I apologize for the late update. My grandfather passed away unexpectedly this past week, and I was busy with funeral arrangements and other things.
What could the strange thing across the lake be? Is it friend or foe? Radanir and Gwin go check it out, and something unexpected happens. Could I be any more mysterious? Read on to find out!
Chapter 78
As we made our way towards the shimmering…something, it became a little clearer. It looked to be a silver stag. It was very majestic, and its eyes shone with white light as it looked our way. As I met its gaze, I froze in my tracks, mesmerized by the wisdom and age I saw. This was no ordinary animal.
"Gwin? What is it?" Radanir whispered urgently.
Continuing to stare into the eyes of the stag, I said haltingly, "It is a spirit of the forest." I was unsure how I came to know this, but was certain it was true.
"A spirit?" Radanir replied a little fearfully.
I nodded, transfixed as it moved gracefully towards us. Radanir had his hand on his sword, but I felt no fear. I heard a whispering in my head, as if it spoke directly to me, but could not yet understand the words. I felt drawn to it as it stirred something in my soul, something familiar. I realized it was calling to the part of me that Woodelves referred to as 'forest-longing'; it was a deep connection with the trees and the other creatures in the woods. I did not feel it as strongly as some of my Silvan kinsmen, being part Noldor, but it was inside of all of us.
"Should we fight?" Radanir asked hesitantly, but I hushed him with my hand. Eventually, it was close enough to reach out and touch, and finally the words in my mind became clear.
Welcome, child of the forest.
I inclined my head in deference, unsure what to say.
I come on a matter of great urgency, at the request of one who knows of your plight and entreated on your behalf.
My eyes flicked upwards towards Earendil, and wondered if he was who the stag referred to. Could it be possible? Was it the Valar themselves, or someone else? Setting this aside for now, I attempted to reply in my mind, "Greetings, great spirit. Of what matter do you refer to?" Did my voice sound as shaky as it seemed?
The health and well-being of those whom you love.
What did that mean? Instead of asking, I remained silent but looked at the stag in some confusion.
If you wish, I will take you to them.
My eyes widened. I was almost too afraid to consider what the spirit was saying to me. Could it be referring to Candaith and Elladan? Before replying with a 'yes' like I wished, I took a moment to think. It almost seemed too good to be true, and I had been burned by such things in the past. Also…if I left, I would be abandoning Elrohir when he needed me.
He can come with you, child.
I felt my heart flutter with hope, and my cheeks were wet with tears. How do you know of whom I am thinking of?
I will wait here while you retrieve him.
I noted she did not answer my question, but the voice was soothing and wise, and I felt I could trust the spirit's words. I nodded, trembling with emotion. Radanir was very concerned at this point, and I noticed he had put an arm around my shoulders and pulled me to him protectively, with his sword in hand. He of course had not heard any of the telepathic conversation, and was understandably confused and alarmed. I moved away slightly and gave him a tremulous smile, "I am well, Radanir, do not worry."
He furrowed his brow at me in confusion, "Do not worry? I am sorry Gwin, but this…stag has me feeling on edge." I kept my amusement of his protectiveness to myself as he stepped a little in front of me again, placing himself between the stag and I. The spirit looked at the two of us patiently, but did not speak. I knew there would be no more words between us until I returned with Elrohir.
"Radanir, we are safe from this spirit," I said softly. "They are here to help." At least, I hoped so.
"To help?" he asked, flabbergasted. "How?" I felt another shaky smile form on my face and he looked startled. "Why do you smile, yet also cry?" He looked quite perplexed, and dug into his tunic to find a mostly clean handkerchief; I took it gratefully, wiping my eyes.
"From what I understand, this spirit will take Elrohir and I to Candaith and Elladan." I whispered breathlessly. At least, this was what I thought it meant. "Or, perhaps only one of them." This dimmed my excitement a little, but I tried not to let it decrease the cautious hope I now felt.
Radanir looked a little doubtful but tried not to make it too obvious. "You are sure of this?"
I shrugged and nodded slowly, "The spirit spoke to me in my mind, and offered to take Elrohir and I to 'those whom we love.' The only people it makes sense they are referring to are Candaith and Elladan." As we walked back towards the camp, I took his hand and dragged him along with me. "If there is even a chance this is true, we must take it. Elrohir is dying, and I will do whatever I can to save him."
