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━━━━ »•» act two. age of shadow

27. words of the wise «•« ━━━━

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ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ third age ━━ year 3019

𓇻 lothlórien; caras galadhon

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THE PETALS OF THE LITTLE RED FLOWER FELT LIKE VELVET BENEATH HER FINGERTIPS. Carefully, almost tenderly, she put them in a little glass jar before sealing it and adding it to the ever-growing collection in her bag. The Elleth in charge of the Lothlórien Healing Rooms had given her permission to pack whatever she thought to be necessary for when they continued their journey. And so Elgarain had spent most of the last week locked in the bright, clean chambers, sorting through herbs and reading whatever book about the fëa she could find. It was a perfect excuse to explain her absence to the others. It wasn't a lie but it certainly wasn't the whole truth either.

The truth came in the form of a Ranger with soul piercing gray eyes.

She had tried her very best to avoid him ever since their fight beneath the moonlight. She didn't want their discord to upset the already fragile state of the Fellowship. Beneath the clear air of Lothlórien, everyone slowly started to heal; the loss of the Grey Wizard did not feel as heavy now as it did before. Even if she had often caught Frodo staring into the distance, as if he expected Gandalf to suddenly show up after all, he was also smiling far more often than a few days ago.

Gyda was also healing well. And despite Aragorn's words always lingering within her mind, Elgarain never once regretted her decision. It hadn't gone unnoticed by her either how something seemed to have changed between Legolas and Gyda. Whatever had been said in that room, it had shattered the walls they had so carefully put up around their hearts. Gyda didn't look away as quickly as she used to whenever he caught her staring. And Legolas no longer seemed to make an effort of hiding the fond look he so often gave her.

Meanwhile she had never felt further away from Aragorn. Every time she thought back to the words he said, she could feel her heart shrinking. How was she supposed to act when her very worst fears were thrown into her face by the person she had once trusted the most? She closed the cabinet harder than was probably necessary and turned around to leave, only to stop in her tracks when her eyes met the Elf standing in the doorway.

"Elgarain?"

She turned around to face Gyda, whose gaze flickered to the cabinet, a smile lingering in the corner of her mouth. Her little outburst hadn't gone unnoticed and Elgarain felt her cheeks color red at the realization. "What are you doing here?"

Slowly her friend approached. "Something worries you." She shrugged. "You only hide when you don't know what to do. I came to help, whatever it may be."

Elgarain chuckled bitterly. "Well, since you're offering, I don't suppose you could give Aragorn one of your sword lessons and knock him on the ground?"

"I've done it once before. I suppose a second time would do no harm." Gyda chuckled. The memory of the night where Gyda nearly killed Aragorn, then only known to them as Estel, hung like a cloud between them. "But you've never wished anyone harm before, even in jest."

She moved closer and placed a reassuring hand on Elgarains shoulder. "You can trust me with your worries, Elgarain. I can help you carry them."

Elgarain inhaled deeply, avoiding Gyda's eyes as she tried to get a grip on the hurricane inside of her. As she reached into the storm, she was left with only one question: "When I pledged to join this Fellowship, did you think I was trying to escape my duties?"

Gyda frowned and turned to look at the garden surrounding them, as if the answer lay ready for her there. "I have known you since you were an elfling Elgarain. I have watched you grow; I have grown up with you." She turned her gaze back to Elgarain. "Your heart belongs to our people; it belongs to all that's good in this world. You've pledged yourself to this fellowship, not to escape them, but because you are fulfilling your duty as High-Queen."

Finally, she met her gaze, a small smile tugged at her lips as the storm inside of her stilled. "Thank you. I'm glad to have you by my side, Gyda."

"I wouldn't want to be anywhere else but by your side Elgarain." She paused, hesitant. "You still love him?"

Her heart skipped a beat. "How did you know this was about him?"

"It wouldn't hurt you this much if it wasn't." Gyda replied, "It matters to you what he thinks."

"I tried to convince myself those feelings were behind me," she sighed, "but he's gotten beneath my skin and no matter what I try, I can't let him go."

"They do say we are bound to only fall in love once." Gyda murmured. "Perhaps destiny has brought you together once more for a reason."

She chuckled. "So far the only reason I can think of is for him to agitate me as much as possible."

