Chapter 32
On the ride back to Caras Galadhon Daenerys was mostly silent. Thranduil noticed her mood, and brought his elk closer to her mare.
"Daenerys… You seem thoughtful. Are you alright?" he began.
She looked at him and nodded, but the slight frown would not leave her features.
"If you are still sour about what happened yesterday… I must say you were right. I should not have abandoned you while still sleeping, and I should have been clearer about Ningannel. You were right to anger. But there is no reason for you to be angry about that anymore. She is just an old friend whom I had not seen for centuries, and nothing more. It is you my heart yearns for, you know that."
She gave him a stern glance. "I do. But do you think me so petty as to sulk over your paying attention to another woman? I am not so childish."
He gazed at her. She held her chin high and rode with pride. She is a Queen, not an ordinary human child. She has been sold and mistreated, and yet she rose to become a leader. She has walked through fire and birthed dragons. Of course she would not stoop so low as to beg for my attention and keep a foul mood over my spending a few hours with another woman. She is above that. Something else of far greater importance is troubling her, Thranduil thought. "What is it, then?"
She looked ahead. "Hadron's words keep turning in my head. I have to believe that the scroll of Sauron does not hold the sole key for the doorway back to my homeland. I must keep searching."
He sighed. "I understand your clinging to hope. Nothing is certain, though. Still, our search will never cease. If there is another way, we will find it. I promise you that. I promise you that one day I will see you return to your world, and claim the throne of your forefathers. Though it will pain me to be parted from you, I would never wish you to do anything against your will, and keep you here by my side as my Queen. For I know now that it is your heart's fondest desire to reclaim your heritage", he spoke tenderly, but his voice was laced with sorrow.
Daenerys turned her eyes to him, and they were glazed over with fresh tears. "Do not mistake my wish to return to Westeros as a sign of diminishing of my love for you. Nothing would make me stop loving you! And if ever I had to choose between staying here with you and returning to my world, the choice would not be as easy as you might imagine. My heart would be torn apart, forced to choose between its two greatest desires, and forsaking one in favor of the other."
"You would never be truly content living here with me, a Queen though you might be", he whispered.
"And would I be truly content ruling over the Seven Kingdoms without you by my side?" she asked, her voice breaking.
"Daenerys…" he breathed her name.
"I am not certain of anything, Thranduil. I know what I want, but I do not dare claim it, for fear of losing everything else. Am I too greedy and selfish?"
"No, my heart, no… Trust in me, trust in our love. Trust me when I say that the future is not often as bleak as it seems", he tried to speak words of encouragement to her.
She looked at him with faltering resolve. "You have been through so much… You fought darkness, and again it rose, and again, and again… But still you have not lost all hope, and you try to instill hope in my heart as well. Of course I trust you, my love. I trust you with all that is me."
He gave her a small smile and nodded, and she nodded in return. They understood each other, and that gave them comfort. The Elvenking extended his arm and reached for her, and she took his hand, riding close to him as she was. But then a sudden movement coming from the bushes ahead made them break apart and spring to alertness. "What was that?" Daenerys worried, as the rustling was heard again.
And then a majestic white elk appeared on the path ahead of them, and he looked at them with his brilliant eyes. "It is the Horned Wood-lord", Thranduil exclaimed. The elk moved his head, and ever his eyes were trained on them. "He is greeting us, I believe. Twice we have met him in such a short time. This is a good sign, Daenerys."
She remembered having seen the white elk the day they entered Lothlórien. To the surprise of all the elves he had jumped straight in their path, only to disappear a few moments later. The Galadhrim considered his presence a good omen. "It must be. He is such a noble creature", she said. Quite a few signs in such a short time… I only hope that Galadriel's mirror will also give me good signs, she mused.
"Are you ready to look into the mirror, then, child?" an ethereal voice spoke in her head.
Unused to the Lady's presence, Daenerys was startled, and Thranduil noticed it. "What is it, Daenerys?"
She looked at him. "Galadriel is speaking to me."
