Home Work Procrastination

So essientally this title says it all, I'm procrastinating from extremely difficult homework and studying. But, it's a good thing because, I finnished my latest LoTR chapter!!!! I LOVE the last line for some odd reason. Hope you enjoy it.

Disclaimer: The only thing I own are my made up plot twists, made up charactors and places, other than that it's 100% J.R.R. Tolkien or the movie company that made it a movie (....erg not sure what it's called.....). I've used several lines/things from the movies in this, I DO NOT OWN THEM.

Copyrights: Lenia, Lord Sryton, Rhamdal, Kadden, Ashanti, Alicia ©Katherine LaGassie.
All others© J.R.R. Tolkien and Peter Jackson and his film company

Fan Fiction Book: Shadow of a Doubt

Chapter 10: Caras Galadhon

By: Katherine LaGassie


They walked until nightfall rested in the mystic woods before residing on a tree-hide platform in the depth of the woods, surrounded by Galadrhim. Haldir glanced at the girl whom he’d known since her birth before turning to Legolas, “Welcome, Legolas, son of Thranduil.” He said in clear crisp Elvin, the sound ringing happily in Lenia’s ears. In turn Legolas looked at Haldir, “Our fellowship rests in your debt,” He replied in the same tongue. Again, Haldir’s eyes slipped over the girl who stood there like stone, resting between man and elf, as if protecting the hobbits which were by her feet. “Aragorn of the Dunedain…you are known to us.”

Suddenly angered by the Elvin language Gimli spoke, “So much for the legendary courtesy of the Elves, speak words we can all understand!” Lenia’s head turned sharply and her eyes lightly widened at the words, “Gimli,” She spoke in a sharp whisper but he ignored her more. Sighing she turned her head until her eyes met Haldir’s. Haldir turned from looking at her to looking at Gimli, “We have not had dealings with the Dwarves since the Dark ages.” Lenia pierced her lips and furred her brow allowing lines to crease her forehead, tension was rising and she didn’t like it, “And you know what this Dwarf says to that?” Gimli spoke looking at Haldir causing Lenia’s head to snap again, “Don’t Gimli,” She for-warned but he didn’t hear her instead he spoke in what seemed to be an Dwarvin language. The language was unfamiliar to her, her home was far from the home of the dwarves and all she knew had been from stories that her parents, Tripton and Aragorn had told her of them, but she did knew from what she could tell by the tone of his voice and the reactions it was not one bit pleasant.

Aragorn turned, almost looking like he’d had to do such a thing a thousand times, and grabbed hold of Gimli, “That was not so courteous.” Lenia closed her eyes and shook her head, “Perhaps if you held your tongue, Master Dwarf, you’d be able to hear the words that were being spoken.” She hissed as Aragorn straightened. “Daughter of light, Lady Lenia” Haldir said and Lenia’s head turned, “Your father warned us of your coming, however, time ago we expected Lord Tripton as well.” Lenia’s eyes turned towards her feet before she looked up at him, “Your grandparents eagerly await your arrival and to see you in such good health as you are before my eyes. Welcome my friend.” Lenia lightly nodded and watched as he walked past Aragorn towards Sam and Frodo. Quietly she bit her lip, not doubting he’d sense the ring. He stood, staring at Frodo, “You bring great evil with you.” He turned immediately on his feet, “You can go no further.”

Lenia allowed her mouth to gape open, “Haldir,” She called after him but Aragorn put his hand on her shoulder, “No Lenia,” he said gently, “I’ll go talk with him.” She looked at her mentor, “Strider, he cannot deny me passage—I will not allow him to do so to you or the others either. I could have us all in there in no time, no arguments.” Aragorn looked back at her, “I know you could, trust me, Lenia, I know what I’m doing. Thank you for the offer though.” He placed his hand on her head and walked after Haldir. Lenia let out a breath from behind her nearly clenched teeth, allowing a growling sound to accompany it. “Ugh. Let’s sit,” She said looking back at the others, “this may be awhile.”

Legolas smirked lightly as she brushed past him and lat on the edge of the platform, staring down at the world below her. The time seemed to pass so slowly as they sat and stood around, waiting for the right of passage. Now and again Lenia found herself looking over at Aragorn and Haldir, who seemed to be having a pretty well warmed argument, hoping that their discussion had ended and every time she was deceived. Finally she pulled her legs up from over the edge of the platform that she’d allowed them to dangle over and leaned on a supporting beam, closing her eyes. It wasn’t until she felt someone settle beside her that she turned. “Legolas.” She said looking up at him. “Don’t allow me to bother you, please, rest.” She shook her head and sat up more, “I can rest later, and I’m really just waiting, anyway.” She reassured him and he nodded lightly looking over at her. “Do you think he’ll let us threw?”

She looked over at Haldir and Aragorn for a moment, not answering. “I’m unsure….he could never deny me passage…nor would he normally for us all-despite Gimli-but…the ring is with us….and that makes all the difference. My grandparents would allow us…they’d help,” He smiled lightly as she spoke, “but Haldir is cautious and protective of them…and all of Lothlorien—with full right.” She shrugged, “it’s hard to tell.”

“I’m sure you would be able to figure it out.” She turned her head towards him, “Pardon?” Lenia’s eyes widened. “Aragorn told me…you’re mothers of wizard kind and your father is obviously the son of Lady Galadriel and her husband. Strong magic runs through your veins….you saw Gandalf’s death merely seconds before it happened…and you were able to conjure magic in the forest.” She blinked, staring at Legolas, “How did Aragorn know of the fire?” Legolas leaned against the beam, “Your horse tells many secrets to your family.”

She ducked her head, “Oh.” Then she looked up at him, “Still, I am not trained much…not nearly as much as my brother…..he could see into the future—primarily at will. I cannot.” Legolas nodded understandably and watched her as she stared at her mentor and her friend as their discussion dragged on.

“How long has it been since you’ve seen them?”

“Just after Kadden’s father left…they had come to visit our home…I haven’t gotten the pleasure to ride out and see them since. It’s too dangerous for them to come to us…it’s too dangerous for anyone to…” Lenia stood and leaned on the beam, silence stretching once again as Legolas felt sympathetic for her people.