Radanir squeezed my hand and tugged me back a little, and I turned to face him. He took my other hand in his, and squeezed them both tightly. Still looking a little uneasy at first, he took a deep breath and let it out slowly. "Then we shall do it. I will help you, however I can." His eyes were shining with emotion, but it was not the unrequited shadow of love he had felt for me in the past. Now it was simply one of close friendship, and I was glad of it. He then began to look more excited about the possibility of reuniting with the others, despite his possible doubts. I smiled, and he returned it with one of his own.
At this, he put his arm around my shoulders and we walked together around the lake, and eventually we ended up back in the camp. I raced over to Calenglad's tent, startling Saeradan as I almost threw myself on the ground next to Elrohir's bed. "Gwin? What is it?" he asked gently, but with some urgency.
I turned to him and rushed through an explanation of what happened and what I intended to do. He gave Radanir, who had come with me, a shocked look, and Radanir nodded in agreement of my story. "She speaks the truth, Saeradan. I was with her when the spirit spoke to her…although I did not hear its words."
"Hmm, I see," Saeradan said softly. "Calenglad will need to be told. He can help us get Elrohir safely situated while we bring him and yourself to this…spirit." I could tell he was skeptical, but appreciated him taking me at my word.
While Saeradan went to wake Calenglad, Radanir helped me quickly gather my pack and some supplies. I did not know how long the journey would be and wanted to be prepared. I stuffed some extra lembas, athelas salve and the fresh sprigs, water, linen, and anything else I could think of. I even had the presence of mind to put a small map in there, in case I needed to reference one.
"Will you be needing your horse?" Saeradan asked.
"I am not sure," replied hesitantly. "I do not know how the spirit intends to bring us where we are going."
Saeradan nodded, "I will saddle her just in case, and you can leave her beside the lake, should you not require her."
By this point, Calenglad had been brought up to speed. He seemed to believe me more readily than the others; I knew he had loved an actual spirit, so his belief in them was more concrete. I saw a flicker of pain in his eyes as I surmised he was remembering Gwindeth and their difficult parting. I knew now how love could cause people to do what seemed like irrational things; I was glad I had saved him that day, all those months ago on the shores of Evendim.
In short, Gwindeth, who was rumored to be a Maia of old and guarded the shores of Lake Evendim, had rejected Calenglad's declaration of love, and revealed to us the shocking news of her long-held love for Elendil of old. This news had brought Calenglad an overwhelming surge of grief, and as Gwindeth moved away from the shore to retreat to her grotto on the west side of Lake Evendim, he followed her almost in a trance. Realizing he seemed unable to go on without her, I had to bodily pull him back before he drowned himself. Once back on shore, his eyes cleared and he was ashamed of his actions, and called himself a fool. I remembered glaring at the Maia in anger, but she ignored my reaction as she 'floated away', her face as blank as a sheet of parchment. Calenglad had carried the burden of his grief ever since, and I wished I could do something to ease it. Perhaps this would help, somehow.
As Saeradan helped Elrohir and I get onto my horse, I took some fortifying breaths. Suddenly I felt nervous; what if my hopes were dashed, and the spirit did not take us to our loved ones? Or if they did, what if Elladan and Candaith no longer lived?
Elrohir was still unconscious, and I had a little difficulty holding onto him as he put all of his weight against my torso. I hoped there was some way the spirit could transport us magically, but could not assume such a thing.
All three of the rangers who had helped me this night surrounded me, and I felt tears in my eyes as I realized how much I cared for them. "You have done so much for me, and for Elrohir. I do not know how I can ever repay you."
Radanir smiled, "There is no need to thank us, little lady." He winked at me, and it made me chuckle and ruffle his hair fondly. Saeradan squeezed my calf gently and murmured, "Farewell, mellon nin. I hope you find our comrades, safe and sound." Despite his soft tone, I could see this hope reflected in his eyes.
Calenglad was bouncing on his toes, and I took his hand in my free one, smiling at the excitement in his eyes. "Thank you for helping with Elrohir. I am afraid of what would have happened without your aid."
He smiled sheepishly, "I am sure he would have done the same for me."
After all our farewells were made, I waved and turned my horse away from them, and toward where I knew the stag would be waiting.
Elrohir's breaths were shallow as ever, and his skin was ice cold. I knew he did not have long for this world if Elladan was not where we were going. "Just a little longer, mellon nin. You will feel better soon, I promise," I whispered, hoping it was true.
Sure enough, the stag was still there, staring at us as we approached. It looked up at my horse, who suddenly was lowering herself to the ground, making it easy for me to dismount with Elrohir. I settled him against her flank as she had fully lay down, and untied our belongings. It looked like we would not be needing her on our journey.
I swung our things over my shoulder and turned towards the stag again. What now? I asked.
