A/N I could not have written this story without the help of so many people. Thanks so very much to Ghetto, Maram, Viv, Space, and Haleth for not only holding my hand and putting up with my "little" breakdowns but also answering 901 questions. I could not have done this without you guys and I love you for it! SilverMoonLady and Ellisk have both beta'd some part of this so I thank them both for that as well as their support with this story. You both have been great!! Thanks for the help with the most recent revisions of the prologue the Writer's Workshop gang including Adaneth, Súlriel, Jael, Gwynnyd GandalfsApprentice, and Greywing. And of course, thanks to Tolkien for letting me play in his world. I am making no money doing so.

Elvish sayings:
Melethen - My Love
Melethrilen - My Beloved
Laurëanna – Golden Gift
Indil – Iris

The darkness would not come here, banished in Aman with the creation of Anar. The sun warmed the air, and gathered into a corona around the Laurëanna's long, golden hair as she stood amidst the colorful blooms of her mother's favorite garden. Watching her through the window, Glorfindel hoped her mother's grace and elegance melded with the strength of the House of the Golden Flower would be enough to protect his daughter. Her sweet, innocent face and deep blue eyes had never looked on the horrors he had seen, but he could shelter her no longer.

Smiling, he watched as she tried to lure the geese away from the flowers. He would simply have chased them off. As if sensing him watching her, Laurëanna looked back at the window and, seeing him, laughed. Her compassion towards the geese always led to the maiming of the flowers. She offered, with unrepentant, laughing eyes the excuse that the geese would not want to eat the flowers if she gently led them away. Though it often exasperated him, the flowers usually regrew.

To Glorfindel, his daughter was perfect, a vision of love and beauty: full of joy and laughter unknown to him before her. Her heart was warm and overflowing with love. She was witty and had a wicked sense of humor to go with a beautiful, infectious laugh. He had never known he could possibly love someone so much.

"Melethen, we must tell her soon." Indil came from behind her husband, placing her hand on his arm. He continued to stand wordlessly before the window.

"Melethrilen, I will tell her. Allow me one more moment of the peace of this world, before I delve back into the horror of Middle-earth. I can hardly bear the thought, much less to speak of it to her." Shaking his head, Glorfindel sighed, "I wish my daughter could stay untouched by the evil of Middle-earth forever."

"Glorfindel, that cannot be. She has been very blessed in her life to not have suffered as we have, but she needs to know what happened. Now that all hope is lost in Middle-earth with the departure of the elves, the sadness is felt in the wind. She knows something is horribly wrong, but she does not want to press you, waiting for you to tell her in your own time. You must accept that she is no longer a child." Indil kissed him gently. "Laurëanna trusts you to tell her anything this important. Do not think you can continue to shelter her from all that has happened. It is not possible. So far you have been lucky that everyone has respected your wishes and guarded her from the truth as well. She knows of the kinslayings, the deeds of Morgoth, and your death in Gondolin, yet you have kept this from her. Do you think she is unaware of the fact that the version of the past that she has been told is incomplete?"

Glorfindel watched his daughter for a moment longer. He knew his wife was correct. If he closed his eyes, he could almost see Imladris again. Soon, the visions would become horrific, and he could bear it no more. Looking at his innocent daughter, he could almost forget that it had happened. For her, it never had.

"Would you prefer if I spoke of this with Laurëanna?" Indil offered.

Glorfindel smiled slightly and shook his head. Pulling Indil to him, he rested his forehead on hers and she wrapped her arms around his waist. They both stood silently for a moment, comforted with each other's presence. Reluctantly, with a sigh, Glorfindel pulled away and walked towards the garden, while Indil watched him sympathetically.

Glorfindel knew he had put this off far too long. It was time.

xOxOx

Middle-earth is no more. All that once was, had been destroyed and blackness covered the land.


"The quest stands upon the edge of a knife. Stray but a little and it will fail to the ruin of all." Galadriel, Fellowship of the Ring

After the Battle at Helm's Deep, the valiant and honorable unknowingly strayed.

Lord Elrond foretold that Aragorn must walk the Paths of the Dead. Only Isildur's heir could gather the Army of the Dead, and they were essential to successfully defeating Sauron.

Swiftly, he sent his sons, Elrohir and Elladan, with the Dunedain of the North to take the message to Aragorn and aid him in this mission. They were to find the three walkers, Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli, in Rohan. The group of Dunedain and the sons of Elrond, known as Grey Company, rode to meet the Rohirrim traveling from Isengard back to Helm's Deep.

But after a defeat of Saruman's forces at Helm's Deep, King Theoden and his nephew, Éomer of Rohan, rode to Isengard with Mithrandir, the White Wizard, to confront Saruman, while the three walkers rode instead directly to Minas Tirith.

The hobbit Pippin looked into the palantír and blackness began to spread across the land from Mordor. The Dark Lord darkened the skies to allow his forces to move freely without fear of the sun. The armies that he had gathered moved to strike Gondor. Mithrandir rode with Pippin to warn Denethor, the Steward of Gondor, in Minas Tirith.

King Theoden and Éomer, with the hobbit Merry by their side, gathered the men of Rohan. When the Grey Company came upon them, Aragorn had been riding to Minas Tirith for several days, and though the Dunedain, Elrohir, and Elladan made chase through the Riddermark, they did not overtake Aragorn until he reached Minas Tirith. It was too late to travel to the Paths of the Dead and they entered the city to prepare for its defense as the siege began.


Like a house of cards that has had a single card removed, mankind began to crumble.


With the help of the Rohirrim, Aragorn was able to push back the armies of Mordor but with a devastating loss of men, including King Theoden and Denethor, Steward of Gondor. The Witch King killed King Theoden's niece Éowyn, the White Lady of Rohan, who had ridden with the army of Rohan without her uncle's knowledge. The hobbit Merry lived, but had been forever maimed in the attack.

The forces of Men, far too diminished by the battle upon the Pelennor, were unable to march on the Black Gates to give Frodo and Sam the diversion they needed to climb Mount Doom and destroy the Ring. The two hobbits were captured, killed by orcs, and the Ring was taken to Barad-Dur. Once again, the Ring had returned to Sauron and he came to full power.


The One Ring had found its true master.


The elves had defended their realms during the War of the Ring in anticipation of the Ring's destruction, as Elrond and Galadriel had foretold. Lothloríen successfully defended against the attacks and stayed strong. King Thranduil and the Mirkwood elves successfully defended their realm but incurred significant losses, leaving them weakened and vulnerable. When the fellowship failed, Thranduil led the remaining elves of his kingdom to the stronghold, Imladris, rather than risk Dol Guldur destroying them all. Thranduil sent word to his son, Legolas, in Minas Tirith.

Saruman fled from Isengard and took over the Shire. Evil filled the purest place in Middle-earth. Those who would have been able to stop it were too concerned with protecting their own people to save the smallest ones.

Soon after the battle at Minas Tirith, Arwen Undómiel and an escort of elves rode to the city against the wishes of her father, Lord Elrond. The Nazgul intercepted the party before they reached the city and only a few survived. Aragorn ascended to the throne as King Elessar, unaware of Arwen's fate. It was only when her escort, in a dire state, arrived at Minas Tirith bearing her body that he learned of her death.

King Éomer took the remaining men of Rohan back to Edoras. Work began to repair the damage done to Helm's Deep.


But alas, some damage could never be repaired.


As King Elessar struggled with his grief over the loss of Arwen, her brothers departed for Imladris to tell their father of her fate. Gimli, Legolas, the two surviving hobbits, Merry and Pippin, and the Dunedain traveled with them despite the increasingly treacherous roads. Mithrandir remained with the king. Nazgul watched all roads to the White City.

A day away from Imladris, their small party was ambushed by Saruman's orcs and Merry and Pippin were both killed along with most of the Dunedain. Legolas sustained significant injuries while valiantly attempting to protect his friend, Gimli, albeit unsuccessfully. Elladan sustained injuries as well. The previous day, Lord Glorfindel had heard of the orcs traveling in the area and set out from Imladris with a small band of warriors. They came upon the battle soon after Legolas and Elladan were wounded.

Glorfindel's army engaged the orcs and defeated them while Elrohir and the remaining Dunedain rushed the survivors back to Imladris for healing. Elladan was saved, but Legolas' wounds were fatal, and he died with his father weeping beside him. Imladris mourned the loss of Arwen and Legolas. Glorfindel returned to the city, losing only a few of his forces.


The valiant had fallen. All that remained of the fellowship were the king and the wizard.


Gondor prepared to defend itself as Sauron gathered his strength. Lothloríen prepared for another assault. Yet Sauron's forces inexplicably withdrew from the Lórien woods and lay silent behind Mordor's walls for many years.

It soon became clear that Sauron was merely biding his time, waiting until he was at full and unbeatable strength once more. The Rohirrim left Edoras for Helm's Deep. Lord Elrond, Círdan, and Mithrandir met in Imladris to discuss the fate of the elven rings.

Soon after the meeting in Imladris, Sauron's first strike came though not, as expected, upon Men. Disregarding their weakened and divided kingdoms, Sauron chose to first crush his most powerful foes, thus ensuring that the Elves could not align with Men to defeat him as they had once before.

The first and the harshest strike was upon Lothlórien. Dol Guldur's forces had secretly tripled in size during the years that Sauron had been silent. The orcs, goblins, and trolls of Moria attacked from one side while the forces of Dol Guldur pressed their assault from the other. Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel defended their realm, but they were desperately outnumbered, their defense quickly turned into the wholesale massacre of the Lórien elves. The Silver Lord fell among his people, though at the last, Lady Galadriel led a small group of survivors out of Lothloríen to the safety of Imladris. The orcs and Uruk-hai burned the city of Caras Galadhon and the surrounding wood to the ground.


The Golden Wood was now blackened and the mallorn trees grew no more.


Because of the collection of power within the elven realm, Sauron once again bided his time, readying his assault. Knowing they could not hold Sauron's forces for long, the Ring Bearers made the agonizing decision that the elves would forever depart the shores of Middle-earth for the Undying Lands.

Lord Elrond chose to send Lord Glorfindel to the Grey Havens with the first group of elves sailing to Valinor. King Thranduil, broken by losing his only son, went with them to sail to Aman and once again be with his wife. Lord Círdan and the elves of the Mithlond began to build the substantial number of necessary elven ships. Glorfindel and Thranduil sailed to the Undying Lands and met with the Valar about the events in Middle-earth. Mithrandir left Imladris to return to Minas Tirith and King Elessar.

The assault on Gondor ensued promptly on multiple fronts over a period of decades. Though Rohan's borders remained quiet, King Éomer could not leave his lands undefended to send aid to Gondor. After the total destruction of Gondor's cities and the people within them, Sauron's eyes fixed on Minas Tirith where he would crush Isildur's heir at last.

Sauron himself came to Minas Tirith on the final day of its destruction and killed the last descendant of the Númenor kings among the ruins of the city. With Aragorn dead, Gandalf was the last remaining member of the Fellowship. The Witch King took the White Wizard captive to Minas Morgul. Nazgul flew over Imladris.


The King of Men's glory was dimmed, and his city lay in ruin. The world was breaking.


Decades later, the remaining elves in Imladris left for the Grey Havens with Lord Elrond and his sons. They crossed over the sea to the Undying Lands in the company of Lady Galadriel. Sauron entered the empty haven of the elves and burned the Last Homely House.

As the last remaining elves in Middle-earth prepared to depart for Aman, Sauron's armies fell upon the Grey Havens and took possession of all the remaining elven ships. Despite the brave defense of their harbor, Lord Círdan was taken captive to Minas Morgul and the fate of the elves of Mithlond was never known.

The power of the elves had departed Middle-earth. The Dark Lord faced no opposition, and the remaining free peoples of the West, including dwarves, hobbits, and the inhabitants of Rohan, were ultimately overrun.

xOxOx

A/N As said in the prologue, I could not have written this story without the help of Ghetto, Viv, Maram, Space, Haleth, Wenont, Ves, and Thuriniel. And I cannot forget to mention my lovely betas, SilverMoonLady and Ellisk. Thanks to Tolkien for letting me play in his world and I am making no money doing so.

Elvish sayings:
Melethen - My love
Melethrilen - my beloved -feminine
Melethronen - my beloved -masculine
Meleth i guilen - love of my life
Laurëanna – Golden Gift
Indil – Iris

28th Day of May
Fourth Age, Year 24
Ship to Aman/Tirion, Aman

Indil and Glorfindel had spent their whole time on the ship together. As the elves that knew Glorfindel smiled at the change in the serious and distant lord, Indil enjoyed every moment she was with him. Her heart ached with the pain she saw in his eyes, and she tried to overcome that sadness rather than discuss it with him. She knew he would not open up to her until he was ready. Until then, she made it her mission to make him smile as often as possible.0

"You are not telling the truth, Indil. I refuse to believe you," Glorfindel shook his head. They were sitting on the deck near the bow of the ship late one afternoon.

"I am telling the complete truth. Lord Círdan taught me how to swim by throwing me into the ocean," Indil laughed.

"I find that hard to believe. And why would your parents allow such a thing to occur?" Glorfindel smirked.

"Apparently, Lord Círdan taught my father the same way and his father before him. He believes that is the only way to teach a child to swim," Indil laughed, as she brushed a lock of hair behind her ear.

Glorfindel studied her for a moment.

"What is it?" she asked with a smile.

"I was just thinking I am glad he was right," Glorfindel grinned, running a finger lightly down her arm. "For if it had not worked, you would not be here to tell me this story."

Indil laughed for a moment.

