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vibratingbones · 3 years

Text

I am at your side

Words: 4k

Tags: Angst(?), argument, fluff

FemaleReader x Galadriel

As her maid, it is your duty to report informations to Lady Galadriel, even if they might break her...

First Age

It was such a beautiful morning. Autumn offered its shimmering colors, red and golden leaves contrasted with the whiteness of the early frost on the grass.

You were standing at a window on the Menegroth’s Palace, taking some moments to appreciate the beautiful landscape of Beleriand before going back to your work.

You were Lady Galadriel's maid, the one who organised everything around her so she wouldn’t be interrupted in her duties by something trivial. You were at her service to anticipate every need she might have and to provide a solution to any problem she might encounter in her everyday life.

Needless to say you were constantly by her side and a great trust had built between the two of you over time, so much that you were introduced to the other members of the court as not a mere servant, but her lady companion. You take great pride in this and in your abilities in your work.

Your gaze was fixed at the sunrise, progressively illuminating all the realm of their Royal Highnesses Thingol and Melian.

With your eyes closed and your arms opened, you take a deep breath of the early fresh air and let the mist caress the skin on your face as it fades away before the sun.

You were glad to be able to move here with your Lady. Due to your trade you didn't really have the occasion to travel around the world. You were delighted to hear Lady Galadriel required your presence during her residency in Menegroth, and you were determined to make this stay the most refined experience for the both of you. After all, not everyone got the chance to learn from Queen Melian in her own city.

It had been almost a year since you both moved to Menegroth, and though at first, Lady Galadriel dedicated all her soul to her duty, you could say that her beautiful enthusiasm had slightly... faded.

She still assumed her charges with great rigor, but you could see that her heart was not there anymore.

It wasn’t your place nor your right to ask her about it ; if she wanted you to know she would have already told you. You knew the best way to help her out was to do your job properly and you were determined to do it impeccably.

Luck was on your side as the royal couple had to gone to inspect the Girdle of Melian, the work schedule of your Lady is reduced. She could take a day off to enjoy all Doriath had to offer and relieve some stress.

When you opened your eyes again, Arien’s ship illuminated the realm before you and her light slowly reached the Palace. It was now time to get to your work. As you walked away from the stone arches to the stairs, you started thinking about the morning of Lady Galadriel. A hot cup of tea in a cold and relaxing bath would be perfect to start her day.

You walked down the stairs and corridors, your feet following the rhythm of an old melody the King Finrod once taught you.

He was always nice to you when you were young, and even as a king he seemed so approachable and open minded. But still, he was an odd character. He always seemed pleased, whenever the circumstances were and you find his...interest for mankind misplaced. You didn't hate humans, far from that, but the less they interfered with the Elves, the better the both species lived. Everything was fine in the royal family before Princess Lúthien met that man... Berin? Beran? It didn’t matter. King Finrod also seemed to have him in sympathy and it worried your Lady, but there was nothing to do about it. You just hoped her older brother was alright, with his oath to accomplish.

You finally reached the kitchens. Everyone has already started their work and you had to prepare the light meal while trying to avoid all the agitation. You almost got hit by a plate on your head, but a quite fair waiter flew to your rescue and you avoided a catastrophe... But not a sideslip on the floor... With some condiments... With the waiter.

“Dear Lord! I am sorry Miss, this platter is truly heavy and I couldn’t concentrate on obstacles on my way, I should have paid more at—”

You stopped him with a gesture of the hand. Obviously he was new on the job. It was pointless to start a scene in front of his colleagues. Even if his clumsiness had just ruined your dress.

“It's alright, boy. Just remember to watch where you’re going and always distribute the weight correctly,” you said, rearranging what was left of the items on the silver surface to illustrate your words. He watched how your experienced hands moved to learn from them.

“Here! Just like that,” you added with a comforting smile. He smiled back at you with embarrassment and gratitude before his boss called him back to hearth with vehemence and he flew away to his task. You watched with amusement until his superior glared at you, clearly inviting you to get back on track.

While you were gathering some fresh fruits in a cup, you couldn’t help but to observe her methods to lead the brigade of servers, and Valar... You thought you were hard with your subordinates, but you have room for improvement! Maybe you should borrow some of her methods... No, your subordinates would hate you for sure.

The poor boy, thanks to this little misadventure, had caught her attention and she was ready to scold him at every minute mistakes he could make, barking at him in front of all their teammates, who had the decency to mind their own business. You guessed that perfection and adamancy are prices to pay to be able to serve the greatest people in the world. It reminded you of your own debut as a maid—how many times had you had to keep your jaws crushed closed in front of your superiors? Too many for your taste, to be honest, but you were the boss now, thanks to the discipline and the abnegation they taught you. It was hard, but it was worth enduring.

Before you left, you glanced back at the servant and the barking butler. She was still harsh but demonstrated more efficient ways to navigate through a crowd with weight. You smiled to yourself. He would be alright. He just needed time to gain some experience. And you, you missed time to change your clothes. Bad luck ; it would have to wait. You had already run out of time, and picked up the pace.

On your way, an ellon between some columns caught your eye. The Lord Celeborn. You had already noticed Lady Galadriel’s interest in him, and his in her. Or rather, you had "unintentionally" overheard a conversation where he admitted it to one of his friends. And you were maybe, or maybe not, the reason behind some of their encounters in some strangely convenient, quiet, intimate places.

He surely didn't suspect a thing from you ; you know how to make yourself transparent next to your Lady. But you were almost certain that she knew.

She just let you plot. Surely it amused her : she once told you that your sneaky side reminds her of her cousins, some redheaded twins. She went quiet when you implied you didn't have the pleasure to know them. You didn't try to know more.

You would have loved to learn one or two other things about Celeborn, but you were already late and in a messy state. How unlike you!

While you traveled through an unreasonably huge room near the entrance, you heard the sound of a massive wood door slamming against a wall and a bunch of rushed footsteps. You overheard some hushed and stressed voices among the clatters of armor. Had something happened to their Highnesses? If so, your duty would be to inform your Lady, so she can advise for the future.

As you got closer to the entrance, some other attendants and companions of the nobility were already gathered with some guards, undeniably those who have just returned. The moment you reached out to them, the leader of the patrollers was silencing the little crowd, a broad smile on his face.

"Peace! Peace, please. The divine providence has given us back our Princess!"

Murmurs and prayers of relief browsed the assembly. At last, the Princess was finally home. You also felt relieved. The eight of months of worries and sorrow will finally be removed from the shoulders of their Royals Highness!

The captain hushed the group again, with a more concerned expression.

"You! Go find the healers and conduct them to the Heir and her human consort. They have been injured during their journey. You! Take a horse and gallop to the King and Queen, hurry!"

The Princess was injured? Assuredly it's not a pleasant thing, but she was alive and with her loved one. The House of Thingol was now safe… So why did you feel a pressure in your throat? When you looked at the captain, you felt a deep unease, as if he would add something terrible. You waited, holding your breath.

He seemed to seek someone in the crowd with a concerned gaze.

“Is someone here under the order of the Lady Galadriel?” he asked.

Valar… Here we go. You cleared your throat and responded with a confident voice.

“I am!”

He spotted you in the multitude and started approaching you while the others followed his orders. You straightened your back, to give an assurance. He guided you away from the other and you asked under your breath.

“What’s the matter?”

He looked at you dead in the eye and replied.

“Miss, it is about her brother. Something happened to King Finrod…”

--------------------------------------------

You felt sick, your feet guided you through some corridors to Lady Galadriel's apartments but your vision was blurred. You couldn't stop thinking, so much information swirled in every direction in your head…

The Princess, the silmaril, the tea, your dress, your Lady, the oath... King Finrod… You felt the nausea rising in your throat.

How?

Why?

Your head spun so much you had to take support on the wall, the heart right behind your lips. How were you going to announce this to Lady Galadriel ? Her dear brother. They didn't deserve this fate.

The rest of the court has been warned the Princess was back, but the truth about King Finrod was confidential, at least for now. You distinguished yourself from the opulent cheerfulness and felicity with your pale face. All the songs of gladness couldn't reach your heart, closed by the truth.

Now, stay focused! You had to inform your Lady. What kind of aid faints while giving news to their master, as bad and terrible as the news could be?

As you get back some senses, a light tune reached your ears. The crowd in the Palace was singing in joy and among every melody in existence, they have chosen the one Finrod taught you. What were the odds…

You finally reached Lady Galadriel’s door, heavy hearted. As your hand was about to knock, all the past few weeks with her instantly flashed in your mind. Her odd affliction who grew up so suddenly, tainted her fëa. And now this…

You took several seconds and a deep breath before knocking. You waited again for several seconds before hearing a response.

“Come in.”

Her voice was firm as always, but a little muffled. You swallowed and entered the room with the most neutral face you could feign. You definitely couldn’t step in with a huge smile like nothing happened, but you couldn’t alarm her either.

You found her in a chair by her balcony. You were glad it was oriented to the waterfalls of the mountains and not to the inner garden were everyone was singing, at least you had some privacy.

“Good morning, milady. How is the view today?” you asked, walking to a table to serve the tea.

Okay, you surely had more inspired lines before.

“It’s nothing new,” she replied.

She, also, had better comebacks.

You observed her while you brought a cup. Seated on a low chair, she silently observed the horizon. Her complexion reflected her exhaustion, with darker tones under the eyes and waxen cheeks. She hugged herself, and you mentally traced the circuit of veins under the skin of her arms that were now visible.

The blond of her hair was now dull, you remembered from the last time you groomed her mane: the comb emerged with many wires of fallen hair, which is highly unusual for elves. You tried to inform her casually, and she then refused to be curled by someone else than herself since.

Your throat twisted more at the sight of the elleth who once was an unwavering lady.

Even thought she was able to disguise her state under a mask of dignity and fool everyone else, inside her room, in the intimacy of her private cocoon, you could only watch the diminishment of her health. Day by day you saw her fading with a constricting feeling of helplessness.

“Are you well?”

Her question brought you back to reality, you realised you were standing next to her, silently staring at her while she waited for her cup. Now that her face was turned to you, you could see the fatigue in her eyes…

"I'm sorry, my Lady. I'm fine… " you answered, "... While you savour your tea, I will prepare you a bath for you to relax."

You desperately needed time to clear your mind and prepare yourself. This was also her last peaceful morning before long, she deserved some time for herself before you broke her heart definitively…

"Wait."

You stopped dead on your tracks.

"My Lady?"

"Stay with me, I would enjoy some company this morning."

Without a word you filled an empty teacup and took a chair beside her.

"Thank you. My tea always tastes better when I drink it with a friend," she added with a sweet but low voice.

You gently clattered your cups and admired the colours of the waterfalls under the morning sun. You just took a cup for the act, to please her, but felt like you could never take a sip of it. While you both remained silent, you could sometimes hear the sound of footsteps rushing towards the hall with some giggles. You played nervously with your goblet, knowing that you couldn't keep the truth from her eternally, that you should tell her now before she hears it from someone else in a far less convenient situation…

But you couldn’t…

You were out of words.

Everytime you tried to tell her, your words got stuck in your throat or disappeared the moment they reached your mouth.

How could you possibly tell her that her beloved brother, the most gentle soul you had come across in your millennium life, was dead? His body was buried so far away, she wouldn't be able to mourn him at his sepulchre…

You looked at her, to engrave her vision in your memory. She looked so frail at this moment, would the news finish her off? Would she lose her will and seek to join him?

And you? Would you be able to endure it? To lose her?

After the death of the brother, could you handle the loss of your Lady?

Your...

oh...

so dear...

Lady

Your sunshine.

A gentle touch on your cheek wakes you up from your trance.

Your gaze was still fixed on Lady Galadriel, as she brushed off a single tear rolling out of your eye.

“Talk to me, my dear. What happened? You are usually so jovial, but your fëa is submerged by shadows today.”

You couldn't help but to rest your head in the warmth of her palm.

You were deplorable, she was the one who lost her brother and she was the one comforting you. You clenched your jaws and removed all your tears with the back of your hand.

“My lady, I am sorry to present myself to you in such an inappropriate state.”

You take a deep breath as you rose up from your seat to gather yourself.

“My Lady, I do have something to tell you!”

Your own words seemed to strangle yourself, but you were able to keep an assured voice.

“This morning, her Highness Princess Lúthien came back with her human consort to the court, safe and sound."

You were about to continue when you saw her cower. Somehow, this information seemed to trouble her immensely.

You watched her shudder, unsure how to continue this conversation now.

And then…

It just clicked in your mind.

Your eyes widened, dead silent before your sudden realisation.

"You knew..."

———————

She looked up at you, with a silent pleading in her eyes.

You didn't want to believe it, but it would explain everything.

"You knew… He would never return, and you just let him go."

"I did not just let him go!" she replied with a voice filled with anger.

She let a frustrated sigh escape but remained calm.

"I did know what was going to happen. I foresaw it the day he described to me his first encounter with mankind."

You just sat in silence on your chair again. You didn't want to interrupt her.

"I warned him his passion towards mortals will harm him, but he just stayed still with the most elated smile I have ever seen…"

She looked right in front of her, reviving the instant, as if King Finrod was really there with you.

"He just said: Let it be, sister, for if it is my destiny to die at the side of men, I will take it as an honor.He was so confident, so determined. I knew I wouldn't be able to make him reconsider… I'm sure you know it is impossible to say no to him when he makes up his mind...”

Oh yes, you knew.

“It happened such a long time ago… I even convinced myself my vision was nothing more than a projection of my fears and not a fragment of the future. I even.... managed to forget about it. Until he announced to me about his oath.”

Her voice cracked while speaking of this... accursed oath. You started to sense the ire slowly rising in your veins. Why did she had to suffer all of this ?

"Everything came back in my mind with such force. I tried to convince him one last time, but… I knew I wouldn’t succeed. For his destiny was already decided… his death was for a greater good that I can't see yet."

She stopped, out of breath, as if speaking required too much energy.

You both jumped out of your skins when some younglings started to bange at all the doors of the corridors while gigglings and yelling about the return of the Princess. It looks like celebrations revealed the most silly side of the younger generation.

Lady Galadriel stood up to regain a certain composure, her gaze at the horizon.

A strange silence between you hung up in the air after the laughs of the younglings, deafening and stifling but it was still more comfortable than the reality of your situation. You had the childish thought that if you didn’t speak about it then it wouldn’t be real anymore, that you could open the door of her apartment and King Finrod would have been behind it the whole time, just wanting to surprise his cherished little sister.

Alas, reality has rarely resorted to such niceties. Happy endings are for old melodies.

Surely this is why we sing them…

"It pains me greatly… Never again I will wake up to his harp morning practice. He loved so much to see his city awakening under his notes. Never again he will come to me to aid him with his accounting." She chuckled a little. "He hated it!"

"I know! I spent several sleepless nights helping you because he couldn't help falling asleep while working on it," You added while joining her side on the balcony. "I am sure we both know the economic state of his kingdom better than himself!"

You both laughed at those memories.

It felt right, it felt… liberating.

But she quickly became silent again.

"When we were children, he promised me he would guide me to the altar the day of my wedding if our parents couldn't… He already had his costume ready, way before I found my soulmate."

Indeed, it sounded just like him.

"Now I would have to descend the aisle alone. It is the only promise he won't be able to accomplish."

Tears fell down silently from her exhausted face.

You were sympathetic to her but you couldn’t fully understand the depth of her pain and distress for none of your loved ones had died. You could only imagine what she was going through and offer her warmth and little comfort.

"It pains me so much it is killing me. I can feel it, deep in my flesh. It started..."

“... when your brother died,” you guessed.

“Yes. The very moment he passed away, his voice reached me. I heard his wail in my sleep and his last scream keeped me awake for the rest of the night until you came in the morning.”

You remembered. You found her sitting on her bed oddly straight and tense. Her gaze was fixed in front of her, but seemed lost to the void. Her ailment started to appear the day after. You scolded yourself for not investigating more and accepted her excuse of a "bad night," even if she wasn't properly lying.

To be awakened by a loved one's final call must be the most dreadful experience.

"I still hear him, you know? Everytime I close my eyes, his pleading haunts me. Every night, his cries reach me." Her voice began to be more erratic and she began trembling again. "I see him in every shadow, I catch his silhouette in the corner of my eyes but he is never here when I turn my head."

She was fully crying now. You had never seen her like that, in such distress.

So you overstepped your position and took her in your arms. You held her in a tight embrace to support her, for she could not fall apart.

"Please my Lady, calm down."

She did not respond at first, but you finally felt her arms around you, pulling you even closer as if you were her last grasp on reality at this instant.

"I see him everywhere. I know he is not here, but I can not let him go…"

You stayed silent again, while wanting to say something. Anything. But words are vain in those moments. Only time is able to cure such wounds… If they could heal at all. So you just held her tighter and let her head rested on your shoulder while feeling her tears soaked through your dress. She buried her face in your neck.

You weren’t sure how much time passed that way and you just started to cradle her gently. You were certain it was inappropriate but you feel like if you didn’t have to follow the protocol and the etiquette for once, it would be now!

You listened to her, made her sure you were attentive to her pain and offered the warmth of a presence.

However, you were not prepared for what she was saying next.

"I am sorry…"

Her voice was so low and hoarse, you were not sure of what you had just heard.

"For what, my Lady?"