"So how long do I have to wear this necklace anyway??" Legolas asked, finally breaking the silence and looking at her while fingering the silver and light blue rose pendant. "Until our quest ends." Lenia replied looking at him eyes sparkling despite the sullen look on her face.

He rolled his eyes, "Great." He uttered and she shrugged, "Look at it this way, all the women you meet will find you manly and sensitive for it." He rolled his eyes, "Oh yes, I feel very mainly." She turned and looked at him again walking away a bit, "Hey if you don't want it-" He laughed, "Yeah, right. I don't think so, no way am I losing this bet to you. What are we betting anyway?"

She paused looking thoughtful as her eyes graced over the wood covered land. "You loose you admit I'm the better marksmen."

"…and if you loose," He continued, "If you think I’m admitting you're the better marksmen-" She warned, eyes peering at him out of the corner of her eyes. He smirked, "Relax, I'm thinking." She rolled her eyes sighing and sitting down once again, "Better get comfortable everyone." She said allowing a few people to hear, "This could take ages."

Slowly Frodo looked over at her, time seemed to be passing so slowly and Aragorn and Haldir were still in some sort of argument. Sitting there, sitting there with her eyes close lightly she could feel Frodo’s eyes peering over at her and slowly she turned her open head to look at him. Boromir had just finished talking to him, talking about something she could not hear. Perhaps giving him courage and hope she thought. Her eyes met Frodo’s, he looked so….scared, but then, she told herself, she probably looked no different to he and if she did it was only because of the training she’d received. She was no less scared than a mouse held over a flame. After taking a breath she opened her mouth to speak but was interrupted, Haldir walked quickly down to the group Aragorn lingering behind him. “You will follow me,” Haldir said and Lenia closed her eyes letting out a relieved breath. “Come m’lady.” One of other Gladrhim said to her before bringing her to her feet. “We’ll be there in no time, my friend.” She whisper gently to Frodo resting a hand on his shoulder.

Again they walked, a great distance more this time too, lead by Haldir and his fellow Galadrhim. “Caras Galadhon,” Haldir said, eyes aglow and a smile upon his face for the first time since the fellowship had seen him, “The heart of Elvendom on earth. Realm of the Lord Celeborn and of Galadriel, Lady of Light.” Again a smile rested upon his face, a feeling of warmth, a spark of joy lit with Lenia and she let in a deep breath. For a moment, for a split second, she would be the closest to home she’d be for a long, long time.

“It’s beautiful,” Sam whispered lying eyes upon the inner wood of Caras Galadhon. “Indeed,” Lenia agreed looking at Sam, “but you have not yet begun to see its beauty. When the sun sets, the city is aglow, drenched in blue and white light, lined with elves.” She smiled wearily at him as best she could, “I think you will quite enjoy it, Sam.” She meant it to be as endearing as possible but somehow, after what the hobbits had been through and everything they eventually would go through, she knew it would probably mean very little to them.

Despite that, night fell, and the lights of Caras Galadhon were lit. The group, tired, weary and still grieving their lost member traveled deep within the trees, still led by the Elvin protectors of Lothlorien. The Fellowship was led into the highest areas of the tree surrounded ‘city’ and asked to stand as they waited for the Lord and Lady. Lenia ran her eyes around the area, almost like a nervous child would a doctor’s office, just a bit more calm. She stopped soon though, the minute the light intensified and her regal-looking, blond grandparents came walking down the stairs resting themselves before the group. “The enemy knows you have entered here,” Celeborn spoke looking upon the group before him, “What hope you had in secrecy is now gone.” His eyes looked at Aragorn’s causing Lenia’s to follow. Nine there are here, yet ten there were set out from Rivendell.” And just like that, Lenia felt very small. Her eyes dart towards the ground and her head lowered, not showing her face to her grandparents, “Tell me where is Gandalf?” Celeborn asked, ‘For I much desire to speak with him.” Lenia closed her eyes and heaved a quiet hard breath, still refusing to meet there eyes. It was not a gesture normally allowed and she expected to be corrected of it but until then, it was staying that way. “I can no longer see him from afar,” He said and Lenia glanced, watching as her grandmother looked from person to person finally resting on Legolas and Aragorn. “Gandalf the Grey did no pass the borders of this land.” She whispered aloud, “He has fallen into shadow.”

Lenia took in a breath and stood up straight, lifting an unsure hand to move hair from her face, “He was taken by both Shadow and flame,” Legolas began causing Lenia to turn her head to the side looking at him over her shoulder—surprised he would answer. “A Balrog of Morgoth.” She turned, the looks on her grandparents spoke their feelings clearly and she closed her eyes once more. “For we went needlessly into the net of Moria,” Lenia began to open her mouth to speak against his words but no sound would come, what strength in words she had, had suddenly disappeared.

“Needless were none of the deeds of Gandalf in life,” Galadriel began and Lenia looked towards her, wondering how much they truly now knew of Gandalf’s death…..of anyone’s. “We do not yet know his full purpose,” She continued not looking over at Gimli, “Do not let the great emptiness of Khazad-dum fill your heart…Gimli, son of Gloin. For the world has grown full of peril…and in all lands…love is now mingled with grief.” Her eyes rested upon Boromir for a time and Lenia watched, most intently paying attention as her grandmother used her abilities to penetrate his mind in some way. Then they, themselves swooped to Lenia, locking eyes with her. Her meaning for her was not much more than that for Boromir Lenia thought but then she could only guess, her grandparents were wise but complicated. Then tears in Boromir’s eyes came in shock to Lenia and made her heart cry out for him, too many a time had she either seen her family cry such tears or cried them herself. Gondor will not fall; she wished she could whisper to him, we shall not let it.

“What now becomes of this Fellowship?” Celeborn questioned causing Lenia to turn her eyes upon him once more, “Without Gandalf, hope is lost.” A sinking feeling occurred in Lenia’s stomach and she blinked back tears…such little words could do so much damage. Hope, true hope, is what they needed more than anything.