"Well, it did not actually work. He and my father had to come in after me. After that, my mother decided to find another way to teach me how to swim," Indil shook her head. "Which is why Lord Círdan had to throw me in the water again years later. I still had not learned. Luckily for you, I learned by the second time, because my father had already told me he would not come in after me. He said it was too humiliating for him to have a daughter living in Mithlond that could not swim."

Glorfindel chuckled. She had the most cheerful and warm personality he had ever known. Even when he felt like withdrawing back into his shell, she managed to pull him back out. She had a stubborn streak as well and refused to let him shut her out.

"Indil, you know we will arrive in Valinor tomorrow evening," Glorfindel began. He could not believe how nervous he felt.

"Yes, I know. I must be honest. I am so relieved. This boat has gotten smaller on the way, or the people have gotten bigger," Indil giggled.

"Indil," Glorfindel said, and her eyes flew to his. Her smile faded seeing how serious he was.

"What is it?" she asked softly.

Glorfindel cleared his throat and looked away for a moment. Finally, he looked back at her and smiled lightly at her concerned eyes.

"There is nothing wrong. At least I hope you do not think of it that way," Glorfindel reached down and took her hand. "Indil, I have enjoyed spending this time with you and have grown to care for you deeply."

Indil's eyes brightened as she smiled at him. Leaning forward, she kissed him lightly.

"Stop trying to distract me," he grinned.

"I am trying to make this easier for you," Indil smiled as she lightly tugged on a lock of his hair.

"Make what easier for me?" he asked with one eyebrow raised. "What is it you think I am about to say?"

"I think…" She leaned closer. "No, I am quite certain that you are going to tell me you have finally fallen in love with me as I did with you, the first day I saw you."

Glorfindel smiled and kissed her. "Yes and?"

"And you are going to tell me how you cannot live without me and as soon as we reach Aman, you want me to bind myself to you forever," she finished nervously.

"No. That is not what I was going to say at all," he smiled mischievously and shook his head.

"Oh," Indil said sadly.

"I was going to say that you cannot live without me so I might as well bind myself to you or you will be miserable and lost without me," Glorfindel smirked.

"You are so arrogant, do you know that?" she asked playfully slapping him on the arm.

"I have been told that before. Is that a yes?"

"No. It most certainly is not a yes," she responded. "You, Lord Glorfindel, must tell me your true feelings or the answer is no."

"Fine. Forget I mentioned it," Glorfindel said lazily looking away.

He tried not to smile at her indignant gasp. When she jumped up to leave, he grabbed her around the waist and pulled her back to sit on his lap. He chuckled at her angry face. He had never seen her angry and it was most unbecoming on her sweet face.

"If you insist Lady Indil, I will tell you," Glorfindel smiled. Turning serious, he looked deep into her eyes as her anger visibly melted away.

"I had thought I was too old and too solitary to ever find someone to make me happy. I thought I did not need to be loved or love anyone else because I was a warrior not a minstrel in need of love songs. It was not until I met you that I realized the part of me that needed love was not dead, it just waited for the right time and the right person. During our time on the ship, my hardened heart began to lighten," Glorfindel's voice had dropped to a sultry depth that made her heart flutter. "After all that we have been through in Middle-earth, I do not want to let go of something that brings me true happiness for the first time in many years. Indil, I love you and I do not want to live a day without you."

As soon as the words crossed his lips, she threw her arms around him and kissed him happily. She had loved him for so long, she had only dreamed that he would someday return her love. Ignoring others nearby, she kissed him passionately burying her hands in his long golden hair. He returned her kiss with equal passion. After many moments and kisses, they reluctantly pulled apart.

Glorfindel looked at her as the setting sun glinted on her pale hair, appearing to give her an extra glow of happiness. She was happier than he had ever seen her, and he smiled knowing how much she loved him. Becoming suddenly serious, he looked away for a moment.

"Indil, I need to be honest with you before you commit yourself to me," Glorfindel looked at her solemnly.

"It is too late for that," Indil said tenderly. "Whatever you say will not change my love for you."

"Perhaps not, but I feel it is only right that I tell you," Glorfindel replied looking into her green eyes. "I have experienced and seen many things that have caused me to be who I am now. What I mean is, although I am happy now, there will be difficult times, and I am not always the easiest person. I am arrogant and stubborn. And I can sometimes be withdrawn, and I have a temper if provoked. I would never hurt you intentionally, but sometimes I say things rather harshly without any thought to who I might hurt. You are so tender-hearted, and I worry how my darker times will affect you."

When she started to respond, he placed his finger lightly on her lip. "When we arrive in Aman, I must meet with the Valar to discuss Middle-earth. This will be difficult and may make me seem more distant."

"Glorfindel, perhaps you do not know this, but I love all of you, both good and bad. I shall enjoy reminding you how very much you are loved. I know you have your darker side. We all do to some degree. I can see past that. I see your heart and your fëa and I love you," Indil said as she traced the outline of his lips with her pinkie finger before kissing him again. "You cannot scare me away, Glorfindel. And I always knew you were stubborn and arrogant."

Glorfindel chuckled. "I am sorry I do not have a ring to give you. I will remedy that as soon as I can."

"That does not matter as much to me. Just knowing that you love me is all that matters," Indil said kissing him lightly. "I suppose I better remove myself from your lap and withhold my passionate embraces. I think Rumil almost fell overboard because of that last kiss."

Glorfindel looked to see Rumil of Lórien standing with other ellyn trying not to stare but failing miserably. Rumil gave Glorfindel a weak smile then looked quickly away when Glorfindel glowered at him.

"Ah, now I see why everyone is scared of you. Perhaps you should not assault people with that glare so often and your reputation might change," she teased.

"I worked very hard to get my reputation and I have no intention of changing it," Glorfindel replied.

xOxOx

When they arrived in Valinor, after a couple of days to get settled, Glorfindel and Thranduil spent three days with the Ainur discussing the events that took place in Middle-earth. Both Indil and Glorfindel were staying at an inn in Tirion. It catered to elves arriving in Valinor with no family to live with, providing them with a place to stay until they found their own homes. Indil's father and mother had been killed during an orc raid traveling with a small party from Rivendell to Mithlond. Indil had lived alone for many years and was quite used to it. Lord Círdan and her friends in Mithlond had been her family after she lost her parents. With Glorfindel close by, she was still able to spend time with him once he was through with the conferences with the Ainur.

During the day, Indil spent time in the library making sure the records that Círdan had sent were properly cataloged and archived. Often, she walked through the city and the gardens surrounding it just soaking in the splendor of Aman. She knew it would be beautiful, but nothing had prepared her for the magnificence of the Undying Lands. It seemed as if everything was perfect. She saw many of the Lórien elves in the city and they seemed to be awestruck as well. It was as if Middle-earth was just a bad dream. She wished it could be that way.

One day when she was walking, she saw King Thranduil’s wife, Tavaril. She had met her once the first day they arrived but had not seen her since then. She knew that Thranduil told her about Legolas, and she would be mourning her son.

Indil watched her for a moment. She seemed to be completely unaware of anything around her. She looked so sad and Indil felt unable to walk away from her. Taking a deep breath, Indil walked to her.

"Lady Tavaril?" Indil said softly. Tavaril looked at her surprised. She did not appear to recognize her. "I am Indil. We met the first day we arrived from Middle-earth. I sailed here with your husband."

"Oh yes, I am sorry Indil," Tavaril said quietly.

"No, I understand," Indil smiled. She paused before continuing. "Lady Tavaril, forgive me for intruding but I just wanted to tell you how sorry I am about your son. I know it must be very difficult for you and, if there is anything you need, well… I know I am a stranger to you, but I just could not walk away seeing you so sad without at least offering assistance if you need something," Indil stammered feeling awkward for intruding.

"I appreciate that Indil. You are very kind to offer comfort," Tavaril said softly. "I was thinking about Legolas. My husband has not been with me for the last three days, so it has added to my sadness."

"I am certain it has. Facing this loss alone must be very hard. Perhaps you would like a friend to share some of your thoughts with, if you feel comfortable doing so, of course. Or if you would prefer, I could just sit here with you, so you do not feel alone," Indil smiled sympathetically.

Tears filled Tavaril's eyes. "Did you know my son?"

"No, I did not. I have heard much of him. He sounds like someone that I would have liked to have met though."

"Legolas was… special. He was very unique. He was terribly brave and honorable, yet he had such a gentle heart. He loved all living things: plants, trees, and animals. He would often disappear for hours into the woods and hated to be inside. He was a child of nature. He would always do his duty but that is not where his heart lay…" Tavaril drifted off. Indil waited until she continued.

"Legolas was one of the best archers in Mirkwood, perhaps the best. But it was only because it came naturally to him, for he rarely wished to practice. If he had not been such a great warrior, Thranduil would have been stricter with him, but Legolas just naturally excelled."

"I have heard how brave and honorable he was. He died trying to protect a friend," Indil said tenderly.

"Yes. A dwarf," Tavaril laughed slightly. "Only my son would become such good friends with a dwarf. He was never one to judge others and he truly cared for his friends. It does not surprise me that he died that way. It was his nature."

"Thranduil will never forgive himself. He blames himself for Legolas going to Imladris for the council," Tavaril sighed. "I never thought that he would not come here. Perhaps I would have said more when I left. Or maybe I should have stayed."

"You could not know what would happen. No one did. Your son was brave and honorable. A son you can be proud of. I can imagine how hard this must be for you," Indil said taking Tavaril's hand in her own "And I am sure your son knew how much you loved him."

Indil sat with Tavaril for most of the day talking about Legolas. Indil felt as if she knew him and was sad that he was not there for her to meet. She hated seeing Tavaril and Thranduil so hurt.

xOxOx

Coming back to the inn hours later, Indil knew that Glorfindel would have returned from the council with the Ainur. She knocked on his door but there was no answer. She decided to look for him, feeling he was likely nearby. He had not left the inn other than to go to the Ring of Doom and did not appear ready to venture out into the city. She found him in the courtyard of fountains behind the inn. She could see the tension in his body and knew he was suffering. Walking up behind him, she wrapped her arms around him and kissed him on the ear.

"I have missed you," she said softly. "Will you meet with them again tomorrow?"

"No. I have finished," he said, absentmindedly. Once again, he was silent and withdrawn.

Indil was quiet as she continued to stand with her arms around his neck and her head resting on his shoulder. She lightly stroked his hair.

"Glorfindel, the horror is over now. All that remains are our memories of it. Once all of the elves have returned from Middle-earth, our nightmares will begin to fade even as we mourn what was lost and those who died. For now, we have each other to lean on. You do not always have to be so strong and hold it in. You are allowed to have a moment of weakness."

"No, I am not. If I allow myself to try and be free of it, it will destroy me and rip me apart," he said sadly.

"Holding it in is destroying you," she whispered. "I know you are not ready to discuss this yet, but I will always be here when you are ready. One day you will stop excluding me by shutting me out of that part of your heart. I will be beside you when you do. But now, I am here to love and comfort you."

Glorfindel reached up and held her hand and they sat there for a while in silence.

"I have something for you," he said finally.

"You do?"

She came around to stand in from of him. Reaching into his pocket, he pulled a small silver ring out and placed it on her finger. Tears filled her eyes as she looked at it. He looked up at her with a slight smile, but his eyes were sad.

"Glorfindel… I would prefer you to give this to me when you are not so sad. Even if I have to wait," she said softly touching his face gently.

"I do not know when that might be, but I want you to know I am committed to you."

"I do know that," Leaning down, she kissed him softly.

Reaching up, she pulled a chain off her neck. Removing a silver ring and holding it out to him. She had been waiting for this moment. It saddened her that it was not the happy moment she had wished for.

"Indil, those are not tears of joy," Glorfindel looked at her intently not taking the ring from her hand.

"I just wish it was a time of happiness for us. I do not wish us to exchange these rings while you are filled with such…" Indil paused. "Sorrow."

"My sorrow is lightened by you," Glorfindel took the ring and pulled her to him. She sat beside him, and they spent hours holding onto each other silently.

xOxOx

Indil went with Glorfindel the next day to visit an old friend. She knew how difficult it would be to make this visit. He had half-heartedly tried to persuade her to stay behind for he knew this would be difficult, but she knew he needed her. Also, he would not be able to provide the comfort to Lady Celebrían that she would need when she learned the news of her daughter.

Sacrifices

24th Day of September
Fourth Age, Year 88
Tirion, Aman

Laurëanna did not remember the return journey from the Máhanaxar to her parent's home. Everyone had updated Elladan as to what had happened as she sat by quietly. She had twisted a lock of her hair into knots and was now trying to untangle it. Her thoughts were so frantic, she could not even focus on one thought long enough to remember what she was thinking. When the room went completely silent, she looked up and all eyes were on her.

"Laurëanna, I know you are scared but we will find a solution," Indil said, patting her hand.

"I am not scared. I am not … anything, right now. I do not know what I am, I mean," Laurëanna stammered.

A flood of emotions washed over her. She was panicky because of what might happen and sad because this was causing everyone, she loved such grief after all they had suffered already. She was angry that evil could exist and could continue to exist. Shame overwhelmed her because she was frightened to do what the Valar had asked her to do. She was a coward because she was not honored to be making these sacrifices for the elves who had suffered enough. In her life, she had not suffered, and she felt guilty for her own selfishness to not want to.

Finally, she could not stand their eyes on her anymore. Jumping up, she fled to the balcony where she took deep gulps of air. She stood in the most beautiful land in Arda, and she did not have the strength to protect it.