"For my lack of bravery… I have to be strong for my people, particularly now, with the chaos that is to come. But… I feel so helpless! I can't clearly see the threat which rises upon us, I have not been able to prevent the death of my brothers… …”

You moved away from her, incredulous, and locked your eyes to hers.

“You are brave! Braver than most of us, many could not do your duty as well as you did under mourning. Don’t lose faith in yourself. We are all with you… I am with you.”

You took a step back and knelt before her. She watched you quietly in confusion.

“I wish to reassert my loyalty and take an oath of allegiance to my Lady.”

Head bowed and right hand closed over your heart, you started to declaim your vows with an assured voice.

“Here, I swear on my head I shall faithfully perform my duties to the best of my abilities. I shall never embarrass or bring shame over the House of my Lady and her Blood...”

You raised your head to see her face with a sight full of determination.

“But above all, I swear to follow you everywhere, in Light as in Darkness, in Arda as in oblivion, in honour as in infamy. To be faithful to your Person and your Name, and to never leave your sight at any given time during our earthly lives and beyond death.”

Galadriel listened to you respectfully, her tears drying while she regained her composure.

She silently gave you her hand, which you kissed and brought to your forehead almost religiously.

“Rise up.”

You obeyed, now determined to protect and serve your Lady at all cost and your instinct told you that it will happen sooner than you could imagine.

She observed you quietly as she was taking the measure of your words. She placed a chaste kiss on your lips to seal your vows.

You secretly wished the kiss was more lingering, but you kept it for yourself.

“Thank you,” she responded.

Her breath was still short, but her voice had regained her assertiveness.

You both turned back to the waterfalls, the songs slowly reached your ears again now that the emotion started to come down.

In fact, everything seemed more clear now. You felt lighter, as if a blindfold had been removed from your eyes as the fog dissipated under the rays of a morning sun.

You had now faith in the future.

At the side of your Lady, together, you felt confident you could face anything destiny had prepared for you.

--------------------------------

Specials thanks to @arofili for their help during the entire process ! ❤️

This is my first fic, constructive criticism will be much appreciated :)

#vibratingbones #fanfic #silmarillion #galadriel #x reader #Galadriel X Reader

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7soulstars · 3 years

Note

hello love 💕 sorry i've been away.. i'm afraid im not getting any better.. and i'll have to go through a surgery next week 😢 i thought of requesting something cause i missed your writing so much.. if you don't mind of course .maybe a fluffy oneshot with thranduil or haldir comforting sick y/n with cuddles & kisses 🙈 *though id prefer getting cuddles from you* *cough cough*😁

Hi babe! I wish I was there to hug you😞. Best of luck for your surgery! I'm glad my writing is helping you ! I'm sorry it took a while I was travelling across the country with zero wifi *and it sucked! *. I wrote one on Haldir cuz I'm also currently writing a Thranduil fic req too! I love you so much I hope you become better soon! And I really hope you like this fic! 🥰🥰

In Sickness and Health

Pairing: Haldir x Reader

Warnings: Too much fluff??

Summary: Y/N is sick and Haldir refuses to give anything but the best to his wife.

............

Elves do not get sick. It was common knowledge among every single person in middle earth. So when his wife sniffles and moves very tiresomely, Haldir is stuck between two possible thoughts, she's either being too lazy or she is dying. And Haldir being Haldir , believed it to be the latter. So the very next moment there is Galadriel and Celborn, Rumil and Orophin rushing in after your husband who barges into the two of you's house.

"Y/N/N ARE YOU DYING!? WHAT HAPPENED!?", Rumil screamed dramatically.

It amused you but you really weren't in a situation to laugh as it came out as a sneeze making you shake violently.

Your husband tensed as he stalked towards you worryingly. Galadriel and Celeborn laughed softly at the scene as the other three elves looked at them puzzled.

Galadriel smiled, "Haldir, I do understand you are highly worried about your wife but she's simply sick. We do not go through it but it's common for other beings.I do hope I am right Lady Y/N".

"Ye, is jus col' an cof' ", you mumbled incoherently and you felt another sneeze wracking through your body making you groan in irritation and pain. "Lady Y/N please lay down and rest. I shall go find a healing spell for you among the library books.", said Celeborn as he ushered you to bed. Haldir was like a son to the Lord and Lady of Lothlórien and you, like their daughter in law. " Nu tis' fin' ill be betta' by tomowow' ", you coughed.

Everyone except your husband nodded understandably but you were still skeptical considered how you saw them walking away through your window in a cluster as they argued over something.

You sighed chuckling as you turned to look at your husband who stood towering you with a frown on his face. Making you cough and laugh all together. “Meleth nin do not laugh unless you wish to hurt yourself more!" He scolded as he piled up blankets over your shivering form. You looked so delicate in the eyes of your marchwarden as if you were a cracked egg and if you were hindered with,you’d break even more. He felt really bad for you as he saw you burying yourself more into the bed and he was mad at himself for being helpless.

With a ‘I’ll be back’ he rushed out of the house leaving you to yourself with a sad frown on your face.

An hour later he was back, with a huge basket of what looked like groceries, and without looking at you he made a bee line straight to the kitchen making you think that he was mad at you for being sick.

Just as your bed ridden self was about to fall asleep, your husband entered the room with what looked like a cauldron of porridge. Haldir couldn’t cook. He wouldn’t be able to even if his life was on the line. So when you saw him pouring the weird blackish looking mass into a bowl proudly, your heart melted into a puddle though you were terrified in the back of your mind. What shocked you even more was the fact that he himself was feeding you instead of making you eat it yourself. It was unusual for him. You didn’t mind it. You knew that was just how he was.But his behaviour towards you was really making you fall in love with him even more. So much that you ate two bowls of that vomit inducing porridge he made for you, his beloved.

He got up so as to leave and fetch some water but a weak tugging on his tunic stopped him dead on his tracks. “Don’ go”, you managed to croak out as you patted the empty space beside you on the bed. Haldir looked at you with the most heartbroken face as he scurried to lay beside you. Usually he would get flustered. But not today, not when you were asking him like that.

“Meleth nin !?”,he sputtered as you flopped your head on his chest, arms clinging to his neck. You gave him the best baby eyes you could making him sigh as he obliged by sliding his arms around your waist pulling you closer. He could feel how your chest was heaving rapidly in a poor attempt to breathe or how there were eyebags under your beautiful eyes and how your gripping his tunic unconciously. He couldn’t help but kiss you on the forehead as he held you tighter as if you would go away. You could sense him being worried so you did what you had to do.

“Haldir..”

“Yes ?”

“I love you.”

As you expected, his grip loosened for a second before tightening again. You rarely said those precious words to each other because they were really important to the two of you. You cherished it more than anything.

“I love you too.”

It almost went unheard but it did put the biggest and stupidest smile on your face. Before you even realized, you were asleep and unbeknownst to you Haldir did what he always did when you slept. He peppered loving kisses on your face and said sweet nothings that he was too afraid to tell you right in your face.

--Time Skip--

“Y/N/N we brought you some medic-”

“SHHH”

“OH-”, Rumil stood looking at the scene in front of him. Y/N on the bed awake with a sleeping Haldir latched to her waist.

They really meant it when they said in sickness and health.

----The End----

There ya go my lovely darling! I know it's short but I really really hope you like it! Feedback is always appreciated ! I hope your surgery goes well and that you have a super speedy recovery! Lot's of love and kisses! 😘😘

~Love, Hri

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morningnerd · 4 years

Text

Idea?!?

Elwing learns Quenya. She goes to speak to Nerdanel, to yell about the Kinslayers, and instead of a woman who is broken and feeble and ashamed, she finds Nerdanel the Wise.

Nerdanel the Wise who does not break down when her sons leave her, who takes the jeers and curses from elves who once begged to have a seat at her table, who stares her blond brother-in-law in the face and refuses to apologize for her sons’ actions, because she did not commit them.

Elwing sees this prideful woman. She sees Dior and Lúthien and Melian. And all of the arguments she has disappears when Nerdanel interrupts her:

“I am sorry that your family suffered at the hands of mine. I am sorry that you lost your home because of a silmaril. But this is not my fault. I didn’t raise them to think killing was acceptable. I didn’t raise them to fixate on jewels. I am not my sons, I am not my husband, I am not who you want to shout at.”

And so Elwing leaves. She is the first of many. All come to yell at her, to complain about her sons, but she is not them. She weeps only a few times. She weeps when Nimloth tells her about Celegorm’s servants, because she pictured Tyelko with the Ambarussar. Nerdanel weeps when Finrod tells her, after centuries, about her sons’ treachery, because she always thought that her sons appreciated family. Nerdanel weeps for Elwing and Eärendil, for her twins were lost to her all too soon, and she can relate.

Nerdanel weeps when Fingolfin comes to talk to her, because Fingolfin knows his sister-in-law. She will not accept the blame, because it is not hers. So he talks about Maedhros, after the rescue, he talks about the bravery of her sons, of the horrors they faced, and of the pride he felt for their bravery. He talks of the shame he felt, of the disgust and grief, and Nerdanel feels a closeness to her brother-in-law after that.

Elrond comes to visit her. He is hesitant and shy. Nerdanel sees him and tells him the same, but he doesn’t need told that. Instead, Elrond clasps her callused hands and smiles.

“I am Elrond Peredhil. I claimed Maglorion and was shouted at well as well. Your son raised me as if I was his son. I am not him. I love him for the father he was to me, not for the kinslayer he was, and I know some of your pain.”

Nerdanel gives him an appraising look, and she squeezes his hands, and calls him her grandson. She teases him by saying Tyelpë was his cousin, that she knows a musician when she sees one. Elrond and she have a standing breakfast agreement at Elrond’s home every week.

Nerdanel does not cry in public. Elrond does, when Celeborn arrives and tells him that his sons wouldn’t come with him, when Celeborn tells him that his daughter Arwen Undómiel has passed on to the Outer Circles.

Nerdanel and Elrond bond over missing children.

And then there’s a ship an immeasurable amount of time later, one that is buffeted by waves as high as towers and has three elves on it.

Two half-elven lords, sickly and pale and miserable. A tall Noldo, with dark black hair and glittering silver eyes, has his arms wrapped around them. The elf drags them ashore, deposits them on a beach, and falls to his knees before the crowd.

The voice is recognizeable no matter what.

Nerdanel cries in public. Elrond does, as well.

#silmarillion #tolkien #house of feanor #elrond #drabble #idk what this is #nerdanel #love for my girl #she is a queen #she did nothing wrong #literally #we respect her in this house

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arofili · 4 years

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For the character ask: all the children of Finarfin

How I feel about this character:

Finrod: charming slutty blond twink with a heart of gold. maybe that’s too much fanon and not enough canon but you can tear that characterization from my cold dead hands tbh. like yes this is King “I Killed A Werewolf With Nothing But My Teeth And The Power Of Love” but he’s also Prince “I Rap Battled With Sauron And Lost” and Lord “I Befriended Men and Dwarves Before It Was Cool”

Angrod: of all his siblings i think he’s the most… Angry Boy. he has a temper, but he’s also married with a kid (I subscribe to the Orodreth Angrodion version of canon). i think he’s the ‘oh my god why can’t any of you be NORMAL’ brother. BOTH his mother name and his father name are derived from the word for ‘iron’ - he’s got an iron personality, very strong-willed and stubborn. i also hc that he’s the only arafinwean who has Earwen’s silver hair.

Aegnor: a hopeless romantic. the dreamiest arafinwion (and that’s including artanis!). very particular about his hair (which is a WILD canon detail that i love sjdfhdk) but also has terrible fashion. his head’s always in the clouds, he’s a daydreamer, but he’s also incredibly loyal and a really good friend. he almost always listens to his heart over his head - and the fact that he and andreth never marry is the One Time he listened to logic over emotion, and that haunts him forever.

Galadriel: almost as much of a genius as Feanor and almost as humble about it, which is to say, not at all. she’s proud and stubborn and full of herself, especially in her youth - she’s also gorgeous and smart and right a lot of the time, which doesn’t help her ego. by the time she’s become Lady of Lothlorien she’s been through a lot and is much more humble and wise, but i think that comes not just from her experiences but also from being married to Celeborn the Wise. i think he balances her out very well tbh. (my favorite Galadriel characterization EVER is from this fic by @nerdanelparmandil, check it out!!)

All the people I ship romantically with this character

Finrod: I ship Finrod with anything that moves tbh….. I see him as super super gay, he and Amarie were mutual beards which is why she didn’t follow him to Endore. i am a Known Slut for Finrod/Turgon in particular, they’re kind of endgame for me, but also @raisingcain-onceagain has converted me to Finrod/Edrahil!! And while the Nargothrond Disaster Trio are in no way shape or form HEALTHY, i really really enjoy Celegorm/Curufin/Finrod content, that dynamic is delicious. i can also get down on Maedhros/Fingon/Finrod, though not really in a serious way. PLUS Finrod/Beor is very good, as is Finrod/Barahir and Finrod/Beren(/Luthien if we’re feeling spicy), and you KNOW he got busy with some dwarves! I just think he’s very free with his feelings and desires, especially after coming to Beleriand, and he takes full advantage of his freedom and position of authority to get what he wants. (not necessarily in a weird power dynamics way, though he’s into that kind of kinky shit too probably, i mean more in ‘it’s my kingdom i get to make the rules and i say No Homophobia and No Slutshaming’) - and I’m super happy to multiship with Finrod, there are verses where he’s fucking everyone and verses where he’s pining over Turgon and verses where he never even thinks about anyone other than Edrahil and etc etc etc. there’s probably even verses where he and Sauron get up to some funky shit!

Angrod: I don’t have a lot of headcanons about him and Eldalote. She has a Sindarin name, so maybe she came with him to Middle-earth - or maybe not, and he just missed her so much that he wouldn’t shut up about her and so her name was Sindarized to Edhellos. Either way I think they had a very strong relationship that ended in tragedy one way or another. I’ve also seen some fun Angrod/Caranthir enemies-to-lovers stuff, which I can get into, but I think Caranthir is aro so it’s not really my main hc.

Aegnor: i mean how can you NOT ship him and Andreth??? that relationship is just….so tragic and heartbreaking and beautiful. I like the theory that Gil-galad was their child, and he was given to Orodreth to raise because Andreth couldn’t care for an elfling and Aegnor couldn’t publicly claim a son out of wedlock. But also verses where they are just tragically pining after one another are beautiful in their own way. My headcanon is that the thing keeping them apart was less about the war going on and more about Aegnor fearing to lose her - but then he actually dies before her, and Andreth has to live with that pain. (idk if that works out timeline wise but. yeah)

Galadriel: Meladriel is very good and I enjoy that - I’ve also seen some great Galadriel/Luthien and even a Galadriel/Feanor fic I enjoyed. BUT overall i really love that she chose to marry Celeborn, a wise “dark elf” even when she’s completely out of his league - he balances her very well, and I don’t buy depictions of her walking all over him. she cares about him and he’s really good for her!

My non-romantic OTP for this character

Finrod: I ship Finrod/Turgon but also WHAT a great friendship they have!! I love that they go adventuring together :) And Finrod, Maedhros, and Fingon are so fun to imagine growing up together! Plus there’s his relationship with his nephew Orodreth, who he clearly adores, and also the fact that he’s still buddies with the Feanorians even after the first kinslaying (at Alqualonde! his home! where his mom is from!) and he’s so excited to meet new people from the Sindar to the Edain to the Dwarves. Finrod’s just EVERYONE’S friend and i appreciate that!!

Angrod: ….what if he and Caranthir used to be really close, like they are similar ages and grew up together, but then Something Happened and they started hating each other later on. that would be Very fun. also, he and Aegnor were lords together over the same land and died together, which implies they were very close - close like Celegorm and Curufin!

Aegnor: Again, he and Angrod were Best Bros which is great. I also think he’s probably beloved by Andreth’s people, he’s just this huge elf man they all kind of adopted and he’s so honored that they love him so much!

Galadriel: Melian!! obviously!! she stayed in Doriath specifically to learn from her, which is super neat. and then Gandalf in the later ages, i love whatever they have going on in the movies especially. i also think she and Celebrimbor had a weird rival-friendship i the second age, they’re both geniuses but from opposite sides of the family feud…except the family feud has killed pretty much everyone BUT them, so they come together to mourn that.

My unpopular opinion about this character

(this turned into more of ‘what are their negative personality traits’ than ‘unpopular opinions’ but whatever…)

Finrod: i’m sure he did his best but….when he was king of nargothrond he was still gallivanting all over the place. orodreth was probably More In Charge from before he was officially king…

Angrod: he’s a grade-A asshole. just a dick. mean as shit and holds grudges forever. really annoying to be around.

Aegnor: a dumbass. always listens to his heart and gets in trouble for it, until the one time he listens to his head and regrets it forever.

Galadriel: would make an EXCELLENT villain. ‘all shall love me and despair’ ? come on yall. if it had been HER versus sauron instead of Finrod (and…considering she was probably friends with Luthien, it very well could have been) i think she may have won, and im just imagining Sauron working for her, and the second and third ages going very differently with her being a Queen who everyone loves until they look back and realize she’s been corrupted and turned evil.

One thing I wish would happen / had happened with this character in canon.

so i think canon did mostly a good job with them SO some of these are some AUs!!!