"I believe destiny has tasked me with such duty already." Gyda grinned. "But for what it's worth, I have never seen you as happy as when you were with him."

"Well, then you're lucky I like you now," Elgarain smiled, though it did not quite reach her eyes. A trembling breath escaped her lips. "We were. Happy I mean but that time has passed. We chose a different path." She turned her gaze to Gyda. "But it would seem your happiness has finally started."

"Perhaps...," she took Elgarain's hands. "But yours will return, I know it will."

Elgarain was about to answer when a cough came from behind them, making them both turn around.

"Tarí Elgarain, Gyda," Orophin greeted them with a bow.

She nodded at him. "To what do I owe the pleasure?"

"I have been sent by Lady Galadriel. She wishes to speak with you."

Her grip on her dress tightened as she tried to keep her face blank. "Oh well, of course. Lead the way." She got to her feet and nodded at Gyda. "I'll see you later."

Together with Orophin she left the greenhouse behind and Elgarain had to force herself to keep breathing steadily. She never had the pleasure of meeting the Lady of Light and the very thought of it was enough to make her nervous. She couldn't imagine what Galadriel could possibly want to speak with her about. They were both rulers of their own kingdoms but it felt pointless to even try and take the comparison any further.

And even though Elgarain had believed herself to be a capable queen, her pride was dented and she felt less sure of herself than a few days before. The truth was, it scared her how much effect Aragorn had on her, even after all this time.

"How are you finding your stay in Lothlorien so far, Tarinya?" Orophin broke the silence.

Elgarain cleared her throat and pushed any remaining thoughts of the Ranger aside for now. "The golden woods are more beautiful than I could ever have imagined," she admitted. "I haven't felt this rested and at peace in a long while."

The Ellon smiled softly. "I'm glad to hear you say so." He folded his hands on his back as they walked and suddenly seemed a little unsure of himself. "May I speak freely?" he finally questioned.

She nodded and came to a halt on the bridge they'd been crossing.

"Forgive me for saying this, my Lady, but you do not look rested." He lowered his eyes.

A soft laugh escaped her lips, like the chiming of tiny bells. "I appreciate your honesty, mellon nin." Her smile slowly faded as she sighed. "I fear there's been much on my mind lately. While my body feels rested, my heart has trouble catching up."

Orophin managed to smile as he resumed their walk. "Might I offer some advice?"

She raised a brow, pleasantly surprised. "Please."

"The burden of leadership is heavy. I've seen it weighing on our Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel. But when one falters, they are steadied by the other. They rule together, in harmony and keep each other grounded. So, they can in turn, keep us grounded." His eyes seemed to light up as he took in the golden trees all around them, the living proof of the harmony their leaders had created.

"Perhaps you need someone at your side. Someone who knows the burden you carry. Who can share in it and steady you when times are hard."

She managed to smile, despite her heart feeling heavy. It was sound advice, that she would have happily accepted. If not for the fact that the one person she wanted to share it with, was the one she had chosen to leave behind all those years ago.

"Thank you," she said, managing to keep her voice steady despite the many emotions swirling inside of her. "I shall try to remember those words."

Orophin came to a halt and placed his hand on his heart while making a small bow. "I trust you will, tarinya. You have grown even wiser in the years we've been apart."

"Annon allen," she said as she returned the gesture.

"We have arrived," he said then, gesturing at the white stairs leading up to a beautiful silver hall at the top of the tree. "The Lady awaits you."

She nodded at him and took a deep breath before climbing the staircase. Silver lanterns lit up the path, despite it being midday. At the top of the stairs there was a hall, built on the biggest talan she had seen so far. A wide staircase led upward to a set of doors. Beside the doors stood two Elves on guard, wearing the silver colors of the Galadhrim.

Once she reached the top of the staircase, they opened the doors, revealing a hall completely carved from silver wood. There were three windows, which provided a view over the entire forest. In the middle of the hall stood a round table with several chairs surrounding it. Elgarain remembered seeing a similar room in Rivendell and knew it was used for many important gatherings, such as when the White Council came together.