Glorfindel started to follow her, but Elrohir stopped him. Stepping out on the balcony with her, he closed the doors behind him. The breeze was blowing through her hair, and he was reminded of the day that he had first seen her on this very same balcony. Coming up behind her, he wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her close. They were both silent, but he could feel the tension in her body. He rested his chin on her head and sighed.

"Laurëanna…" he began.

"Please do not say anything. Just hold me for a while without speaking about it. I need to forget for a few moments." She turned in his embrace and wrapped her arms around his waist, burying her head in his shoulder. In his arms, she could almost forget all.

"Elladan broke one of your favorite glasses the other day," he murmured. She giggled. "He told me not to tell you and perhaps something much worse would happen that would make you forget."

"Is this all Elladan's doing then?" She smiled as she looked up at him.

"Did you expect anything less?" He smirked. Looking at her for a long time, he grew serious again. "No matter what happens, Laurëanna, I love you. I have loved you since the day I first saw you on this balcony."

Lowering his lips to hers, he kissed her softly. Moving his hands behind her neck, he rubbed her jawline with his thumbs as he kissed her again lingering longer. He lightly sucked her bottom lip in between his then tilted his head slightly; he covered her open mouth with his own. Teasing her tongue, he savored the sweetness and heat of her mouth.

She always reminded him of strawberries. He could never explain but since the first time he kissed her, he had thought she tasted like strawberries. No one kissed her as he had. Never had another ellon's passionate kiss touched her lips nor had they held her this way. He had taught her all that she knew about kissing and passion, and she had taught him all he knew about love. She was his, and his alone. He would not lose her.

When he kissed her, she felt like her fëa was being spread across the ocean's breeze. It was such an exhilarating experience for her; it was like falling yet knowing she would land safely. His kisses created such emotional and physical reactions for her, she could not think rationally when his lips touched hers. She allowed herself to escape from all the sadness and the shock of the day to the place she felt secure, in his heart.

Hearing raised voices from inside the house, they finally released each other's lips. Resting his forehead against hers, he sighed. They could no longer hide in their own little world. The reality of this one was crashing into it. Hearing her father's raised voice, he looked at her pointedly.

"I loved you even though I knew you were Glorfindel's daughter." Despite the seriousness of it all, she giggled again and kissed him quickly before going back inside.

Where she had left a quiet room, it was now in an uproar. Her father was furious, more furious than she had ever seen him.

"This is madness. They expect me to allow my daughter to do this. It would be just as easy to toss her into Mount Doom myself. I absolutely forbid this," Glorfindel raged to no one in particular.

Laurëanna looked around the room and saw those that she loved more than her own life and realized her fate had already been decided. She must do this. No one in this room would reject this task if it fell upon them. She must do it for them and for those in Aman. She owed this to her people.

"Ada."

"No, Laurëanna, understand me when I say this. I will not allow you to do this," Glorfindel held her arms making her look at him.

"Ada. You cannot forbid it. This is not about you. It is not even about me. It is about what happens in twelve days if I do not do this," Laurëanna said softly to him. "Ada, please calm down. You are not making this easier for anyone here. This is not something you can destroy with your anger nor conquer with your will."

"You do not know what it is like there. You cannot do this. It is worse in Middle-earth during that time than your worst nightmares. You cannot even imagine. Do not be a fool. It is complete madness for them to even suggest such a thing," Glorfindel said dismissively as he turned away from her.

"Is it madness because it is dangerous? Or because I am too foolish and weak to do this?" Laurëanna replied with a hurt tone. Glorfindel turned around and looked torn between his anger and his desire to comfort her.

"Or is it just madness that it was asked of me and not you? Why send the daughter of a great hero when you could instead send the hero himself?" Laurëanna's eyes were darkened by anger.

"Laurëanna!" Indil gasped.

"That is why you are so shocked, is it not Ada, that they would choose me rather than you? Trust me, Adar, it is not an honor by any means, but just because I am only your daughter does not mean this is any less duty than you did when you returned to Middle-earth. Maybe I'm just a messenger, not a warrior; it doesn't matter to me. The Ainur have more faith in me than my own father," Laurëanna replied.

The room was completely silent as the two faced off. Laurëanna had never spoken to Glorfindel this way and it was obvious it was hurting them both. Glorfindel had a look of shocked rage on his face, but his eyes showed he was hurt. Laurëanna's eyes reflected her hurt, and her face showed uncommon anger.

Finally, Elrohir said, "There is no one doubting you, Laurëanna…"

"This does not concern you, Elrohir," Glorfindel interrupted.

"Does not concern me?" Elrohir looked at him incredulously. "She may be your daughter, but she is my wife. How could you say it does not concern me? I have always treated you with the utmost respect as was befitting your position, Lord Glorfindel, but do not dare tell me that my wife's future, my own future, does not concern me."

Laurëanna instantly panicked. They both looked as if they wanted to kill each other.

"Elrohir. Lord Glorfindel," Elladan started, but Glorfindel and Elrohir interrupted together, "Be quiet, Elladan."

"Elrohir. Ada. Do not let your tempers get out of control. We are all upset and saying things we do not mean. Please do not argue," Laurëanna slid in between her husband and her father. "Ada, forgive me for speaking to you so hatefully. And Elrohir is just concerned."

"Laurëanna, are you forever going to allow your father to control your actions? I grow weary of his constant need to remind me that he was a renowned hero long before I was even born and I am even more weary of his desire to prove to me that in your eyes, he is the stronger, the better of the two of us. I will not let his need for control force you into a stubborn decision just to defy him," Elrohir whispered.

Lord Elrond rose quickly and took Elrohir by the arm.

"Elrohir, let us go outside so you may calm yourself before you say something we will all regret," Elrond said, cutting his eyes at Galadriel as he pulled a reluctant Elrohir onto the balcony.

"Glorfindel, please calm down," Indil said quietly. "You are just upsetting everyone."

"That child has the nerve to speak to me that way in my own house? Is he a fool? I should have taught him some humility when he was younger. If I had, I might not have the strong need to do so now," Glorfindel began towards the balcony only to be stopped once again by Laurëanna coming in between her father and her husband. Her eyes pleaded with him to be calm.

"Glorfindel, you and Elrohir are both upset out of concern for Laurëanna. Do not let fighting between the two of you hurt her. Laurëanna is your daughter, but she is his wife. You both love her," Lady Galadriel said soothingly as she stood and put her arm around Laurëanna's shoulders while facing Glorfindel. "It is hard for you to realize, I know, but Elrohir has as much say in Laurëanna's decision. That does not mean that you have less say either. Perhaps everyone is forgetting that it is Laurëanna who must make the final decision for herself."

Her words barely calmed Glorfindel. Normally she would sound wise and rational but now they did not. Looking at Laurëanna made him feel horrible though. He had hurt her with his anger and pain. He looked at her silently for a few moments.

"Laurëanna, forgive me. I cannot lose you," Glorfindel said quietly.

Laurëanna's eyes filled with tears as she rushed into his embrace. For a brief time, she could pretend that she was a child again and let Ada make everything better. Until she had married Elrohir, he had protected her from everything.

As a child, if she was scared or had nightmares, it was Ada who brought his sword into her bedroom and looked under the furniture and in the closets then sat beside her bed, sword drawn, protecting her until she fell asleep again. She ran to him when her mother was cross with her and he would end up making her laugh instead. While her mother taught her to always be proper and clean, it was her father who would chase her down the beach in her best dress and, when he caught her, he would throw her into the waves. He knew Indil would just shake her head if he did it. It was her father who taught her how to swim, ride horses, and shoot a bow. Even though she almost stabbed him a half dozen times, he taught her how to wield a sword.

When she married Elrohir, it was a constant battle between the two of them for dominance. It took Laurëanna a long time to learn not to run to her father for protection from the smallest slight. It took even longer for him to let her grow up.

Luckily, they had Indil, who was their voice of reason. She could calm Glorfindel as well as remind him to let his daughter grow up. She reminded Elrohir often that he was a welcome part of the family, despite whatever Glorfindel had threatened him with that day. It had been a long bumpy road between the three of them, but Indil smoothed feathers and frayed nerves the whole time. As Laurëanna grew up, she matured greatly, and her nature reminded everyone of her mother.

Watching them now, Indil lost her composure completely. She knew that Laurëanna would do as she was asked. Everything they had now would be gone. She did not even know if she would meet and marry Glorfindel. She would lose her daughter without a doubt.

Laurëanna saw her mother dissolve into tears and pulled away from her father quickly. He followed her gaze, then came to his wife. His wife was strong, a pillar of strength. She seldom cried, and even less so in the presence of others. He gathered her in his arms and held her as she wept. Everyone else was silent. Elrohir and Elrond returned from outside and Elrohir stood with his arms around Laurëanna.

When she finally gathered her senses, Elrond looked around the room and said, "This has been a trying day for everyone. Unfortunately, it will not get any easier. Either Laurëanna goes back, and we must face the trauma of her departure, or she does not, and we face the trauma of an upcoming war. Peaceful days are limited now. We have at most twelve days. We cannot be fighting each other."

"I agree. We just need to prepare Laurëanna for what she is about to do," Thranduil added.

"You are assuming she is going," Glorfindel said.

"Yes, I see there is no option other than that," Thranduil replied.

"If it were Legolas being sent back to save my daughter instead of the other way around, would you accept that?" Glorfindel responded darkly.

"This is not about saving Legolas. This is about saving Middle-earth as well as Aman. But yes, if it were Legolas, I would do so. And he would not question my decision or his duty," Thranduil said.

"And if I recall, it was his duty that got him killed. I am glad you are so willing to sacrifice my daughter as well," Glorfindel rose, as did Thranduil.

"Cease this, both of you," Lady Galadriel said.

"Why should your daughter be more important than my son? Why should she not make a sacrifice for the good of Arda? She will most likely live through her sacrifice. It will be my son trying to keep your daughter alive so I would not so lightly…" Thranduil began.

"Stop!" Lord Elrond said and moved between the two who were glaring at each other. "This is not helping anyone. It is making things worse."

"It is easy for everyone to say that Laurëanna should go because she will only be a messenger, but she is not delivering this message in a time or place of safety. There is a possibility that she may die before the message is delivered. Then we would have to battle Sauron here in Aman while knowing that our sacrifice of our daughter was for nothing," Indil said angrily.

Celebrían came and sat with her. Taking Indil's hands in her own, she said, "Indil, it is not easy for us to even think of saying Laurëanna should go. We love her as well. She is not merely Elrohir’s wife, but I watched her born, as did Taravil. I do not know what the best decision is, but we will all suffer for it. And we will suffer together, not apart," Celebrían hugged Indil for a long time.

"I simply do not think there are a lot of reasons to think she should go. We do not know if anything will change, and the Valar can defeat Sauron here. Bring the elves of Tol Eressëa off the island into Tirion and defend the beaches at Alqualondë. We will have the advantage plus they might not be aware that we are expecting them. Between that and the Valar's assistance, Sauron never has to set foot on these lands," Elladan said confidently.

"Elladan, if it were that easy, they would not have suggested this drastic measure in the first place." Lord Elrond shook his head. "No, I fear this will not be an easy time. I do not yet know how I feel about Laurëanna returning to Middle-earth but if Sauron is to come to Aman, it will be devastating."

"Then I must do it. There is no other choice. At least this way we have a chance. If I stay here, I can do nothing to make this any better," Laurëanna replied.

"That is madness, Laurëanna. You will not be returning to Middle-earth under any circumstances. This is one thing I completely agree with your father on," Elrohir warned her.

"You are forbidding me not to go?" Laurëanna turned around quickly to face him.

"It appears that at last Elrohir and I are of the same mind when it comes to what is best for you Laurëanna." Glorfindel watched the couple.

"This is her decision and hers alone," Lady Galadriel reminded them.

"And she has already made her decision," Thranduil said.

"Thranduil, will you be departing now or will you be departing now?" Glorfindel said darkly.

Thranduil smirked at the insult, seeing the rage in Glorfindel's eyes. "How subtle, Glorfindel, not unlike your negotiating skills. If memory serves, you were always more at home planning battle strategies than seeking resolutions. We should send a band of heavily armed elven warriors to Rohan to walk Aragorn along the Paths of the Dead at sword point," Thranduil continued as Tavaril looked at her husband in shock.

"We could use one of your methods and lock in him a dungeon," Glorfindel responded dryly. "But in times such as these, we do not have time to lock him up just so he can escape and save Middle-earth to spite you."

"This bickering gains us nothing," Lady Galadriel said loudly, looking like she wished to knock their heads together.

Thranduil and Glorfindel continued to glare at each other.

Elrond, still trying desperately to keep the peace, took a deep breath before saying. "Galadriel is right. This issue cannot be resolved through conflict between the two of you, nor is it necessary to replicate the kinslayings to find the best solution. Everyone understands you are upset Glorfindel, and rightfully so. Thranduil, you should be more understanding to his pain as you and I both lost children during the dark years. It is still painful, and it would be wonderful to fix it simply. But this is not simple," Elrond said looking between Glorfindel and Thranduil. "If I knew for certain that she could change the past and undo all the evil that was done, I might be of a different mind. But there is no guarantee. Even if there were, it would be difficult to encourage her to do this. She is part of my life now and my son's wife. She is the daughter of a very dear friend as well. Unfortunately, there are no guarantees and, while I do not want to be the one to encourage her to go, it needs to be carefully thought through Glorfindel and not just to save Arwen or Legolas. Because if she is successful, it could possibly prevent the loss of countless lives both here and in Middle-earth. We cannot lightly say that it is not worth it to consider it," Elrond said looking sympathetically at Glorfindel and Indil.

Everyone was quiet for a long time. Glorfindel and Thranduil relaxed and stopped glaring at each other.