Finrod: …if he had managed to convince Celegorm and Curufin to help with the Silmaril quest–the war could have ended before the Nirnaeth, maybe. or at least gone very differently.

Angrod: im gonna physically fight tolkien over giving us practically NOTHING on the wives of various characters - tell me more about Eldalote you coward!!!!

Aegnor: JUST MARRY ANDRETH PLEASE. i’m a slut for interspecies relationships and the fact that this one is male elf/female human is SO good and frankly unprecedented in Tolkien’s works. PLEASE i need more!!!

Galadriel: FUCK that evil!Artanis AU would be REALLY cool and sexy, wouldn’t it?

#silmarillion #finrod #angrod #aegnor #galadriel #long post #silm #arafinweans #arafinwions #ask games #thanks anon!!!!#anon #answers #my meta #silm meta

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caitlinsfandomthoughts · 4 years

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A film fan’s reaction to reading The Lord of the Rings for the first time.

I’ve been a big fan of the Peter Jackson films (extended versions - nerd that I am) since I was about 11 and I think I know all of the big changes made in the adaptation: Arwen, Faramir, Aragorn falling off a cliff. I did read the first book around the same age (in the first of many waves of my lotr obsession) but I only really remembered Saruman of ‘Many Colours’.

However I have always wanted to properly know the book version of the story so finally started listening to an amazing full audio book reading by Steven Red Fox Garnett which I highly recommend:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwLvFU2onc7cPIEBee-_xMw

………………………………………………………………………………….

And here are my silly reactions and occasional analysis of the differences between book and film that I didn’t know about.

The Fellowship of the Ring part five, one, two, three, four, six

Lothlorien:

I really miss the film Aragorn-Boromir interaction in the aftermath of Gandalf’s death. Where the hobbits are in shock/grief and Aragorn rouses them to go. Boromir says ‘give them a moment for pity’s sake.’ Not only does it immediately set up the unstable power structure of the fellowship without Gandalf, to me it’s one of those really interesting conflicts where both sides are right. And as a leader it would be hard to make the right call. Obviously they can’t stay long, but Aragorn’s coldness isn’t the best for morale. I also like that it is the reverse of what you might initially expect for both characters. Boromir argues for compassion while Aragorn for practicality, and yet it works to add complexity to both. I think Aragorn is probably right, as he usually is, but it’s not like Boromir doesn’t have a point. He actually has more experience with leading large groups in a somewhat kingly manner than Aragorn does, and Aragorn can learn something from that. It can seem like Aragorn is shirking some part of his leadership responsibilities, like an emotional openness, or maybe just communication. It feels like Aragorn is leading in a bit too introverted way at the beginning, or in a way that still shows his reluctance. Anyway it doesn’t have that scene.

What it does have is Boromir being the one who is most reluctant to go into Loth Lorien. He’s like I’ve heard some not so good stories of this place and Aragorn is like well your people have your facts wrong and then is like you’ll only find evil in here if you bring it with you, Aragorn is apparently the king of throwing shade at least.

Haldir! And Sam was the loud breather.

They want to make Gimli wear a blindfold into Lorien but NO ONE ELSE! Racist elves. I mean I know that’s the point but whoa.

Gollum has been following them since like, the Shire, which is a long time to wait. I like the mention of Sting not glowing even though Frodo can hear he is near, nice way to say he’s not an orc, not truly evil. It is one of the few things I really liked in the Hobbit films, the use of this visual symbolism to morally complicate things when you meet him. (Poor orcs it seems you can kill without moral consequences).

Gimli is understandably not ok with the blindfold situation, I support him. Aragorn suggests they should all wear them, I like this, it’s probably the most egalitarian solution they could do, given how much they needed their help. Good Aragorn move. I think message-wise Boromir being the one who is most resistant to Lorien rather than Gimli is better. While there has been some both sideyness in the Elve/Dwarf racism, here at least the fault seems to be more with the elves, which is a more realistic depiction of racism than it being equal fault on both sides. Although perhaps this is better referred to as xenophobia since there isn’t an active exploitation of one race by another here.

Haldir is not a jerk! Or less of one. He doesn’t believe in the blindfold policy but he is still enforcing it so…

Sam says that Lorien is ‘like being inside a song’ I keep saying Sam is musical. ’Frodo puts his hand on a tree and feels the ‘delight of the living tree itself’ rather than thinking about its uses when it’s dead. I’m here for the tree love.

Celeborn is like we shouldn’t have let the dwarf in and then Galadriel is like actually dwarfs are cool! And he’s like yeah you’re right I’m sorry. Galadriel directly calling out anti-dwarfism and then speaking to Gimli in his own tongue gives a stronger reason for him to be enamored by her than basically she was pretty.

I can’t believe I forgot Sam making a poem for Gandalf’s fireworks in the film! Given I’ve been going on about him being a songwriter.

The Mirror of Galadriel:

Frodo sees Gandalf the white aw :’( It gets to me sometimes that Frodo and Sam don’t get to know that Gandalf is alive until the task is done and everyone else (except Boromir) gets to in the second book.

It makes some more sense now as to why Galadriel says she will ‘diminish’ and why the rings tempts her since the one ring dominates the three and with it destroyed their power probably would also.

Galadriel says the ring has a ‘will to dominate’ or something like that, she says Frodo can’t see the three rings through the one because he hasn’t tried, and that if he did it would destroy him. I may not have got that exactly right but it seems like Gandalf et al in Rivendell were saying hobbits can’t use the power of the ring only wizards and elves could. But Galadriel is like no it’s only because you haven’t tried. But also don’t try cause, you know, it’s evil and all (but that goes for everyone).

Sam did you not see the scary immortal lady lit with a power of her own screaming ‘ALL SHALL LOVE ME AND DESPAIR’? No it would not be good for her to take it!

Farewell to Lorien:

Finally the Aragorn doubt that I have been waiting for! Although he’s only really unsure about going to Minas Tirith or not cause Gandalf fell and now he has to take on his role and he’s like well he didn’t tell me what to do so… But still I’ll take Aragorn unsure which way to go and using the river to procrastinate as symbolic of his uncertainty of his own destiny as king, I’ll take it. I am missing another Aragorn-Boromir convo from the film. The one where Boromir is all stressed and kind of tries to confide in Aragorn and ends up goes on about Minas Tirith oh it’s so wonderful oh it’s so beautiful, have you seen it Aragorn? ‘Have you ever been called home?’ and Aragorn is just like yeah I’ve seen it, cool story bro. There’s a 3rd bit of film dialogue before the death scene that I love and I wonder if there’ll be anything like that.

Boromir definitely doesn’t want to talk about his Galadriel vision. But it sure has made him weird.

Why did they guide them out of Lorien only to then stop them and give them gifts? I’m convinced Galadriel wanted to show off her awesome swan boat.

I guess Aragorn’s gift of a personalised scabbard is more meaning full than a random head cutting blade. But I’m still not cool with him already having the sword.

I am surprised at how many of the gifts were different in the film, I think this scene was only in the extended anyway. Sam wanting rope was built up for so long in the book that I was surprised that he got it in addition to his gift. I do like that Sam appreciated the rope though, it was still a nice payoff.

Gimli’s gift is the same though :) I haven’t read the Silmarillion, though I have read that some jerk-elf asked Galadriel for a hair from her head and she said no, and he didn’t get the message until asking another two times. So giving Gimli three hairs (when he only hesitantly asked for one) is a big fuck you to that jerk-elf. In fact Galadriel says that everyone should stop saying that Dwarves can’t be courteous or whatever. Gimli specifically says that it was her calling out Celeborn and defending dwarves that made him like her.

#lotr reaction #lotr book #lotr films #lotr audiobook #galadriel #sam is a born poet #jerk-elf #lothlorien #I stan boromir #mostly #gimli #all shall love me and despair #lotr #steven red fox garnett #lotr liveblog

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arrantsnowdrop · 5 years

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Opposites Attract - Haldir x. Half-elf reader (fluff/angst)

Request: "Haldir with a short haired kinda a hobo half elf that's wears human clothing? Like she's with the group when they first arrive and the first this she does is push away the arrow and say "that's rather dangerous, ya know." And bam he's in love. Idk just something goody." / "Would you take a request for some hurt/comfort with Haldir/reader? Ty!"

Tags: @militarybratinpink @danu-ixchel

Warnings: around 2,180 words. Angst (this is set just after when Gandalf dies in the movie, so the reader is quite upset about that)

A/N: I am so sorry this took me like years to get to writing but I had fifteen separate ideas of how to go about each of these requests before coming up with what I wrote below. Still, this was a blast to write! Translations for the elvish are a the bottom. I hope y'all enjoy it, and thank you for reading! :)

She was an oddity among elves, a defiant nonconformist who, to any onlooker, appeared to strive to break the many rules and expectations of the society she lived in. Perhaps it was because of her eccentric clothing, or her quirky attitude, or even her posture, which was incredible casual compared to the formal way her fellow elves carried themselves.

Most of the other elves in Rivendell attributed both her slouching and demeanor to her mother, a human who, by the popular opinion, had provided her with all the necessary traits to be the perfect rebel. Still, (y/n) was on of the most positive and compassionate beings in Elrond’s realm, and all who met her found themselves drawn to her easygoing yet overly caring personality.

Perhaps her carefree nature was what had taken the other members of the fellowship by surprise. Aragorn and Gandalf knew her quite well, but the others were slightly shocked to see her at Elrond’s council - sitting cross-legged atop her chair in a pair of long, flowing trousers and a blousey top.

“You must be the most interesting elf I’ve ever met,” Gimli had said to her after the fateful meeting. (Y/n) laughed, the sound ringing throughout the halls of Rivendell she had been showing him around.

“And why is that, master dwarf?”

“All the others are too tall and stiff for my liking!”

It was very uniqueness that gave her the urge to volunteer for the seemingly impossible task of delivering the One Ring to Mordor. She had always been thoroughly disheartened by the attitudes of her fellow elves, disinterested and uncaring about the issues that plagued the men of Middle Earth. She also knew this would be one of her last chances to do something important, seeing as Elrond was so eager to rush everyone off to the Undying Lands. (Y/n) could not just leave without doing something to help.

The hobbits, especially Merry and Pippin, has quickly taken a liking to her, with Boromir and Gimli quickly following suit. They made a boisterous group, ceaselessly chatting and sparring into the late hours of the night. Legolas had initially been a little confused by her, but even he soon found himself enchanted with her wholeheartedly. They all thought her an enjoyable companion.

And although she wasn't all that serious, they quickly recognized her profound skill and intelligence. Save for Aragorn, her sparring skills were unmatched, and Boromir quickly found that what she lacked in brute strength, she made up for in speed and stamina. Her vast knowledge of languages and medicine impressed both Aragorn and Gimli, and even Sam was overjoyed at her cooking ability.

It was Moria that had almost consumed that happiness she seemed to radiate. She had advised against going into the mines, Elrond’s library having taught her all about the dangers. But she had not counted on how depressing it would be under the ground. Sure, the halls of the dwarves were absolutely magnificent, but when the goblins had attacked, she realized she might die without ever seeing the sky again.

Then Gandalf died, dragged down into the earth by a Balrog. He would never see the sun or the stars or the trees again, just as (Y/n) had feared for herself. Aragorn told her Boromir had dragged her up the staircase and out of the mountain, but she honestly could not remember that. All she could recall was immense sorrow as she cried, clutching Merry and Pippin tightly and promising that she would never let anything happen to them ever.

“Legolas, get them up,” she heard Aragorn say. She breathed out shakily, pushing herself up from the ground.

“Give them a moment, for pity’s sake,” Boromir said, watching as (Y/n) slowly eased the younger two hobbits to their feet.

“By nightfall these hills will be swarming with Orcs, we must reach the woods of Lothlorien…”

(Y/n) had been to Lothlorien several times with Elrond and Arwen. She vividly remembered the luminescent forest, the stunning palace of Galadriel and Celeborn.

“Have you been to Lothlorien, (Y/n)?” Merry asked softly. She looked down at him, his red eyes still puffy from crying.

“Yes,” she said, gazing into the distance where the edge of the forest was just coming into view. “It is beautiful, Merry.”

“Like the Shire?” he asked inquisitively.

“No, in more of an ethereal way. It looks like the sky at night, but the stars aren’t so far away.”

They reached the forest several hours later, and (Y/n) watched as the hobbits were awed by Lothlorien’s beauty. She grinned, remembering how the flora had blown her away the first time she had visited.

“Stay close, young hobbits,” Gimli stated gruffly, “they say a Sorceress lives in these woods.”

Pippin looked back at (Y/n) with a shocked expression on his face. She laughed at his wide eyes, shaking her head reassuringly. Galadriel, while just as powerful as Gimli was saying, was no witch.

“Well, here’s one dwarf she won’t ensnare so easily! I have the eyes of a hawk and the ears of a fox!”

As if on cue, she felt something rather sharp digging into your neck. She glanced to her left, rolling her eyes at the elf who was pointing his bow at her. She grabbed the arrow swiftly, pushing it away.

“That’s rather dangerous, don’t you think? You could seriously injure someone with that,” (Y/n) sassed before stalking off to yell at the elves threatening Merry and Pippin.

Haldir stood there with his mouth slightly agape. He’d never been disrespected so blatantly before, but that wasn’t what had shocked him. He’d heard of (Y/n), even seen her on her visits to Lady Galadriel, but had never met her in person.

She was feisty and tenacious, and he watched with a dumb grin on his face as she pushed a group of young elves away from two hobbits and a dwarf.

“Want to tell me why you’re threatening someone less than half your size? You can’t? Well isn’t that interesting,” she scoffed while shepherding the halflings towards Aragorn and Legolas.

“Mae govannen, Legolas Thranduilion,” Haldir said politely, walking over to the group and the other elves ushered them up into the trees. He watched out of the corner of his eye as (Y/n) giggled at some remark the dwarf had made about dwarves not belonging in trees.

He was surprised by how much he longed to be the one making her laugh.

“Govannas vén gwennen le, Haldir o Lórien,” Legolas replied curtly.

“Aragorn in Dúnedain, istanenen le ammen,” Haldir said to Aragorn. He finally understood the human saying about cutting through the tension with a knife; the glares he was receiving from several members of the fellowship were beginning to make him a little uneasy.

“So much for the legendary courtesy of the Elves!” the dwarf grumbled. “Speak words we can also understand!”

“We have not had dealing with the dwarves since the dark days,” Haldir chided.

“And do you know what this dwarf says to that?”

“Gimli, please-” (Y/n) tried to interrupt, but it was no use.

“Ishkhaqwi ai durugnul!”

(Y/n) gasped and slapped Gimli on the shoulder. Haldir almost smiled as he watched the dwarf wince.

“That,” (Y/n) hissed, “was not so courteous.” She looked up at Haldir apologetically.

“You bring great evil with you,” Haldir said softly, surveying the rest of the fellowship. “You can go no further!”

The hobbits collectively gasped at both Haldir’s declaration and Gimli’s immediate reaction, which included several nasty expletives.

“Calm down, calm down,” (Y/n) grumbled, pushing them towards a nearby branch for them to sit and rest on.

“This might take a while,” she said, nodding her head towards where Legolas and Aragorn were already intensely arguing with Haldir.

“How long?” Pippin inquired.

“Yea, we’re hungry, miss,” Merry added.

“I have no clue, but I’ll try to figure that out. Watch him,” she said, pointing towards Gimli, who had already started arguing with one of the elven guards. The hobbits nodded quickly.

“Boe ammen veriad lín. Andelu i ven,” Aragorn was insisting. Haldir was shaking his head, muttering something about how unsafe the situation was.

“Are you saying your guard isn’t capable of keeping us safe?” (Y/n) retorted, causing Legolas to stifle a chuckle.

“That not what I said,” Haldir stated pointedly.

“Well that’s what it seemed like you were implying, but do keep going. You were arguing so well.”

“I must admit, I was not expecting you to be so rambunctious, Lady (Y/n),” Haldir said, a teasing glint in his eyes. (Y/n) grinned.

“I aim to surprise, Haldir. Now please, your escort to Lady Galadriel would be much appreciated, the road is very dangerous.” He paused for a moment, clearly weighing his options.

“You will follow me,” he declared finally, turning from the fellowship and towards Caras Galadhon, where Galadriel and Celeborn lived.

“How did you do that?” Legolas asked incredulously as she smirked.

“I have my ways,” she teased, moving to follow the blonde elf.

Their meeting with Galadriel had been eventful to say the least. (Y/n) was well aware of her habit of getting inside other’s heads, and was not the least bit shocked to hear Galadriel offering her advice whilst talking to the fellowship at the same time.

“Do not fear, (Y/n),” she had said, “Gandalf’s death will not be in vain.”

And yet (Y/n) had not had the time she needed to mourn the loss of someone she had considered a true friend. She had known Gandalf long before Thorin’s company had visited the last homely house.

She strayed from the group afterwards, reminiscing on the last time she had been in Caras Galadhon. Elrond had departed from Rivendell slightly earlier than planned at Galadriel’s request, and Gandalf had escorted her and Arwen himself.

(Y/n) remembered exploring Galadriel’s library with Gandalf, pouring over the maps and ancient writings. It was hard to believe he was gone. She sat down on a nearby bench and began to cry quietly.

“Lady (Y/n), are you alright?”

