Chapter 26

The arrival of the cold.

After the travel to the Dunedain town in Rhudaur and what happened there we spent a long time preparing the valley and our kin for the war to come. Many had elflings during the peace we had been so fortunate to have and thanks to Glorfindel finding allies in Lindon our outlook on the years to come looked better.

The Dunedain was still not eager to prepare or believe in what I and Ada had seen. Even though the Dunedain we had escorted to Amon Sûl agreed with our statement little happened before the reign of Argeleb of Arthedain. He tried to reclaim all the lands of Arnor, but Rhudaur resisted his claim. For there, an evil lord of the hillmen had taken power with the support of the Iron Crown.

My dreams around that time had been dark and darkening with each night that passed. From seeing Angmar burn Arnor to the ground, for the siege of Imladris and the worst one of all... That came only the last night.

I could see nothing but darkness, then a glimpse of elves I knew. Wounded or scared, hurt in one way or another. A cold shadow out of the north and fear from the south. Of an elven queen taken and her company killed…. Lauriel… it had to be Lauriel. The orcs that took her I had not seen, but the mark on their armor and shield seemed as that of Gundabad and of last I saw but one last thing I wish I had not seen. Tauriel on the ground. Dead elves and men around her….

"Tauriel… no…no…no…TAURIEL" I cried out loud as she woke and reached up to me.

"I am here my love, I am here. What did you dream?" she said as always being the loving caring wife and sat up holding me the best she could. Tears now streamed down my cheeks and I grabbed her so hard. I did not want to let go, nay I did not dare to let go of her. My love. My wife. My life.

"So so Elwen. Tell me what did you see?" her curiosity deepened and I could not speak. Only cry into her bare chest and hold onto her so hard, for she was my life. My best friend, my love, my wife. I had to tell her to not come to Fornost when that time would come. Or better make her stay in Imladris from now on. But how I knew not.

I could not calm myself for a long time that night and I ended up falling asleep on Tauriel's bare chest for once. It was so soft and warm, her bosom supported my head and I held onto her for dear life. Even in my sleep, I could not let go.

With the sun rising I woke up in a way I had never done before, my head on her bosom. Tauriel's sweet voice singing to me and her hands playing with my hair. I tried to hide I was awake and just enjoyed the moment. But she felt it as I felt her so it was no point in it.

"Good morning my love," she said and bowed her head over me and I looked up at her and met her lips as we kissed.

"Good morning, my love," I said and smiled at her. My eyes were still sore from my crying and she saw it.

"Of what did you see or dream my wife?" she said curiously as her left hand held me to her and her right played with my hair.

I did not respond at once and only told her the first half.

"I just saw what I have seen it before. Of the war to come. Of those that might die…." I cut myself off and looked back up at my beautiful wife.

"Elwen? What is wrong?" she said and her hands stopped moving.

"Nothing, my love." I tried to hide it, but when one has been married as long as we have I guess that is not possible and her don't mess with me voice came out a little.

"Elwen, we have been married for over a thousand years now. Do you think me so easily fooled? And why did you cry my name so, I heard the dread and fear in your voice. Now tell me" she said firmly and pulled me as close as she could.

"My love" was all I could say and tears came down my cheeks yet again. How could I tell her what I had seen? I knew not all I saw happened the way I thought it would. But seeing my wife hurt or worse dead… nay that I could not live through either.

That was when she put her forehead to mine and in the softest voice she could make said lowly "Tell me wife of my life forever on. What did you see to make you go into such a state"?

That hit me as we had sworn to never hide anything from each other and to be open. So I gathered myself all I could and said it.

"I saw you, my love. On the ground. I know not if you were hurt, out of consciousness, or worse. But seeing you on the ground like that… it broke me and it still breaks me"

Her gaze on me softened and her arms tightened. We sat there for a moment and she let out a sigh. "I do not believe that will happen, my love. I believe the world is darkening and the views you see will not come to pass. For your Ada says too that much he sees did not happen or ended in a better way than in his view" she said and smiled at me.