"Glorfindel, forgive me for what I have said here today. I do know the pain of losing a child, so I cannot imagine why I would think it would be easier for you. If I had known Legolas would die, I would have kept him out of the fellowship to prevent it. It is always difficult when you are torn between your duty to your people and your own family. As I have said, forgive me for the thoughtlessness I have shown you here today," Thranduil said softly.

Glorfindel nodded. "Forgive me for being so disrespectful to your position as well as to our friendship."

He wanted to be strong and honorable but inside he was dying. He wanted to protect her. Everything in him screamed out to protect her. If he let her do this, it would kill him even if it saved Middle-earth. Sadly, he realized if she did this, he would no longer have a daughter or possibly a wife. The peace that he had finally reached was beyond shattered. Sauron had already done his damage to him.

xOxOx

"I need to take a walk. The fresh air will help me think and perhaps calm me," Laurëanna said as she walked towards the door.

"I will come with you," Elrohir followed.

"No. Please. I need a few moments to myself." She kissed him quickly and then left the room.

"Lord Elrond, I have done all that has been asked of me as was my duty. I even returned to Middle-earth to fulfill my duty. Have I not done enough that the Valar would ask this of me?" Glorfindel asked painfully. "To ask me to willingly give up my wife and my one and only child; to say goodbye to my daughter forever. You were all married before the fellowship failed so you will still have each other at least. Indil and I may not. There must be another way."

"If there was another way, it would never have been asked of her. You know this, Glorfindel," Galadriel said softly.

"And if she refuses?" Elrohir asked quietly.

"Then we all must prepare for the invasion of Valinor by Sauron's forces. We must accept the loss of all that once lived on Middle-earth," Lord Elrond said looking grimly at his son. "Elrohir, I know you do not wish for her to go, but there is no other way."

"What if she fails? She will have to live through what we have all done while abandoning Middle-earth, but she will go with the knowledge that she failed. Could you live with that knowledge?" Glorfindel replied angrily. "For I could not. Nor can she. They ask too much of her."

"I was there. If she cannot change Aragorn's mind about going to Isengard rather than Minas Tirith, then history will repeat itself. She has never set foot outside Valinor and you expect her to go back at a time so close to the fall of Men, the same day as a battle at Helm's Deep. You expect her to walk along the ruins of the Deepening Wall after living her whole life in peace and beauty. She is to do this, and we do not even know if it would change anything," Elrohir said disgusted. Elladan squeezed his twin's shoulder in a show of support.

"I saw in the mirror before the battle in Rohan. If he traveled the Paths of the Dead, Aragorn would have been able to summon the army needed to win the battle at Pelennor Fields. Had that battle been won, our visions would have proved correct. Sauron would have been defeated, and the One Ring destroyed," stated Lady Galadriel. "Your father's visions have also shown this to be true. Eru has shown the Valar that this is true. Aragorn not going to Isengard brought disastrous results to himself and all of us."

"He paid a price for that as well. One man, no matter how honorable or noble he is, should not be responsible for saving all of mankind," Elladan argued.

"We are not saying that he is to blame for the loss of Middle-earth. Many things could have changed the course of history, yet we know without a doubt this one thing is a defining moment that was not supposed to happen as it did. We all have our regrets regarding the loss of Middle-earth and the rise of Sauron. Just as Isildur should have destroyed the Ring when it was cut from Sauron's hand, Aragorn's choice, although not evil or weak, was enough to change the future forever," Elrond said.

"Then send someone else. Send me," Glorfindel said.

"As the Valar has explained, none of us can go without creating a paradox. We were all there at that time. She is the only one who has been born in Valinor since Middle-earth's destruction, so she is the only one who can go back. If she chooses not to go, there is no other who can." Sighing, Galadriel sat down beside Glorfindel and took his hand. "I know what we ask of you is unfair. We have burdened her with much and we ask you and Indil to sacrifice for her to go. This is affecting all of us deeply. But there is no other solution."

"If she goes back, I will lose her forever. Even if I have another child, another daughter, she will not be Laurëanna. And they will not allow her to tell me when she goes back who she is. So, she will lose me and her mother as well," Glorfindel said adamantly. "She could be killed walking the Paths of the Dead or before the walls of Minas Tirith. Many died doing so. Her proficiency with a sword is fair at best, considering she was trained during a period of peace. Her life has never depended on her ability."

Lord Elrond looked at his old friend wrapped in grief. He knew the pain of losing his daughter and understood what Glorfindel was going through now.

"We must depend on Legolas' ability to keep her safe. Once he knows who she is and why she has come, he will protect her with his life. And the others with him will protect her as well, knowing she is special to him," Elrond said assuredly. "There is great risk involved in doing this, no one has said otherwise. If she chooses not to go, there will be more risk for us all including her."

Indil's soft cries were the only sound in the room. She held on to Glorfindel's hand tightly. Thranduil and Tavaril stood by the windows, gazing over the garden, both deeply immersed in their thoughts. Watching her son's inner turmoil, Celebrían came and sat beside him. Taking his hand in hers, she watched Elrohir with concerned and saddened eyes.

"Elrohir, no one wants to lose Laurëanna. No one here wishes this for her even if it brings back all our loved ones: no one wants her to suffer. This is more than just our loved ones. It is many races in Middle-earth that would be spared as well as those here. The Valar thinks it must be done. We must prepare her if she decides to agree to it. And we must bear the suffering of losing her," Elrond said in soothing tones.

"But we will not remember her for long," Elladan said thoughtfully.

"What?" Elrohir jumped up and faced his brother. "Explain yourself, Elladan."

"As soon as she changes one thing in the past, we will no longer remember her at all for our pasts will all change. She will not even be a memory to us. It would be if she never existed," Elladan said, sadly watching as Elrohir realized what he said was true.

xOxOx

Elladan had gone to check on Laurëanna. The debate continued and seemed no closer to a resolution than before she had left. Finally, there was a pause in the conflict as everyone collected their thoughts.

Before anything more could be said, Elladan returned. Observing the sadness and shock in everyone's eyes, he wished he did not have to say what he must. He had seen Laurëanna in the gardens and she had left him moments ago.

"She went to speak with Eönwë," Elladan said.

"She has made her decision without talking to us first?” Glorfindel stood up and walked towards the door, but Indil stopped him. He glanced at her and was stunned to see her so calm.

"This decision was hers to make, and she has made it. We must trust her to do the right thing by what she feels in her heart to be true," Indil stood beside Glorfindel and kept her hand on his arm until he relaxed. His look of devastation hurt her deeply. She had never seen him look so defeated.

Elrohir got up and stormed out of the room with Elladan close behind him. Lord Elrond sighed and reached for Celebrían's hand. Once again, the room was quiet, each wrapped in their own thoughts and feelings. Eventually, everyone drifted out of the room to their own home leaving Glorfindel and Indil to cope with their pain.

xOxOx

Elladan was having a tough time keeping up with Elrohir and an even worse time trying to stop him.

"Elrohir, stop! It is too late. You cannot change her mind now and you should not go against her in this. We must be there for her, to support her through this, not question her decision," Elladan said, desperately grabbing Elrohir's arm.

Elrohir whirled around and jerked his arm away from Elladan so forcefully that he almost unbalanced him. In all their years, they had never come to blows but Elladan felt that if they were to resort to that, this would be one of those few times Elrohir would have chosen to do so.

"How dare you try to stop me? How can you even begin to understand how I feel? Can you envision her there in Middle-earth? See her there at Pelennor Fields? Imagine her dying, as many warriors did before her. But they had a chance, for they knew how to fight. She does not. She has not had to fight for her survival. Her life has been full of beauty and love," Elrohir paused for a deep breath. "She will die, defenseless and alone."

" She has decided. You must accept it whether you wish to or not," Elladan replied softly.

Elrohir looked away from him and Elladan could feel the rage and pain flowing from him as if it were tangible. Finally, Elrohir walked away towards his home rather than towards the Ring of Doom. Elladan let go of the breath he had been holding. He did not want to imagine what Elrohir would have said if he were before the Maia now. His temper was completely out of control, and he might have shown the full force of his wrath to Eönwë, which would only end poorly for Elrohir and Laurëanna as well.

xOxOx

Laurëanna walked slowly to the Ring of Doom to see Eönwë, needing the peace and serenity of the gardens and beautiful fountains along the path. She barely noticed anyone else passing her as she walked in a daze. When Máhanaxar came into view, she stopped, trying to gather her courage. She felt sickened by the fear of what she was doing and felt guilty for not seeing her parents or her husband before coming here. She understood that when confronted with her father’s or husband’s anger, she would be unable to do this. She did not wish any of this to be true. Yet even now, the skies were darkening as evil grew and the threat came closer to Valinor.

A chill ran down her spine and she wrapped her arms around herself. The thought of Sauron coming here to destroy all that was beautiful in Aman made her sick with worry and dread. She knew that if Sauron came here that Elrohir and her father along with the rest of her family and friends would be forced to fight and possibly die. The thought of orcs in Swan Haven made her ill. She could not imagine the beautiful white beach overrun with foul creatures and the blood of elves covering the sand. If she could in any way prevent that, she would be horrible and weak for not trying to do something. Her worst fear was failure.

Laurëanna was not her father. The Witch King and the Nazgul would not cower in the face of her wrath. She could not slay a Balrog to save others. Their blood was the same, but their lives were not. He is one of the mighty Firstborn elves, an elf lord of a House of Princes. She was merely his daughter. She was a descendant of the House of the Golden Flower. A descendant of power but not powerful herself.

After some time, she realized she needed to go to speak with Eönwë. If she were not brave enough to face the Maia, she would not be brave enough to face her task.

As she walked towards Máhanaxar, she saw Eönwë sitting nearby in the courtyard with a fountain. He was watching her, and she wondered if he had seen her struggle with indecision while on the path. He smiled and she walked to him.

"Please sit, Laurëanna. Have you made your decision and wish me to relay your message to Manwë and Varda?" As he spoke, he gestured to a chair nearby.

When she sat down, Laurëanna looked at her hands for a moment before looking at him. His face was full of kindness, and she felt comforted at once.

"I wish to ask one thing about the Valar," she explained.

"Will this affect your decision?"

Laurëanna hesitated for a moment before saying, "No. But it would make my decision easier to accept for those who love me."

"What is your decision, my child?" Eönwë asked looking at her intently.

When she drew in a deep shaky breath, he reached out and squeezed her hand reassuringly.

"It is my duty to do as the Valar asks and I will do it, of course. Plus, if I can spare lives, then it will be an honor to do so," she said. "Yet, I wish to ask for one thing. I understand that I cannot tell my family when I met them in the past who I am. I would like them to know when they come to Valinor that they will remember our history before now. If I can never tell my parents or my husband in Middle-earth who I am, it would comfort them to know that they would remember me eventually. And if they do not know until they reach Valinor, then it will not affect the future of Middle-earth."

Eönwë sat quietly for a moment. Looking at the girl before him, so young yet entrusted with so much, he felt pity for her and her loved ones. They are in turmoil, and she wishes to spare them a bit of it.

"Laurëanna, I will go to Manwë and Varda now and request this be granted for you and will return with their answer," She nodded and left him.

Laurëanna worried as she began the walk home. What would she do if Manwë would not grant her this request? It would not change her decision, but she would like to be able to offer her loved ones a small comfort.

xOxOx

When Laurëanna came into the dark house, she thought perhaps Elrohir had not come back from her father's yet. Knowing he would be angry with her; she was secretly glad.

"Laurëanna." The very way he said her name made her cringe. She turned and he was sitting in a chair near the patio doors.

"Elrohir, I was going to look for you. I went..." she began.

"I am surprised you remembered that you had a husband at all. You do not consult me about decisions that affect both of our lives. I thought perhaps you had forgotten our vows," he interrupted her before she could say more.

"Elrohir, I know you are angry and upset but I had no choice. Would you have preferred me to be a coward and let everyone down, give up on Middle-earth completely? Allow Sauron to kill even more elves to destroy Aman as well?"

"I would have preferred to have some say in my future. I would have preferred to discuss this with you before you made a rash decision," Elrohir stood and walked towards her.

"But..." she tried to explain.

"Laurëanna, my sweet wife, you have no understanding of what you will be going back to. You have never set foot outside Valinor nor seen the evil of Middle-earth. Glorfindel does not even want me to speak of these things with you. He has told me since we met that he wants you spared what we suffered. Now I see what sparing you have cost us all. You have no concept of what we went through on Middle-earth."

"Elrohir. I am not a child. I will not be treated in this manner," Laurëanna stated.

"You are acting like a child to me. A sweet, naïve, and foolish child who has not given one thought to what this will mean to you. To us," Elrohir fumed.

Furious, Laurëanna turned and walked towards their bedroom. Before she took two steps, he grabbed her arm and turned her around. He held both arms tightly as he looked into her eyes.

"Did you think I would be proud you have chosen to do this? For once, I wish that stubborn streak in you had lost to the gentleness of your heart, but I see it has not," Elrohir said in a low voice and a tone he had never used before with her.

"Do you know what it is like in Middle-earth? Would you like me to tell you what we have all been through? Not just the version of the truth your father has allowed you to hear but the gory details."

"Elrohir, you are hurting me," Laurëanna tried to squirm away from him. He loosened his grip immediately but did not release her.

"Would you like to know what it is like to have to fight for your life? Or for the lives of those you love? I could tell you what it is like to kill orcs. Or, if you prefer, I could tell you about the stench of their filthy bodies and their blood permeating the air, no matter how many times you try, you cannot get their blood out of your clothing. The way they kill and torture innocents. Would you like the details of that, Laurëanna?"