“The quest stands upon the edge of a knife.” Galadriel spoke, once again breaking Lenia’s concentration on things that she’d pushed back into the dark alcoves of her mind. “Stray but a little and it will fail.” It cannot fail; Lenia reminded herself, that ring was a lifeline to so many, one that more than anything needed to be cut. “…to the ruin of all.” And again her eyes swept towards Boromir and at Lenia for this time two completely different reasons that Lenia knew. “Yet hope remains,” Galadriel began again, “while the company is true.” Lenia couldn’t help but find some strength within her to smile as Galadriel stared strait at Sam, who was just about the most loyal of all the hobbits. She looked up at all of them, “Do not let your hearts be troubled,” She said, looking at their faces, seeing deep within their souls, “Go now and rest…for you are weary with sorrow and much toil. Tonight, you will sleep…” Her voice drained out saying something Lenia couldn’t remember as she felt an odd drowsiness fall over her. “Masydi.” Haldir’s voice called her back. She turned her head, some how finding her voice, “Yes, Haldir?” He nodded up the stairs, “they wish to talk to you.”

Lenia blinked and looked at Aragorn and the rest of the fellowship, “Go,” Aragorn told her resting a hand on her shoulder, “I’m sure it’s for the best you do, we will see you shortly.” With that she watched them walk off before following Haldir up the stairs. “You know, Haldir, you can call me by my name.”

“Masydi is your name, Lady Lenia.” Haldir spoke looking at her and she sighed, “Yes, that is true. However, it’s not the form my parents gave me.”

“Whatever on earth you ever try to tell me, Lenia, it will not trade what I have been raised to call you. Despite all you hate of its meaning you are the Star of Hope, with or without Masydi.”

She sighed heavily and looked at him as they stood there, “It’s a name, Haldir, it isn’t me. It doesn’t define me.”

“You’d be surprised, Masydi,” Haldir said, “What was your brother’s name?” Lenia paused, staring at the ground, “Tripton….it means gracious, skilled warrior.” She swallowed, taking in a breath and closed her eyes, “And he was nothing less.”

“That he wasn’t,” Lady Galadriel said and Lenia turned her head. “You may go, Haldir, take her weaponry with you—be sure it is cleaned please.” Slowly Lenia took her weaponry off her handing her old friend and guardian each piece, including her belt, slowly and gently as if they were delicate flowers. Lastly she handed him an old sword, long and strait, not jeweled like hers but more resembling that of Aragorn’s. “Handle this with care.” She told him as she allowed her fingers to slip off the hilt of the sword, watching wistfully as Haldir walked away with things that were very dear to her. “He will take good care of them my dear.” Her grandmother told her and she turned herself back to her, “I know, but it has been so long since they’ve left my side…”

“It warms us to see you in such good health,” Lord Celeborn spoke stepping beside Lady Galadriel, “When we found out what condition you were in after the battle we were worried.”

“I have all but fully recovered.” Lenia murmured, the past was popping up so much it was overwhelming… “Well that is a relief to know you are well on your way.” Celeborn said and they began walking down the stairs, Lenia just following them. “Aragorn has told us in a letter you openly volunteered for this position despite further instruction.” She blinked, staring at her grandfather’s back. Yes, her mother had begged her in a letter to not go after Sauron, to not get involved in this war and to come home and protect their people. To be with her. Lenia ran a hand through her hair, not even beginning to be able to comprehend the pain her mother and father must going through, their home was falling apart slowly, their people dying, their only daughter off on a mission to save middle earth which could fail at any moment and their only son had fallen. “Yes, that is correct, grandfather.” She rubbed the place on her neck where her necklace usually would lay. “Rhamdal is part of Middle-Earth, it needed to be represented somehow.”

“Mmmmm,” Lady Galadriel looked over at her as they continued walking, leaving Lenia unsure of their destination, “Your necklace has found a new home we see.” Quickly, as if something had scared her Lenia gasped, “It was on a dare.” She quickly recovered but all Lady Galadriel did was smile. “Mmmmhmmmm.” Lenia blinked wide eyed letting out a long breath to calm herself, unsure of what her grandmother was making those sounds for.

“What mmmmmhmmmm?” Lenia asked, for once not mimicking a word she was repeating from another’s vocabulary.

“Nothing—did I say it did?” Lady Galadriel asked looking at Lenia, “Am I not allowed to make thoughtful noises?”

Lenia sighed and stopped, looking at her grandmother. “I know that tone, you’re up to something.” Galadriel lightly tilted her head to the side thoughtfully and continued walking, Lenia following suit, “I was just noting that not usually does the Prince of Mirkwood wear jewels, especially those of a maiden…and nor do you usually stare so intently at something as if it were the holy waters themselves.” Lenia gawked, “Grandmother!” She widened her eyes once more, “It was a dare, an innocent dare between friends.”

“A friend who helped you when others could have left you to die.” Lady Galadriel pointed out and Lenia stared before her, that she couldn’t deny, he could have very well have allowed his guards to aide her death or leave her there. He could have banished her and allow her to bleed to death, but no, he’d done none of them. He’d helped her. He’d saved her. “He’s a good person, that’s all.”

“As are you.” Lady Galadriel pointed out, “And as a by stander to this friendship there seems to be more than just friendship chemistry within these stares and dares.” Lenia sighed and shook her head, as they stopped her grandfather turning towards them. She could not deny the fact that, by all means, she had feelings for Legolas. Of course they were friends, and he had saved her, if there was no sort of feeling there she would have to be Sauron himself. But love? What had love ever gotten her? Oh she remembered love—something that had been forced upon her and had swept her away with full force crashed her upon the shores of heartbreak at the age of fourteen. His name had been Marco and her mother’s parents thought it would be a gift to have engaged their future granddaughter to him before her birth. He had been two years her senior as well, only fifteen when the engagement finally was told to them and they were forcefully wed, she was only thirteen when she found out, thirteen when she swore she hated her grandparents, thirteen when her world, despite all, seemed to come together;

“What?!” Lenia exclaimed starring at the adults in the room she once thought had understood her, “I don’t…I don’t LOVE him…I don’t even KNOW him! I don’t want to MARRY him!!”

“Lenia, darling, I’m sure my parents had your interest in heart—perhaps there is a way we can-” Ashanti began but her own mother shook her head, “It’s ironclad.”

“Even if I refuse?” Lenia challenged.

“Give him a chance,” Ashanti’s father said to her and Lenia made a face glancing over at Tripton who was practically lying in his dinner chair playing with his dagger and glaring intently at the strange boy. Tripton caught her eye and rolled his eyes, making a gagging face and winked smirking.