She jumped at the sudden but concerned voice, looking up to see Haldir looking at her with empathy and worry laced across his face.

“I’m fine, sorry to disturb you,” she said shakily, quickly wiping the tears off of her face.

“I heard about Gandalf, I assume that’s why you’re crying,” he said. She nodded slowly, eyes filling with tears once again.

“I’m truly sorry, (Y/n). I know that does little to ease the pain, but I am,” he said softly, closing the distance between them and wrapping her in a loose but endearing hug. She laughed slightly as she buried her face in his tunic.

“I thought elves were uncomfortable with such profound acts of affection,” she said sarcastically.

“We are,” Haldir said thoughtfully, “but I remembered you used to hug many of the elves here anyways when you visited. It was quite funny when you embraced Lord Celeborn, actually.” She grinned at the memory.

“I thought this might make you feel better,” he continued, slowly rubbing circles into the small of her back with his thumb.

“I didn’t know you had been there, Haldir.”

“I was always there, but I could never bring myself to properly introduce myself. You were a bit intimidating, I’ll have to admit.”

“Oh, did I make you nervous, Haldir?” (Y/n) teased. He chucked and nodded.

“I’d hate to stop hugging you, but you really must consider getting some sleep,” he said. She groaned.

“You sound like Aragorn,” she huffed, looking up at him with begrudgingly.

“How much sleep have you gotten on this journey?” he asked. She bit her lip and avoided his gaze, already knowing he wouldn’t have approved of her answer.

“You need rest,” he said softly, pulling away slowly and grabbing her hand. (Y/n) yawned into her hand, nodding reluctantly.

“I suppose a little bit of sleep wouldn’t hurt,” she replied meekly. Haldir laughed.

“It wouldn’t hurt one bit.”

They slowly made their way back to where the rest of the fellowship was sleeping. She smiled seeing that all her friends were accounted for, sleeping in their beds.

“Thank you,” she murmured, turning to Haldir and smiling.

“It was no problem, (Y/n),” he whispered, leaning down to give her a kiss on the cheek. She giggled softly, feeling her face begin to heat up.

“I much enjoy spending time with you,” he continued. “If you would like to, I was wondering if we could meet again tomorrow?” She smiled at his tenderness.

“I’m sure Aragorn wouldn’t mind spending one more day here,” she said thoughtfully.

“Then I’ll see you tomorrow?” he asked hopefully.

“Of course,” (Y/n) replied, smiling up at him. She could see the look of endearment on his face in the pale light of Lothlórien.

“Good night,” she said, letting go of his hand and making her way over to the cot she had been given. She climbed in, casting the blonde elf one more smile as she wrapped the blankets around her.

(Y/n) smiled as she watched him slowly turn around and walk away, finally closing her eyes to sleep.

..........

Translations:

Mae govannen, Legolas Thranduilion-Welcome Legolas, son of Thranduil.

Govannas vén gwennen le, Haldir o Lórien-Our fellowship stands in your debt, Haldir of Lórien

Aragorn in Dúnedain, istanenen le ammen-Aragorn of the Dúnedain, you are known to us

Ishkhaqwi ai durugnul-I spit upon your grave

Boe ammen veriad lín. Andelu i ven-We need your protection. The road is fell

#haldir x reader #haldir #lord of the rings #fluff #fanfic #oneshot #angst

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blankdblank · 5 years

Text

Secret Scarves Pt 34

Pt 1 - Pt 1a - Pt 1b - Pt 1c - Pt 2 - Pt 3 - Pt 4 - Pt 5 - Pt 6 - Pt 7 - Pt 8- Pt 9 - Pt 10 - Pt 11 - Pt 12 -

Pt 13 - Pt 14 - Pt 15 - Pt 16 - Pt 17 - Pt 18 - Pt 19 - Pt 20 - Pt 21 - Pt 22 - Pt 23 - Pt 24 - Pt 25 - Pt 26 - Pt 27 - Pt 28 - Pt 29 - Pt 30 - Pt 31- Pt 32 - Pt 33 -

Aimlessly in class on one of the few days without you there Thranduil sat waiting for his students to finish their exams. The play by play growing across the screen of his phone of the retrieval of Lana fetching and taking Letio back to their distant home again after Legolas agreed to share an email for only their conversations for some sort of connection. To calm himself again and again he would slip the now laminated covered slip of paper you had given him stating that you loved him out to stare at reminding himself of the future you had together. He just hoped you wouldn’t mind the night he had to spend grading these tests instead of curling up around you.

A short distance away Thorin sat back in his own seat eyeing the pocket journal of his that each night he had spent at your place or you at his he had found a new random note or doodle eased inside from you. It was only a few pages but nipping at his lip he traced each rune and image with his finger until the final test was handed in and his class was over to once again check his phone at the progress report for the special dinner he so painfully had to miss. Tonight you surely would be missed and dreamed of with hopefully an early stolen moment could be found with you so he could possibly pass you a cute note of his own he had been contemplating doing for a while now, just needed to find the right one.

…

Choosing to take the later train back to you Frerin headed back to his apartment. A cheerful giggle and clap from Aletta in her bouncer dangling in the doorframe to the kitchen from the hall brought Tea from her fixing dinner with momentarily pursed lips in seeing the grinning Professor entering his home she had been welcomed into so selflessly. Crouching to greet Aletta he peered up at Tea, “Long day?”

Tea shook her head, “I thought you had that dinner tonight.”

“I do. Though I was wondering about your plans for Valentines day. I found a box set of Hugo the Horse and a nice bottle of wine if you wanted a night in after I take Jax out to the Aquarium?”

Instantly a blush spread across her cheeks and she nodded, “Oh, okay. I have pot roast recipe, family recipe, sort of hit and miss between too much garlic and not enough so it adds some mystery to the meal.”

In the fading of her words he raised Alt in his arms and stood up with a chuckle answering, “I have never had a pot roast with garlic before, but I cannot wait to try it. Also, I am off tomorrow Dis mentioned you needed a male perspective on your gown for the gala.”

Her blush deepened, “Well, I sort of already picked it.”

With a nod his grin spread in purring out, “What color am I wearing?”

Quietly she led him through the apartment to her room where he eyed the clear garment bag with a figure hugging blue dress flaring at the base. The top however was white mimicking feathers, with shimmering rhinestones across the sleeveless up to the neck design held in place with a button under the bright blue bow on the sheer backless portion. Timidly she stated, “It’s a bird theme for the new exhibit.”

In a chuckle he kissed Alt’s cheek then hummed, “No need to be nervous. I have a blue suit that will match it nicely.”

“You have a blue suit?”

Again he chuckled in a wide smile, “As a Durin it would be a crime not to have a blue suit. It is a lovely choice, no doubt you will be the envy of all.”

In a roll of her eyes he chuckled and shifted on her feet making him ask, “Anything wrong? Do you need shoes?”

“I have, shoes.”

He nodded with a smirk saying, “Alright. If you say so. I just needed to pick up a suit for tonight and wanted to ask about the weekend.”

“Ya, I’ll be here.” With his grin holding as she claimed Alt mumbling, “Where else would I be?”

The warmth of his hand cupping her cheek silenced her and parted her lips in taking in his adoring grin at her, “Please don’t be nervous, I cannot wait.” She nodded and he chuckled again, “I could use some help picking a tie if you have a moment?”

Lowering his hand she nodded and joined him through to his room she pretended to have never stolen glances into before as well as the closet packed with shirts and sweaters she wanted to steal so badly. Easing her mood in the brief conversation through choosing the right blue suit for the Gala along with a charcoal one for that night, though in his exit he caught another timid glance from her in asking, “You like the new house then?”

Frerin smirked, “It is lovely. Boromir made certain it suited all Jaqi and Jax’s needs.”

“And your needs?”

“I can skip the train out Friday if you prefer.”

She shook your head, “I don’t want to force-,”

Leaning in her voice died in his lips meeting her cheek, humming lowly through her blush induced silence at being inches from her lips, “I will stay Friday. No force needed. I can grab Jax in the morning.” In her steady inhale to try and look alive again he added, “If you ever want me to stay let me know.” After a gentle peck on the tip of her nose he kissed Alt’s cheek again and promised to drop by tomorrow after work leaving her nodding silently only to chuckle under his breath down the hall hearing an elated squeal through the door behind him.

…

Dis beside you on the couch added the sugar to her own tea after offering you yours asking, “How are your classes, I understand you are missing Denethor’s course now?”

You nodded, “I was at first though I managed to find a shorter route so I get there a few minutes late. He’s being very understanding about it all.”

Dis, “No doubt. Greenwood is very understanding when it comes to young parents. Jax is adjusting well, I heard through Tea about you getting called in to see his teacher?”

“Oh, that. He’s been asking for extra credit and spending play time in the library. Handing in paragraphs in on books on marine life he’s been reading. Headmaster asked for tips for a class wide book club and even offered me a tutoring position next year.”

Her lips parted and she said, “Tutoring-, that is a very good school, are you considering it?”

Your head tilted to the side, “It’s on the list of possibilities.”

“How did you get Jax to excel so?”

You shrugged, “Um, hard to say. I mean he’s always seen me studying and I got him reading early, children do love learning things and there’s a great deal of magical things to learn in libraries. A lot of times it is easier to just get sucked into books, I sort of coped with studying and I suppose he did too. Out in Gondor outside of his specialty school there wasn’t much of a group for him to converse with outside of us, at least out here he has a few friends. Bombur’s girls for example really have just lit him up. He loves to learn and share so it really isn’t a shock to me at least he’s focused on exploring his marine passion on his breaks. Why the teacher can’t understand you don’t stifle them when they find that spark is beyond me. I know mine bounced around but Theoden did his best to keep up.”

“I think you would be a wonderful asset to the school. Any clue on what you would be tutoring on?”

You shook your head, “I’m not certain, though I could sort of be a general tutor, cover all the bases I suppose. How is your work? I heard you managed to get Letio calmed down.”

Your eyes wandered to Thrain and Boromir following Jax to go see his project he added to your guest house wall as she answered with a curious look over you gauging your reaction. “Yes, we did. Work is good. Busy as usual really. Not as boring as it sounds, we do meet some interesting characters. How are you handling it, the whole Letio situation, I heard from Celeborn Lana dropped by your job?”

You nodded and lowered your cup from a sip, “It’s more of a bother for how Leg is taking it. I know it was probably more about him trying to get to know Leg than anything but there’s a way about that. I mean I’ve had demanding relatives before.” Wetting your lips you leaned in a bit asking softly hearing the guys coming back, “I have to ask, Lana’s, really tall, even looked taller than Thranduil,” Dis couldn’t help but smirk, “I mean, comparing us, was he just out for the polar opposite?”

Dis chuckled, “I know Lana was the only one his height growing up, he sprouted early, all limbs and hair, even then they had troubles it really didn’t last long. If anything you are exactly, had he written down all the traits he wanted you would fit it to a T.”

You nodded and smirked through replying, “Oh yes, lotta little with a dash of damaged and opinionated to boot.”

In your sip she rolled her eyes in a chuckle, “Don’t sell yourself short.”

“I am not short, I am travel sized.”

An awkward snorting laugh came from Dis making her sons smirk in entering while Frerin made his way through the door easing his jacket on behind his father and Boromir. Jax hurried out and climbed onto the spot between you two shifting your arm he eased under to steal a sip from your cup through Boromir’s lean in to kiss your cheek asking, “How was work Darling?”

“Lovely as always, got to trade caramel drinks for the new espresso machine.” You glanced at Dis, “Eowyn’s stomach churns at caramel.” Making her nod in understanding, “yours?”

Boromir, “Ah, yes, Monday is the big send off for your instruments to the specialty schools. Press should have it out Tuesday, the public models are still a few months off. But we’re all excited, we have it all planned.”

Thrain inched closer to you and at the announcement of one of the servers that the dinner was ready you stood peering up at him as his grin split across his face and his arms extended, “There are no words to express how honored I was with your gift.”

Giggling to yourself you hugged him tightly in return saying, “I knew if anyone would appreciate it that it would be you. I memorized it years ago and trust me, so much better than the translated copies.” Pulling back you said, “Shopping for you is a bit difficult still.”

Chuckling lowly he planted his hand on your upper back saying, “True, even my love has trouble finding gifts for me.” Guiding you to the dining room, in the walk there you caught Frerin’s approving glance at your dress that melted into a knowing smirk at having been right about their father loving you the most right now for the priceless gift. “How did you even come across it?”

“When my stat book was coming out I was in the publisher’s office mostly while my parents went over the contracts, I got to browse through his bookshelves, it was his wife’s, bought it in some auction but they were divorcing so he just didn’t want it to fight over I guess. Neither of them spoke Khuzdul, so, no reason to keep it.”

Frerin, “I can’t imagine how much she spent on it.”

Without a pause you replied, “47.5 million.” Around the table they froze and you flashed them a grin, “The receipt was included with the authentication papers. Oh, I found them, they’re in my office, go them a little protective sleeve display folder and all, you can see the whole transaction history, all the receipts are with it since the First Age.”

Thrain, “Four-,”

You waves your hand and pointed at him, “Now don’t you even consider talking about the price.”

Dis, “How much did you pay for it?”

You looked at her with a smirk, “He gave it to me, for free.”

Her mouth dropped open and Frerin chuckled when Boromir said, “Trust me, it was a brutal divorce. He’s where I got that Bugati, couple million, just signed the deed over to me when I offered to pick up him a sandwich when I was off to get Jaqi’s lunch.”

Thrain, “I, don’t know what to say.”

You smiled at him, “You gave me something so much more valuable than that book will ever be. Even if it doesn’t feel like it.” With a giggle you helped Jax pull his chair in closer to the table beside you making Thrain turn his head to subtly wipe a tear from his cheek. Easing your skirt along your legs you lowered into your seat that was eased in for you and you caught Boromir’s third glance at his phone before he pocketed it. “Waiting on Dwalin to rush in?”

Boromir shook his head, “No, sorry.”

With a smirk you held back your question and looked to Dis in her asking Frerin, “Have you asked her yet?”

Frerin smirked and replied in taking his own seat then said, “I have, when Jax and I are done with the Aquarium I was thinking I could bring him home with me so we could have a dinner together. She showed me the gown she chose for the Gala,” his eyes switched to you, “Which reminds me, I need your help to pick her a pair of shoes to go with it. She says she has some but, new gown she needs some new shoes settle the night as spectacular.”

You let out a giggle saying, “I’ll text you a list most of our emails are flooded with shoes. There was this one pair, bright blue and stunning, strapless just to die for heels that she would love and it has a cute little bow on the backs of them in rhinestones, she will squeal.”

Frerin chuckled and grinned at you, “Thank you. She seemed stunned I would have a blue suit somehow.”

The first course was set out in front of you and with your thanks you looked to him again, “Well her ex was a black suit and tie kind of guy.”

Dis, “And we’re certain he won’t be there?”

You shook your head, “No, last I heard he was still in the process of finding a lawyer willing to take the case, turns out the cop he attacked was a relative to the King. So, he’ll be tangled quite a while. If they let him live to the trial.”

More and more you all chatted with Dis asking more of you, your thoughts and interests the others joined into, especially Thrain, who loved learning more about you and getting to spend more time with you. But eventually even through the stolen stares from Fili you managed through the night seamlessly and accepted the parting hugs from Dis and Thrain while Jax rushed off to catch one last bout of cartoons before bed at your approval through Frerin and Fili’s move to change. Alone in the kitchen of Boromir’s house you joined him in stealing one of the last brownie bites you stole one of asking, “Tabi emailed me today.”

Boromir smirked catching your eye sheepishly, “She told you?”

“Why didn’t you tell me she was two months off? I mean, you said she offered to be your surrogate and you’d talked about actually going through with it-, but, seriously? She’s ten months pregnant with your baby!”

Boromir grinned wider squeaking out, “Little girl.”

Your mouth fell open and you gave him a tight hug filled with giggles from the both of you and you pulled back, “No wonder you needed the house! What about Dwalin?”

Boromir wet his lips, “I told him, when I moved out here that I had a surrogate.”

“Really?” you popped the brownie bite between your lips and he nodded.

“Yes. We hashed it all out the other night. Tabi had that car accident early on and she was really cautious hoping she wouldn’t lose our girl and she’s pulled through and now she’s arriving on the train Monday, didn’t want to risk flying. We’ve planned it all, Dwalin’s going to come and meet Tabi, they’ll bond and when Cleo-,”

“Aww, Cleo.”

His grin spread across his face again in a blush, “So when she arrives, which you know Tea was overdue like her other sisters, the nursery supplies will be here next week so we can set it all up for her. Tabi is finalizing her book draft and that could take a while so easily she could handle that while helping to nurse Cleo for the first few months and help us to settle our lives around our little girl. When she is old enough surely I could take her to the daycare there easily and of course that should give Tabi enough time to settle her plans to her next step.” Inching closer his hand eased around yours and he asked, “And of course we discussed this, we would like you to be the godmother.”

With tears in your eyes you stole a tight hug around his neck, “Of course.” With a sniffle you pulled back out of his loosening grip asking, “I have to ask, you’re skipping marriage?”