"I am not leaving you Elwen my love even for the halls of Mandos. I am not and I swear that I will not let it happen with all my strength" she added our bodies squeezed each other and a few kisses were shared when the door slowly opened and Estelwen came in to get us ready for the day.

Deep down I guess Estelwen saw something was wrong or that I had cried, but she just talked with my wife and I stayed out of it. Breakfast came and went and still I did not feel much for talking and as we separated after each for a duty Tauriel looked at me and tried to reach for me, but Nana asked her to help her and she bowed her head and started to followed her. I could not stand and still thought of the dark image I had seen of my beautiful wife. Her face was still clean, yet laying on the ground like that.

That was when I felt Ada's hand on my shoulder and looked up at him.

"Ada," I said and looked around the room. All of them looked at me, and my siblings. Ada, Nana and Tauriel.

"I need to speak my child," he said and at that, Tauriel tried to come to me, but Nana led her away for their chores to start. Clearly, Ada and Nana had spoken with Oswane too.

My siblings left too and Ada led me to the living room and sat me down and he beside me.

"What is wrong my daughter" he said and grabbed my hand so comforting.

I took a deep breath and closed my eyes. I did not want to speak of it, but I knew Ada was the one to help me if any help would come.

"I.. i..I saw" I cut myself off and he held me firmer.

"So my daughter tell me what you saw," he said in a very comforting way.

"I saw.. the fall of the Dunedain in the north and what I think might have been the queen Lauriel caught by the enemy. She seemed as dressed for battle and still taken…" I stopped myself. "Then I saw elves dead alongside men around her. Ohh Ada…" Tears again came down my cheek and he pulled me in.

"So so Elwen… may I see what you saw?" he asked carefully and even though I cried I leaned my head to his forehead. He spoke a chant I had not yet heard before and deep down I felt the Images return. Dark they still were. But then we both saw it and he supported me. Time was slowed and his voice was in my head.

"Elwen," He said to get my attention.

"Ada" I simply responded and I took him through the images. One by one we saw the fall of Arnor and the battle that would end the black captain's realm in the north.

Then another image. The one I feared came into view. Tauriel was on the ground with what seemed like dead elves and men around her. But she was still as fair as the morning we just had and her beauty to me never diminished, only grew.

That was when I heard Ada's voice in my head.

"Tell me what you see daughter" and I was locked on Tauriels face.

"She seems so peaceful, yet I fear she is hurt" Fear returned to me as I spoke.

"Look around her, what do you see" Ada simply commented as I felt his forehead press against mine.

"elves… men… dead…" I simply responded.

"Their armor" ada then simply commented.

"It is not noldorin… or Arnorian…" I simply stated and it was like the view I could get widened and I saw the field of battle. Tauriel was not in her noldorin armor either.

"Is that a Sindar ranger clothing?" I said to Ada.

"I believe it is." He responded as factually as he could.

He then slowly pulled away from me and held my hands firm.

"I have also had such images of you my daughter and I do not believe them real. I believe they are twisted or with some truth so we won't understand or know their meaning. But go after our fears." He let out a sigh.

"Many a time I have seen you, Tauriel, Arwen, or the twins injured or worse of late in my sights and I believe there is an influence on us to see it as such or at least twisted."

"How Ada? How can anyone do so?" I asked.

"I know not, but I fear the black captain has a hand in it. To weaken us to not fight." He simply stated and leaned back some.

"Rhudaur has fallen, it might indeed be he or his servants that somehow share these twisted images with us" I held back for a moment. "What of the Queen Lauriel?" I asked Ada.

"I have also seen that sighting before, and I know not when or where it can be from. So that among the fall of Arnor is still to happen" he said his hand on his chin as he took a deep breath.

"Then we need to figure out how to stop it!" I said firmly and got up.