“Perhaps,” Lord Sryton began turning around, “we could meet with Marco’s parents and work this out….tell them there’s been a terrible miss-understanding.” And to that they said no and repeated the ‘ironclad’ line.

“Why didn’t you just hand her over to, Sauron?” Tripton remarked sitting up, mangled black curls falling in front of his eyes, “Tripton,” Ashanti warned but he rolled his eyes, his track record with her parents was far from perfect. “If the kid doesn’t want to marry him she doesn’t have to.”

“It doesn’t work that way.” Alicia said firmly.

“Well then guess what,” Tripton said leaning forward looking at his grandmother dark sapphire eyes narrowed slightly trying to restrain from glaring, “Lenia’s a freaking human being lady she can do as she darn-well pleases and no stupid little arranged marriage that happened before she was born can bind her. If she doesn’t want to do it she doesn’t have to.”

Ashanti leaned forward and put her head in her hands, “Tripton, arranged marriages aren’t that simple…especially ones like these…this is a binding contract.”

“And Sauron’s been trying to destroy us for over 3,000 some-odd years, mom, are you going to seriously let them throw away Lenia’s life like this.”

“This is what you get when you give children too much free reign, Ash, they become rebellious and their opinions are rather rash—especially to their elders of whom they should be respecting.” Alicia hissed, staring more at Tripton than at Ashanti. The only ones completely silent were the boy in question and Celeborn and Galadriel who were watching the chaos.

“Hello?!” Lenia yelled, “Has anyone cared to realize I’m still HERE??!! Tripton’s right I don’t want to marry this random-sixteen-year-old guy who doesn’t want to marry me either. You can take him back to where ever he came from. I’m not marrying him and there’s nothing you can do about that!” She exited the room, slamming the door behind her. Tripton got up, slamming his chair back into place and glaring at Alicia and her husband, “I hope you’re happy,” He looked at Marco, nearly glaring before turning and hurrying after his sister.

But yet, she did have to. Against her will, her parents will, her brother’s will and most of her family she was forced to marry him. But she wasn’t, however, forced to love him. When you’re thirteen, though, love seems so easy and it is easy; easy to fall into and easy to fall apart. She had grown to love Marco, despite what her grandparents had done; she had grown to care for him. Care and love him enough she had his son when she was fourteen—stupid enough to believe he loved her unconditionally. She was only fourteen when it fell apart and they had barely been together a year. She had been expecting it for awhile, oh she knew what had been going on, she had felt it and took its toll but pride is a terrible monster and so is dependency. Despite his ugly manner and other un-pleasant points of his personality she believed she could do no better, she believed without him she could do nothing, things she guessed that he had brain washed her to believe, but most of all she didn’t want to admit that everything was falling apart. Tripton hated him and he was not the type to hate many, someone had to give him a reason. At first she believed it to be because her grandparent’s involvement but soon, she came to realize her brother had just feelings. Especially when Marco ordered her to banish her brother after she and him had just been having a private conversation. He wished to control her life and for a time he did. That was, however, until things changed. Her name was Gianna, she was sixteen, his age, with long golden-brown hair and amber eyes—she was perfect. And she was his mistress.

Lenia slammed Marco’s bags into his chest causing him to stagger back a few steps. “Get OUT!” She yelled at him, “You’re making a mistake, Lenia,” He said but she didn’t care as she shoved him into the hall causing by standers to silence. “I don’t think so-I want you gone-NOW! Now, you filthy scum.”

Marco shook his head and went eye level with her, “You’re making a very unnecessary scene.”

“Oh, no,” She said dangerously, “this is very necessary.” She crossed her arms, “Leave, take your stuff and GO, stay with your little blonde friend for all I care just stay out of me and Kadden’s LIVES.”

Marco shook his head, “Fine, but you know what, you’ll go no where without me. You can’t rule anything or anyone without someone else by your side. You aren’t strong enough, nor do you have the brains.”

“I have the brains enough to know thoughs vows are sacred no matter if I wanted to say them or not. I have the brains enough to know you are not good for me nor our son to be around. I have the brains enough to tell you to leave and never come back. You’re wrong; with you here I’d go no where. With you gone, Kadden, my people, and I can flourish. I can be me when you’re gone and not be over shadowed by your horror. I banish you from these walls, Marco of Jamblidn, and if you ever return, so help me I will end your life with my own blade.”

“You’re just like your god forsaken brother;” Marco remarked dangerously preparing to shove her out of the way but she took his hand gripping it best she could in her own to hurt him—he was not winning. “You should have banished him when I told you too, you should have done many things when I told you to.”

“GET OUT!” Lenia roared, loosing her temper once more to the man before her as she stormed back to the castle releasing his unharmed hand. “Lenia?” Tripton and Aragorn asked stepping into the doorway as she entered the castle, “What’s wrong?” Tripton asked taking his sisters hand.

“I told Marco to leave.” She said rather coolly, “I don’t wish to speak about why.”

“He saw her again didn’t he?” Aragorn asked and Lenia looked at the two of them, “I banished him, but he won’t leave, I have given him far too many chances.”

Tripton turned immediately and stormed out the door, “Tript!” Aragorn called running after him, “Don’t do anything rash” Aragorn stated. “Nothing less than what he deserves.” Tripton remarked walking over to Marco and flooring him, whipping his sword from its case. “Get off these grounds now.” He hissed pressing the blade to his throat, “or I will cut your head off right here, right now.”

“Tripton don’t-he doesn’t deserve to be cut by your blade-he’s done nothing to you.” Lenia said coming out as Aragorn lightly pulled Tripton back. “He’s done enough to my family to make up for it.” He remarked as Marco stood back up slinging his bag on his shoulder as Tripton glared at him with the intensity of fire, gripping his sword as if it was his life. “Get off of my land and stay away from my home-and most of all stay away from my nephew and my baby-sister... or else.” He threatened and watched Marco’s retreating back. Slowly he placed the sword back in its case. “You okay, Lenia?” Tripton asked turning to his sister eyes softening immediately. “I am now.” She said looking at him and hugging him.

That was the last time she’d seen or heard of Marco and she truly didn’t care. Kadden never wished to see him—he seemed to know the kind of person he was because he refused to learn English because of him and chose to speak only in Elvish.