"Perhaps you should ask my mother what she suffered at the hands of the orcs. I am sure she could give you vivid details that would cause nightmares for months." His eyes were ablaze with anger.

"No. Elrohir, I am not trying to upset you. Please stop," she whispered.

"If you prefer, I could tell you about the Nazgul, the Ringwraiths, the Nine. What I saw them do to the warriors of Middle-earth, as well as innocent victims. I could describe the sight of what they did to my sister and her escorts, how her beautiful face was covered in blood, both hers and her companions. I can tell you how the sight of her body made Elladan, and I weep like we were children. Perhaps you would prefer I told you of the sorrow my father and mother feel about her death to this day. My father feels he failed her. Galadriel did not look into her mirror one time after she saw the vision of my sister being butchered. Perhaps if she had, she would have known about the upcoming attack on Lothlórien."

"Let me tell you about the elves that were slaughtered in Lothlórien. One of the most beautiful places in all of Middle-earth burned to the ground with the elves who lived there still within the trees that were ablaze. Dying, Laurëanna. They did not die painlessly. Their immortality was ripped from them in the cruelest of fashion. The orcs did not just kill them; everything and everyone they ever loved was destroyed. My grandfather was slain, and his body was proudly put on display by the orcs so that the Lórien elves would know that hope was lost. If it were not for my grandmother leading a handful of survivors out of there, no one would have lived from Lothlórien; all the elves of the Golden Wood would have been merely a memory. Even now, they still have the haunted look in their eyes from what they saw and heard during those attacks. Do you think they will ever forget? Nay, they will not. Ask our friends Rumil or Airemír what they remember of that time, Rumil watching both of his brothers hacked down as if they were nothing. Airemír seeing her family and friends slaughtered."

"Elrohir, I am trying to stop this. I need to do this. I need to help."

"Laurëanna, you need to understand how you will be living when you go back. I am trying to educate you about the facts, and the details. King Thranduil's son, Legolas, a simple but honorable wood elf, went from his home in Mirkwood to Rivendell for the council meeting. Then he left with eight companions to destroy The One Ring. He survived a Balrog in Moria, and countless attacks by orcs, goblins, trolls, and Uruk-Hai. He survived Helm's Deep and Pelennor Fields. Yet, on his way to Imladris to take news of my sister's death to my father, he was with a small band of various others including Elladan and I. We were surrounded by orcs just one day from the safety of our realm. He was wounded protecting his friends, a dwarf and two small hobbits. Elladan was also wounded in that attack. I had to fight while protecting my brother who was too wounded to stand and defend himself."

"When your father came to aid us in the attack, we fled to Rivendell with Legolas and Elladan, hoping to save them. But when we arrived at my father's home, he was able to save Elladan, but it was too late for Legolas. While my father thanked the Valar for not losing yet another child, he had to comfort his friend. Ask King Thranduil to tell you of his sorrow; how he wept for Legolas and begged the Valar to spare his son, his only child, from death to no avail. Ask Taravil how she felt when she learned Legolas would never come to Aman."

Tears began to roll down Laurëanna's face and she attempted to look away from his gray eyes, so full of both anger and sorrow. When she tried to turn her head, he pulled her face gently back to look at him.

"The dwarves died, slain as their caves were overrun with orcs and goblins. The hobbits, a peaceful race much like innocent children, were destroyed. Men died. All women, men, and children eventually died: not natural deaths but horrible ones full of pain, fear, and sorrow. Feelings you cannot begin to understand for you have never felt them. You have never lived outside of Valinor as I have. You have not seen anything but the beautiful wonders of this land. You have not lost someone you cared about to a brutal death or a friend who was crushed with his kingdom after he defended it for many years. You do not know the sense of failure we all felt when the Ring was not destroyed."

"You expect to go there and warn Legolas. After that, all will be well. But it will not, Laurëanna. You will still have to face the fear of the Paths of the Dead. Fear has kept those paths untouched for generations of Men. Then you will still have to witness the battle for the Corsair ships foreseen by my father. If we survive, of which there is no certainty, you will still have to go to Minas Tirith, a city under siege by the Dark Lord's forces. You will come face to face with orcs or a troll or worse yet, a Nazgul. You will have to hear their piercing cries that bring your doom upon you."

"If you make it into the city alive, you will see the wounded men in the streets, the dead men brought in from the battle. You have never seen death: you do not know how horrifying it is. The blood, the gore, the sickening smell, the cries of the dying, the light fading from their eyes even as you promise them that they will survive." The look on his face was one of horror and it made her take a step back.

"Elrohir, stop. You are frightening me." Once again, Laurëanna tried to escape his grasp.

"You need to be frightened, Laurëanna. You need to be terrified!" Elrohir shouted at her, enraged. Letting her go, he turned his back on her and walked to the window.

The tears started and she could do little to stop them. She had never felt such pain in her life, and she wept. She was losing her parents to do this. She was losing all she had. She was losing him.

Once she was able, she spoke softly, "I thought you would understand why I must do this. I would not have been asked if the Valar thought that I could not do this. Yet you are angry and doubting me. You condemned me to fail before I even began. Perhaps it does not matter that I will be leaving, and you wish for our last words to be words of anger."

"What words do you want from me? Words of comfort I cannot give. What is it you wish for me to say to you?" Elrohir replied without facing her.

"I need you to tell me when I go back, you will be there, and you will love me. That I will not lose you as well," she whispered.

Elrohir turned to look at her for a long time. He saw her tear-filled eyes pleading with him for solace. Walking over, he took both of her hands and looked at her gently.

"Laurëanna, I cannot tell you that. I cannot promise that you will be nothing more than a distraction and a hindrance to me and all those with me. I am different from who I was then. The beautiful qualities I see in you now will just be considered a weakness to me then. I cannot even promise to protect you. I remember my thoughts of those days. Your death would be seen as just another casualty of the battle, nothing more. It would sadden me to lose a companion, any companion, but would I weep for you? I do not think I would," he said.

Though his tone was soft, his words were harsh. Laurëanna jerked her hands from his, her eyes full of anger and disgust. Gently, he ran his hand along the side of her face and moved closer to her.

"Laurëanna, if you go back, you will most likely lose me as well," Elrohir said in a shaky voice. Kissing her gently, he then turned and walked quietly into their bedroom.

The horror of what he had told her, combined with the shock of what she must do, caused her to sink to the floor. Covering her face with her hands, she wept in huge sobs. It was all a mistake. Tomorrow she would wake up and this will have only been a nightmare. Why had the Valar asked her to do this? She was not strong enough to do this on her own, but she would be alone. Her companions would be those long dead and a husband and his brother who knew nothing of her, nor cared for her. She was not a warrior; she was only the messenger to those capable of fighting this battle.

Everyone she loved would no longer know she existed. Everything she had in her life would be gone. She would be completely and utterly alone.

Elrohir could hear her sobs from their bedroom and guilt filled him. He hoped to scare her into changing her mind, but all he had succeeded in doing was hurting her. She was Glorfindel's daughter. It was in her very blood to honor her duty. She would not turn her back on that. Like her father before her, she would lose everything to help others. Even without a guarantee that she could.

He could bear the sounds of her heartbreak no more. Walking into the other room, he bent down and picked her up in his arms. As he was carrying her to the bedroom, she put her arms around his neck and buried her face in his shoulder, still sobbing. He gently undressed her and smoothed back the blankets on the bed. Then he lay beside her and wrapped her in his embrace.

"Laurëanna, I am sorry I hurt you. I do not wish to have our last days together full of arguing," Elrohir said kissing her softly. Tenderly, he wiped the tears from her face and tilted her chin up, so she was looking at him.

"I love you so much Laurëanna. I do not want to lose you. I know you will not change your mind so I must accept that. But you will go back prepared for the challenges you will face."

"What do you mean?" she sniffled.

"You will be taught to protect yourself better and everything you need to know for you to live through this," he whispered looking into her eyes as he stroked her fine hair.

"What is the point if you will not love me? I will have lost everything. "Once the Ring is destroyed, I will have no purpose," she whispered, gently placing her hand on his face.

"You will live for me. You will live for your father and your mother. Find a way to make me love you no matter how I try to push you away. We belong together. We both know that now. Make me realize that in the past. No one can do that but you. Soon I will know as I know now that we were meant to be together," Elrohir said before kissing her passionately.

"You must promise me, Laurëanna. No matter what happens, you will go to Imladris if you can. It is safer and my father will protect you even if your father and I are not there to do so."

"But…" she began.

"Laurëanna, promise me," Elrohir said, firmly.

"I promise."

The thought that they would soon be separated made them cling to each other desperately as they kissed and held each other through the night.

A/N Thanks for the reviews! Thanks once again to my lovely beta Elliska and to Viv and Maram for their first read through and advice on this chapter. Thanks also to Ghetto and Space for your help! Thanks to Tolkien for letting me play in his world even though I am making no money doing so.

A/N Thanks for all of the reviews! Reviewing me is the best way to let me know what you think and I value your input. Thanks once again to my lovely beta and new friend, Ellisk. Thanks to the gang for being supportive! And of course, thanks to Tolkien for creating elves and letting me play in his world. I am making no money doing so.

Elvish sayings:
Melethen - My love
Melethrilen - my beloved -feminine
Melethronen - my beloved -masculine
Meleth i guilen - love of my life
Laurëanna – Golden Gift
Indil – Iris 

7th Day of May
Fourth Age, Year 25
Tirion, Aman 

Indil had moved in with Celebrían months after arriving in Aman. The two had grown close and when Glorfindel and Indil made plans to move into the house beside Celebrían once they were married, Celebrían had insisted that Indil move in with her until the wedding. Glorfindel had left the inn as well and living in their future home together. Indil was happy to have him so close to her as well having Celebrían living next door once they were married.

Taravil had not known Celebrían prior to Indil’s introduction, but the two became fast friends. Before long, the three were like sisters and Indil had supported them as they grieved for their children. Thranduil had become close to the two ellith as well. Along with Rumil, their friendships had helped them ease into life in Aman.

Taravil and Celebrían were helping Indil plan her wedding to Glorfindel. Both wished for a lavish feast with the whole city involved despite the fact that they knew that Indil would hate it almost as much as Glorfindel. Neither had been able to assist their own children with wedding plans, so they tried to make her wedding, the wedding of their dreams. Indil was amused as she continuously turned down their oversized, dramatic plans in favor of more simple intimate ones. Glorfindel was terrified that the two would win over his future bride.

Glorfindel had gradually become less serious than he was in Middle Earth over the previous months and had even come to be more comfortable around others. Indil’s friendly personality was contagious and it was hard to stay on the fringes when his beloved was usually in the center of it all. But he loved to see her smile and laugh so he rarely protested. He would never be the outgoing one in the group, but people who had known him for centuries were shocked by the subtle changes in him. Celebrían never failed to tell Indil what a good influence she was on him.

Indil and Celebrían were in the garden enjoying the beautiful day when Taravil rushed over.

"Another ship from Middle Earth just arrived in Alqualondë a few hours ago," Taravil cried.

Indil and Celebrían looked at each other before jumping up. Indil could not help but notice the flash of hope in Celebrían's eyes at the thought her husband, mother, or sons might be on the ship. This was the first ship to arrive since they had and she hoped some of Celebrían’s family had come. As Taravil and Celebrían waited, Indil rushed next door to find Glorfindel.

When she came across him, he was sweaty and dirty from working in the garden. She smiled at his dirt-streaked face.

"You did not tell me you were working in the garden this morning or I would have come to help." She kissed him lightly, careful to avoid the dirt. "Or have you merely been playing in the dirt."

Glorfindel chuckled. "Well, I suppose my secret is out now. I was playing in the dirt."

Remembering the ship, she quickly told him the news. He picked up a flagon of water as he wiped the sweat from his face. She noticed the sadness in his eyes.

"This is good news Glorfindel," she reminded him. "More of our people have come home."

"You mean more have escaped." His voice seemed bitter to her.

"It is not the same thing?" she asked confused.

His back was to her now and he said nothing for a long time. She began to wonder if he had heard her.

Finally he replied, "We should have not have been forced to leave our home in Middle Earth nor should we have lost so many elves. Sauron should never have come to power."

Indil studied his stiff back for a moment. Her lip quivered for a minute before she said, "Glorfindel, none of it should have happened but it did. You must accept that. We left because we had no choice. Sauron didcome to power and he destroyed many elves, as well as many of other races. You cannot dwell in the past and feel guilt over things you cannot change."

He remained quiet and she finally asked, "Will you go with me now to help the elves who have arrived?"

Glorfindel sighed and said, "No. I need to finish and … I am dirty."

He would not meet her eyes. She hated it when he withdrew from her but she knew it would do no good to argue with him now.

"I will see you tonight then, Melethen." Kissing him again, she then turned and left.