"yes we must, but I do not think it will happen for a time still. I do keep in touch with Thranduil a few times a week due to our birds acting as messengers" he said still looking as if he was in thought.

"That being said Elwen, my dear daughter. We will protect Tauriel and what you saw might not happen, I know you will defend her and stand by her and so will the elves assigned to your company. Do not let fear of what might come cloud your sight" he said and smiled. "I do have a quest for you and Tauriel. I know that after the fall of Rhudaur, we should expect to be besieged as you also have seen. I want you to deliver this to Argeleb."

He got up and handed me a sealed with his wax sealed letter. "For the King's eyes only," he said firmly. "It is of the plans we have discussed with him, yet a fear we will not have time for any more councils before the war comes," he said and sighed. Sadly, it was true and Argeleb was truly one of a few kings of the Dunedain that had taken the signs of war to heart and truly fortified the kingdom.

"Yes, Ada. I will leave at once." I said. Still worried about what might happen to my wife I bowed to him and turned to leave. "be safe daughter" he responded to me as I opened the door and saw Lindir standing there waiting to enter. "please Lindir, tell Idril to assemble my guard"

He looked at me and bowed his head. "Yes, Lady Elwen at once, and I will let Lady Tauriel know as well." He said and was about to turn as I grabbed his arm. "Nay say naught to her until we have left" At this he seemed disturbed but slowly bowed his head and I let him go.

I could hear Ada talk as I walked quickly away if it was him saying my name or not I was unsure off, but I could not risk my wife either way even if this was a sighting of the past.

Thankfully Estelwen was in our room and helped me dress in my armor, I knew the assault on Amon Sûl would happen sooner rather than later so I would be prepared. She did not say anything about me going alone as I knew she understood it. But her face said it all and she was not happy with either of what I was doing.

I fastened my sword belt and quiver on my back as I bid her goodbye and she said little except. "Come back soon my lady" and that was all, never had my handmaiden been so cold to me.

I had the letter from Ada tucked away and only saw servants in the halls thankfully. I did not need to run into my wife and have a talk now. I was still worried about my views of her in the foresight and bringing her along would just angst me up more. Thankfully Idril and our guards in the company were ready the moment I came out, but she had taken both our horses out.

"My lady," she said and bowed her head like always looking weirdly at me.

"Idril," I said with a smile and went past her to my horse and one of the stable hands waited with Tauriel's horse.

"You may take him back. The Lady is not coming today" I said and smiled at the hand that bowed to me and took the horse back. Idril though was taken back by it, yet said nothing. Other than to give me a disapproving stare.

"Is something wrong with Lady Tauriel?" she asked worriedly.

"Nay, she is just with my Nana today and helping her out. It is just a simple letter to the King and I would not disturb her." At this, our captain gave me a look I had not seen before as if she read me like an open book.

"My lady," she said and mounted her horse.

At that moment we rode off, me Idril and ten elven guards handpicked for the role. It felt horrible to leave without my wife. But I let fear of the unknown overtake my judgment. Little did I know two elven lords had seen me off from the balcony of our home.

It was such a quiet ride and no one spoke, the land was empty for any life. Even the animals had left as I guessed they had sensed what would come. I felt Idril try to speak, but she restrained herself. I truly started to regret leaving her behind. My fea cried for hers and with all I am, I felt the distance between us grow and so it cried inside me.

Back in Imladris

"Now Tauriel I know you nor my daughter are overly fond of lady duties, but they still have to get done and I think that you are the perfect elleth for the job," Lady Celebrian said to me.

"I am, my lady?" I asked her curiously.

"I think so, you and Elwen are both Captains and I know more than a few of the ladies have been asking of the time to come. News has spread from travelers resting here of late that the world is a more perilous place and we need to inform them of the situation, maybe calm them some. As leaders of our kin it is a part of your new duty my sweet" she said and we slowly walked down the halls and out towards the balcony overlooking the valley and several ladies sat there.