Love was dangerous, love was breakable and love was, above all things…something Lenia wanted to avoid. It was heartache concealed in a made up package, it was made to look all sweet and perfect when really all it was, were two people just waiting for heartache. No, she didn’t feel love for Legolas; she felt friendship—true binding, unending friendship.

No matter how much she had to lie to herself to believe that, it was true.

“It’s just friendship.” She said quietly. Celeborn looked between them, reaching out and touching Lenia’s usually soft black hair. She could only imagine how she looked to their eyes, normally she was so clean and proper looking not once had they seen her in her ranger clothes. She probably looked so disheveled to them, her being beat up, dirty and by all means not that Elvin looking. “Why don’t you go wash up and change,” Celeborn told her, “we will speak to you afterward.” Lenia began to open her mouth but Celeborn stopped her, “just go, Lenia. We’ll see you soon.” Sighing Lenia nodded, “Yes, grandfather.” She said and took the clothes offered to her before turning and walking off doing as they asked of her.

She walked over and stared at the reflective bird bath as she finished dressing. Looking in it she tilted her head, fingering her drenched black hair that seems confused, not sure whether to curl like her brothers, be wavy or go strait. Awkwardly she chewed her lip, she did look cleaner but it felt so odd dressing this way again. Not that she didn’t love it, she did, and she always had. However, she was so used to her ranger clothes and so attached to them…they were almost like her way out—without them she was forced to act far more mature than she normally did…she had a home to rule…people to save….everything just seemed so much more heavy. Closing her eyes she took in a breath.

Fire.

He had just asked her to conjure fire, but it didn’t come—not until it was too late. She needed training and now, the only person that could teach her other than her mother was dead. He was dead because she hadn’t done anything. She had seen it coming and not done anything. She had frozen…just like she had with Tripton. Eyes still closed she leaned her elbows on the bird bath. Her mouth was probably a wreck and her dad was doing everything to hold their home together.
They needed him so much.

She put her hands over her face as she thought, for the first time since the deaths she freely mourned the man who had been a teacher to her and the man who had been her rock. She felt stupid as the tears streamed her face, there were greater things to shed tears over…they were at peace and they were in a better place…they did not deserved to be mourned over but somehow, she couldn’t help but. “Dear?” Her grandmother’s voice caused her to catch her breath and she stood, wiping her eyes, forcing all thoughts to leave her mind. “Why do mourn those that were without your power to help? You take upon the weight of the dead as if you were their murderers.” Upon turning around she saw her grandmother was accompanied by her grandfather. “I saw them both,” She spoke wistfully, “just before their deaths occurred, I knew they were going to happen but I froze...if I hadn’t…”

“You believe you could have saved them?” Her grandfather continued and she glanced at the ground. Heard aloud such words sounded ridiculous. “There are probably many people who would feel such ways.”

“But their deaths were not in vain, Lenia, if it weren’t for your brothers death you would not have conjured the fire and gotten out alive…you would have died, the last thing on earth he ever wished for you. And if Gandalf hadn’t of died holding of the Balrog…” Lady Galadriel began, “We would have died.” Lenia finished, she knew it was true but it just seemed so…hard to believe. She closed her eyes as her grandfather rested his hand on her cheek and looked at her, gently asking her silently to open her eyes. And she obeyed, “There was nothing you could have done, it all happened for a reason that at this moment you cannot seem to see but in time you will.” Taking a breath she nodded—what else could she believe but that? She would hate to believe that they had died in vain, that the world was cruel enough to take such good things from you for no reason—no, there was one she just couldn’t see it yet.

“Go and rest, my dear,” Lady Galadriel said as Celeborn backed off, “I’m sure your friends would enjoy your presence.” Lenia nodded, “Thank you.” She told them looking at them endearingly, taking her ranger clothes and going to her friends.

“What did they want?” Aragorn asked her and Lenia shrugged lightly, “I’m not entirely sure—part of it was to get me cleaned up…the rest is a bit of a mystery.” It was a slightly lie but Aragorn had enough to think of. She sat down beside him, looking up at the stars and the elves resting in the trees, “I’d nearly forgotten its beauty.” She murmured and Aragorn nodded, “As had I.” his eyes shifted towards her, “It must remind you of home.”

She smiled solemnly, “In many ways.” She didn’t need to ask Aragorn if he missed his old friend, loosing Tripton to him was like loosing half of himself—it was something he was regain but it was obvious to her, of all people, how he felt. He was now going to take it upon himself to look out for her, like Tripton had, she could tell. Some how she needed to show him, to tell him, she could handle herself and he had greater things to worry about…..but how?

Lightly she shook her head and stared ahead at the water, “Where are your plans from here?” She inquired but Aragorn was silent, he was still deciding on that she guessed as she looked at him. He just looked at her and her thoughts were confirmed. Leaning back she closed her eyes as Elvin singing filled her ears. It sounded like Christmas bells, hearing angelic voices singing about such morbid things was eerie but yet comforting. It allowed her to think more clearly, things could be sad but yet beautiful. “A lament for Gandalf.” Legolas said causing Lenia to look over. Aragorn ran a stone or something across his sword sharpening it; Lenia just glanced over watching as he too paid attention to Legolas. Gimli, however, was sound asleep.

Merry looked over still listening to the sound himself, “What do they say about him?” He inquired. Legolas just looked down before looking over at him, “I do not have the heart to tell you,” He spoke earnestly, “For me, the grief is still too near.” Oddly his eyes locked with Lenia’s who turned her head and looked away, not making eye contact. She watched as Frodo just stared out, watching everything from afar.

“I bet they don’t mention his fireworks.” Sam said making Lenia look his way, fully intrigued. “There should be a verse about them.” He whispered setting up for bed. After a moments pause he stood, “The finest rockets ever seen,” ever Pippin turned to look, “They burst in stars of blue and green, or after thunder, silver showers,” Aragorn looked over at Gimli, who was snoring far too loud, and shoved him, waking him up. Lenia lightly smiled but watched Sam, his heart was in such the right place. “Came falling like a rain of flowers.” He sighed and shook his head, “Oh, that doesn’t do them justice by a long road.” Looking defeated he sunk down. “Well,” Lenia said as Aragorn walked over to Boromir and began talking and as Frodo left the camp, “I think it’s a wonderful try, Sam, any one would know what you are trying to get across.”