Boromir chuckled, “Ah, that, no. Dwalin requested to wait until a family dinner in two weeks to announce it fully, and as far as an engagement he has demanded the rights to propose how he sees fit since I was the one in college to spoil things. It will be his terms any day and way of his choosing and of course we will be following Dwarvish traditions for the ceremony since Gondor really has nothing special to it.” After a chuckle he added, “And with your own place being nudged down the aisle the topic of a double wedding came up,” making you roll your eyes in a giggle, “In case you don’t want all the attention on you.”

You nodded, “Because I’ll just blend right in, three grooms and a bride.” Making him chuckle as you ate another brownie bite. “Now, I will have to head off to bed, early press and all that.”

You nodded and giggled again saying, “You’re going to get an email from me,” his brow inched up, “Look it over with Dwalin, I found the cutest onesie and footie pajama site. To die for.” He chuckled joining you through the door kissing your forehead on your way to your house.

With a giggle you found Jax in his pajamas lounging on the couch and you eased off your heels and laid out beside him laying your hand against his leg his hands instantly folded around. Curiously Fili poked his head through and hurried to the couch to settle under your legs resting his hands on them until you got up to take Jax to bed. Straight back to the couch again you strolled then plopped down how you were in front of Fili, who was stretched out in your former spot. With a grin he eased his arm over your middle asking, “Have I mentioned how breathtaking you look?”

With a giggle you shifted to glance back at him, “Not in so many words thank you though, and you looked amazing in your suit.”

He smirked and leaned in stealing a kiss then hummed against your lips, “Thank you. There’s a monster flick on if you’re not tired.”

You nodded and turned to grab the remote you used to switch the channel he mentioned you then put back on the table and stretched out in his arms. At the fourth building being smashed in the ac kicking on you shifted to wiggle under Fili making him chuckle and straighten over you peppering a trail of kisses along your jaw ending with a heated make out session until the credits rolled and with numb lips you both stole one last kiss and split up for bed once Fili had helped to lower your zipper past your shoulder blades.

Wrapped in Thorin’s t shirt you washed your face and let your curls down grumbling your way to bed, wiggling under your covers you settled in and looked at your phone in your hand smirking as you sent off the picture of you in the shirt you took in the mirror to your guys messaging, “Sweet Dreams.”

You could almost hear their groans when they typed good night in return promising to make up the night alone to you. Plugging your phone in you settled back to bed and closed your eyes, sure you wished there was someone to snuggle with but you were also incredibly grateful for a full nights sleep.

Pt 35

#Thranduil x Reader OC x Thorin #Hobbit #lotr

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i-writing-is-hard-i · 5 years

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The Explorer

Haldir (The Explorer)

You are a member of the Fellowship, an explorer, who Gandalf knew.

3917 words

[Warnings] fighting

Like in the books, (which I haven’t read yet) he doesn’t die. In this writings, I write about flowers, which I based on real-life flowers. some of them aren't mentioned in this story, but I plan on adding them later in future writings Here is the meaning of them all

Caren Reth Loth - Red Climber Flower/Blossom (Based on Scarlet Monkey Flowers)

Sirith Reth Loth - Flowing Climber Flower/Blossom (Based on Seeping Monkey Flowers)

Lothlorien Rhaw Meril - Lothlorien Wild Rose (Based on the California Wild Rose)

Naur Loth - Fire Flower/Blossom (Based on Parrots Beak, which is a native flower to the Canary Islands, though they ware believed to be going extinct if they aren’t already)

As you walked with the fellowship, through the towering trees of the forest, your mind was elsewhere, namely, on Gandalf, he had fallen at the claws of Balrog, falling deep into the abyss of Moria, the old wizard had taught you so much, growing up, he was like a father figure for you, where yours was absent. It was Gandalf himself that fueled your desire to travel to find forgotten histories, and now he was dead. Everyone was suffering from his death, it was written on their faces, in their eyes, even the way they moved, it was clearly a big blow to them. You tried to keep focus, the forest was vast, and dangerous, with the wrong step, and surely there would be hostiles hiding in the shadow’s but you just couldn’t keep your mind in the right place. Behind you Gimli spoke of the Witch of the Forest, it was nothing more than children’s stories, you knew of the ‘Witch’ was, Lady Galadriel, a friend of Gandalf, though you had never actually met her you heard only good things. With your mind else were, you hadn’t heard the Elves approach you until an arrow was pointed at your face. Without hesitation you lifted your hands, you had no intention in fighting them.

“The dwarf breathes so loud we could have shot him in the dark” one spoke, as he came into view, you took your eyes off the arrow, glancing over to him. Your mind went blank, Elves were known for their beauty, Legolas was a perfect example of it, but this one had you flustered. His eyes quickly met yours, lingering for a moment, before turning his attention Aragorn.

With a quick discussion, the elf lead you all to platforms, up in the trees, if you remembered correctly they were called, Frets? Or something along the lines. The elf stopped, turning to face you all again. With a polite tone, he introduced himself, Haldir, a march warden. He seemed to know who Legolas and Aragorn were, greeting them in his native tongue. His eyes flicked to you, but Gimli had mumbled something about talking in language everyone could understand,

“We have not had dealings with Dwarfs since the dark days” Haldir spoke, there was a hint of malice in his tone, it had put you on edge, Gimli continued, insulting Haldir, in his own tongue, it caused a sigh to leave your lips.

Haldir ignored him, turning his attention to the hobbits, who all looked a little concerned. He must have sensed the ring, he was not happy.

“You can go no further,” he said, it was so sudden you stood there dumbfounded for a while. You went to ask why, but Aragorn pulled him away, trying his best to persuade the elf. You listened in on their conversation, understanding a fair bit of it. At one point it felt like their conversation was going nowhere, but eventually, Haldir turned back to you all.

“You will follow me” he demanded, without hesitation, you did just that, walking deeper into the forest. Your mind was no longer solely on the death of Gandalf, giving you a chance to take in your surroundings, the distraction caused you to lose your footing on occasions, you were lucky that you hadn’t fallen completely. Haldir watched you from the corner of his eye, with a rather interested’ look on his face. When the elven city came into view, you couldn’t help but stop walking, admiring the beauty,

“Wow” you whispered, as Haldir spoke about it, he sounded so proud of it.

When you saw the stairs, however, you almost changed your mind. Groaning internally, you followed them up. Lady Galadriel and Lord Celeborn greeted you all politely. Then, Celeborn asked were Gandalf was. Everyone’s faces dropped, and by reading everyone's minds, Lady Galadriel was able to explain what had happened and after further discussions, you were all lead away, to a place you could camp.

You had just set yourself up, when an Elleth came to you leading you to the baths, you were so grateful for it. It had been a long time since you had been able to bathe properly. The Elleth left you a change of clothing then left you to it. The water was lovely, after getting cleaned up, you made your way back to the campsite, but with your curious mind, you managed to get distracted by the view. Your eyes traveled up, it looks so magical, even more so than Rivendell,

“We never got properly introduced” a voice called to you, you spun around so quickly, it made you dizzy. Haldir stood there was a stoic expression.

“Oh, we didn’t, did we?. I am Y/N” you bowed slight,

“Haldir” he re-introduced himself.

“Thank you, for bringing us here, we have not had a safe place to rest in a long time” you explained smiling sweetly at him.

“Thank Aragorn” Haldir replied, stepping closer. You watched him, wanting to ask him a few questions about the city and forest, but you felt it would be rude to bombard him. ‘Maybe one or two won't hurt?’ you thought

“Haldir, would you mind if I were to ask you a few questions?” you asked. Haldir looked unsure.

“And if you do not wish to answer you simply don’t” you continued, He thought a moment before agreeing, waiting for you to ask. You beamed at him.

You asked him multiple questions, ranging from History of the forest, some of which you knew, but to hear it from someone who lived here, and even lived through it, was so much better. You asked him about the city itself, and even about him. Haldir was very courteous, with you sharing what he could, with you, there was, of course, some secrets, which you didn’t mind, respecting it.

“You have a rather curious mind for a human, what have you interested in this?” he asked after you must have asked him at least 30 questions.

“Well, I think it’s important to remember the past, so much has been forgotten because no one talks about it anymore, and it is important we understand each other, after all, we share the same sky”

Haldir was awestruck, he had met plenty of humans in his time, but none quite like you. He was at a loss for words.

“You are right” Haldir agreed,

“Oh, goodness it’s late, I should let you go and get some rest myself” you had been so fascinated with the conversation, that had gone late into the night.

“Thank you Haldir, I really appreciate you taking the time” you bowed, before rushing off to your camp.

Most of the fellowship had already settled down, sleeping soundly in the beds, when you had gotten back. Without making a noise you settled down. It didn’t take long before you had fallen asleep, you were just so exhausted.

The next morning, you decided to explore the surrounding area. On your way into the city, you noticed a few flowers, by a stream. Lothlorien Rhaw Meril, it was only native to Lothlorien, so you wanted to make sure you could grab one of two, to add it to your collection, of dried pressed flowers. That you like to keep in a small jar in your bag. You had quite the collection already, from your travels, but you just couldn’t help yourself. So after breakfast, you headed out, taking your time as you made your way back to the path you had already traveled down.

It took longer than you had remembered before finding the stream, but it was worth it, the flower bloomed in abundance around the clear water. Settling yourself down, you pulled out your book, it was rather heavy, and sometimes you regretted carrying it, but you would no doubt miss it if you didn’t have it. You already had some flowers drying inside a scrap piece of cloth, which was now ready to be placed in your jar.

“Y/N?” Someone spoke. Haldir had noticed you wandering off, curious he followed.

“Oh, good morning Haldir” you smiled to him, before turning back to what you were doing. Haldir walked over to you, more curious than ever now.

“I collect flowers from my travels” you explained when you saw his shadow hovering over you. “I noticed these when we came in, you don’t see them anywhere else”

“Yes, they are native to the forest, quite common around these parts” Haldir informed you. He knelt down, by your side examining the jar

“You have quite the collection already, I have traveled a bit myself but I don’t recognise some of these” he questioned. He then noticed your book, curious about that too.

“Oh, they are from all over, some are simply different, rare colours of local flowers” you explained, you began pointing out some, explaining their origins, if you could, even sharing what they could be used for, in the likes of medicines and dyes. You didn’t expect Haldir to take an interest in this, no one else you had met did. Haldir would never admit it, but had it been anyone else explaining all this to him, he probably wouldn’t have been that interested in it. But you spoke, so passionately about it, he found himself wanting to know more.

“And this journal?” Haldir pointed to the brown leather-bound book, it was pretty tatty at his point, having traveled with you for so long and it was almost full, you would be needing a new one very soon, but they are so had to come by.

“I like to keep notes, drawings of where I have been” you decided to share it with him, letting him flick through the pages, again, the details in the descriptions and drawings, he could see the passion. In his eyes you really were a curious ‘creature’ when he was done, he handed the book back to you. You placed the piece of cloth inside, pressing down gently then set it down beside you.

“I couldn’t help notice you have no Naur Loth in there” Haldir noted, you quickly looked up to him

“Naur Loth?” you asked, making sure you heard him right, these particular planets were very rare,

“I have yet to come across them”

“Then come with me” Haldir stood up straight, waiting for you to pack up and follow.

The place he was taking you was a little ways off, but sure enough, there growing under a tree was Naur Loth, which literally translated to Fire Flower, they really did live up to their name, with their bright red, orange and yellow petals.

“I thought they preferred sunlight?” you turned to Haldir,

“It would seem these particular ones don’t need it” Haldir replied, he couldn’t help but compare you to them, both of you went against the norm of your species, at least in his mind, though he dare not share that with you.

Beaming, you quickly got to work, picking two for your collection, opening your book and unfolding the cloth, you placed them beside the Lothlorien Rhaw Meril, smiling to yourself. Haldir too wore a smile,

“Thank you, I would never have known of these, had it not been for you” you jumped up smiling sweetly at him. Haldir nodded, looking away quickly hiding his flushed cheeks. It was nearing lunch time, so the two of you decided to head back to the city.

As the two of you walked back, you managed to come up with more questions to ask him, in truth you liked the sound of his voice, the passion in his tone when he talking about something he found liked. You tactfully asked him questions just to hear it. Back at the city, you said your goodbyes with a bow and joined the others, wishing you could have spent more time with Haldir.

The others bombarded you with questions, concerning your whereabouts, which you replied truthfully, not seeing any problem with that, but there seemed to be something twinkling in the brother's eyes, you looked at them confused but decided to just ignore it. That night, you all went to bed early, with the intention of getting an early start the next morning. You would have loved to spend more time there, but duty calls. Perhaps you could return after this quest?.

Sure enough, everyone had packed up by sunlight, ready to leave. Your gracious hosts gave you cloaks, they had never handed them out to anyone outside of their people, you felt truly honored. Haldir was the one to fasten, the small detailed leaf, clasping the ends of the cloak together, there was a hint of a blush on your cheeks, no doubt about it. Afterward, Lady Galadriel, walked up to you all one by one, handing out gifts for your journey. You hadn’t expected to receive more than what they had already kindly given you. When Lady Galadriel pulled up to you, she handed you a book, it was a leatherbound one, like your old, but much thicker and the detailing on it was breathtakingly beautiful, though it was much thicker than your current one, it was so much lighter, you put it down to it being Elven made. You thanked her profusely, bowing in the process. After all, it was exactly what you needed, but how did she know?, you assumed she simply read your mind, when Haldir popped into your head, Lady Galadriel, gave you a knowing look as if to say you were right. You felt your cheeks flush again, you glanced over to where Haldir stood, looking as expressionless as usual. You sent him a smile, thanking him too, in turn, he quickly nodded then looked away, out of embarrassment.

You had wanted to say goodbye to him properly, thank him in person, but before you knew it, you were already on the boat sailing away. You couldn’t help wonder if you would ever see him again. The thought saddened you, but you couldn’t place the reason.

~ Time Skip ~

You knew coming to Helms Deep was a bad idea, you were now trapped, there was nowhere to run, and an army of Orcs was making their way to you, King Theoden had armed all that could carry weapons, some were far to you, others were far too old. For someone so positive normally, you were feeling pretty negative about the situation. You didn’t voice your concerns though, everyone was already in a panic, fear filled their eyes. You were on your way up to the ramparts when a guardsman called out to open the gate. You quickly changed course running to the gate only to see Elves marching in, at least a hundred of them. Leading them was Haldir, you were really happy to see him, not only because it was more against the orcs, but you had wanted to see Haldir again since you had left Lothlorien. ‘But why?’ Haldir was happy to see you too.

After talking to King Theoden and greeting everyone else, Haldir ordered his men to their positions, but before he took his own position, Haldir approached you, he took a quick glance around, making sure no one was watching, before handing you flower. It was another rare plant, native to Lothlorien.

“I thought you might like to add this to your collection” he whispered.

“Thank you” you beamed up to him, taking it and placing it into a piece of cloth in your pocket. Your bag was inside with the woman, but you would be sure to place it there when you were finished with this battle.

Haldir had seen the flower, while he was on his journey to Helms Deep, in truth he didn’t know what made him pick it up, why he had thought of you at all, but before he knew it he was placing it safely into his pocket. As he was traveling, he was becoming almost excited to see you again, it was only then he had realised that he had come to care for you, even though he barely knew you, maybe it was more than that?, he hadn’t stopped thinking about you since you had left Lothlorien. He knew he shouldn’t be having any of this feelings, you were human after all, but being here looking at you smiling like that, only made it harder. There was nothing he could do to stop it, once elves had these feelings, they would never go away. He realised he was staring at you now, regaining himself, he bowed then took up his own position, while you took yours, beside Legolas. The Orc army was vast, you could practically feel the fear radiating off the people around you, and of course, it had to rain, hard, just to make matters worse, as if the darkness wasn’t bad enough in the first place.

You could feel your heart going, you were no soldier, you were an explorer, you rarely got into conflict but here you were standing against a horde of orcs. Without even thinking about it your eyes darted over to Haldir, it was hard to see through the rain, and the angle was awkward, but you did see the flicker of red from his cloak as it blew gently in the wind. Even in this dire situation, the conversation between Legolas and Gimli brought a smile to your face.

It didn’t take long before you were engaged in combat. You kept your attention on knocking down the ladders, but they were heavy. With your twin blades, you knocked down one Orc at a time, but more just kept coming, many of those beside you fell victim to the Orcs, but you didn’t stop. You heard Aragorn yelling something but it was hard to hear over the clashing of metals and the sound of cries, suddenly though, there was a loud bang, whatever it was knocked you into the air, landing with a hard thump. Your shoulder took the brunt of it, and you felt dazed. But you didn’t have to even think before you were back up on your feet, thanks to Haldir, who looked at you with concern, you barely got a chance to thank him, before getting back to the fight. After that Haldir tried to stay close to you, he wanted to keep you safe, especially now that you were hurt, but the orcs had created a wedge between you two.

When you were finally able to look up to him, you saw an Uriki, lift his large sword high about his head, ready to swing it down into Haldir’s back. In a state of panic, you threw your dagger, at the beast hitting in the neck. In the end, saving Haldir’s life, but leaving yourself open.

“Retreat!” you heard someone call, repeatedly. You took a glance around, the situation was dire. How where you to win this?. You made your way through the orcs, aiming to get to Haldir’s side.