"Lady Celebrian, Lady Tauriel," one of them said and I knew of her, but my interactions with the ladies of the valley had been few and I never was seeking to do Lady duties overall, when thinking of it why could not Lord Elrond do this instead of me? I am sure he had much respect for the ladies and no need for me. Well, I would just have to get it done.

"Ahh Ladies Lostiel, Halves, Taen, Lenthel, and Aerel," She said and led us in.

"Thank you for meeting us so soon," Lostiel said and the others agreed and seemed satisfied as they held cups with drink in their hands and talked between them a little.

"Of course, your concerns are our concerns are they not Tauriel" Celebrian said looking at me.

"Yes of course" I managed to say and smiled as it caught me a little off guard.

"We are worried about the state of the world and have heard much from travelers and merchants from Cardolan and Arthedain. May we ask a few questions Lady Tauriel?" Halves asked me directly.

It felt weird being the one addressed by the ladies of the valley or at least a few of the higher-ranked ones.

"Of course. Please ask" I said and swallowed hard.

From questions of what had happened in Rhudaur long ago, to the current climate of affairs it was hard to answer truly, if anything Elwen would have been better at this. But towards the end of their questions, they became more straightforward.

"Is it true that one of the nameless ones has come to the north?" one of the ladies asked

"One may have yes. Or at least my wife and Ada by marriage think so" I responded.

"Is it true that the middlemen and even some of the Dunedain have betrayed us to the enemy to fight for him?"

"Yes, it is," I responded.

Now that created a string of whispering and small talk between them, but then how could it not?

"Just one more question my lady, do you, Lord Elrond, Glorfindel, and Lady Elwen think war will come again?" Ariel asked.

I wished not to scare them, but what could I say… No? I knew that would be a lie and I think deep down they did too so for the sake of honesty as I detest secrets I would respond as well as I could.

"Yes, war will come, but it is not our end nor will it be the fall of the north. Much has been sacrificed and much we still need to do to help the Edain. I fear there are no simple answers to this lady Aerel, but know so we have a strong force of well-trained and dedicated elves and strong allies in the Edain. None should sleep scared in Imladris" I said in as comforting a way as I could.

It seemed to calm their nerves and also inform them that yes, the world is darker now than a century ago. But not so dark we could not defeat it yet again. The questions for me had seized and it felt more like a ladies' tea party I tried to get Lady Celebrian's attention, but I could not. It seemed she enjoyed it and even to have me there though I little spoke after the questions I was asked. I had for a time now felt like my fea was warning me, as if something was happening I had no control over, and as I was stretched thin. Like too little butter on toast… Despair set in and started to look around and then I noticed Lindir come towards us he gave me a strange look.

"Ahh Lindir, what do we owe the pleasure," Celebrian asked as he had nothing to bring us.

At first, he only bowed to the Lady and greeted his wife and daughter before he came over to me and bowed down to whisper in my ear.

"Scouts in Rhudaur report a force marching towards us my lady."

I did not move much until he straightened back up and reached for my Nana-in-law's hand.

"I hate to do this my lady, but good Lindir has told me of something that requires my attention. I am sorry to excuse myself"

"Do not be Tauriel, and I am sure the ladies understand it well. Please and thank you for coming with me" she said and stood up hugging me before I waved to the other ladies and followed Lindir towards the halls of the house again.

"Are the others informed?" I asked as we walked and he nodded. That was when I felt it stronger, the feeling inside me… as If I was not whole anymore. As a part of me was gone and I knew not what to do…"Yes, my lady. Everyone that is here…. My lady?" he asked and looked at me.

I took several breaths as I slowed my movement and in all my life I had not felt like this.

"Are you well my lady? Come let us get to Lord Elrond" he said with worry in his eyes and he supported me to the Lord's study. Not knocking just walking in as he lightly supported me.

"My Lord, the lady is not well." Lindir cried out as we entered the room and got me to the sofa.

"Tauriel... what is wrong my daughter's wife" he said and came and sat over me, looking as if I felt confused and out of place.