“Thank you, Lenia.” Sam said and looked at her, “You’re hearts in the right place, Sam, and it always is. Sometimes it’s hardest to put the things we love into words that do them justice.” She said eyes meeting his, “But that was the closest I’ve ever seen anyone come to it.” She smiled lightly and closed her eyes leaning back against the tree she was seated at. It was not long before a familiar crystal sound filled Lenia’s ears and she turned her head down towards a path, “I’ll be back,” She told the group, slipped from her covers and walked around the trees until she reached the stone path. The path led to a reclusive area where a basin on a stone structure stood, surrounded by subtle beauty. “The mirror of Galadriel,” She whispered placing her fingers delicately on the moist stone, “Do you care to have a look?” Galadriel asked walking and stopping across from her holding the metal container of water. Lenia looked up at her, “Frodo’s used this.”

“He’s not the only one,” Galadriel admitted, “at least not the only one you know.”

Lenia looked down and back again, “What did he see?”

“Who?”

“Frodo,” She asked looking at her grandmother, “Nothing that you’d be interested in, however,” She spoke pouring water into the basin, “I’m sure you’d be intrigued to see what your brother saw and what you shall see-I am.” Lenia blinked staring at the basin and the ripples the water made as it collided, “Tripton looked?”

“Oh yes, he saw many things-many things that have already happened and others that have not come, never will and other that never will change. He had an amazing way of seeing accuracy in anything he looked into-even this. His versions were extraordinary, he let me read his mind after….why don’t you look yourself, I promise, you’ll be interested.” Galadriel pulled back her arms and the container and watched as Lenia leaned over the basin and looked deep in it.

“I’ll be right there,” Tripton said to Aragorn before entering the same area as the mirror. Slowly lowering his hood he looked at it. His head was tilted as he ran his fingers along the stone. “Something intrigue you, child?” Galadriel asked looking at her grandson. “I was just wondering…”

“What you’d see?”

“In so many ways, yes.” He said and looked up at her, “Well, why don’t you find out.” She held her hand out to him, pointing towards the basin. “If curiosity feeds your soul so.”

Not being hesitant at all he walked up to it and watched as she poured water within the basin and stepped back allowing him to look down and pay close attention to the visions before him. Visions of green peaceful acres and years before Sauron’s rule and shadow over middle-earth. Slowly it faded towards the now, in that time frame, where Sauron’s shadow lingered over middle-earth. The people of his family’s home slowly being poisoned to death by their water or by the magic inflicted on them by Sauron. The walls of the old city breaking with the force of torment from Orcs and Nazgul and in the midst, his sister sat as if it was all nothing reading a book by a fountain. Her face could not be seen, it was hidden because of her position and the tilt of her head. Slowly she looked up and at a figure coming close, her father who was by his mothers grave. Lenia looked ill and far too pale as if al life was being drained from her.

Tripton’s eyes narrowed and Galadriel watched as he transfixed on the image, “The city has fallen.” His father spoke, “there is no hope.” A rock breaking down the main wall disrupted the scene and made the basin tremor causing the scene to change. Sauron had taken over middle earth, darkness lured around every corner and barely anything stood that was what he knew. The Elvin cities were completely destroyed and graves long over grown with weeds and forest green. Graves that held his family’s and friends’ names as well as their birth and death years.

Clenching his teeth he glared, ‘No,’ he thought, ‘I won’t let it,’ piercing his eyebrows together hard and gripping the stone firmly, ‘it’s not the truth.’ He told himself, ‘it won’t come to that.’ Nearly immediately it rippled again showing the graves disappear and relief overwhelmed him as the truth revealed itself. Rhamdal stood, still in crude conditions but it stood, and both his parents were living as well as his sister and nephew having healthy life. His friends stood as able-bodied and alive as they were that day. Images of his families people, sick, weak and dying accompanied the other visions in the basin. “The world has changed hasn’t it?” His mother spoke, “since so long ago?” Her eyes fell on her husband, face uplifted towards him, “Even since tomorrow nothing is as it’s was…” His father sat by his mother’s side running fingers down her face as she looked down, towards something being cradled in her hands. “None of this is fair,” She spoke quietly as she looked at his father, deep eyes searching his face-nearly for some sort of answer, “this can’t continue-how many other’s have to die, Sryton? How many other’s have to be lost to this shadow before it passes?” The sight of tears rolling down his mother’s face surprised Tripton and caused his brow to fur with concentration as he paid close attention to the scene. “I don’t know,” Sryton said looking at her wiping the tears from her face. “But I do know it will not last. Neither his death, nor anyone else’s has been in vain.” Tripton watched as his mother looked back down at what was in her hands. In her hands she held a stone, stone gifted to him by a child on one of his travels as a ranger.

“Your people are not the only ones dying,” He heard his sisters voice speak harsh words as the scene changed. “Steward of Gondor-your people are not the only ones defending the other peoples of middle earth and dying for it. There are other places doing the same, many times have my people come to your aide but never once have you come to ours. My people are dying everyday from an illness you have been blessed has not been cursed upon your people. They may be dying in battle, sir, but be thankful they aren’t just dropping at random while Sauron is banging at your doorstep. You’d be in far worse condition than you are if it was so.” A man raised his eyebrows, and looked at her with hard eyes, “And who are you to have the authority to speak to me in such ways?” Lenia glanced from Gandalf to Pippin and then looked at him, “I am Lady Lenia, of Rhamdal, the last of your last allegiances. My father is Lord Sryton, sire.” The Steward looked at her, “So this is the Masydi? This is the Star of Hope?” Pippin looked at Lenia questioning what she had been called, “I prefer Lenia, if you wish to call me else you may call me Shadow or Lady, nothing more, nothing less.” Tripton smirked at his sisters words as once again the basin rippled before him. “Shi tasaerer, shi mari-air'm palaesyr. Ai shyr jhoji sai mi o eir eindral mystaedae." (Be careful, be safe-it's dangerous. I would like to see you all again someday.) He heard Aragorn say and Tripton watched as he saw himself smirk, “I’d just haunt you in your dreams for the rest of your life.” Was his reply before horse cantered off. By the look of his sister what he was seeing was nearly a year off.