Glorfindel felt horrible for not wanting to help her now. She had fled Middle Earth as well. He was a warrior and was supposed to be valiant and strong. Yet she was the one with the strength to go provide comfort to those that needed it while he stayed away, wishing to avoid the memories. His friends could be on that ship yet he could not bring himself to greet them.

~~~~

Indil saw the sad and weary elves from the ship light up somewhat as they gazed upon the splendor of Aman. Many of the elves of the city who still had kin in Middle Earth were down with her at the pier. Thranduil had also come with Taravil and Rumil and some of the Lórien elves. Indil saw Celebrían searching for any glimpse of her family and reached out to take her hand, squeezing it gently. Celebrían, in turn, held onto her friend tightly.

Indil smiled seeing Antaino, his sister Isilme, and his daughter Lalie from Mithlond. Antaino smiled at her before his wife, Alcie, came from the crowd and threw her arms around her husband and daughter. Alcie had been in Aman for over a century and when Indil arrived, she had helped her catalog the scrolls as the two discussed the events in Mithlond since Alcie had left.

"There is Aráto. He was one of Glorfindel’s best warriors." Celebrían pointed out a tall and lanky dark-haired elf. "Let us go talk to him."

Indil followed behind her. When Aráto saw Celebrían, he greeted her warmly as he bowed to her.

"Aráto, this is Indil." Celebrían smiled at her. When the ellon turned to greet her, Celebrían continued, "She is to marry Lord Glorfindel soon."

The look of complete shock on the ellon’s face caused Indil to burst into laughter. After a moment, he smiled and said, "It is truly an honor Lady Indil."

"No, the honor is mine," Indil assured him.

"Do you have word from my husband?" Celebrían asked hopefully.

"My lady, both Lord Elrond and Lady Galadriel were well when we left," he replied. Seeing the look of relief replaced by a look of fear, he quickly added, "And both Elrohir and Elladan were well last I heard. Máranóno has letters and I am sure there are some from your family." He smiled gently.

"I am sure you wish to settle in. Perhaps you could come to supper with us tomorrow night. Glorfindel would enjoy seeing you," Indil suggested.

"Yes, please Aráto, join us for supper," Celebrían insisted.

"I will. It will be nice to see Lord Glorfindel again as well," he replied with a smile.

While Celebrían went with Aráto to find Máranóno to get the letters from her family as well as greet the other Imladris elves, Indil went to speak with Antaino, Isilme, and Lalie.

~~~~

Glorfindel grew concerned when he saw Indil’s tears. She quickly wiped them away when he approached. He had not seen her since this morning in the garden and had come to apologize.

"Melethrilen, what is it?" He sat beside her and pulled her into his arms.

"Mithlond was attacked after we left. It was a small assault but…" She began to sob. "My friends, Lótilos, Callo, and Raumo were killed. I have known them all of my life. Lótilos was like a sister to me and Callo and Raumo were both close to my brothers. Lótilos had gone to take a message to one of the guards and she just was…there when it happened. She should not have been there."

Glorfindel held her tightly as she sobbed. When she finally calmed, he kissed her gently, as he stroked her hair.

"Forgive me for not being with you when you heard this news. I had come to apologize for not going," he said, quietly.

"Glorfindel, I understand why you stay away," she answered dismissively.

"That does not excuse my weakness."

Indil smiled at him gently. "You are not weak by any means. It is easier for me to do these things because I did not see what you have seen of battles. You fight the battles and I will comfort the heroes."

Glorfindel smiled and kissed her again, drawing her into a passionate embrace. He savored the sweetness of her mouth until both were breathless. Reluctantly, she pulled away.

"Glorfindel, there is more I need to tell you."

"What is it?" He tensed because her eyes were serious and had grown even sadder.

"Aráto was one of the elves of Imladris that has come. You will see him tomorrow," she hesitated then took a deep breath. "Prior to coming here, they attempted another trip to the Havens but had to retreat back to Imladris when they were attacked by many companies of orcs of Saruman’s. Both of his brothers were killed as well as a few others that you had once commanded."

Glorfindel stood and walked away, staring in the distance. He had known the three brothers all of their lives. Their father had fought beside him and he had trained the three in many skills. They had worked hard to be some of Imladris’ best warriors and he would have trusted any one of them with his life. Now two of them, the youngest two, were gone.

Indil watched him silently for a while before coming to stand beside him. His eyes searched the horizon as if he could somehow find answers if he watched long enough. He put his arm around her and held her close as they mourned their friends.

~~~~

"Perhaps now is not the ideal time for a wedding," Indil pondered aloud as she stood letting Taravil and Celebrían hem her dress.

"Indil, the pain of Middle Earth’s losses will not heal soon. We do not know when the elves come to Aman. How long do you wish to wait to be married?" Taravil pointed out.

"It is just that…it seems wrong to celebrate happiness and love now," Indil frowned.

Celebrían sighed. "Indil, you love Glorfindel and he loves you. You wish to start your life together. That is not wrong," she said gently. "Besides, a celebration to remind us the joys of life is exactly what we need. Now I refuse to hear any more talk of postponing this wedding."

"Yes, and no one believes that Glorfindel will actually marry so this way we can stop the endless wagers amongst the ellyn," Taravil winked.

Indil chuckled. "I honestly find it amusing how they think of him. If they saw him like I see him…"

"Trust me, Indil, many ellith see him as you see him and would gladly trade places with you." Celebrían hugged her friend. "Thankfully, Glorfindel sees only you and cares for no other."

Indil smiled, joyful and in love. The thought of postponing their joining filled her with so much sadness, she chose to believe her friends.

 Fleeting Moments

26th Day of September
Fourth Age, Year 88
Tirion, Aman

"Laurëanna! If you keep dropping your arm like that, it is going to get you killed. You are nowhere near the target. You are getting worse instead of better," Elrohir snapped.

"This is really pointless. She is not going to be fighting from a distance. She needs to work on self defense, not how to take down an orc from a league away." Elladan sighed.

"He is right. She can barely hold the bow up anymore. You two have been pushing her too hard for two days now. She is exhausted," Elrond said.

Laurëanna was trying to pull the loose strands of her hair that had fallen out of her braid out of her eyes. Her arm hurt. Her back hurt. Everything hurt. She was trying not to cry and just give up. Elrohir was right. She was getting worse. That last shot was far from the target.

"When she is in Middle Earth, she can just tell them she is too tired to fight and the orcs will just leave her alone, right?" Glorfindel replied frustrated. "Rumil, go get the arrows from the targets. And the ground and everywhere else she shot them. Laurëanna, you have to do better than this or you will never be ready."

Laurëanna nodded sadly. She rested her arms waiting for Rumil to return.

"I am stepping in here," Elrond said and took the bow from her. "She is exhausted. We have been at this since dawn and you two have been doing nothing but yelling at her for an hour or more. She will drop dead of exhaustion before she can even go back to Middle Earth."

Elrond put his arm around her back and started leading her away. Elladan quickly followed picking up her sword from the ground. When she reached for it, he shook his head with a smile.

"You just concentrate on walking home. I fear I might be carrying you for part of the way."

~~~~~

Elrohir and Glorfindel both looked at each other. For a long time they watched, not speaking, as Rumil picked up the arrows.

"They are right. We have been pushing her too hard," Glorfindel said, picking up the various weapons left on the ground.

"We have to. She needs all the skill she can learn," Elrohir argued.

"Do you want to spend her last few days yelling at her or complaining about her posture? No, we need to slow down. Your father is right. She is exhausted. I do not think she has spoken for the last couple of hours. We have demanded that she does something and she has tried. Then we sat there and complained that she was not doing it right. Pretty soon she will look forward to going to Middle Earth just to have us stop fussing at her," Glorfindel replied.

Elrohir sighed. "We cannot teach her all she needs to know in the remaining days. There is not enough time. I do not want to spend all of this time doing this. I would rather be…" Elrohir trailed off when Glorfindel glared at him. "Spending time with her elsewhere."

"Tomorrow you should take her to see Galadriel. She needs a day away from this," Glorfindel said walking towards the house with Rumil coming up behind them both.

"We cannot stop training for a whole day!" Elrohir argued.

"Fine." Glorfindel looked at him. "Stop at midday and take her to the beach. She needs some time."

Elrohir did not argue. Laurëanna was so exhausted last night she had fallen asleep in the bath. But today she worked just as hard and did not complain. She was doing better earlier in the day. He knew he had pushed her too hard. Tonight, he would take better care of her.

When they arrived at the house, Indil was standing outside waiting for them.

"You two are killing her. You need to stop now. And do not start with me, either of you. I am not going to spend the next few days with my daughter so tired she can barely speak to me," Indil said angrily.

"Forgive me, Indil. It is my fault but…" Glorfindel began only to be stopped by his wife’s angry glare.

"Glorfindel, you need to say two things to me. And this goes for you as well Elrohir," Indil said shaking her finger at both of them. "One, you need to say you apologize for being over demanding tyrants and, two, you need to promise me that this will not happen again tomorrow. If it does, both of you will have to face me."

Rumil tried to sneak past them. "Rumil!" Indil yelled.

"Yes?" Rumil stopped quickly.

"You take those bows and the arrows to Lord Elrond and you tell him to keep them and not return them to either of these two tomorrow," Indil replied with a tone that left no room for argument.

"Yes, Lady Indil," Rumil said as he quickly fled the scene.

Rumil had never seen her angry and she was almost as scary as Elrohir or Glorfindel. She looked like she wanted to beat both of them.

"Indil." Glorfindel smiled.

"Not a word Glorfindel, unless you plan to sleep outside tonight," she warned. "Elrohir, go home. Take care of my daughter. Your brother has walked her home because we were both afraid she would drop from exhaustion before she made it there. I suggest you take her some place special and tranquil tomorrow, if you wish to see her. If I see either one of you two on the practice field tomorrow, she will be coming with me to Swan Manor. Without both of you." Indil turned and slammed into the house.

Glorfindel and Elrohir just stared after her. For a long moment both were too stunned to say a word.

"Has she always had that temper?" Elrohir asked quietly.

"No, this is the first time I have seen that. I am almost afraid to go in the house." Glorfindel smiled. "The Witch King was less scary."

"The Witch King was evil. You knew that. She is not evil. I am not quite sure what to expect from her now." Elrohir smiled to Glorfindel. "I would sleep with one eye open."

"I am hoping to charm my way out of harm’s way."

"You are not that charming." Elrohir smirked.

Glorfindel glared at him then sighed. "You are right. Perhaps Elladan can come charm her for me."

Elrohir shook his head. "I think she still likes him. I am not so sure about either one of us."

"Good, you are both here," Lord Elrond said walking up. "Why are you two standing here staring at the door?"

"Debating the safety of entering the dragon’s lair," Elrohir replied with a slight smile.

"Yes, your mother is not happy with you either, by the way Elrohir. I suggest you avoid her as well." Elrond smiled at the two of them, looking quite uncharacteristically baffled. "Elrohir, give this to Laurëanna. It will help her with any aches and pain she has tonight."

Elrond handed Elrohir a small glass bottle of green lotion. "Now go home and take care of your wife."