Thranduil smiled and his eyes glinted. "Of course." And he looked to the path ahead, as they were now approaching the gates of Caras Galadhon.
"I think I am, my Lady."
"Then I shall wait for you tonight in my gardens. Gather your courage, for many unpleasant things the mirror may reveal… But not all of them may come to pass. And perhaps you will see some joyous reflections as well. The mirror speaks to everyone in different ways…"
Galadriel's voice trailed off as she withdrew from Daenerys' mind, and the mother of dragons turned to Thranduil. "She will allow me to look in her mirror."
"Are you sure you wish to do this?"
"I will have all that may be revealed to me."
"Go then, and may the images in the mirror lead you to wise choices."
Across the bridge they rode and brought their steeds to the stables, where Rohiril received them. And then the great golden gates of the city of the Galadhrim opened, and the guards stood aside as the Elvenking and his lady passed. Golden shone the tall mellyrn with new blooms on their branches, and the white paths of the city were teeming with life, as elves walked unhurriedly and small animals jumped here and there. Everyone greeted the pair as they met them on their way, and for everyone Thranduil had a kind glance and Daenerys a warm smile.
They made for their assigned guest rooms, and there they bathed and refreshed themselves. Soon afterwards a messenger arrived to notify them that lord Celeborn would be expecting them for dinner in his house. And so it happened, and a while later Thranduil and Daenerys climbed the large staircase that led to the lord's home, and they were led to the western porch. The canopy of the mellyrn provided ample shade, and a series of trellises formed the veranda's boundaries, and upon the trellises green ivy grew and pink roses blossomed. In the center of the flet a large round table was placed, and it was set with a white silken tablecloth, porcelain plates and silver cutlery. Celeborn, dressed in fine robes of glimmering grey, stood by the entrance and welcomed his guests.
"Thranduil, my friend… Daenerys, my lady. I welcome you back to Caras Galadhon. I hope you had a pleasant journey to Nen Cenedril."
"We did, my lord Celeborn. Thank you for inviting us for dinner today", Thranduil responded.
"The pleasure is mine. But come, sit with me." As soon as the three of them were seated and wine was served to them, Celeborn spoke again. "How did you find Nen Cenedril, Daenerys?"
"It is a magnificent sight, as is all of Lothlórien. I am fortunate to have visited your glorious realm, my lord. But, if I may ask, where is lady Galadriel? Will she not be joining us for dinner?" she wondered.
"My wife rode to Cerin Amroth this morning, and said she wished to visit the Garden of Memory, and there sit and reminisce in peace. You see, it was on this day in the year 2510 of the Third Age that our daughter Celebrían left Middle-Earth and sailed for the Undying Lands…" Celeborn explained, his gaze growing distant and his voice falling low.
Thranduil nodded in understanding, but Daenerys did not know the story. "Why did she wish to leave, my lord? What made her leave her family behind?"
Celeborn looked at her. "One day, while she was on her way to visit us, she was waylaid by orcs in Caradhras. They captured her, imprisoned her and tormented her… She received a poisoned wound, and though her sons rescued her and Elrond tended to her, she was never truly healed. Her spirit and body suffered from the memory of the torment, and she soon lost her will to live in Middle-Earth any more. Her fëa yearned for peace… And one year after her torment she departed for Aman."
"It must have pained her terribly to be parted from her parents, her children, her husband…" Daenerys said.
"Yes… but the pain of her memory was greater still. I miss my only child, but I know that she has found peace. And one day we will be reunited", said Celeborn, and sipped from his wine.
"No living being – elf, man or dwarf – is spared pain and loss in life. Because such is life", said Thranduil.
At that moment the servants came and served the dinner, and the lord of the Galadhrim prompted his guests to set aside all sorrowful thoughts and indulge in the delicacies of Caras Galadhon. "For this is a journey to celebrate your forthcoming marriage", he said, "and we should not speak of sorrowful things that happened many years ago." Raising his glass, he said, "To your happiness."
They clinked their glasses and drunk, and then the Elvenking said, "Dark days are coming, and let my plans to wed not take our minds off of the preparations for war."