Another ripple, wraith screeches in the distance could be heard, “TRIPTON!” His sister screamed and he watched as his own sword fell absently to the ground. Next thing he saw his sister was crying, tears streaking her cheeks as the scene changed. Still shocked at what he’d just seen….his own death….he kept his eyes on it. His grandmother was handing Lenia three gifts along with his grandfather. “The war is lost, there is not enough men and our forces have failed….Sauron’s won.” Lenia’s voice spoke as he was shown the black gates. Feeling dread and death he began to pull away and as an unfamiliar voice read off the names of the dead, listing family and friends his breath caught, eyes widened and he stumbled backwards.
“Without you,” Galadriel told him looking at him, “all of your friends and family will die and fall to Sauron and your sister will fall to his shadow and illness-passing long after seeing all but a few she’s cared about die before her.” Not at all slowly Tripton looked at her, swallowing hard, fear in his eyes for the first time Lenia had ever seen it and he turned from his Grandmother, uttering words to excuse himself and walked into the depth wooded land.

Lenia glanced up at her grandmother who nodded back down at the basin. “What would he have seen after word?” She asked but again her grandmother just glanced down. Slowly she looked back down, piercing lips. Aragorn fell back, slowly into a chair reading the paper in hands, signed by Galadriel and Celeborn. His eyebrows were furred as he read, the more he read, the more the furred until finally the eased, eyes widening and eyes nearly seeming to gloss. “Tripton…” Lenia breathed as she watched the man who was so much like a brother too her as well sat there in shock at the information her grandparents had sent to Imaldris about the fight that, by some grace of the gods she herself had survived. “What do you mean our armies don’t exist?” Her voice said as the scene changed to her home, “We have one of the most powerful strongholds left on Middle Earth.” Lenia spoke looking at her parents from her seat at the table.
Ashanti’s head fell as she starred at the table and Lord Sryton looked at his daughter, “Sauron’s magic’s strengthened since you left.” Lenia looked down at her hand rubbing her fingers together, “No doubt you’ve felt it…it’s probably even begun effecting you as well…” he added coolly, “Our people have worsened and I fear…..no hope rests within their hearts.”
Legolas watched as Lenia frowned, she did that too often now, staring at a wall, “They’re giving up?” She looked at them and Ashanti nodded, “I can’t believe I’m saying this,” Lenia’s mother spoke an odd tone in her once cheery gentle voice, “but for the first time I fear Rhamdal will not hold much longer.” Legolas was concerned by the look in Lenia’s eyes as worry passed through her, “I’m not sure our people or this land will survive this war much longer…”
“And you?” Legolas asked and the room fell silent. He hated asking such a question with Lenia around but the question was so easily resting in her eyes as well. “We’re fairing fine.” Lord Sryton said but Lenia’s eyes we’re focused on the untouched dish before her as if something was bothering her. “Where are the ill?” She asked breaking the silence with words that seemed too hard for her to say. “Most are in the medical ward….however we’ve had to expand it.” Ashanti replied and Lenia swore under her breath. “I’m going to go see it for myself.”
“But you haven’t finished eating-” Ashanti interrupted
“I’m not very hungry.” Lenia defended standing up, “Thank you but no thank you, maybe I’ll eat later.”
“I’m coming with you.” Legolas said and followed her towards the door before turning back to her parents seeing the worried look in their eyes as they looked at their daughter, their only child. “Don’t worry-she’ll be fine, I’ll make sure she eats and all.” She smiled lightly at Legolas’ caring nature before frowning, looking at her parents….they looked in such bad shape despite their hiding of it they looked ill. She chewed her lip, unsure if she wanted to continue. As quick as that picture had come it disappeared, fading into the unknown and allowing another to take its place. Slowly, she watched as each member of the fellowship died followed by family and other friends. Her eyes widened as it happened and her breath seemed impossible to take in as she brought it in, in quick spurts and out in even quicker leaving milliseconds in-between the two. Each of them were cut down, shot down, thrown into fire, drowned or tortured to death before her eyes. “No,” She said as her eyes glossed themselves and she stepped back ripping from the visions. “Please no,” She put her hand over her mouth.
“Not all of what you saw will come true, but a very decent portion has and will.” Galadriel said, watching as her granddaughter stared, wide-eyed nearly crying and staying a good five feet from the basin. “Not all of what you saw needs to be as you saw it, you can chose to find out in time of course, and the paths may change or may stay the same. It is really up to you as to what happens.”
“But-but-I saw…” She closed her eyes, “Aragorn…and Legolas and Pippin and Merry and Frodo and Sam and Gimli and Boromir and…..everyone… they all….they all died.” Tears fell down her cheeks and she gritted her teeth, she hated crying-she hated tears.
“Those will only happen should you fail not just you but the entire fellowship. Should you all choose to break and not be true to one another all you love will be destroy, not just the fellowship.” As Galadriel spoke Lenia stared at the rim of the basin piercing her lips as more tears streamed. Galadriel set the water container down, “Go…rest, you have much to think about and are filled with weary.” Nearly immediately Lenia dismissed herself walking as fast as she could away from there. Galadriel stood, watching as her granddaughter retreated and then turned, making her way in the opposite direction not nearly as fast.
Lenia found her way to a stream and sunk down on a rock, wetting her lips and wiping her eyes. She placed her elbows on her knees, forehead on her hands and gently closed her eyes, struggling to gain control. “It was just a dream,” She told herself, using the word’s she’d heard from her brother so many times to shun away her fears, using them it all seemed to be better.
“What was just a dream?” Legolas’ voice drifted towards her and she snapped her head up gasping, “Legolas,” She said and wiped her eyes. “Everything alright?” He asked. She nodded, “Yeah, everything’s fine…what are you doing?”
“Going for a walk,” He said and sat beside her, “you?”
“I….” She paused thinking of an excuse, “I was thinking.”
“About what?” Legolas asked looking at her and Lenia rose her eyebrows, “Does it really matter?” she asked and he lightly shook his head, “No, I was just curious.”
She smirked lightly, “Ever heard the saying curiosity killed the cat?” Legolas smirked back, “It’s wonderful to see you haven’t lost all of your wit.” At that Lenia lightly narrowed her eyes, “Well, gee thanks.” She spoke sarcastically as she fully composed herself. It was a dream she repeated over and over again to herself. Gently she reached out her hand and shoved him, however she underestimated her strength and the fact she’d caught him off guard, nearly immediately he fell off his rock.