Elrohir nodded and began walking home. Everyone was of one mind on this. He and Glorfindel had been horrible. And for once, they had been horrible together.

~~~~~

When Elrohir walked into the house, Elladan was sitting on the chair waiting for him. Elladan smirked at him.

"I see that Indil has spoken with you. You still have that shocked expression on your face. Apparently, Glorfindel’s temper is affecting her as well." Elladan sighed as he stood. "Although personally, I think she is completely right and I do not blame her."

"Do I have to hear a lecture from you as well? Where is Laurëanna?" Elrohir asked.

"She is bathing. And perhaps you should hear a lecture from me," Elladan said looking sternly at his brother. "For I know you better than anyone."

"Elladan, what are talking about now?" Elrohir said avoiding his brother’s gaze.

"Elrohir, you are hurting and angry. Plus you do not like feeling helpless. I have seen this before with you. Last time, it took us decades of slaying orcs for you to ever get any relief. We do not have years for you to work through this. You cannot do that anymore and you know it. She is your wife."

"I know who she is. Do not talk to me like I am some kind of fool!" Elrohir said loudly.

"Listen to you. You are yelling at everyone and constantly angry. Half of the time you are looking for a reason to yell at someone and the other half you are arguing with anyone who dares to get in your way," Elladan said, his voice raised as well. "Including Laurëanna."

"Do not worry about my wife, Elladan, nor my temper. You have a home. Go there. Now," Elrohir replied in a dangerously low voice.

Elladan walked to his twin. "If I leave here now, you might throw your horrible temper tantrum with her and she is too tired to fight back from your bullying any more today. Perhaps you should go for a walk and ease your anger, Elrohir."

Elrohir’s eyes narrowed and he was going to respond when Laurëanna came into the room. She was wearing a thin robe and her hair was wet as if she had just leapt out of the tub.

"What is happening?" she asked from the hallway.

The brothers glared at each other. Finally, Elrohir turned and smiled at her.

"Elladan was just leaving. I thought perhaps you might spend some time alone with your husband tonight." Elrohir walked up and put his arms around her. With a final glare, Elrohir said pointedly, "Goodnight Elladan."

Elladan shook his head and sighed. "Goodnight Laurëanna," he said, ignoring Elrohir as he left.

"Why are you two arguing?" she asked looking up at him.

"We were not. Let us get you dressed so we can have supper and get you into bed." Elrohir turned her around towards the bedroom.

"That is it. I have had enough." Laurëanna turned away from him and stalked back into the sitting room. "You have done nothing but yell at me all day. Now you are treating me like a child, which I might overlook, but I will not tolerate you lying to me."

Elrohir took a deep breath. Looking at her sadly, he walked to where she was standing.

"Laurëanna, we were arguing because I am a fool and he was telling me that. And you know I hate that." He smiled and she appeared to be trying to hold a smile in. "Between your mother and my brother, I have been told how horrible I have been to you today. And they are right. I have been horrible. Forgive me."

Elrohir kissed her and drew her to him. Eventually, she relaxed his arms and snuggled close to him. The scent of her bath oil and the thin robe clinging to her damp skin was very arousing to him. Pulling her wet hair out of the way, he began to kiss her neck. Allowing her head to fall back, she exposed her throat to his hot lips tasting and teasing her flesh. He pulled her tight against him as she put her arms around his waist.

They had not made love since the night before the meeting in the Ring of Doom two days ago and their desire was heated. Pressing her gently against the door behind her, he captured her mouth in a ravenous kiss as she sucked his tongue and buried her hands in his hair. Soon she began pulling at his tunic and he quickly pulled it over his head before he resumed his passion-filled kisses. As he was torturing her mouth, she began running her hands over the sleek ripple of muscles on his chest and abdomen. He pulled her robe down off her shoulders and nibbled her shoulders softly. When he jerked the robe completely off and let it drop to the floor, she gasped in surprise as her nails dug into his waist.

"Elrohir," she whispered in between kisses as he claimed her mouth again. "Let us go to the bedroom."

"No. It is too far," he said caressing her until she moaned.

"But…" she tried to speak but his mouth on her body was distracting her. "We…cannot…"

"Yes, we can," he whispered as he was unfastening his leggings. Her hands quickly moved to help him, needing him as much as he needed her.

A knock on the door startled both of them, causing them to jump. Grabbing her robe off the floor, Laurëanna ran into the bedroom. Elrohir put his head against the door for a moment trying to breathe normally again. Another knock. He picked up his tunic and pulled it back on with a deep sigh. Finally, he opened the door.

"Elrohir, I brought supper for you and Laurëanna. I knew she was too tired and I assumed you would not take care of it."

Celebrían brushed past him into the house with a basket. Elrohir silently prayed for strength.

"Naneth, I would have made sure she had supper. Apparently, everyone thinks I have turned into some type of troll overnight." Elrohir sighed as he ran his hands through his hair.

"From what I have heard, you have not been acting like yourself, so I was beginning to worry if you had succumbed to some type of madness." His mother fixed him with an angry look. "Why else would you be acting like such a fool?"

Elrohir opened the door and looked outside.

"What are you doing?" Celebrían asked.

"I was looking to see who else was waiting to tell me I have been a fool," Elrohir answered as he was shutting the door. When his mother opened her mouth to continue her tirade, Elrohir stopped her by saying, "I know. I have been a fool and a heartless troll. According to Indil, I am also a tyrant and Elladan says I am a bully as well. You are all correct. Now, if you will allow me to try and make things better with my wife, it would be appreciated."

"Do not get surly with me, young man." his mother warned.

Elrohir laughed and held up his hands in surrender. "I am not Naneth. I promise."

Celebrían looked at him for a moment then walked towards the door. Kissing him on the cheek, she started through the doorway. She stopped and turned to him.

"Elrohir, we know you are upset. Perhaps you should tell her your feelings. You cannot keep closing yourself off from everyone for the rest of your life, son. She loves you and she needs you now more than ever."

"I know, Naneth. I am going to take her to Alqualondë tomorrow so we can have some time together." He smiled slightly. ‘Alone,’ Elrohir thought to himself.

"I am glad," Celebrían said then hugged him quickly.

After she left, Elrohir called out to Laurëanna. She came back into the room with a robe on and he smiled.

"Mother has brought supper for you and her tyrant bully of a son. Let us eat it now as I am certain you are hungry." When she smirked at him, he smiled. "For food, Laurëanna. Supper now. Lovemaking later."

Grabbing her to him, he playfully bit her ear before letting her go. Handing her some lanterns, he picked up the basket of food then led her to the gazebo in the back of the house. Throughout dinner, he fed her, not allowing her to touch any food with her hands, as they both laughed. After they were both full, Laurëanna began to once again feel aches and pains, which had been temporally soothed by the hot bath. Elrohir carried everything inside as she walked slowly into the house.

"I feel like I have been running all day," she moaned. "While being beaten by an angry mob."

"You are so weak. You would never have made it as a true elven warrior." he laughed as he picked her up and carried her to the bedroom.

"That, my love," she smiled and kissed him "Is why I married you. You are strong and brave. Plus, you are easy on the eyes."

Elrohir laughed as he dropped her on the bed. She groaned and rolled on her stomach. Taking the lotion his father had given her; Elrohir began to rub it into the muscles of her arms gently.

"Mmm…that feels wonderful." She sighed.

Making her sit up, he stripped her of the robe then she lay on her stomach again and he moved her hair off her back. Taking more lotion, he massaged every inch of her back with slow and sensual strokes of his hands. He was enjoying the non-healing aspects of the massage as well. He moved his hands further down her body, over her buttocks and then put the soothing lotion on her legs as well. Feeling confident she was sufficiently covered with the herbal remedy, he put the bottle on the table.

Gazing over her feminine curves heatedly, he ran his hands over her glistening skin softly then leaned over her to whisper in her ear.

"Laurëanna, my love, I want to…" Elrohir stopped as he looked at her face and noticed her eyes were closed. She was sleeping peacefully.

Elrohir groaned as he rolled backwards onto the bed. Looking over at her, his aroused body screamed for him to wake her up and make love to her. Standing up quietly, he undressed. He lay on the bed and reached over to pull her to him. As she snuggled against him, he covered her with the blanket. His tenderness for his wife won over his desire.

This time.

~~~~~

Laurëanna had just awakened when she heard the soft knocking on the door. Glancing over, she saw that Elrohir was still asleep so she jumped up quietly. Grabbing a simple dress nearby, she pulled it over her head and smoothed her hair back. When she was dressed, she heard the knock again. She looked quickly over at her sleeping husband then rushed out of the room silently.

Opening the door, she was surprised to see Eönwë.

"Good morning Laurëanna," he said with a warm smile.

"Good morning."

"Would you prefer to speak in the house or outside in your garden?" he asked.

Not wanting to wake Elrohir, she walked outside and the two of them sat down facing each other. Laurëanna noticed how dark it seemed and wondered if it was earlier than she realized. Eönwë must have noticed her looking around.

"Yes, the days are darker now," Eönwë said sadly. When she looked at him, he continued, "Sauron is coming and the skies are darkening. Within the next week, every day will be as if the sun never rose."

Laurëanna nodded sadly. Tears filled her eyes and she struggled to hold them back.

Observing her for a moment, Eönwë said, "There is nothing wrong with you being frightened, Laurëanna. No one thinks you are weak for your trepidation going back to Middle Earth. Fear is nothing to be ashamed of. Everyone feels it."

"Not my father, nor my husband. I do not want to disappoint them," she said softly.

"Both have fears of their own that they are battling now." He smiled slightly. "Yes, even the mighty warriors have fear."

"But…" Laurëanna stopped. She did not want to appear disrespectful and argue with him.

"Do you think your father fears nothing?"

Laurëanna laughed. "No, he knows no fear. He is incapable of being afraid. It is not even part of him. And Elrohir has not been afraid in thousands of years, if ever."

"My child, you are very wrong. They show no fear in battle, perhaps, but they both have much fear. It is just of a different kind and it is easier for them to mask," Eönwë replied. When she looked at him confused, he took her hand.

"Laurëanna, your father fears losing you. That is why he is pushing you so hard daily in the practice field. I have seen you there. And I see his fear, as you cannot. He worries he cannot protect you any longer." Laurëanna’s tears began to overflow her eyes. "Elrohir is afraid of losing you as well. He is once again helpless to stop someone he loves from being hurt."

Laurëanna lowered her head as tears streamed down her face. Eönwë gently cupped her chin and pulled her face up to look at him. "Do not hide your feelings from them. As you all hide behind these walls of bravery, you are spending your final days together here in Aman more distant than you have spent all of your days before. Your mother sees this as well and is helpless to stop it. Your loved ones do not know how to bridge this gap between the three of you. Neither your husband nor your father will admit their fear to anyone but you. But they will only do that when they know you will understand it."

Laurëanna nodded. She was confused why he thought they would tell her after hiding this all of this time. But she trusted him to tell her the truth.

"I come on the other matter we discussed. I wish I could have come sooner, yet I feel my answer will soothe your distress about that." Eönwë smiled. "Manwë and Varda have granted your request."

Laurëanna grinned, relieved. She had not told anyone of her request of the Valar for worry that it would not be honored. When she did not hear from Eönwë for two days, she assumed their response was the request would not been granted.

"Both of your parents, Elrohir and Elladan, as well as Elrond and Galadriel will know when they return to Valinor about your past with them. Celebrían will remember when the first one of your family does as well. Neither your friends nor any others will remember however," Eönwë said. "But your loved ones must make this choice voluntarily before you leave. And they must know the consequences of their decision."

"I do not understand," she said confused.

"If your parents were to come to Aman and be bound to someone else, it would perhaps deeply hurt both of them," Eönwë said watching her face.

As realization sank in, she looked at him sadly. "But … if they were intended to be together, would they not be? Is it possible that they could fall in love with another?"

"Your parents will be different if you accomplish your task. They will not be the same people that met years ago. Their lives will be different. Therefore, their paths will change. There is no way to know if they will be together in the future." He watched her intently. "Just as there is no way to know that you and Elrohir will fall in love."

Laurëanna’s heart sank. She looked away unable to think about her parents not being in love, or she and Elrohir not being together. It did not seem possible to her that it could be any other way.

"Perhaps it would be best if they never knew then," she said forlornly.

"That is their choice. I do not imagine either will choose not to know. Even if they are not together in the future, they would want to know their daughter." Eönwë reached out and took her hand with a smile.

"And if I do not return to Aman? If I die in Middle Earth, would they still know?" Laurëanna asked nervously.

"Yes. If they make the choice to remember, they will know no matter what happens in Middle Earth. They will reach the shores of the Undying Lands and will remember all that has happened. If you do not come here, they will suffer losing you."

Laurëanna looked at him with confusion and pain. She did not know what was best for her family. If she died, they would have to mourn the loss of her twice, when she leaves in a few days and if she never returns.

"Laurëanna, this must be their choice and they will choose what they will. Do not fret over it." Eönwë stood and she rose after him. She walked with him to the archway. "I will return to you at midday in eight days. You will need to say your farewells before then for only one will be allowed to come with you before you leave."

"Only one?" Laurëanna asked. She wished to have her mother and father as well as her husband there when she left.

"Forgive me but the Valar have decided that is best. Will you be here on that day?"

Laurëanna shook her head. "No, I will spend as much time with my parents as I can. I will be with them and the rest of my family and friends at their house."

Eönwë nodded. He walked to the archway then turned back. "Laurëanna, I am proud of you for embracing your duty and know that you will accomplish it. You are much stronger than you realize."

~~~~~

After Eönwë left, Laurëanna sat in the courtyard quietly thinking. Her thinking was interrupted by the arrival of Elladan and Rumil.

"Ah, fair maiden, where is that tyrant brother of mine?" Elladan said as he kissed her hand with flourish and drama. Laurëanna laughed as Rumil rolled his eyes.

"Elladan, have you not yet learned that it is useless to try and win the affections of your brother’s wife? Your choices of ellith to charm baffles me," Rumil said shaking his head.

"Yes, but I know that Laurëanna will not fall under my spell and wish to be bound to me. So I may be safe to live my carefree life without threat of being tamed."

"Tamed? You have been tamed since birth, Elladan. If it were not for me, you would have made a fool of yourself for centuries," Elrohir replied from the doorway where he stood clothed only in leggings.

"Ah! ‘Tis the tyrant!" Elladan turned and looked at Elrohir. "And in a foul mood as usual. Laurëanna, why you have bound yourself to this brother of mine confuses me. What have you done that deserves such punishment?"

"Trust me, I could tell you many things that the "sweet and innocent" elleth has done and how many times I have suffered the punishment for being the instigator of the mischief," Rumil said with a smile as he sat beside Laurëanna.

"My wife is the perfect example of what sweet and innocent should look like. " Elrohir smiled. "But looks are very deceiving."

"Hmm…why did no one warn me that I would have to suffer such assaults on my character today?" Laurëanna said, trying to look offended despite her amusement.

Rumil had been her friend since birth, it seemed, and she loved Elladan dearly. She had the most fun with the two of them and her husband. Laurëanna heard a familiar giggle and saw Airemír arrive. Elladan grabbed her in a forceful embrace. Airemír and Laurëanna had been friends for many years and Airemír thought that Elladan hung the moon and stars himself. She gazed adoringly at him even as she hugged Laurëanna.

"Airemír, I am so happy to see you. These rogues were attempting to impugn my near flawless reputation." Laurëanna smiled. Rumil snorted before he too embraced Airemír.

"I was told by your mother that Elladan and Rumil had been sent to escort you to Alqualondë. She suggested I come along so you would not be tortured by the teasing of these scoundrels." Airemír winked at Laurëanna.

Elladan clutched his chest. "Your words wound me, fair Airemír."

Elrohir rolled his eyes at his brother’s overwhelming display of dramatics. Inwardly, he was irritated that Indil had insisted on a group of people going with them rather than him being able to spend time alone with Laurëanna. Sighing, he went into the house to dress. Laurëanna followed him shortly and, coming up behind him, she wrapped her arms around him, stroking his bare abdomen. Her hands slid down and he caught them.

"Laurëanna, I do not think now is the best time for you to tempt me. I do not wish to think of our friends and my brother in our garden listening to your screams of pleasure." Elrohir smirked as he squeezed her hands. She sighed and reluctantly pulled away.

~~~~~

When they arrived at Alqualondë, they had lunch on the terrace with Galadriel. While the males bantered back and forth, Galadriel spoke to Laurëanna and Airemír about events with their families and in the city. No one spoke of Laurëanna’s upcoming departure. Galadriel was even more affectionate than usual with her but no one broached the subject, as if not saying the words made it not seem real.

Laurëanna went inside to find more of the wine they were drinking. Lady Galadriel followed her inside.

"Laurëanna, may we speak?" Galadriel inquired.

"Yes, of course." Laurëanna followed Galadriel to sit in the parlor.