"Ever worrying you are, my friend", Celeborn replied with a smile. "You came to Lórien to help take your mind off of worrisome thoughts, or have you forgotten it?"
"Vigilance has never betrayed us", Thranduil insisted and emptied his glass.
"The Shadow is growing, this is undeniably true. But I look far and still do not see him moving", said the lord.
"It is in Thranduil's nature to worry, I fear", Daenerys added. "Your realm is peaceful and prosperous, my lord, but when you see the minions of evil creeping up to your borders, you cannot but remain on your guard."
Celeborn gave her an examining look, which almost made her shiver. "You are marrying a true Queen, Thranduil."
"Oh, I know that. Her spirit and resolve fascinate me. She is the daughter of Kings, after all. Ruling is in her blood. Am I wrong, my heart?" he said, turning to her with tenderness.
"You are not wrong. But heritage alone does not make you a good ruler."
"You are wise beyond your years, Daenerys. And Thranduil is a good King, who cares for his people deeply. Watch him, help him, learn from him. Listen to his counsel; see how he makes his decisions. Contradict him, if you dare", the Lord said with a playful smile, which earned him an eyeroll from Thranduil. "And if indeed one day you return to your world, you will return ready to assume the mantle, having learned valuable lessons and gained much experience."
Having spoken thus the lord of the Golden Wood leaned back in his chair and gazed to the forest ahead. Daenerys felt pleased with his words, for he was right in all he said. She should make the most of her time in Middle-Earth and prepare herself as best as she could. One day I will go back to my land… One day…
But their dinner was interrupted by the sudden appearance of Celeborn's butler. "My lord Celeborn, forgive me for interrupting your dinner, but there is news I must impart to you", he began hurriedly.
Celeborn stood from his chair and a frown creased his brow. "What is it? What news do you bring?"
"A messenger from the Woodland Realm is waiting outside, my lord. He said he has an urgent missive for King Thranduil."
It was the Elvenking's turn now to jump to his feet in alertness. "An urgent missive? By your leave, my lord Celeborn, I must see this messenger at once", he said.
"By all means", he responded and motioned for him to go.
"Daenerys, wait here. I shall be back shortly."
She nodded, and he vanished, following the servant. A few minutes later he returned, holding an unrolled parchment in his hand. It bore the seal of the Woodland Realm.
"Well, Thranduil? What is it?" Celeborn inquired.
"The creature Gollum has escaped his captivity."
"Gollum?"
"Aragorn had captured him and Mithrandir had entrusted him in my care a few months past. It seems he escaped and is now roaming freely once more, prey for the Dark Lord to hunt again", Thranduil answered.
"But how is it possible that he escaped your dungeons? He was under lock and key, and guarded constantly", Daenerys remarked.
Her lover sighed in frustration. "My son informs me that the guards took pity on him and brought him out to let him climb a tree. But misfortune occurred, and a raiding orc party happened upon them. Taking advantage of the commotion, Gollum escaped."
"This is dire news. Gollum will resume his search for the ring, and Sauron will soon trace his steps. Like a hound he will use the wretch, to sniff out the valuable prey, only to seize it from him once found", Celeborn said grimly.
"I fear our visit to Lórien must be cut short, dearest", Thranduil said to Daenerys, gently touching her elbow. "We must leave for Eryn Galen tomorrow at first light. I have to assess the situation myself."
"I understand", she only said.
"It saddens me that our dinner must end on such a sour note, and your stay in Lórien be so brief", Celeborn said.
"I am sorry, old friend. I, too, wish we could stay longer. But we are on the cusp of war, and we should rather be thankful for this time of leisure that we were allowed", the Elvenking said.
"Thank you for your hospitality and wisdom, lord Celeborn", Daenerys said.
"If only we had more time to get more acquainted with each other, lady Daenerys. I see great potential in you, and I am certain you will play a pivotal role in the next months", Celeborn said to Daenerys. "And you, Thranduil… I wish you the best in the trials to come, for they will not be few. Trust to your heart and you will not falter."