Haldir pulled out your dagger handing it back to you, before you both made your way to difficulty back to the halls. As you helped barricade the door, pushing benches and anything else you could find against it, in the hopes of slowing them down. Your eyes went over to Haldir again, who was helping some of his wounded. The pain in your shoulder blazed now, but you pushed through it. Even in the commotion, you could hear Aragorn talking to King Theoden, he was planning on riding out one more time, and you had to agree. If you were going to die, you would much rather die fighting, not stuck in here and that was how you ended up on horseback, ready to ride out one more time. The whole time you could feel eyes on you. But you were distracted, by Gimli as he pointed out the sun was rising. Gandalf said he would return by then, with back up. You hoped. With King Theoden and Aragorn leading the the way, you all raced out to meet the orc army and sure enough, right on queue, Gandalf arrived bring with him the riders of Rohan. Thanks to them, the orcs were much easier to defeat, the rest fled into the trees.

You could finally take a breather, stretch out your shoulder that throbbed badly now.

“Are you okay?” Haldir asked he had raced over to you as soon as the fighting was over. When he had witnessed you hitting the stone on the ramparts, he had discovered his worst fear. Losing you.

“Shoulder hurts a bit, but a good night’s rest should fix that, and what of you?” you returned, Haldir studied you, he didn’t quite believe that a good nights sleep would ‘fix it’ but it never mentioned it.

“I owe you thanks” he finally said, “Had it not been for you, I would not be here”

“That thought of you not being here, well, it scared me” you spoke truthfully, but regretted it almost instantly, you didn’t expect Haldir to smile at you though. He wanted to continue conversing with you, but you were interrupted by Gandalf.

It was long and difficult, but with everyone pulling together, you managed to gather those who had lost their lives, bringing them back to the city, where they were buried, along with the elves that had fallen. That night, Theoden arranged a celebration of sorts. Which was loud and boisterous, but well deserved. As the people around you became drunk, the noise level rose. To the point, you decided to head outside for some air. As you rounded the corner, you spotted Haldir, standing at the edge staring out in the distance. He and the remainder of the elves were to head back at first light.

“I hope I am not interrupting” you whispered, stopping beside him

“Not at all” Haldir returned, he looked sad.

“Are you okay?” you asked worried, you could see Haldir thinking like he was debating whether or not to share his concerns, but eventually he did turn to you.

“I must return tomorrow” he paused thinking again. “Yet I do not wish to be apart from you” he continued. Why was he admitting this? perhaps it was the human mead?. You found yourself staring at him, what he had said made you so happy, you did not know what to do, your mind had gone blank.

“I don’t, um, I don’t know what to say to that, I do not wish to be apart from you either” it had taken you a while to finally speak.

Haldir moved, lifting his hand up to your cheek, brushing his thumb against your skin.

“Then perhaps when this is over, we will meet again” he spoke

“I might just pass through Lothlorien again, on my journeys” you joked, but then reality hit you, you were after all human, this shouldn’t be, right?. You decided to point this out as if he hadn’t noticed.

“I do not care, we can cross that bridge when we get to it” Haldir soother. You should have said no still but instead, you were kissing him, taking Haldir by complete surprise, but he soon gave in, returning the kiss happily. Maybe it was okay to indulge in this, maybe you could be together for as long as you lived, and thanks to you being a descendant of Dunedain, it would be a good few years to come.

#haldir #haldir x you #haldir x reader #haldir x #lothlorien #the lord of the rings #lotr #the lord of the rings the two towers #lotrttt #x you #x reader

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tkwrtrilogy2 · 7 years

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Chapter VI: From Mirkwood to Eryn Lasgalen: Legolas’ Return (Pt. I)

“I emerged from my tent at dawn to the sound I had not heard for centuries it seemed—birds chirping melodiously. Nearby, there were woodland creatures roaming beneath the forest tress softly swaying in unison as a gentle breeze blew through their branches. The sky began to lighten as the sun rose; it was a vibrant blue I could almost touch.

Evil was gone. I could not help but remember the years that had come before—so many years of darkness intermingled with moments of joy swirling around times of anguish. I had come out of the shadows to see the dawn of the new age father had said I would.

“Thranduil, son of Oropher,” I heard a voice say beside me. It was Galathil.

“Galathil, son of Galadhon,” I answered. “So this is the day our fathers wished to see.”

“Yes,” he said. “And yet, it comes as every day before it—in a whisper too quiet for us to hear. Perhaps that is how time wishes it to be. To allow us to appreciate all that is given and all that is lost.”

“I have spent much of my life fighting time as much as evil,” I said. “I have never known what it would like not to fight something.”

“I am sure you will not miss it,” he said. “You will not forget it, but you will not miss it.”

“I know one day, I will forget,” Celeborn said as he walked toward us with Ëarmîr. “I look forward to that day with great expectation. For now, I look forward to our return to your palace, Thranduil. Galadriel is waiting.”

“I must apologize to you, Celeborn,” I said as I saw Eldôr approaching with Elranduil. “I did not prepare her for the horrors of my halls.”

“What horrors,” Celeborn asked concerned.

“Three little elven children, I am afraid,” Elranduil said smiling. “They are rather precocious. They seemed to have inherited such behavior from me, right dear cousin?”

I gave him weak smile as he laughed with the others.

“I am sure they cannot be anywhere near the trouble of Elladan and Elrohir,” Celeborn said laughing. “I am sure Galadriel is fine, though I cannot promise the same for the children.”

As we laughed together I noticed Êlenuil with his brother Elendôr. He had a grey horse by its reins that was saddled and prepared for a long journey.

“If you excuse me,” I said.

I walked toward them; my gait heavy as my heart. They bowed to me as I came before them.

“So you are leaving, Êlenuil,” I said. “So soon after battle?”

“I must,” he said quietly, looking at the ground. “It is for the best.”

“You do remember what I asked of you?”

“Yes, Thranduil,” he answered as he looked at me. “You have my word.”

“I will send your children to you when the time comes,” I said. “I trust you will be there to receive them.”

“I will wait for them,” he said. “You have my word.”

I felt sorry for Êlenuil for his pain was palpable. His sorrow reminded me of myself when I lost Êlúriel. I wondered if I had been too hard on him.

“Elendôr, go see to your father,” I said. “I would like a moment with your brother.”

“Yes, Thranduil,” he said bowing. We watched him walk away toward camp. I could see things were being prepared for the journey back to the palace.

“Have I been too harsh with you, Êlenuil,” I asked. “If I have, forgive me.”

“You have been nothing more than noble,” he said. “As expected a King.”

“You are my kin,” I said. “You are a prince of the realm. You returned to fight for your people. I do not know anything more noble than that.”

“Thank you,” he said smiling beneath his golden hair.

“I remember when I lost my wife,” I began, my mind reliving the moment again as it had for centuries. “I would be remiss if I did not tell you how it was for me.”

“There is no need for you to remember such pain,” he said.

“I have never forgotten,” I said. “I have lived every day with that pain. There is not a moment I do not think about her. She died for me. She gave her life for me and I have lived with the guilt that I could not save her.”

I could tell by Êlenuil’s expression that my face had fallen grave. I felt the tears falling down my cheek as they had the day I held Êlúriel’s lifeless body in my arms.

“I did not deserve her,” I said. “She was too good for me, but she loved me as if I were. I thought then as I do now that I should have fallen in her place. It was not meant to be and I know she would not want me to leave our sons without a father nor a kingdom without a king. I know how you long for Súlelenth, Êlenuil. I can see it in your eyes. I see me in your eyes.”

Êlenuil was looking at me, his face serene. He had a smile on his face—one I had not seen since his youth.

“I know how it has been for you, cousin,” he said. “That is why I left Nenduîl and Tárimë with you.”

“What are you saying,” I asked trying to compose myself rather poorly. “I do not understand.”

“When they were born, grandfather remarked how much they reminded him of you and the Queen,” he said. “Súlelenth never knew her but her mother told her stories all her life about your love. When she died, I could not look at my children not because I did not love them. It was not because I lost their mother, though I loved her with all my heart. I knew she was mortal and would have died as mortals will. I could not look at them because they were so close and reminded me of you and Queen Êlúriel.”

I had regain some composure as I found myself wanting to understand what Êlenuil was trying to say.

“I am afraid you have lost me,” I said.

“I knew they brought you much joy,” he said nearly laughing. “No matter how hard you tried to show otherwise. You are the worst liar in all of Arda, you realize.”

“I am not,” I said defiantly.

“You wished no more to see them when they were born no more than I wish to see them now because they reminded you of the very same thing. They are named for you and your queen.”

“You are right,” I admitted. “But why leave them with me?”

“They adore you,” he said. “I could not bare to lose their love.”

“You are their father,” I said. “How could they not love you?”

“I know they love me,” he said. “I love them very much. But they are a comfort to you. As much a gift to you as they were to me. I think it was for you they were born.”

“Êlenuil,” I said sternly. “What are you saying?”

“I know they had visions of Queen Êlúriel,” he said. “As did their mother.”

I felt myself grow colder even as the day grew warmer around me. I was seemed unable to move.

“They know their purpose and I know mine,” Êlenuil said smiling. “I will keep my word to you.”

We looked at each other—seemingly knowing what the other felt. He embraced me and I could not help but return it.

“Thank you for the mithril,” he whispered, releasing me from his embrace. He mounted his horse and rode toward the west as he had done once before. I watched him until I could not see him.

“Thranduil,” I heard someone say. I looked to see Elranduil standing next to me. “Something the matter?”

“No,” I said. “I was just seeing Êlenuil on his way.”

“We await you to lead us home,” he said. “Unless there is a reason you wish us to remain here and watch you stare at trees.”

I grinned at him—nearly laughing at myself. I nodded and we headed toward camp. Seeing the elves of Mirkwood and Lothlórien together brought back memories of the last time we were together. This time, we were not riding off to war; we were riding home victorious.”--Excerpt from TKWR Book III: To Eryn Lasgalen by J.M.Miller 04-14-17

#thranduil and elenuil #thranduil and elranduil #return to mirkwood #earmir #celeborn and galathil sons of galadhon #the fall of dol guldur #elenuil and suleneth #thranduil and eluriel #writing #amwriting #tolkien fan fiction #in honor of tolkien #tkwr trilogy #the kingdom of the woodland realm trilogy #book ii #the saga of thranduil #writing high fantasy

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extendedtkwrtrilogyend · 6 years

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Chapter XXVII (EXT): Mirkwood to Eryn Lasgalen/Legolas’ Return

“Thranduil, son of Oropher,” I heard a voice say beside me. It was Galathil.

“Galathil, son of Galadhon,” I answered. “So this is the day our fathers wished to see.”

“I have spent much of my life fighting time as much as evil,” I said. “I have never known what it would like not to fight something.”

“I am sure you will not miss it,” he said. “You will not forget it, but you will not miss it.”

“I must apologize to you, Celeborn,” I said as I saw Eldôr approaching with Elranduil. “I did not prepare her for the horrors of my halls.”

“What horrors,” Celeborn asked concerned.

“Five little elven children, I am afraid,” Elranduil said smiling. “They are rather precocious. They seemed to have inherited such behavior from me, right dear cousin?”

I gave him weak smile as he laughed with the others.

“I am sure they cannot be anywhere near the trouble of Elladan and Elrohir,” Celeborn said laughing. “I am sure Galadriel is fine, though I cannot promise the same for the children.”

As we laughed together I noticed Êlenuil with his brother Elendôr. He had a grey horse by its reins that was saddled and prepared for a long journey.

“If you excuse me,” I said.

I walked toward them; my gait heavy as my heart. They bowed to me as I came before them.

“So you are leaving, Êlenuil,” I said. “So soon after battle?”

“I must,” he said quietly, looking at the ground. “It is for the best.”

“You do remember what I asked of you?”

“Yes, Thranduil,” he answered as he looked at me. “You have my word.”

“I will send your children to you when the time comes,” I said. “I trust you will be there to receive them.”

“I will wait for them,” he said. “You have my word.”

I felt sorry for Êlenuil for his pain was palpable. His sorrow reminded me of myself when I lost Êlúriel. I wondered if I had been too hard on him.

“Elendôr, go see to your father,” I said. “I would like a moment with your brother.”

“Yes, Thranduil,” he said bowing. We watched him walk away toward camp. I could see things were being prepared for the journey back to the palace.

“Have I been too harsh with you, Êlenuil,” I asked. “If I have, forgive me.”

“You have been nothing more than noble,” he said. “As expected a King.”

“You are my kin,” I said. “You are a prince of the realm. You returned to fight for your people. I do not know anything more noble than that.”

“Thank you,” he said smiling beneath his golden hair.

“I remember when I almost lost my wife,” I began, my mind reliving the moment again as it had for centuries. “I would be remiss if I did not tell you how it was for me.”

“There is no need for you to remember such pain,” he said.

“I have never forgotten,” I said. “I have lived every day with that pain. There is not a moment I do not think how I almost lost her. I cannot fathom what it must feel like to lose such a great love as you have. Forgive me.”

I could tell by Êlenuil’s expression that my face had fallen grave. I felt the tears falling down my cheek as they had the day I held Êlúriel’s body in my arms—thinking I had lost her.

“I do not deserve her,” I said. “She is too good for me, but she loves me as if I were. If she had died that day, I know she would not have wanted me to leave our children without a father nor a kingdom without a king. I know how you long for Súlelenth, Êlenuil.”

Êlenuil was looking at me, his face serene. He had a smile on his face—one I had not seen since his youth.

“I know,” he said. “That is why I left Nenduîl and Tárimë with you.”

“What are you saying,” I asked trying to compose myself rather poorly. “I do not understand.”

“When they were born, grandfather remarked how much they reminded him of you and the Queen,” he said. “Her mother would tell her stories when she was a child about your love. When she died, I could not look at my children not because I did not love them. It was not because I lost their mother, though I loved her with all my heart. I knew she was mortal and would have died as mortals will. I could not look at them because they were so close and reminded me of you and Queen Êlúriel.”

I had regain some composure as I found myself wanting to understand what Êlenuil was trying to say.

“I am afraid you have lost me,” I said.

“I know they bring you much joy,” he said nearly laughing. “No matter how hard you try to show otherwise. You are the worst liar in all of Arda, you realize.”

“I am not,” I said defiantly.

“They were born out of love aptly named for a love everlasting.”

I was at a loss for words or thoughts.

“And Eärluin,” I asked. “She should know who her father is.”

"She reminds me too much of Súlelenth,” he said. “They adore you both. “I could not bare to lose their love.”

“You are their father,” I said. “How could they not love you?”

“I know they love me,” he said. “I love them very much. But they are a comfort to you. As much a gift to you as they were to me. I think it was for you they were born. They know their purpose and I know mine,” Êlenuil said smiling. “I will keep my word to you.”

We looked at each other—seemingly knowing what the other felt. He embraced me and I could not help but return it.

“Thank you for the mithril,” he whispered, releasing me from his embrace. He mounted his horse and rode toward the west as he had done once before. I watched him until I could not see him.

“Thranduil,” I heard someone say. I looked to see Elranduil standing next to me. “Something the matter?”

“No,” I said. “I was just seeing Êlenuil on his way.”

“We await you to lead us home,” he said. “Unless there is a reason you wish us to remain here and watch you stare at trees.”

I mounted my horse and looked around to see elven soldiers proudly awaiting my command. At my side waited Celeborn smiling serenely.

“Shall we,” he asked.

I smiled in return, motioned to move forward. As our procession began it’s slow move home, I looked back at the smoldering ruins of what was once Dol Guldur. Though it would be a long time before it would once again resemble Amon Lanc, the darkness was gone from my kingdom forever.

For a time, we traveled in silence—each of us savoring the victory filled the air and fell over the whole of Arda. As we made our way closer to the palace, a faint sound of cheers was heard.

“Word still travels quickly among our people,” Celeborn remarked.

“It is just as well,” I said. “We return victorious as I told Galadriel we would.”

“Seems Galadriel is not the only one with the gift of foresight,” he said.

“Not so much foreseen as promised, Celeborn.”

As we came to the path leading to the bridge, my kingdom welcomed us with glorious fanfare. Under a shower of flower petals. I could see my court waiting for us joyfully on the bridge. Before them, Galadriel stood with Isilriel alongside Nenduîl, Tárimë and Eärluin. As we stopped, I dismounted as they came running to me.

“Ada,” they squealed as I knelt down to embrace them.

“You are home,” Tárimë said.

“Yes, I am,” I answered, as I noticed they were dressed in their finest court attire. “And how did you manage to greet me dressed so elegantly?”

“Lady Galadriel,” Nenduîl said pouting. “She told us it would please you.”

“It is itchy, Ada,” Eärluin said, scratching her neck.

“I am well pleased,” I said as I saw Galadriel approaching as Celeborn and the rest of the princes began to great their loved ones. I stood up and bowed to her.

“You must be weary,” she said embracing Celeborn. “Let our warriors take their rest before we return home, if they may, Thranduil.”

“Of course,” I said. “Fëaluin, prepare the court for celebration if you will.”

“Yes, Your Majesty,” he said smiling, his wife Linurial in his arms. “It would be my pleasure.”

As everyone made their way into the palace, I remained behind with Nenduîl and Tárimë.

“Tell me, children,” I began. “Did you mind yourselves while I was away?”

“I did,” Tárimë said. “I cannot say the same for my brother.”

“I was well-behaved,” Nenduîl said defensively. “Much more than my sister.”

“If I were to ask Galadriel, what would she say to me?”