Hold him close to you, and place one arm around my neck. Close your eyes, child. I will keep you safe.
I did as requested, and after a few moments of nothing happening, I felt magic crackling around me. A whoosh of air and the sensation that I was flying occurred for what was likely only a moment, but it felt strangely long.
The next thing I knew, I felt soft grass under my knees, and I slowly opened my eyes while letting go of the stag. I gasped at what I saw.
We were in the most beautiful glade. There was a walkway of soft grass, and on either side were two small ponds with calm waters. Looking ahead of us, I could make out four beautiful women tending to the area. One of them was pulling some fish out of a net, while the other was clearly speaking to a willow tree in an unfamiliar but pleasing language. The third was sitting quietly and mending a shimmering cloak, and the fourth made her way towards us with a gentle smile.
"Welcome, young ones," she said softly, and her voice sounded like tinkling bells. Getting a closer look at her, I realized she was no mere woman. She looked like an Elleth but was…more. I could not describe clearly what that meant, but she had an aura about her which almost reminded me of Glorfindel, except brighter and older.
"Hello," I said quietly, unsure what to say to her. "I am Gwinthilnel, and this is Elrohir."
She crouched down and put her hand on my cheek, and I realized I was still kneeling in the grass. "My name is Lavaneth, and I am one of the spirits of the forest." I noticed with a start that the stag had disappeared, and it became clear to me that it was Lavaneth herself who had guided us here.
"Thank you, my lady," I whispered, feeling emotional. "It is nice to speak with you."
She smiled, "Indeed. May I show you around?" I hesitated, still noting I had Elrohir in my arms. He was breathing more deeply, and looked a little more peaceful, but was still frighteningly pale. I laid him down gently on the grass, tucking my cloak around him. Before I could say anything, Lavaneth motioned to the woman who had been speaking to the tree. She skipped over happily, and her sunny smile put me at ease. "Another forest-dweller!" she exclaimed, before pulling me abruptly into a tight hug. I had barely a moment to register this before she stepped past me and next to Elrohir. "Suilad, hir nin," she said quietly, her smile becoming gentler. Elrohir did not respond of course. She then turned back towards me, looking sheepish, "Oh, I forgot to introduce myself. My name is Arrasiel!" She motioned to Elrohir, "Do not worry, I will watch over him." I could see honesty in her eyes, so I nodded, put my hand on his pale cheek and whispered, "I will be right back, muindor." As expected, he did not stir, and I turned away from him sadly.
Lavaneth took my hand and escorted me slowly forward, introducing me to the other spirits whom she referred to as her 'sisters'. They were all friendly and kind, but had their own distinct personalities.
Gwenaewen had been gathering fish from the pond, and greeted me heartily with a shoulder clasp. It reminded me of how a warrior would embrace someone, but I did not comment. "Welcome to our home!" She gestured to her catch, "I will be frying these up shortly, and certainly have enough for everyone." I nodded in thanks, feeling a little overwhelmed with all the new introductions.
Lastly, we came upon Munfaeril. She set down her cloak and rose before curtseying beautifully. "I am pleased to finally meet you penneth," she said quietly, but there was an almost royal elegance in her voice. I wondered if she had some position of leadership among the rest of them.
"Finally meet me?" I asked quizzically. What did she mean?
She gave me a secretive smile, "Please take some rest awhile, and soon you will meet the Huntsman, who called you here this night." She gestured to a bench, and I sat down with some apprehension. Who was the Huntsman? They sounded important, and something was niggling in my memory. The name seemed familiar, but where had I heard it before?
After being given some cool juice which tasted like pears, I let out a relieved breath as Arrasiel effortlessly carried Elrohir and set him beside me on the bench. I worried he would fall over, so I wrapped my arm around his waist and let his head rest on my shoulder. His constant presence was familiar now, and it had felt odd to be parted from him for even that short time. Arrasiel started humming a peaceful melody, and I was grateful at how it seemed to calm Elrohir, and myself. I cast my eyes around the glade and smiled as I noted the fireflies slowly flying to and fro. The air was filled with a woodsy scent that sharply reminded me of home, and I felt a longing for the Greenwood of my past.
After what seemed like hours but also only a few moments, I noticed a hush fall over the glade. At once I realized I was about to meet the mysterious Hunstman.
Well, it looks like perhaps Gwin's luck is finally turning back around. Is it too good to be true? Who is this Huntsman, and why did he send Lavaneth to bring Gwin to his domain? Will all her hopes be realized, or is there more bad news in her future?
Thanks for reading, and write a review/favorite the story if you have a moment, I love hearing from you!