The two ellyn shook hands and shared a brief embrace. Then the pair bid farewell to Celeborn and returned to their guest rooms to make ready for departure.
Night fell, and all preparations were now made. Thranduil felt restless like a caged beast, and his mind was on the news he had received earlier, but Daenerys had another thing in mind. For she had not forgotten Galadriel's invitation to look in her mirror, and she would not miss her chance to do it. So, leaving Thranduil to his unrest, she made for the Lady's garden.
The steps that led to it were carved in the rock, and they were many, but not steep or slippery. Slowly she descended them, and a path unfolded before her. Flowers and bushes grew along its sides, and at its end was a clearing with a vibrant spring on the face of the rock. In the center was a short stone pillar that resembled an altar, and upon it a bronze basin lay. Is this it? Daenerys wondered, and carefully approached it. The basin was empty and looked quite plain. There is nothing intricate or mysterious about it. Can it be that such a plain object can hold such power?
"The One Ring is also plain, nothing but a simple golden band to the eye. And yet it is the most powerful object in our world."
Daenerys turned only to behold Galadriel smiling at her. "My lady", she uttered in awe, for Galadriel was radiant like a star in her glimmering white gown, and her golden hair shone with a light of its own.
"You are like that, too. People will look at you and see a young girl, and they will underestimate you. They will not perceive your power, until you reveal it to them. For you are not an ordinary woman, Daenerys. But you know that already", Galadriel spoke on.
She turned then and picked up a silver pitcher. "Are you ready to look in the mirror?" she asked her as she filled the pitcher with water from the spring.
"I am."
Galadriel poured the water into the basin and glanced at Daenerys cryptically. Then she stood aside, allowing her to approach the mirror. Daenerys held her breath as she stooped over it, placing her palms upon the altar. At first the surface of the water remained still, but then it began to swirl, and she felt mesmerized and drawn into it. A haze came to her, but it gradually cleared, and images took form. She saw her father on his throne, and could almost hear his muted screams, as he cried to "burn them all". And then a sword was run across his throat, and bright red blood sprang forth, and the King fell and drowned in his own blood. Daenerys' heart beat fast, for countless times she had wondered about her father's death, but now it was revealed before her eyes, and a nauseating feeling rose in her stomach. But the vision changed, and where Aerys lay now a pyre burned. The image was familiar to her, for this was Drogo's pyre. She saw her face through the flames, and in her arms were the dragon eggs. And then the eggs hatched and out crawled her dragons. The heat was so intense that Daenerys could almost feel it on her face, as if she was in that pyre again.
The vision changed again. It was her wedding she saw now, not the one to Khal Drogo, but the forthcoming one. The Elvenking stood by her side in his resplendent silver robes, and placed a dragon-crown on her head. Her dress was creamy white and her mantle golden. In her face was all the happiness of the world, and the crowd cheered for their new Queen. We will wed, and it will be the happiest day of my life, Daenerys thought. But then the vision changed, and there she was stooping into the Mirrormere again, and upon the shadow of her head the starry Crown of Durin appeared. Daenerys' heart fluttered in excitement to see the miraculous sign again, believing now firmly that it conveyed the message of her rightful claim to rule. But then the stars of the crown came aflame, and on her head now was a fiery crown, dreadful and menacing in its look. And icy hands appeared from the mists, reaching to grasp the crown and tear it from her head, and the biting cold made her heart constrict in pain. Agony filled her and made her tremble, but the deathly hands could not reach through the flames.
Soon the image faded, and another took its place. She was alone, walking in a dark and dusty room, and it was as if she knew not where the exit was. But voices began whispering in nameless tongues, uttering curses and black spells. One voice was prominent amongst them, and its abysmal echo chilled her to the bone. Slowly the words it chanted became coherent, and the voice bore a distant resemblance to Mirri Maz Duur's, the witch who had taken her husband and son's life with her blood magic. And the voice said to her, "Three fires must you light… one for life and one for death and one to love… Three mounts must you ride… one to bed and one to dread and one to love… Three treasons will you know… once for blood and once for gold and once for love…" And as the voice died, the image of the Iron Throne appeared before her, huge and menacing, razor-sharp swords jutting out from it in all directions. It mesmerized her but at the same time seemed so unwelcoming, as if it invited her and rejected her at the same time. She tentatively walked towards it and began climbing the steps to it, when she heard footsteps following her. Turning her head back, she saw Thranduil smiling at her, and beside him walked a boy young and beautiful, with silver hair and indigo eyes. Tears came to her eyes and she smiled, and then the boy ran to her, took her by the hand and together they ascended the Throne.
