AN: So sorry for the wait! :/ As ive mentioned previously, I got a puppy! And it's really time consumming ;) Hes so cute tho! Also, last week was my birthday :)
Thanks for the follows and favs! And don't forget to review ;)
Annabel Jones: I loved them too! Just did ;)
The8horcrux: Thanks! I'm glad you did J. I know right, I mean, it almost sounds like in lotr, people don't need to wash or use the toilet and stuff. Maybe it was a little intentional, who knows ;) I just would like to think that everyone in Imladris secretly use Arwen's shampoo recipe, you know?
MustardLady: Yeah. I'm trying to see things from Alysae's perspective too. She's always lived with elves, and as such, does not really understand the concept of death either. Plus, she's always stayed with her father and brother, so how is she going to cope with being in an unfamiliar place alone?
. . . Chapter 10- Paper Stars . . .
She schooled her face into the expressionless mask she had perfected as a royal back in Greenwood. It was a facade Thranduil and Legolas wore effortlessly, but for her, it was not so easy. She bit the inside of her cheek to keep her lips from twitching and clasped her hands in front of her to stop them from fidgeting. It was necessary, even though every part of her wanted to break down.
Her throat felt tight, and swallowing was a struggle. She clenched her hands tighter, hoping to hide their trembling.
The Fellowship stood in a line, as if posing for a family portrait. Aragorn was proud and tall, his sword sheathed at his hip. Gimli gripped his great axe protectively, and Legolas rested his bow on his shoulder. Merry and Pippin smiled at her, their faces a rare sight of cheer amidst the gravity of the moment. Yet, she noted the nervous flickers in Merry's eyes and the frequent swallows of Pippin. Gandalf's pointy hat caught the light, its brim shadowing his thoughtful gaze.
A fire blazed behind them in the hall, casting a warm glow. Soon, they would move to the courtyard for the formal farewell.
"Oh, curse etiquette!" she muttered under her breath, moving towards the Fellowship. The set of Legolas' lips told her he had heard.
She stopped in front of Merry and Pippin, pulling them into a tight hug and ruffling their curls. "Farewell, little Hobbits," she murmured, her throat tight with emotion. "May the Valar be with you."
They bowed lightly, a hint of humor still in their eyes, and drew her back into their embrace.
"Hopefully, you'll visit the Shire one day!" said Merry.
"And you visit the Halls of my father," she replied.
"Oh, yes!" Pippin exclaimed. "And we might try some of those snowberries you told us about!"
Snowberries were rare fruits from the woods of Mirkwood, white as snow on the inside and red as blood when crushed, known for their sweet taste. They were Alysae's favorite.
"We shall miss you so!" said Pippin, his eyes glistening with unshed tears.
"And I shall miss you," she replied, trying to muster a smile.
Next was Gimli, his head reaching her shoulder. His brown eyes flicked to hers before looking away. Their relationship was more neutral than friendly, but not antagonistic.
"Farewell, Master Dwarf," she said with a nod.
Gimli fingered the edge of his axe, appearing hesitant. "When I first saw you," he grumbled, his voice low, "I thought you'd be just as prideful and arrogant as those elves! But... I was proved wrong. And it's not often I, Gimli son of Glóin, admit such things!" he added gruffly.
Alysae was taken aback. Was Gimli offering a form of truce?
Taking a deep breath, she smiled. "I'm glad you don't think me arrogant or prideful, Gimli. I consider you an honorable and loyal Dwarf, and," she glanced towards the Hobbits, "I would appreciate it if you looked after them, if not for me, then for them?"
Gimli nodded, his beard shaking slightly. "Of course I shall! What do you take me for?"
She chuckled softly, shaking her head, and curtsied. "Farewell!"
Then came Boromir, standing tall with his shield slung over his shoulder.
"Boromir," she acknowledged with a nod.
"My lady." He inclined his head, a small smile touching his lips.
After their sparring match, Boromir had transformed significantly in her eyes. His arrogance had faded, revealing his genuine love for Minas Tirith and his younger brother, Faramir. Alysae had come to see him as an honorable man.
"May you see the White City again, along with your brother," she said warmly.
Boromir's smile turned sad and tired. "And may you see it too."
Alysae nodded, though her thoughts were grim. She moved on to Sam and Frodo.
Frodo looked up at her with large, frightened eyes, his hands clutching his tunic where she knew the Ring lay hidden. She swallowed, struggling to keep away the dark memories that the sight of him evoked.
"Frodo... Sam..." she began.
Both Hobbits gave her brave, if slightly watery, smiles.
"Worry not, Alysae," Sam said, puffing out his chest. "We'll go to Mordor and back, and we'll even bring back souvenirs."
She laughed, though it quickly turned into a sob. "Bring me back a Mordor rock!" she joked, her eyes welling up. She placed a hand on Sam's shoulder, smiling through her tears. "You'll see Rosie again, Sam. And if you do get married, I better be invited to the wedding!"