"My lord… I feel… stretched… like a part of me is missing…" I said, not able to make sense of it.

He got quiet for a moment and put his hand on my forehead. Looking at Lindir as the lesser-ranking captains was excused

"My lord?" I asked worriedly.

He then set to describe the feeling I felt, every single strange part of it, and deep down in me I felt a relief as he knew what was wrong.

"How can I get rid of this feeling my lord?" I asked curiously at him and Lindir.

"My lady, there is no simple fix for it," the valley steward said as Lord Elrond seemed to not want to say what was happening.

"What do you mean Lindir?" I asked, worry growing in me.

"The feeling will go away when the lady returns," he said as if the most natural thing in the world.

"The lady? You mean my wife?" I asked with worry.

"He does Tauriel," Elrond responded looking at me. "She has gone to deliver a letter from me to Argeleb and will return soon…" at that I cut him off.

"Why was I not informed? Why did you order her to leave without me, my lord!" Anger filled me as I stood up quickly looking at him.

At Amon Sûl

We came up on the watchtower after sunset and the men greeted us but were dismayed by our low number. It was clear they hoped for elven support, but I knew we could not offer it this time.

The Guards greeted us and smiled, but we could see fear in their eyes. Idril was a stone face as always, but some of the younger elves were not happy with how we left our home.

"Lady Elwen" I then heard from a familiar voice.

"King Argeleb," I said and smiled and bowed to him with my head.

"No need for such formalities, we are kin even if long separated by the weakness of men," he said and smiled. "What news from the east? And what of your beautiful mate?" he said and came to me hugging me and smiling at Idril.

"Little news, except I fear the forces of the north are moving. My Ada wrote you this letter and I fear it's the last one for a long time and my mate could not come sadly" I said and handed it to him.

"Grave news that is if true, my lady. Raids have happened all along the weather hills for a time now and I fear for what is to come. The few voices we had in Rhudaur are now silent and I believe it will stay so" he said and broke the wax seal on the letter and started to read it. It did not take him long before he looked up and he simply nodded.

"So it is time to start our plan?" he said not even looking at me.

"It is" I responded.

"Your fears are well founded. War is to come and my home will be under siege for a long time and little aid we can send. May we speak more privately?" I then added and he nodded to me as we walked inside the halls of the tower with just his captain and Idril.

"Yes, our plans must now happen. Send as many as you can under the shadow of night to the west. Our people in Lindon will greet them and aid them in starting a new there. But do not send so many that the forces of Angmar get a whim of what is happening. We need it to stay a secret" I said very bluntly.

Argeleb stood there in thought for a moment before he looked at me again.

"Yes, if what you told me is true and a victory over the darkness is to one day come we must do what we can. I trust you and your Father and groups of people have been informed. True-blooded Numenorian all of them" he said proudly for deep down I think trust in the middlemen was low after the betrayal of Rhudaur.

"Good, very good." I sighed and Knocks sounded on the door to the fortress.

"Who disturbs the king and his ally" said the king's captain only to see a grey-clad old man enter after having a huff with the guards.

"Gandalf" Argeleb said and I cried out "Mithrandir" and moved toward the wizard greeting him properly. "I did not expect to see you again so soon my friend, what brings you here?" he asked worriedly.

"Nor did I expect to be back so soon, but a force out of the north is marching out towards your borders my king, and of yours my lady," he said and looked at me.

"their forces are already moving?" I asked as my face felt cold for the first time in a thousand years if not more.

"They are. From what I can take they will camp in Rhudaur for a moment before marching on. One force here to attack you my king and you my lady. He wants to separate you from not aiding each other." Mithrandir said and I knew it to be true. That was when I got a feeling I had back home before I left. Tauriel on the ground… Oh no…

"Elwen?" The king said worriedly.

"I must excuse myself" I blurred out. "I hope we see each other again Argeleb, if not. May the Valar be with you" I said as I hugged him.