The water went still then, and all images faded. Daenerys stood breathless for a moment, shaken by the vivid images she had just seen. But slowly the rapture that had seized her dissipated, and she found her breath again and recollected her senses. Lifting her face, she saw Galadriel standing there, and she was still wearing her enigmatic expression. "Much you have seen", she said.
Daenerys took a step back from the altar. Her mind was filled with questions, still trying to process all the visions that she saw. "Yes", she responded, "But I do not regret looking in the mirror."
"Remember what you saw, and make wise choices, when the time comes", Galadriel said. "But be reminded that not all the mirror shows may come to pass."
"But some will."
The Lady of the Wood smiled again, and turned to walk away. "My Lady", Daenerys called to her. "Your mirror showed me visions of a future that is not to take place in this world. Does it mean I am to return to my world one day? Does it mean there truly is a pathway between worlds?"
Galadriel looked at her from over her shoulder, and Daenerys' innermost thoughts were laid naked to the Lady's deep gaze. "You know of such a pathway already…"
"Yes", she admitted. "But it is a dark one, and I do not wish to tread on it. Is there a different passage? A passage of light? How can it be that your mirror shows things from other worlds? Surely there must be forces that are far beyond my understanding. But there must be a way!"
"You are intelligent and perceptive, Daenerys. But what you seek lies not in starlight, nor soil, nor song, nor is it buried in some ancient crypt. Look inwards and examine your soul instead, and turn your thought to those close to you. This is my counsel. Answers I have none to give you. You must seek them. This is your quest."
Daenerys stood still and silent as Galadriel spoke, attentive and taut as a bowstring. Already she could feel that the Lady's words would be of great consequence. Galadriel turned and left, disappearing in the shadows of the trees. And with her departure it was as if magic and liveliness died away at once. Suddenly feeling exhausted, Daenerys yearned for nothing but Thranduil's embrace. If there was one thing that could now alleviate her burning questions and take her mind off of the images she had seen, then it would be his love.
She found him abed, lying still but awake. She tried not to make much noise, but she lacked the silent feet of the elves, and her footsteps together with the low creaking of the door gave her away.
"Daenerys…" Thranduil murmured her name.
"I am here, my love", she responded, and quickly rid herself of her dress and changed into a light nightgown. Thranduil watched her through half-lidded eyes, and savored the play of the gentle silver light on her curves.
"Why are you not sleeping? It is late", she said.
"Sleep would not come to me. Troubling thoughts occupied my mind."
"About Gollum's escape?"
"Yes… And about your meeting with Galadriel. Did you look in her mirror, at last?"
"I did", she sighed, and climbed into the bed beside him, but remained silent afterwards.
He turned to look at her. "Do you wish to tell me what you saw?" he softly asked her, and lazily played with a stray curl of her hair.
"I saw many things. Some were pleasant and some disturbing. I saw the Mad King's death… Strange how this man was my father. I saw Drogo's pyre and the birth of my dragons… I saw our wedding", she told him with a small smile.
"Our wedding? Then you will not change your mind in the last moment", he teased her lightly, and she smiled.
"No, I will not", she said and pinched his ear a little.
Stimulated, he planted a kiss upon her lips and wound his arm around her waist. "Did you see anything else?"
"I saw Durin's Crown in Mirrormere, but it was aflame, and icy hands tried to take it from me. And I heard strange voices, and one spoke to me clearly, and gave me something like a prophecy. I know not if it was a prophecy, but it did sound so. It spoke of three fires, three mounts and three treasons… I do not know what to make of it yet. And in the end I saw the Iron Throne, myself, you, and a boy. Could he be our son? Although I have been told I will bear no children…" her voice trailed off.