There was a moment of silence and I could not help myself but to laugh.

“I was very good,” Eärluin said. “Nana said so.”

“Where is Nana,” I asked, worried.

“She is waiting for you inside,” Tárimë said. “She said she wanted to see you alone.”

Curious, I entered the palace behind them. I was happy to home and wanted to see Êlúriel.

**** **** **** ****

Inside, the children went their way as I made my way into my study where waited the many faces of my lifetime. To thunderous applause I was received. I approached Celeborn as he stood beside Galathil, Eärmîr, Haldir, Rúmil and Orophin. We stood for a moment looking at one another as the praise subsided. It was then that we embraced one another. Cheers returned again—the sound rising louder than the falls behind us.

“Let no more time fall between us now that darkness has fallen from the rest of our days,” I said. “It is a day I never thought I would see but for my father I am his eyes from the grave. He would be proud.”

“Yes, he would, Thranduil,” Celeborn said. “Tonight we celebrate and tomorrow you will face the world as King of Eryn Lasgalen.”

“What,” I said taken aback. “What are you saying?”

Celeborn smiled as Galathil patted me on the shoulder.

“You were never one to take anything without bewilderment,” Galathil said. “Or so I have been told.”

“Yes, I am afraid my cousin is often taken aback,” I heard Elranduil say as he approached. “Good news or bad, it does take him a moment to find the words to say anything.”

“Well, then. He has the rest of the evening to find his words,” Celeborn said. “In the meantime, I believe your court is being prepared for celebration and I shall take my leave to do likewise.”

I never heard the study empty nor had I realized I had regained my kingdom. It was a moment I would never forget—after so long under the curse of Sauron, I had come full circle to see my kingdom through sorrow and pain to joy and peace.

For as long as there is a kingdom to rule, you will. My father’s words rang true—as I heard them spoken once more from my heart.

“Thranduil,” I heard my name called. I turned to see Nimlos.

“Yes,” I asked. “What is it?”

“Time to get ready for the celebration,” he said. “You are not going like that, are you?”

I looked down at myself. I was still in my armor—stained with dirt and the dried blood of orcs.

“I could use a change of wardrobe,” I answered. “And a bath."

I went to my bath and noticed I was alone. I looked forward to having a moment to myself. After my armor was removed, my dressers left to prepare my wardrobe for the evening. Once in the bath, I closed my eyes, took a deep breath and felt myself release all the tension of the day. Though exhausted, I wondered where Êlúriel was as I had yet to see her.

“You never cease to amaze me,” I heard a voice say to me.

“Elranduil,” I answered. “Who allowed you in here?”

��Amusing, Thranduil,” he answered. I opened one eye to see him sitting nearby in his robe and fresh from his bath. “I wanted to see to your well-being.”

“What do you want,” I asked.

“Not a thing,” he answered. “Though father wanted to know how you were. You seemed beyond his reach for a moment What is on your mind?”

“I am in need of rest is all,” I answered as I closed my eye. “Nothing more. Uncle mustn’t worry himself although I am quite sure it is you that would like to know more.”

“No,” he said. “Though your son wishes to speak with you before tonight’s celebration.”

I opened my eyes and sat up.

“Tarthôn,” I asked. “Is something the matter?”

“Not at all,” Elranduil answered. “He is quite well. There is no hurry. He is with Ëariâth just now. He has something he wishes to tell you. He refuses to tell anyone but you.”

“I have raised him well, then,” I said reclining once more. “He knows you can never keep a secret.”

“I can so,” he said rising. “I kept many of your secrets. Is it my fault Ardúin could get them from me? She can be quite persuasive.”

“She is not persuasive, Elranduil. You are afraid of her.”

“I am not,” he began as a servant entered and bowed.

“Yes,” I asked.

“I was sent by Her Highness, Princess Ardúin,” he said quietly. “She wishes for His Highness Prince Elranduil to join her immediately.”

“Tell her I shall be with her in a moment,” Elranduil said.

“Now, Elranduil,” a voice came from across the room. It was Ardúin. I could not help but laugh.

“If you will excuse me,” Elranduil said. “My wife requires my presence.”

He hurried away with the servant. I took another moment to enjoy my solitude—closing my eyes to rest.

“You kept your word,” a voice said.

It was Êlúriel. I opened my eyes just as she had slipped into the water and glided over to me and embracing me.

“So I have,” I said, holding her. We did not say another word as we found ourselves lost in a kiss and locked in an embrace for what seemed a magical eternity. When she was done with me, she stepped out of the bath, wrapped herself her robe and rang for the servants.

“Do not be late, Thranduil,” she said, smiling.

Soon the servants arrived. I stepped out of my bath and was dried and dressed in a robe and I made my way to my room. The guards opened my door and I entered. A moment later, my dressers entered and began to prepare me for the night. I was placed in the colors of spring—rich greens with silver embroidered leaves on my coat. A knock came to my door.

“Enter,” I said as one servant began combing my hair. It was Tarthôn with Aranduil close behind.

“How’s Nana,” he asked grinning.

“You have a shadow with you, son,” I said, smiling thinking about Êlúriel.

Tarthôn turned and picked up his grandson.

“Well what do you know,” he said. “How did you come upon me, Aranduil?”

“I followed you,” he said. “I wanted to come.”

“I think he wanted to see you as much as I did,” Tarthôn said. “You look fine this evening, Ada.”

“Am I to assume Êlúriel is waiting for us?”

“She does,” he answered.

“Elranduil said you wished to tell me something.”

“Yes,” he began. “There is word from Gondor.”

“Gondor,” I asked. “What of it?”

“Legolas has survived the war,” he said. “He is there with Aragorn. I was told of it before we left Dol Guldur. It would appear Legolas sent a messenger ahead of the news.”

I turned slowly toward Tarthôn—who was straightening Aranduil’s little buttons on his robe. When he looked up, his face was smiling as brightly as my own must have been.

“This is wonderful news,” I said. “Wonderful. I have both of my sons and I could not ask for more.”

“Me,” Aranduil said angrily. “I am here too.”

“Yes,” I said. “You are here as well, Aranduil. How could I have forgotten?”

In overwhelming joy, I embraced them both. I knew I would see my sons together again some day soon.

“Let us celebrate, Ada,” Tarthôn said as he put Aranduil down. “The kingdom awaits.”

“Very well,” I said.

We left my room and entered the hall. As we approached the court room, festive spring colors dressed everything from pillar to post. Green, indigo, red, yellow and white created an aura of the forest floor. Êlúriel stood at her throne, her gown the color of mine, her crown upon her head as a halo. My court once engaged fell quiet as I took my place beside her.

“Tonight we celebrate,” I began “For the darkness that fell upon our kingdom is no more. It is a new day not only for the elves, but for all that live in every corner of this world. Peace has finally returned to the Woodland Realm.”

A roar of cheers filled the room and resounding into every crevice of the halls with a sound that for the first time was greater than the force of the waterfalls’ ever flowing. I walked down from my throne and made my way to the room above the festivities. Upon reaching the window seat, I remembered the night of my wedding—sitting with Êlúriel in a quiet moment.

I continued further up the stairs to the room where I spoke with my father many times before he died in the War of the Last Alliance. I walked over to the window and looked out over Forest River quietly flowing into Long Lake. The trees were turning black with the setting of the sun but I could see the stars beginning to peek through the eastern sky one by one.

“Ada,” I heard a child say. It was Nenduîl. I turned to see him and Tárimë standing behind me. I motioned to them to come. I noticed for the first time how much they had grown as they approached me.

“It is a beautiful night,” Tárimë said looking over the balcony. “Can we go outside now?”

“In the morning,” I said. “After the ceremony.”

“What ceremony,” Nenduîl asked looking terrified. “Do I have to dress up again?”

“Nenduîl, you are a Prince of the realm. It is proper protocol.”

“I am not fond of proper protocol,” he said leaning against me. “It is very uncomfortable.”

“I am a Princess,” Tárimë said. “I like being a Princess.”

“That is because you are a girl,” her brother said sticking his tongue out.

“Children, behave yourselves,” I said trying not to laugh. I remembered how much I did not like proper palace protocol at their age. “It will not be too long and afterward you are free to play with the other children.

“Outside,” Nenduîl asked looking up at me—eyes wide with excitement.

“Yes, outside.”

“Will you come with us,” Tárimë asked.

“I have some things to do. I am the King you realize.”

The both stood beside one another giving me their best sad and down trodden look in a rather convincing attempt at forcing my hand.

“Very well, perhaps I will join you after I am done with my duties,” I said.

Smiling they embraced me and I in return.

“We love you, Ada,” they said.

“I love you both very much,” I said, thinking about the last time I saw their father at Dol Guldur. I wondered should I tell them about Êlenuil.

“Nenduîl. Tárimë,” I heard Elranduil say. “Ardúin is looking for you. I need a word with Thranduil.”

They ran off into the darkness that had begun to surround the forest. I leaned agains the balcony once more as Elranduil joined me.

“How is the celebration,” I asked. “Am I needed?”

“It is fine, Thranduil,” he said. “You are noticeably missing but you are the king. You do what you like.”

“True,” I answered. “Why are you here?”

“I am here because I can do what I like,” he said.

“We like far too many of the same things, cousin.”

“I am afraid that runs in the family,” he said. “It would seem so does wandering away to think about all that has come to pass.”

“We have seen many things,” I began. “Some things I am glad I will never see again. There are a few things I want to see again."

“I know,” he said softly.

“Father,” I said. “I wish he were here to see this day. Come, Elranduil. Let us return to the celebration. I believe the king should see to his court.”

We began walking toward the stairs where the sound of merrymaking filled the air. I hesitated for a moment.

“If you do not wish to return, your subjects will understand,” Elranduil said.

“I wish to join them,” I said. “I realized how long it has been since we had something to celebrate. It has been too long. Far too long.”

We began our descent down to the court room when I was met by Galathil.

“Thinking again,” he asked. Elranduil nodded and went on his way.

“Of course, Galathil,” I answered. “I am the son of Oropher. Thinking is an inherited trait.”

“Father always said as much. You realize Ëarmîr reminds me of Oropher every day. His mother would be proud. I wish our sister could be here to see how he has grown.”

“War has taken many over the centuries that never should have been lost—whether by death or by choice,” I said quietly.

I gave him a pat on the back and walked through the court of bowing courtiers on my way out the front gates and across the bridge.

It was the clearest of nights—it seemed every star in the heavens were shining. I made my way to the tomb of Oropher.

“I miss you, Ada,” I said feeling tear welling in my eyes. “I wish you could be here to see peace in our kingdom. I wish you could have known my son Legolas. He fought gallantly to save the world.”

I could not stop crying. Emotion took me from my posture as I fell to the ground. Three thousand years of pain flowed from me like a waterfall. I do not remember for how long I cried but when I stopped there was no sound left but those of nature. I looked up and was startled by a vision of my mother.

Dressed in a white gown flowing with her hair behind her.

“Thranduil, my son,” she said. “Do not weep for you brought peace to our kingdom and to our people.”

“Nana,” I said standing. “Is that you?”

She reached out and embraced me and I felt her close to me as I had in my youth.

“My little Isilya,” she said. I knew it was Nimeithel. “You have changed so much. I can see it in your eyes. But it is for the best. Soon you must decide what to do and it will be the hardest choice you will ever make.”

“What choice,” I asked. “What else could there be? The war is over. There is peace.”

“I cannot say but you will know when the time comes. I miss you, Thranduil. Since I left you. But I knew then as now that I will see you again. I must go now. I needed to see you once more before you left.”

“Where would I go,” I asked as she kissed my cheek and moved away further and further.” Where would I go? Mother? Nana?”

“What vexes you, Thranduil,” a voice said. I turned to see Eldôr.

“Did you see my mother,” I asked staring into the pitch of night. “She was here. Mother was here.”

“Oh course she was, Thranduil,” he said almost mockingly. “Nimeithel tends to do such things.”

“You do not believe me,” I said defiantly.

“She told you that you would see her again,” he said gently. “And you will. But now you need to rest before the dawn. We have a ceremony to attend.”

As we began toward the palace, I couldn’t help but look back. Nimeithel was gone. I could not help but wonder what she meant about the choice I would have to make. That choice would come to me sooner than I would have wanted.

**** **** **** ****

The day was more beautiful than I could remember—crisp and clear. I was dressed in my finest spring regalia to go before my people. I stood in the hall quietly awaiting my children. Soon, Nenduîl, Tárimë and Eärluin came before me. Nenduîl looked uncomfortable in his little robes which were as mine and I tried not to laugh.

“Shall we go,” I asked.

“Not yet,” Êlúriel said as she stepped out of our room. She was breathtaking—more heavenly than earthly as she approached us. “Now, we can go.”

They nodded and we made our way down the hall toward the front gate. Before we were to exit, we awaited the rest of the family. Soon, Isílriel, Eldôr, Elranduil, Ardôr, Ninyáre, Tarthôn, Ëariâth, Orisil, Arlúin, Elendôr, Aradúlin, Tatháron, Aranduil, Auríel, Êleneth, Aramoth, Nenloth, Nimlos, Sildúriel, Aruilos, Nimlúin, Aradûial, Fëaluin and Linurial. When all were assembled, the doors were opened and we walked out into the sun.

Before us stood every elf in the kingdom standing side by side with elven warriors of Lothlórien. On the bridge awaited Celeborn, Galadriel, Galathil, Ëarmîr, Isílion, Tárion, Haldir, Rúmil and Orophin. As I took my place beside Celeborn and Galathil, I nodded—a smile across my face I felt for what seemed an eternity.

“Elves of Mirkwood,” Celeborn began. “The curse of Sauron that kept your people in shadow is no more. Your kin in the West need not fear any longer the darkness their kin in the East have endured alone. The name of your king shall once again be on the lips of all creatures in Arda as it was always meant to be. Forevermore shall he be known as King Thranduil of Eryn Lasgalen.”

There rose from the elves cheers that could be heard for miles around. I turned to Celeborn as he smiled at me. I had no words to express the happiness I felt.

“You need not say a word, Thranduil,” he said. “It was my pleasure. We never should have let you suffer such evil alone. You are one of us—our kin. Forgive me such indignity.”

“There is nothing you have done that needs forgiving,” I said. “It was not your doing that our kingdom fell to Sauron. I know now you did what you felt you had to do. You are here now. That is all that matters.”

“Until tomorrow,” he said. “I am sure Elrond is waiting for us to return to prepare for a wedding.”

“Arwen and Aragorn,” I said.

“Galadriel can hardly contain herself,” he mused. “I find it refreshing she has lent her wisdom elsewhere rather than on me.”

“Seems Nenduîl would agree with you.”

“She told me about him,” he added. “A rather precocious stripling you have there. Galadriel needs more rest than we did coming from battle, I dare say.”

“I am afraid he gets it from my cousin, Elranduil,” I said laughing. “He was much like Nenduîl in his youth.”

“I remember you having an rather inquisitive penchant for trouble,” he said. “As it were, Elranduil told me as much. He said you still have an inkling of it.”

“Elranduil says many things,” I said glancing at him as he spoke with Galathil. “Most of which are exaggeration.”

He laughed and went to Galadriel as Aranduil, Nenduîl and Tárimë ran by followed by several other elven children nearly knocking over Ëarmîr.

“Must I stay, Uncle,” I heard him ask Galathil.

“I beg your pardon,” I asked walking over to them. “What is this about?”

“Ëarmîr will remain with you when we leave,” Galathil said. “He knows his place. Not a word until the day comes.”

“I do not understand,” I began before Elranduil interrupted.

“Enough for now,” he said. “We have things to attend to. If we may, Galathil?”

He nodded and walked away with Ëarmîr.

“Why is Ëarmîr staying with us,” I asked again. “Which of my council is he replacing?”

“No one is leaving,” he said escorting me into the palace. “He is staying with us for a brief time. I would not worry yourself about it just now. You have to decide what to do with the extended borders of Eryn Lasgalen.”

I stopped short of the main gates as the guards opened the door.

“I could have sworn I am the King of the realm,” I said angrily. “Yet, somehow I have no knowledge of what goes on within it. I demand that you tell me what is going on this instant.”

“I cannot tell you for it is not for me to tell,” he said. “Just know it is all for the best. Now, Fëaluin awaits us in your study.”

We continued on into the palace and into the study. I was prepared to protest when I stopped in my tracks. In my presence was Ardôr talking to his son Elendôr as Fëaluin spoke with Eldôr. They turned and bowed to me.

“You wished a word, Fëaluin,” I asked. “Perhaps you can tell me what no one else will."

“I gather you learned of Ëarmîr,” he said. “He will be staying in Eryn Lasgalen.”

“I am aware of that,” I said sharply. “Why is what I seem to find difficult to ascertain.”

“He is here for me,” he said. “I require additional assistance.”

“Oh, well,” I answered. “That tells me absolutely nothing.”

“I shall explain to you later, if I may, Thranduil,” he said reading a scroll. “My time is sacrosanct just now. Must prepare for tonight.”

“Tonight,” I asked perplexed. “What is tonight?”

“Dinner,” Eldôr said, patting my shoulder as he and Fëaluin walked past me and out of the study.

“Worry not, Thranduil,” Ardôr said quietly. “All is well in your kingdom.”