Sam's face turned crimson. "I don't even know if she likes me that way, anyway," he mumbled, embarrassed.
"If she's as smart as you say she is, she'll know what a wonderful Hobbit you are."
Sam nodded, though he still seemed unsure.
"Farewell, Sam!" she kissed his forehead.
"And Frodo," she turned to the other Hobbit, kneeling to his level, her dress pooling around her, "trust in your friends, and trust in hope."
"I will," Frodo nodded, letting the chain holding the Ring slip from his grasp momentarily.
"Please be careful," she said, kissing his brow before rising.
Aragorn was next. His steel-grey eyes softened as they met hers, and he offered a small smile.
"I can already see the crown upon your brow," she said, tilting her head slightly. In him, she saw the king of old, one who had endured many trials and would face many more. His chin was proud, and his eyes burned with determination.
He chuckled. "Careful, Alysae. Seeing things that aren't there..."
She rolled her eyes and embraced him. "You were the only human I've ever truly met, and I'm glad it was you. You've shown me that humans can be resilient, noble, and caring. Thank you, Aragorn."
"You've made Imladris brighter and Legolas happier. Thank you." He kissed her forehead, then nodded for her to continue her farewells.
"Don't die!" she said as parting words, stepping back to face Gandalf.
"I won't," Aragorn muttered, his gaze searching for Arwen in the crowd.
Gandalf, with his piercing blue eyes and kind smile, placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Do not despair. There is still hope."
Alysae blinked up at him, surprised by his insight. His smile, coupled with a knowing glint in his eyes, left her with an unexpected sense of calm.
Before she realized it, Legolas stood before her, laying a gentle hand on her shoulder.
"Alysae," he murmured, his clear blue eyes searching her face, noting any sign of distress.
Suddenly, she couldn't hold his gaze any longer. Her eyes dropped to the floor, focusing on her leather shoes against the marble tiles.
"I am leaving for the Golden Woods tomorrow," she muttered, her voice barely above a whisper. "Elladan and Elrohir are to accompany me, as Lord Elrond has decided."
A soft hand lifted her chin, and she met Legolas' eyes. They were filled with a deep concern.
"Alysae," he repeated, pulling her into a gentle embrace. His head rested on top of hers, and she leaned into him, inhaling the comforting scent of falling leaves and forest floor.
For a few precious seconds, she was reminded of happier times before the dark shadow of the Ring had fallen upon them.
Reluctantly, she pulled away. Legolas frowned in confusion but remained silent.
Her fingers brushed against something hidden in her dress's pocket. She took it out: a small paper star, intricately folded and decorated with various colors. It was a symbol of their shared tradition, a keepsake from their childhood. When Legolas had gone on his first patrol, she had given him a simple paper star, a token of her affection. Over the years, the stars had become more elaborate, each one reflecting their bond.
"It's lovely," he said, admiring the details of the fox drawn on a corner.
"Thank you," she replied, her voice tight with emotion. "I'm going to miss you… Please don't die!" Her voice broke, and her eyes filled with tears.
Legolas pulled her back into his arms, stroking her hair until she calmed. "I won't," he said softly, echoing Aragorn's words.
"Promise me," he said, pulling back to look deeply into her eyes. "Promise me you won't do anything rash, and that if… if there is nothing the Lady can do, promise me you will not give up."
"But Lady Galadriel is very powerful. Surely she can do anything," Alysae said, bewildered by the notion of her limitations.
"Promise me," he repeated firmly, with an expression that brooked no refusal.
"I promise."
"Good," he sighed, looking visibly relieved.
A clear bell rang out, signaling the imminent departure of the Nine Walkers. Alysae swallowed, feeling a pang of sadness.
They moved out into the courtyard.
Elves had gathered to see them off, standing tall and silent along the sides. Alysae stood beside Arwen, surrounded by other elves, their faces tear-streaked. Alysae was watching a brother leave; Arwen was bidding farewell to her love.
The Fellowship stood, waiting as Elrond bid them farewell. Alysae tuned out the words, lost in swirling memories and dark thoughts. She hoped against hope that they would succeed.
"Faithless is he that says farewell when the road darkens," she heard Gimli's gruff voice.
"Maybe," answered Elrond, "but let him not vow to walk in the dark, who has not seen the nightfall."*
Then, the Company set out. Legolas caught her eye and gave her one last smile before striding away, not looking back.
Alysae let out a trembling breath. A soft hand brushed against her arm, and she didn't turn around, knowing it was Arwen's calming touch.
The elves in the courtyard watched the Fellowship until their figures became distant shadows, vanishing into the horizon.
-xxx-
pls review! (also sorry for the short chapter :/ )
*by J.R.R Tolkien