"I hope it will come to pass. That witch that killed your husband might have been lying, after all. It would gladden my heart so much to have a child with you, Daenerys", he whispered, his fingers now tracing her chin.
"Oh Thranduil… how I yearn for it! But I fear to believe it may one day happen. All this time I thought Mirri Maz Duur's prophecy to be true. But what if it is not? Not all prophecies are known to be fulfilled", she spoke with hope in her tone.
The Elvenking remained thoughtful for a short while. Prophecies in this world do come true in some way… But Daenerys received a prophecy in her own world, which is so different from Middle-Earth. From what she has said, nothing there is certain, and things are not either black or white. Then perhaps prophecies there are of the same nature, and are not binding. "You are right", he told her. "Not all prophecies may come to pass. Or they may be fulfilled in a manner we cannot yet imagine."
"This boy I saw, our son, he was so beautiful, Thranduil. Silver hair, indigo eyes, ears slightly pointed. In his face I saw both our faces. He was the embodiment of our love; I am certain about the feeling I had when I saw him in the vision", she said, and her eyes sparkled.
"I do hope his presence in the vision is not just symbolic, and that we shall indeed have a son, and that you will sit the Iron Throne, as your heart desires. I will strive with all my might to make this dream of yours come true, my heart", he murmured lovingly and dropped a kiss on her lips.
Daenerys kissed him back, cupping his cheek with her palm. In her gaze Thranduil found all the love and tenderness of the world, and he knew this was her way of saying thank you without pronouncing the words. They languidly kissed for some time, and then settled again in each other's arms, seeking warmth and comfort.
Then Daenerys spoke again. "The most perplexing thing was the other prophecy, though. The one that spoke of fires and mounts and treasons. And it was the scariest one. I have no idea how to interpret it."
"Tell me the words", he prompted her.
"Three fires must you light… one for life and one for death and one to love… Three mounts must you ride… one to bed and one to dread and one to love… Three treasons will you know… once for blood and once for gold and once for love…"
His brow furrowed and he turned to look at her. "This one does not sound like something we can easily ignore or pass as false. Still, this does not mean that it must be taken literally. Or it might even serve as a forewarning", he opined.
"It sounds to me as if it bares my whole path in life before me, but in an enigmatic way I cannot understand. Or am I too blind, and the answers lie before my eyes?"
"I think it is too early to tell, beloved."
Daenerys paid little attention to his comment. "Are they supposed to happen in a chronological order? Or will one lead to the next, like climbing up steps in a staircase? Three fires… one for life; I have lit that one already, when my dragons were born. The others though… And the mounts, can it be my mare? And can it mean Drogon, once he is grown enough for me to ride him?" She sighed in frustration. "The treasons… Is the one for blood about the witch who betrayed me and stole my husband and son with her blood magic? The prophecy mentions love thrice. Do you think that it will all come to that? That everything I do in the end I will do for love? A fire, a mount, a treason for love…"
"Daenerys, Daenerys…" Thranduil took her hand and squeezed it lightly, forcing her to look at him. "Obsessing over words spoken in an unclear vision will do you no good. Nor can we find the answers right away. It is not the nature of Galadriel's mirror to show what is obvious. We must keep this prophecy in mind, and in time its meaning will be made clearer to us."
She kept staring at the ceiling. "Perhaps you are right", she said listlessly. But though she spoke no more, the words kept turning in her head.
And Thranduil drew up the silken covers and lay back in the mattress, and said no more, for he knew well that no words he might tell her now could take her mind off of the prophecy and the visions she had seen. Perhaps it was the wisest course to leave her to her own, until she came on her own to the realization that she would not find easy answers. And he had his own worries as King, which were much more real and pressing. He needed to return to his kingdom and assess the situation after Gollum's escape. Someone had to be notified, but who? Elrond? Mithrandir? The White Council in general?
They spoke no more that night, but sleep visited neither of them.