"And with you my friend. Care for your own and I hope in this life or beyond I will see you again" he said and sent me a suffering look on his face.

"Hope is all we have in such times," I said as started to walk towards the door and Idril opened it for me. "If only a fool's hope" I added before I waved goodbye to Argeleb and Mithrandir.

Back in Imladris.

"My lord, why did you order her to leave without me?" I asked somewhat in disbelief. Long had it been since we were apart for any time and how could she do so now?!

"I did not order her to leave alone. It was her own choice… She left this morning to deliver the letter to Argeleb, she asked us not to say anything as you had your duties with my wife," Elrond said and my silvan blood boiled some.

"And none thought of telling me anyway? None wanted me to know of this task. She is my wife and I should know where she is…" Now that sounded controlling, but well I did not care. I felt my Silvan blood boil out of fear and anger. My fea cried as hers was not with mine.

Elrond did look at me with a worried gaze as he knew how bonded we were and how much it hurt us when we were apart, if only around the valley. Even if he had explained the sighting to Elwen it was as if she could not risk it.

"Tauriel..." he tried to speak, but I would not listen. "What did she see in her dreams or sights my lord? Was it more than she told me of the fear of my death?" I asked demandingly.

"Of what I got to see was the fall of the Dunedain. Of Lauriels possible taking and of you wounded or hurt my daughter by marriage, but you were not dressed in the clothes of Imladris, Nor were the elves beside you or the men dressed of Arnorian clothing and armor. She is scared of only one thing truly and that is to lose you my dear… and that fear in her runs deep."

"Deep enough to leave me behind like a discarded trophy?" I blurted out in anger for what she had done and I felt how horrified it sounded the moment I said so. "I am sorry. I need to go…" I said and turned and rushed to the door before any could say something about it. I was angry, hurt, and disappointed in my mate. How could she leave me behind like that? Nay Elwen and I needed a long talk at her return and I would not leave the courtyard until she came back. I rushed down the hall and out of the side hallways Elladan and Elrohir came out almost crashing with me.

"Ohh you two, please excuse me I need to go," I said and tried to walk away from them. Yet they came up at each side of me.

"Please Tauriel, slow down," Elladan said.

"She is worried for you, she did not mean to hurt you" Elrohir added.

"How do you two know?" I responded somewhat harshly.

"We saw her leave…" Elladan said as I cut him off.

"You saw her leave? And you thought not of telling me?" I turned hard and forced him to back off into the wall.

"Tauriel calm down, let Elladan go." Elrohir said worriedly as I grabbed his brother by the collar of his fine tunic.

"You two might tell me to calm down when you have wives you love more than life itself leaving without letting you know. At dangerous times as this…." I stopped myself before I said something worse.

"The world is always dangerous outside of the valley…" they tried to tell me and then I peaked my anger again.

"You two are young and know little of her foresight or the world! War is coming and soon we will be at war with the iron crown! The word is not just dangerous. War is coming" I said a bit too loud and let Elladan go as tears came down my cheeks I rushed past the servants of the house and I heard them cry after me, but I did not stop or slow down. I just went to the bench that had a view over the hills she would ride down and the bridge. Waiting.

Time passed slowly as I sat there waiting, guards asked me if I wanted food or drink, but I declined it. Estelwen, Lady Celebrian, Arwen, and even the twins tried to talk to me even after I got so angry at them, but I was still upset with her and I would be so ready to greet her back when she would ride over that bridge. Night came another morning and darkness again fell over Imladris when horns blew and echoed in the mountains around. There she was our banner and those appointed her guards in our company.

I could see her face light up as she saw me waiting for them as they came through the gatehouse, they bowed as they rode past me and Elwen dismounted her horse and came to hug me. A hug. How dare she? After she left me behind like that. No, I did not want to hug her and before I knew *SMACK* I slapped her so hard on the cheek of her face. Hand flat and I turned and walked back into the last homely house east of the sea.