
"He will be allowed."
The dwarves turned and escorted the lads away from the elves.
"Is the lady really dead?" Elessar asked Erestor; his grey eyes wide in disbelief.
Erestor mounted his horse and hauled the lad before him. "As far as we know death, yes." He looked at where Bain was seated behind Demythel. "Your father awaits you in our camp." He quickly led the way off the mountain.
Saruman quickly rode away from the area and made his way off the mountain. He failed once more and needed to get back to Isengard. His horse suddenly shied at something invisible and fell on his side, taking Saruman by surprise. The horse didn't try and get up, trapping Saruman's leg underneath. A shadow fell over the horse, blocking the sun and he was looking up into the terrible face of Oromë. "My lord." Saruman tried to bow in his undignified position.
"What did you do to Galadriel?" Oromë ordered. He had the satisfaction of seeing the white wizard quake before him.
"It was an accident. I was directing affairs of dwarves to insure compliance with Thráin's decrees. You see, these dams came from Mordor and I was following and watching them. I tried to contact one of the dams using my powers and crystal, but it was too powerful. I didn't realize the lady was standing beside her and also was damaged. I got scared and fled. I swear I'm on my way home to Isengard."
Oromë's stature grew and even the horse whinnied in fear from its position on the ground. "For lying to me and harming Galadriel, you are banished to Isengard. Should you ever leave the fortress, I will hunt you down and kill you." He abruptly vanished and the horse bolted to his feet and ran, dragging Saruman by one foot trapped in the stirrup for several hundred feet before his master was able to regain enough power to force the frightened animal to halt. He reached up and unlaced his boot, letting his foot slide free. He knew his doom was sealed if he disobeyed and decided not to inform Sauron until safely home.
Finarfin enjoyed these moments late at night when he wasn't called upon to settle disputes or oversee his vast realm. His close family was gathered in one of many drawing rooms. His son, Finrod and wife Amarië were present and he still reveled in the return of another son recently released from Mandos' Halls, Aegnor. Celebrían sat on a settee with her Daernaneth on one side and Aegnor on the other. Everyone was listening to her tell a story of life in Imladris. His own wife, Eärwen, mistress of his home, presided over the evening's entertainment and soft music played in a corner.
Galadriel remembered the story and wanted to add a small part and started to speak.
Finarfin frowned and looked to a spot. His thoughts turned to his missing daughter. A commotion at the entrance to the palace broke his ruminating. He rose as Lord Mandos strode inside. Servants and lords followed, wondering why a Valar was paying the king a visit in the night.
All in his presence sank to their knees.
"Rise," Mandos ordered. He let his gaze settle on Aegnor for a brief second and the younger elf breathed a sigh of relief that his release wasn't a mistake and he was being summoned to the dead again.
"My lord, pray tell that you aren't seeking a soul from this room," Finarfin beseeched the master of the dead.
"Actually I am seeking a soul that is supposed to be in my halls."
Aegnor almost passed out. "You released me and said my sentence was over."
"Not you, young Aegnor. Your sister is here."
"Artanis? Finarfin asked in dread. "Tell me that my only daughter isn't going to spend one day in your realm."
"You have my word," Mandos replied and waved his hand. Before them, Galadriel's ghostly presence appeared.
"Naneth," Celebrían cried.
"Nerwen," her mother at the same time wailed in anguish.
"Cease," Mandos ordered and the room darkened. "Her name is Galadriel as decreed by Melian."
"My apologies," Eärwen uttered, eyes never leaving her child. "Daughter, what brings you thus?" While she spoke, her hand found that of her mate and they linked to share the experience together.
"I'm not sure. I blacked out and then was pulled from my body."
"You tangled with evil powers that may have even been Sauron," Mandos said. "You must go back and finish the task set before you."
"Can she stay for a bit?" Celebrían asked.
"I will tell your adar and Elrond I saw you hale and with my family," Galadriel assured her.
"I miss them both," Celebrían replied, "and my elflings." She saw her mother smile.
"They are all fine and the boys leading Legolas astray as I speak."
"My iôn is with the twins and not his adar?" Ríllas asked. She was one of many that came rushing from her rooms in the palace when word reached her that a Valar was paying them a visit. She had been released from Mandos' halls about the time Celebrían arrived on their shores. She was one of many that attended Celebrían during her healing years.
"Enough." Mandos roared and waved his hand and both of them vanished, leaving the room abuzz with talk and speculation on what really happened to the Lady Galadriel.
Finarfin rose and bid everyone goodnight. He led his still shaken wife away and Finrod took his mother's vacated place beside Celebrían and took her hand.
Celebrían let tears run freely down her cheeks and clutched both of her uncle's hands as they tried to comfort her. "I need to return to Melian for more healing."
"I'll take you," Aegnor volunteered. "I could use some time in her verdant gardens after my scare."
"Let's ask Adar if we can all go for a holiday there," Finrod commented and heads nodded in agreement.
After separating from the elves, Thorin and Dáin, in full armor and carting weapons, ran non-stop down the mountain, into the tunnel and another three miles of twisting up and down until stopping before the king's door. Thorin and Dáin looked at each other with grins and then turned to see how the others faired.
Gimli collapsed on the floor, moaning. Young Thorin was likewise out of breath, grabbing his still healing leg and gasping for air and looking at his father with new eyes. It didn't even appear if Thorin or his father ran far at all. Dárin was only breathing slightly heavier and Thorin Stonehelm had to know. "Why aren't ye like me, Dárin?"
"Because I walked all the way here from the White Mountains. We hadn't gone very far when an older dwarf returning to the mountain couldn't walk, so I gave my mount to him."
Thorin and Dáin, hearing this for the first time, were impressed. There was talk of keeping Lord Fárin of the White Mountains son at Erebor as a lord and warrior. Thorin decided he would put in a good word with his father and allow his first cousin to remain. Besides it would be good to have more family about he decided.
The elite warriors they took with them were as expected, hardly winded. It was the young that suffered and needed more exercise.
Thorin opened the door to the king's office and he and Dáin entered and shut the door in the faces of the others. Inside were Lióni and Dis, drinking tea and waiting patiently with the king. Balin was also present.
"We encountered the elves led by Lord Erestor," Thorin began…
"He informed us the Lady Galadriel died," Dáin finished.
"Oh no," Lióni wailed. "She was so kind to me."
"And me as well," Dis added.
Dwalin entered. "We are ready for war with the elves." He saw Dis in distress and hurried to her side where she informed him.
Balin looked around the room with a sad heart. He had hopes the dwarves and elves could finally put the past behind them.
Thráin truly grieved in his soul at the news. "I will go to the elves and offer condolence on behalf of all dwarves." He spoke formally and rose.
Thorin stepped in front of the door. "Not with an army of elves wishing us dead. They will take you hostage."
"Then I will die and you will be king again," his father decreed. "This is one of the things only a king can attend to. I will attempt to ward off any action by the elves and am expendable."
Thorin harrumphed loudly and hugged his father. "We will be on the rampart watching. If you are harmed, woe be to the elves."
"Let the king out," Thorin ordered. The Company gathered to watch Thráin slip through the opening and ran up the steps to the rampart when the gate was securely shut.