Standing at the window facing north was the Lady of Light herself. She was wearing a white dress with a long train that made it appear as if she was floating above the ground. Her long, golden hair fell in waves over her shoulder and reached her middle. It looked like fluid gold, an ocean of sunlight with waves of jewels. She was as tall and adamant as the Mallorn Trees she built her kingdom upon. But despite her regal appearance, she was smiling warmly and the entire room seemed to warm because of it.

But most of all, Elgarain was held captive by her eyes. The eyes of one who had seen the Light of the Trees. They were blue as a cloudless sky though the distant constellations of the night sky shone like diamonds within her gaze. Currently, those eyes were discarding her with the warmth of a mother greeting a child returning home after a long, weary journey.

Elgarain placed her hand on her heart and bowed, feeling suddenly at loss for words. Something that did not happen often and left her feeling a little unbalanced.

"Welcome, Elgarain, daughter of Gil-Galad," she spoke with a voice that could command the stars but was like a comforting hearth at the same time.

"My lady," she said, glad she could manage to keep her voice from trembling.

"I trust you have been able to gather all that you need from our Healing Room?"

"I have, thank you. The healers have been most helpful."

Galadriel smiled and Elgarain felt as though she was standing face to face with a star. "I am glad to hear it. Your skill has grown since you left Lord Elrond's tutelage. The Ringbearer is fortunate to have you at his side."

She couldn't help but smile, feeling as though her entire being was brightened by her words. "You honor me, my lady."

"Your father would have been proud of you, Tarí Elgarain."

The words hit her like a brick, hard and unexpected. She took a breath to gather herself and nodded then, unable to find the words to reply. The friendship shared between the High King and the Lady of Light was far from a secret. The story of how Gil-Galad gifted Galadriel the Mallorn seeds because they refused to grow in Lindon, had been of Elgarain's favorite tales as a young Elfling. Her father had told her many times how he would love for his daughter to meet her one day. But the fact that she was now doing so without him, made her heart tremble with the familiar pain of grief.

Elgarain had not heard her move, but suddenly Galadriel was standing in front of her. With a soft touch of her slender fingers beneath her chin, she lifted Elgarain's head to meet her gaze. "Do not be sad for those you have lost, child. For they live inside of you still."

Her breath trembled as she swallowed her tears and smiled. Her heart warmed when hearing someone who'd known her father say they saw him reflected in her. After all, it was him she tried to honor with every decision she made for their kingdom, their people.

Galadriel's gaze was then drawn to the blue ring on Elgarains finger. "As do their burdens."

A silver light caught her eye and her heart beat sped up when she noticed the white ring adorning Galadriel's hand. Nenya glittered there, the ring of Adamant. Two of the three rings were in the same room, but the third lost when Gandalf fell into the dark depths.

"How do I use its power wisely?" She asked while Aragorn's words haunted her mind once again.

Galadriel smiled, though her eyes held a certain sadness, as if she'd known exactly what Elgarain had been thinking of. "You are the only one who can know how." She lifted her hand, examining Nenya while the ring glittered like a small star. "To be a Ringbearer, is to be alone."

She closed her eyes for a moment, gathering all her courage to ask the question that was burning within her. "And if I choose wrong? What if I cannot carry this responsibility? Will I-," She lacked the courage to ask the last question but Galadriel did not need words to understand her fears. Will I lose him if I choose wrong?

Galadriel's hand was warm against her cheek as she smiled reassuringly. "The future is never certain, child. You will know your path when it is before you." Her eyes pierced into Elgarain's very soul. "As will he."

A shiver crawled down her spine and as comforting as those words were, they were far from enough to drive away the fears still lingering within her mind. Still, she knew the only one capable of changing those fears was the one who instigated them. 

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𝕬𝐔𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐑'𝐒 𝕹𝐎𝐓𝐄 . . .

Hey guys! It's been a while and for that I apologize. School has kept me rather busy but I finally managed to write a new chapter. Galadriel is really hard to describe and I hope I did her justice. Please let me know if you guys liked the way I described her.

We only have three chapters left before Fellowship is officially over! I swear this first act has just flown by. Any wishes for the future? ;)

Hopefully I'll see you guys again soon!

xx Nelly

ELVISH TRANSLATIONS:

Tári ― Queen

Tarinya ― My queen

Annon allen ― I give thanks to you

Mellon nin ― My friend