“Oh my gosh!” Lenia exclaimed, eyes widening and hand flying over her mouth as she stood up and rushed over, “Oh, god…I’m sorry, Legolas…I didn’t mean to-I mean I didn’t think it would-I thought I….” She trailed off, eyes still large and bright and face as red as ever. Legolas just looked up at her and smiled, “Its fine.” He said as he stood but nevertheless Lenia kept babbling about how sorry she was. Finally he chuckled, putting his hands on her upper arms and forcing her to look at him; he smiled, locking eyes with her. “For the grace of the gods, Lenia, I’m alright—it’s fine. You didn’t shove me off the top of Mount Doom.”

“I’m afraid there would be no consoling me if I did that.” Lenia said and looked up at him. He raised his eyebrows, “And why would that be?” She blinked, “Well…because….well you’d be…gone and I’d be…I’d…” She turned her head quickly searching for a way out…why was she babbling? Why was she so nervous? She didn’t love him….she couldn’t… “Oh look!—a waterfall.” Thanking the heavens for such a distraction she walked quickly towards the graceful mass of rock and earth. Slowly she slipped her shoes off and stepped onto one of the large rocks half submersed in the rivers water walking slowly across them. Legolas blinked eyebrows still raised staring at her bewildered before following her and doing the same. Balancing herself she barely turned her head back to him, “So, back in Moria…you started saying something.” She turned and looked at him, eyes full of child-like curiosity. “But you never got to finish.”

“No,’ He said, “I didn’t.”

“I believe, gracious warrior.” She walked towards him, somehow letting her guard down...throwing aside all her narrow-minded thoughts, “You were talking about the difference between the stars in Moria and the stars in Mirkwood.” He nodded, “Yes, I believe I was.” She smiled keenly, eyes twinkling, “Care to….continue?”

Legolas paused looking at her, watching as her head tilted looking at him nearly in a childish form of seductiveness. Her now nearly dry black hair, soft and silk lightly curving over her eye tilted towards the tree tops, crystal-blue eyes reflecting the stars and white dressings soaking up the colors of the scenery around them. The blue like cast from the moon and stars light gave everything a different color and a mysterious feeling. “If I said no would you let me get away with it?” He asked, playing into her games. Lenia laughed merrily, “Of course not.”

He took in a deep breath and stood there, looking at her, they were barely inches apart. “Well,” He looked up, examining the stars, “if I remember right, I was comparing the stars to something….nearly twice as beautiful.” His eyes traveled to her, she had never stopped looking at him, “Mmmmm?” She pressed still looking at him and closing the space between them. She could barely believe what she was doing. He smiled gently and turned back to her, placing his forehead on hers “You.” Blushing feverishly Lenia smiled allowing him to lean down more and capture her lips in his. Suddenly she didn’t care anymore, about heartbreak, everything just felt right.

Until, however, Lenia felt an arrow whiz by them. Quickly they parted and Lenia turned her head, eyes narrowing. “What is it?” Legolas asked looking at her. Lenia sighed deeply and called the arrow to her; examining it for a minute she sighed again and looked up. “Haldir!” She yelled up at the trees only to see the blond haired man simply look down at her. “Yes, Lady Lenia?” He asked, hiding a sly tone from his voice. Lenia shoved the arrow back at him, “I’m not 8!” She called and turned back muttering something about ‘over protective people’. Legolas chuckled, “Haldir trying to kill us both?”

“No,” Lenia said, “Only you.” He raised his eyebrows, “for stealing my lips and heart.” Legolas put his forehead on hers again, wrapping his arms around her waist, “I’m afraid I’m not the only culprit in this said scandal.” Giggling Lenia smiled again, “Have I stolen something of yours, Prince Legolas?” He sighed, “Must you call me that.”

“It’s no fun flirting otherwise.”

Lightly shaking his head he smiled again, “Yes, you have, Lenia Kin-dal.”

“What?” She inquired.

“You have stolen my heart as well.” He whispered and they kissed again.


It was pretty late when Lenia crept back towards where they were all rested; she’d hung around the waterfall after Legolas had left, she enjoyed the water and the calming, simplistic, natural sounds of the environment around it. “You’re back.” Aragorn said looking up with raised eyebrows, “I was beginning to believe you’d be out all night.” Lenia rolled her eyes and seated herself beside him, “No, I was just…walking and thinking…” She yawned widely and stretched, “What are you doing up anyway?”

“Waiting for you.” Aragorn said fingering a dagger. “And why is that?” She asked looking at him forcing tired eyes to stay open, “I’m not sure…I felt like it...habit I guess.”

“Habit?” She inquired, tilting her head and looking at her mentor.

“Yes, habit.” He said and looked at her. “When on earth have you ever waited for me?” She said, eyebrows raised high on her forehead, “Well, never.” Aragorn pointed out, “But it’s a habit to look out for you.”

“Oh, yes,” Lenia began sarcastically, “because I’m going to totally be beheaded on my grandparent’s property.” She rolled her eyes and smiled kissing his cheek, “relax, gosh…I’m seventeen, I can wield a sword—I’m fine.” She stood, “Good night, Strider.” She told him before walking over and lying down beside Legolas, looking over at him. He was staring up at the sky, "Are you asleep?" She asked and he shook his head, "Oh, no...thinking."

"Oh..." She blinked and yawned beginning to close her eyes.

"I've decided."

"On what?" She yawned.

"What you have to do if I win the bet."

"What?" She asked as she opened her eyes again.

"Well I figure we'll be out here for awhile and I'd only be wearing this while I'm dating you..."

She yawned, "You're point?"

"If I win," He said and looked at her, "you have marry me." Lenia smiled and kissed his cheek, "That's a challenge I'm will to take up." He smile kissed her head and rolled over.

A smile crept onto Lenia's face before she closed her eyes and drifted to sleep.

Her brother would have killed him.

Oh, yeah. This is one of my favorite songs by Nickelback to Supernatural (<3)It has Jensen Ackles in it!! (My Charlie <3)*is happy from Supernaturl and Nickelback*


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QL2ChAJ2RXw

I love it

<3

Loveyouallmylovah's
<310xover