He left with Elendôr, leaving me and Elranduil to ourselves. I had a feeling of suspicion within that something was going to happen.

“Elranduil, what do you know,” I asked. “Please, tell me.”

“You are the King of Eryn Lasgalen,” he said. “If you wish to know more than that, I am afraid I will be of little help. I am just as confounded as you are, cousin.”

I knew then I was in for another revelation that would be more spectacular than the last.

**** **** **** ****

It was dawn when Êlúriel and I stood with our court on the bridge to bid farewell to Celeborn, Galathil and Galadriel. Beside me stood Elranduil and Ëarmîr, who earlier had a private moment with Galathil and Celeborn before becoming a member of my court. I was curious as to why he was required to stay, however, the time to inquire would come.

“Your Majesty,” Haldir began. “It has truly been a pleasure. My brothers and I have never felt more at home outside Lothlórien in a long time.”

“Think nothing of it,” I said. “You are welcome always in my kingdom.”

“We shall see you again,” Galadriel began, giving me a gentle kiss on my cheek. “Beyond these borders you will one day find your way. Do not tarry.”

I smiled at her; perplexed by her words. Celeborn and Galathil smiled as Isílion and Tárion approached.

“The warriors are ready to return to Lothlórien, My Lords and Lady,” Isílion said. “All has been prepared.”

“See your way home,” Celeborn said to me.

He embraced me one last time and took Galadriel’s hand and went the length of the bridge to their horses. Galathil followed close behind. When everyone was upon their steeds, the elves of Lothlórien left Eryn Lasgalen.

“So, Ëarmîr,” I began. “What task has been given you that you are left in my charge as a new member of my court?”

“You will know soon enough, Your Majesty,” he said softly. “For now, you should take pleasure in your new kingdom and its expanded borders.”

“So I shall,” I said. “And I shall have Fëaluin find you a place in council.”

We entered the palace and the days that came thereafter would be filled with wonders.

**** **** **** ****

Months went by with little fanfare—as the entire kingdom began to become accustomed to a peaceful existence. So many years had gone by where we stood guard and waited for evil to come upon us, even the twitter of birds frightened us whenever one would snap a twig under foot.

One day, I decided to go for a ride with Nenduîl and Tárimë. The care of the royal children was given to Ëarmîr by Fëaluin and he was quite adept at caring for them much to the consternation of Nenduîl and Aranduil. Ëarmîr began to find his place and a friend in Tárimë who adored hearing stories from the court of Lady Galadriel. She had started to grow into young lady wanting to become as elegant and graceful as all the elven maidens of the past.

As I was looking forward to spending the day away from court, Elranduil and Eldor approached me with Tarthôn and Nimlos as I emerged from my chambers.

“Come quickly,” Eldôr said. “Fëaluin is at the front gate.”

“Why,” I asked. “Something amiss?”

“A rider approaches,” Elranduil said. “Come quickly.”

We hurried ourselves toward the front gates and into the crisp morning where Êlúriel waited for us. I could see from a distance lone rider making his way toward us.

“Who is it, Ada,” I heard Nenduîl ask as he ran to my side with his sister and cousin.

I could see who it was and I felt a smile cross my face with eager anticipation.

“Legolas,” I said to myself. “It is Legolas.”

“My son,” Êlúriel whispered.

When his horse stopped at the foot of the bridge, he dismounted as servants helped his companion—a dwarf warrior—down to the ground. Legolas slowly approached me I made my way to him. When were standing in front of one another, we both seemed lost in the sight of one another.

“Ada,” he finally said. “I told you I would return to you.”

I could not contain my joy and embraced him tightly.

“My son,” I whispered to him. “My son. Welcome home.”

I did not want to let him go. My son—my heir—was home at last. When I finally released him, Êlúriel took her turn.

“I knew you would return,” she said. “My little Greenleaf.”

“Nana,” he said, blushing.

Beside him stood the dwarf that arrived with him. He bowed eloquently as any prince would to a king. In his face, I recognized another.

“Ada and Nana, this is Gimli, son of Glóin,” Legolas said. “He is a friend and one of the Fellowship.”

“So I have heard,” I said. “We were fortunate to have met his father again not long before in Dale when I attended the burial of King Dáin of Erebor. It is an honor to meet you Gimli, son of Glóin.”

“And I you, Your Majesty,” Gimli said smiling through his wooly beard cheerfully. “You are not as fearsome as they said.”

“I am glad to hear it,” I said. I could hear Elranduil and Nimlos hiding their laughter behind me as Tarthôn approached.

“Welcome home, brother,” he said to Legolas, embracing him. “Good to have you home once more.”

“It is good to be home,” Legolas answered. “I told Gimli all about you.”

“I feel as I have known you all my life,” Gimli said. “Wait until you hear about me.”

Everyone broke into laughter.

“Are you a real dwarf,” I heard Nenduîl ask as he and Aranduil looked him over curiously.

“I hope so,” he answered. “If I am not, my father will be quite disappointed.”

“Nenduîl, Aranduil,” Ëarmîr scolded. He had arrived in time to save me from my thoughts as I recalled Durin asking me if I were a real elf.

They looked at him and then at me.

“He is a real dwarf,” I answered. “He is welcomed to stay with us as long as he would like. He is a friend of Legolas. You will behave, will you not?”

“Of course, Ada,” Nenduîl said. “We will.”

“Very well, then,” I said. “Fëaluin, show our guest a place to rest. He must be weary from his travels. I wish to speak to my sons alone for a moment, if I may.”

"As you wish,” Fëaluin answered as he motioned to Gimli to follow him and everyone inside.

“It is good to have my sons with me again,” I said. “Together. I am very proud of both of you and all you have done for this world and your kingdom. I do not think there is father in all of Arda as glad as me.”

“Ada has become more sentimental since I have been away,” Legolas said smiling.

“Worse,” Tarthôn said. “Far worse.”

I embraced my sons and then we made our way into palace. Everything was once again as it should be.”––TKWR:BII The Saga of Thranduil (EXT. VER.) by J. Marie Miller 12-22-17

Images: ©2001, 2002, 2003. Warner Brothers Pictures. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King. All Rights Reserved.

#tkwr trilogy #the kingdom of the woodland realm trilogy #the extended version of book ii #the saga of thranduil #legolas and gimli #celeborn and galadriel #thranduil and eluriel #nenduil tarime earluin #aranduil and auriel #tarthon and eariath #isilriel elenare thranduiliel #eryn lasgalen #mirkwood is eryn lasgalen #tolkien fan fiction #in honor of jrr tolkien #peace in middle earth #finally

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arofili · 7 years

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Beneath the Stars Chapter 24

After the battle, Tauriel struggles to find a place in the world. With the War of the Ring on the horizon and her past haunting her footsteps, she must find a way to keep her hope even in these dark hours and find a home where she truly belongs. Characters: Tauriel, Midhel (OC), Thranduil, Galadriel, Glandir (OC), Urphen (OC)

AO3; Masterpost

The war was won. Sauron was vanquished, and peace reigned throughout Middle-earth. The walls of Dol Guldur had been thrown down by Lady Galadriel, and the forest was cleansed. Tauriel was shocked by the changes around her. The forest she loved so dearly became even more beautiful and wondrous than before, truly becoming the Greenwood instead of Mirkwood, as outsiders called it.

Elves stepped lighter now, and the forest was no longer dark and treacherous. The spiders and orcs and other foul creatures she had fought against so bitterly her entire life were gone. Tauriel was astonished by these changes. Being so young, barely seven hundred, she had never seen the forest in its uncorrupted glory. Her whole life she had lamented against the common name “Mirkwood”, but now that the curse of Sauron was lifted, she found that compared to the glory of this new forest, the old truly had been a place of darkness.

The wounds of battle and centuries of evil had not healed entirely. The people of the forest were changed, but still felt the repercussions of such a long curse. Tauriel had been raised in this forest, but the light of this new wood made it seem a different place entirely. She stepped along familiar paths as if she had never walked there before. Even the stars shone brighter, and she wished Kíli could have wandered the paths of this new Greenwood with her.

The forest was not the only thing that had begun to heal. Midhel’s injury, though severe, healed quickly. Within a month, she was back up on her feet, though not quite healed enough to rejoin the Guard. For the time being, Tauriel was welcomed back in her old position as Captain, though there was much less to worry about, now that the forest was restored.

The elves of the Woodland Realm quickly accepted her return, and only the occasional rumors were spread about her absence. Though to Tauriel, her wanderings had seemed to consume ages, the elves of her home had felt the years pass by much more quickly, as little had changed for them.

They buried Gwelonir in the depths of the forest, returning his body to the land that had supported and nurtured him for so long. Tauriel missed her foster father very dearly, and hoped that his spirit rested in the Halls of Mandos. If anyone deserved peace, Gwelonir did.

“Are you ready to go?” Midhel asked her.

Tauriel sighed. “Yes, I suppose,” she said. It was the beginning of spring. She, Úrphen, and their warriors were to be escorting Thranduil, traveling south to the Mountains of Mirkwood to meet with Galadriel and Celeborn. The fate of the forest in the coming Age was to be decided there.

“I wish I could come,” Midhel said ruefully. She was still too weak to travel so far. “You and Úrphen are captains, so of course you’re going, but so are Orelon and Glándir. I’ll be all alone here!”

“Iesteth and Hithwen are staying, they’ll keep you company,” Tauriel pointed out.

“I know, and I’m grateful for it, but I wish I could meet Lady Galadriel.” Midhel sighed.

“She’s very wise,” Tauriel said. “I met her while I was…gone. She’s everything the stories say, and more.”

Midhel’s eyes widened. “You never mentioned that!”

“I’ve not even been back a month, Midhel!” Tauriel exclaimed. “That’s not nearly enough time to catch up over sixty years of travels!”

“Well, I knew you’d met Lord Elrond,” Midhel said. “You lived in Rivendell for so long, of course you did. And I knew you’d gone to Lothlórien, but not that you’d met Galadriel!”

“I’ll have to tell the story when I get back,” Tauriel said.

Midhel nodded. “I’ve got a few stories to tell you, too,” she said. “Iesteth and I had quite the honeymoon! And there was that time Glándir and Orelon got drunk and fell in the fountain—Úrphen and I had to pull them out!”

Tauriel laughed. “I’m excited to hear it all,” she said.

Midhel’s eyes sparkled, but after a few moments, she sighed and looked down. “I wish I wasn’t so injured,” she said softly. “I’m tired, Tauriel. My body hurts. I’m healing, but I don’t want to hurt like this anymore.”

“You’ll be back to normal in no time,” Tauriel assured her.

“Yes…” Midhel sighed again. “But that’s not what I meant, Tauriel. I don’t want to fight anymore. There’s peace in these lands. The evil is defeated, and we don’t need as many warriors now.”

“Midhel…” Tauriel stared at her, full of sympathy.

“I’ve been thinking about this,” she said firmly, “and I’ve made up my mind. Even when my body heals all the way, I’ll carry the damage inside. I almost died, Tauriel. I’m tired of fighting, especially when there’s nothing to fight anymore. I’m quitting the Guard.”

“But Midhel—” Tauriel broke off. She bowed her head. “I’ll miss you.”

“It’s not like I’m leaving the forest,” Midhel said, smiling a little. “I’ll still be here. I’m still your family. I’m not leaving anywhere.”

“I know, but it’ll be—different,” Tauriel said. “I’ll miss fighting alongside you. There are still dangers out there.”

“Yes, who knows when the next troupe of dwarves will trespass?” Midhel joked.

Tauriel raised an eyebrow. “Very funny, Midhel.” She paused, then asked, “Does this mean that I’m staying Captain of the Guard?”

“If Thranduil agrees,” Midhel said. “I have no opposition to it—you’d be my first choice as successor.” She smiled. “This is funny—I succeeded you, and now you’re succeeding me!”

Tauriel laughed. “It is! A hundred years ago, I would never have imagined it!”

“A hundred years ago, a lot of things were different,” Midhel said. Her gaze turned distant as she remembered. “Those were good days.”

“But you and Iesteth weren’t married then,” Tauriel pointed out, “and for all the heartbreak I’ve had…I think the next hundred years will be good days, too.”

Midhel smiled and clapped Tauriel on the shoulder. “Here’s to the next hundred years.”

Tauriel pulled her into an embrace, echoing her words: “Here’s to the next hundred years…”

The Mountains of Mirkwood were small compared to some of the other mountains Tauriel had seen in her time, but they were full of life. Trees and flowers and other green things surrounded her and the others as they approached the meeting place, and she breathed in the crisp mountain air appreciatively.

Thranduil wore his finest kingly robes and a crown of leaves. Tauriel and Úrphen stood side by side behind as his two most trusted captains.

Across the clearing from him were the elves of Lothlórien. Galadriel was as serene and beautiful as ever, and her husband Celeborn matched her glory. Behind them stood their own captains: Rúmil and Orophin.

Tauriel smiled to them, and they each nodded back. She would speak with them later, after the meeting had finished. Seeing them side by side, she felt a sharp pang of grief. Haldir ought to be there.

“Thranduil,” Galadriel greeted him.

Thranduil bowed. “Lady Galadriel. Lord Celeborn. I am honored to speak with you.”

His voice was, for the most part, sincere. Tauriel vividly remembered him complaining about the Noldo lady several times in the past, mostly based on principles passed down from his father and from his own isolationist beliefs. But for now, he seemed to have put his dislike behind him in favor of appreciation and respect. Galadriel was a high noble elf, and besides that, she was incredibly powerful and had been instrumental in the war.

“We are as well,” Celeborn said.

Tauriel watched as they exchanged further pleasantries and extolled each others’ great deeds in the war. Tauriel grew bored: though hearing these stories was interesting, they would be far more interesting if they did not have political connotations. Relations between Lothlórien and the Woodland Realm had always been a bit strained (or else nonexistent), and though they came together for great events such as the War of the Ring, they still didn’t quite get along.

She made eye contact with Úrphen and raised an eyebrow as subtly as she could. They seemed impassive, but she caught their lips twitching upward as they fought a smile. She quickly averted her gaze before a smile crept upon her own lips.

At last, the rulers got down to business and came to the real reason they were gathered together: the division of the forest.

“We are entering a new age,” Thranduil proclaimed, “and the Woodland Realm is not as large as it once was. Even I can feel the call of the sea, and though I know there are many among my people who wish to dwell in Middle-earth forever, there are still those who wish to depart for Valinor.”

Tauriel took a deep breath. She knew this, of course. Elves left for Valinor even in her childhood, but it was not a common occurrence. After this war, even more had left, and she knew that the time of the elves was coming to a close. It pained her to see her friends leaving, especially as she felt no desire to leave just after she returned at last to her home.

“We do not need the entire forest as our territory,” Thranduil said. “This land south of these mountains is rarely traversed even by my people.”

“There are others who live in this forest with an equal claim,” Celeborn said.

“Yes,” Thranduil agreed. “The Beornings.”

On they discussed. Tauriel listened attentively, concerned by the fate of her forest home. She had rarely traveled south of the mountains, it was true, but she would miss this beauty if Thranduil gave it up. She could see the stars clearly from the heights of these mountains, and in the distance, the solitary peak of the Lonely Mountain.

Eventually, it was decided. The Woodland Realm gave up all claims to the forest south of the mountains. Tauriel sighed at this pronouncement, but she agreed with Thranduil’s decision. Besides, this meant less land for her to patrol.

The land south of the mountains to the Narrows, the thinnest strip of the forest, would be given to the Beornings. They did not have a diplomat present, but they had never been a people to be involved in politics of any kind. They took what they needed even before this division, though technically it had not been their land until now.

The remaining forest south of the Narrows went to Lothlórien, becoming East Lórien. Tauriel wasn’t quite sure what Galadriel and Celeborn needed with this extra land, but she was sure they would put it to good use.

“This forest is no longer ours alone,” Thranduil announced. “The Woodland Realm has all we need, and we are glad to have it.”

“This forest has been called by the name of Mirkwood for centuries,” Celeborn said, “but after its cleansing, that name is no longer fitting.”

“It was once known as Eryn Galen, the Greenwood,” Galadriel continued, “but a new age is dawning, and that name is of the past.”

“From henceforth, in this new year of the elves and in this new age, this forest shall be known as Eryn Lasgalen, the Wood of Green Leaves,” Thranduil proclaimed.

“Eryn Lasgalen!” a voice called out in the crowd. Tauriel smiled as she recognized the speaker: it was Glándir.

“Eryn Lasgalen!” another elf cried. The chant was brought up by everyone in the crowd, until even Tauriel and Úrphen were shouting out, “Eryn Lasgalen! Eryn Lasgalen!”

Tauriel grinned as she felt the forest and her people around her. Even Galadriel raised her voice in joy, followed by Celeborn and Thranduil. Tauriel wished Midhel were here, though she was comforted by the fact that she would see her again soon.

Eryn Lasgalen was a good name for her home: much like Eryn Galen, the Greenwood, but different and new. She smiled and paused in her chanting.

“Here’s to the next hundred years,” she murmured again.

Chapter 1; Chapter 23; Chapter 25

#tauriel #beneath the stars #my writing #tefain nin #chapter 24 #only one more chapter left!!!! ahh!!#thranduil #galadriel #celeborn #oc midhel #oc glandir #oc urphen #also this chapter is pretty fitting with the new year #new age new year....same message i guess #my fic

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