Galadriel studied her for a while before speaking.

"Laurëanna, I am very proud that you are being so brave in doing the task laid out before you."

Tears burned her eyes as Laurëanna looked down. Softly, she said, "I do not know if I can do this. I am not brave. I am terrified. Sometimes at night I wake up so afraid I cannot breathe. They should send someone else, someone stronger. I cannot do this."

Galadriel pulled her into her arms and Laurëanna wept. The last two days had taken such a toll on her mentally and physically she was unable to keep her composure any longer. Galadriel stroked her hair and just held her.

Elrohir looked for Laurëanna and found them in the parlor. He could hear Laurëanna sobbing. He was so angry that she was hurting. She had done nothing to deserve this except being born in Aman rather than Middle Earth. He debated going to her but he saw that Galadriel was comforting her. He knew she would soothe his wife where he could not. He no longer knew the words to say. He was failing her and he was ashamed that he could not do what he needed to do.

Flashes of Middle Earth ran through his mind. He could not imagine her there. His sweet and gentle wife did not belong there. She belonged here with him where he could protect her. The pain of their parting weighed heavily on him. He had no say in what was happening. He could do nothing but watch as things were put into motion and he had no control. He turned away and walked slowly into the other room. Perhaps Galadriel could provide Laurëanna the comfort she needed. He no longer knew how.

Galadriel let Laurëanna cry until the tears no longer came. When she calmed, Galadriel pulled her face gently up to look at her.

"Laurëanna, you can do this. Do you have faith in the Ainur? Do you have faith in Eru?"

"Of course. I have total faith in them" Laurëanna insisted.

"And they have put faith in you," Galadriel said gently. "Why would you doubt them now? Laurëanna, no one knows their full strength until they are tested. You are capable of doing this. There is no question in my mind that you cannot. You are strong," Galadriel insisted.

"Why am I so afraid? Why cannot I not be brave like those around me?" Laurëanna sniffled. "You led your people and I cannot imagine you ever afraid."

"Because we have all been tested. We know our strengths and weaknesses. Rumil, Elrohir, Elladan, your father, Elrond, and myself, we have all been tested and know what we are capable of. You do not. But you were brave enough to accept this task. You overcame your fear and passed that test. When other difficulties are in your path, you will overcome your fear and pass another test. No one expects you to be a hero in battle. Once you convince Legolas and the two of you convince Aragorn what he must do, you have done what you have been asked. Then you must keep yourself alive. That is your only duty after Aragorn takes the Paths of the Dead. To live, Laurëanna. I have faith you can do this."

Laurëanna looked into her eyes and for the first time she believed she could do this. If someone as wise and brave as Lady Galadriel believed in her, why did she doubt herself? The Ainur and Eru believed in her and she could not lose faith in them. They knew her heart and fëa better than she did. She smiled and nodded. Galadriel hugged her tightly.

"I pray that when you return to Middle Earth, I will have a chance to know you as I do now. You have touched my heart Laurëanna. I hope I am that fortunate in the past," Galadriel whispered.

Laurëanna pulled away and looked down for a moment.

"Lady Galadriel, I have not told anyone this yet but I made a request of the Valar and it has been granted. Now that I know the potential consequences, I do not know if I have done the right thing," she said.

"What is it child?"

"I have asked that when my parents, Elrohir, you and the rest of my family return here, you will know who I am and remember our lives together," Laurëanna replied.

Lady Galadriel smiled. "That is wonderful Laurëanna. Why would you be concerned that this was not a good thing?"

"If my parents do not marry or they marry someone else, it will hurt them to remember their lives together. If I die, they must mourn the loss of me. Perhaps it would be better if they did not choose this."

"If you were in their place, would you choose to not remember? Would you want to forget the years you have spent with your parents, or the happiness you felt when you were married? Would you want to forget the love and joy we all shared together?" Galadriel asked.

"No," Laurëanna said after a moment. "I would want to remember every second, every thought, every feeling. Even if I was not married to Elrohir, I would want to know the love we have shared. And my parents, I would not wish to forget one thing about them. When I look back at my life, I cannot imagine anything I would wish to forget."

"We feel the same about our time with you, Laurëanna. When we are given the choice to remember, we will make that choice. No one would wish it any other way. Your parents, no matter what their life is like when they arrive here, would want to know their daughter. Even if you died, they would want to have the memories of your lives together. Perhaps if they have not found each other, their memories will cause them to seek each other out. Do not deny them that choice," She paused before saying, "Elrohir should remember your love. It was your love that softened his heart after centuries of pain and anger. He should remember his days of peace and happiness despite what has happened since then. Perhaps those memories will sooth his fëa at last," Galadriel said with a smile. "I will choose to remember. You are too dear to me to ever forget."

Laurëanna smiled as Lady Galadriel took her hand and squeezed it gently.

~~~~~

After spending most of the day with Galadriel, she bid them goodnight and suggested they go to the beach to watch the sunset. Elladan and Rumil brought wine and glasses and the five of them walked to a secluded area of the beach. The ellyn built a fire while Airemír and Laurëanna walked on the beach enjoying the final touch of the sun. Despite the darkening sky, the day had been pleasant yet it felt as if it had been twilight all day. Both ellith were quiet for a long time.

Finally, Airemír said, "Why are you doing this Laurëanna? It seems like madness to me and I do not understand. You could be killed. And for what purpose? A slim hope that it will make a difference."

Laurëanna sighed sadly. "Airemír, it is not as if I want to do this. I have no choice. It could save a lot of lives if I do this. If I do not, the Dark Lord will be in Aman in days. Do you want that?"

"No, of course not. I still have horrible nightmares of being in Lothloríen. I just do not understand why you would subject yourself to what we suffered. And why Elrohir and your family would allow this, I do not know." Airemír shook her head.

"It was not their choice. It was mine. But if it were one of them, they would go without a doubt," Laurëanna argued.

"Yes, but they have all been in war and fought many battles. You have not. You have never left Aman and have not seen some of the things we were forced to endure. Are you not frightened that it might be all for naught?"

"I am terrified in every way Airemír. But I cannot ignore a chance to make things right if possible. Perhaps it will be all for naught but I am willing to take that risk. I am obligated to do this." Laurëanna stopped and looked at her friend. "Would you not do this if the Valar asked this of you?"

"No. I would sooner die than go back," Airemír said sadly. "For if I went back, I could not endure it and would fade from the horror of it all."

Airemír turned and walked away leaving Laurëanna standing near the water’s edge. Laurëanna felt tears well up in her eyes. Once again, she admonished herself for her fear and weakness. She stayed looking at the ocean for a long time before she heard Elrohir come up behind her.

"She thinks I am a fool," she said softly.

"No. She worries what will become of you. We all do," Elrohir replied as he stroked her shoulders. Resting his chin on her head, he sighed. "Laurëanna, everyone understands why you are doing this. Yet we have been there and know how hard it will be. We want to spare you that suffering."

"Would you prefer to fight the same battle again? On this beach instead of the fields of Gondor?" Laurëanna replied somberly. When he did not respond, she said, "No. You do not nor does anyone else. I must try to help at least. Even if I fail, I will not have to live with the knowledge that I was too weak or frightened to do one simple thing."

"Yet it is not simple. None of this is simple. I wish it were." Elrohir wrapped his arms around her tightly. "If it were, I could protect you from that nightmare."

"I know you would. But in some ways, it is unfair that I never suffered as everyone else did. I have always felt I was shallow and childish because I had such a simple and happy life and did not wish to suffer as everyone else has. Yet the guilt was always in my heart."

"Why would you feel guilty? Do you think you have done something to deserve suffering? No one begrudges you for the life you have had, Laurëanna," Elrohir said softly stroking her hair.

"Did any of you deserve suffering? No, you did not. You and Elladan stayed with your father and Lady Galadriel until every elf in Rivendell was gone. You waited until the last possible moment to leave. You were that brave and that honorable." Laurëanna looked at him. "You did nothing to deserve what happened to you. None of the people of Middle Earth deserved to suffer. So why should I not sacrifice as well? I am weak because I have grown up here. Like you said the other night, I have never suffered."

"No, you have not suffered first hand what we went through, but you have suffered through all of us, with all of us. If it were not for you, I cannot imagine ever feeling happiness," Elrohir argued.

Laurëanna laughed sadly. "You are in Aman, Elrohir. You did not need me to make you happy. Elladan is not my husband and he is happy. The same is true with Rumil."

"Yes that is true but that would not have been true with me. Even before the Fellowship failed, Elladan was much happier than I was. I had grown despondent before all hope was destroyed. Then I lived for my duty. I…" Elrohir stopped suddenly. Looking away from her for a few moments, he turned back with a slight smile. "We should return while there is still wine to be drunk. I am sure that Elladan and Rumil have started drinking our share."

Taking her hand he walked back to the fire. Laurëanna felt sad that he was once again shutting her out.

A/N Thanks for all of the reviews! Thanks once again to my lovely beta and new friend, Ellisk. Thanks to the gang for being supportive! A special thank you to my Elfy - AKA Maram68 - for the great quote for Taravil/Legolas. And of course, thanks to Tolkien for creating elves and letting me play in his world. I am making no money doing so.

Elvish sayings:
Melethen - My love
Melethrilen - my beloved -feminine
Melethronen - my beloved -masculine
Gerich velethen - You have my love
Laurëanna - Golden Gift
Indil - Iris

20th Day of December
Fourth Age, Year 25
Tirion, Aman

"Indil, when are you going to tell them?" Glorfindel asked.

"I will tell them. Soon. I am waiting for the right time," Indil explained nervously.

Glorfindel smiled. "Will they know before or after our child is born?"

Indil blushed. She did not know why she was reluctant to tell her friends she was with child. Perhaps she was still surprised herself that they had not waited a little longer. She had thought they would have had more time with just the two of them before they had a child. Of course, it was the activities of 'just the two of them' that had caused this, Indil thought with a smile.

She had found herself to be uncontrollable when it came to her husband's love making. If he even looked at her in a certain way, she became hot and flustered. Of course, she had always melted when she looked at him, even before she knew him. Now that she knew him as intimately as she did, it was even worse. She had a hard time leaving the house with him for a few months after they were married. She felt like everyone knew what she was thinking and she seemed to always blush. The minute Glorfindel would see her blush, his eyes would subtly change to a darker shade of blue and then they ended up rushing home to make love.

Taravil and Celebrían made matters more uncomfortable for Indil. Every time Glorfindel was anywhere near Indil, they would look at Indil with a knowing smirk and she would want to crawl away and hide. She felt sure that it must wrong to be this happy and in love despite all that was happening in Middle Earth and the sadness caused by it.

They had a very quiet and simple wedding in mid-summer. Celebrían had helped Indil with all of the preparations, feeling motherly towards the younger elleth as well as close to Glorfindel. Thranduil and Glorfindel were friends due to the closeness of their wives more than any other reason. Taravil, Indil, and Celebrían had become inseparable since Indil's arrival in Valinor.

Rumil was also close to the families. Indil had grown very affectionate towards him during their trip to Aman. She had once talked to him about losing his family and had been drawn to his wounded fëa and gentle heart. He had lost his parents when he was very young and had lost his brothers in Lórien. His oldest brother, Haldir, was much like a father to him and the three brothers were very close. Their loss as well as the loss of his fellow Galadhrim had traumatized Rumil. His relationship with Indil had turned into a very close bond, for Indil reminded him much of his memories of his mother.

Glorfindel and Indil lived next door to Celebrían and it was at her house they were married. Although it was a small wedding and feast, Indil was happy because it was so intimate. She knew Glorfindel was not one to enjoy lavish festivities and was happier with it being a small celebration. As long as she was marrying Glorfindel, Indil did not care how or where they were married. She had grown to love him even more strongly each day and becoming his wife was an answer to all of her dreams.

Now she was with child and her feelings were conflicted. She was excited and happy, but she worried how it would make others feel. Most of their friends were still in Middle Earth and no one knew what was to happen. She did not want to bring a child into such sorrow, yet she felt family was more important than anything else was. She knew that a child would help heal her heart, but she worried how her friends that had lost children so recently would feel. She would have to tell them soon because her body was already beginning to change.

"Indil, I do not know why you are so concerned," Glorfindel said drawing her to him. "It is completely natural for married couples to have children. Do you wish we had waited?"

"No. It is just..." she paused. "They have lost their children so recently, I feel as if it is unfair to them somehow."

Glorfindel sighed. They had discussed this matter before, but both had wanted a child and he saw no reason to wait. He knew she longed for a child as well.

"I think our friends will be very happy for us. They have had children. Celebrían still has children. I am sure they would not want to deny us this joy." Glorfindel kissed her lovingly.

"I know you are right. I just do not know how to tell them."

"We could wait until they notice the swelling of your stomach and ask," he teased.

"Can we? Please?" Indil laughed when he rolled his eyes. "Fine. I will tell them today. Will that make you happy?"

"There is something that would make me very happy," Glorfindel said in a sultry voice that gave her shivers.

"Glorfindel, I have just gotten dressed," she admonished him, playfully evading his hands.

"I do not know why you even bother anymore," he said as he grabbed her and brought her into his embrace.

~~~~~

When she finally told Celebrían and Taravil, both were thrilled much to her relief. She saw no signs of hesitance in their outbursts of well wishing. Feeling a huge weight had been lifted off her shoulders, Indil allowed herself to feel the happiness that had been threatening to explode for two months.

"I remember Glorfindel enjoyed being with my children when they were small." Celebrían recalled with a smile. "Although as they grew up, the twins tended to get into mischief and Erestor and Glorfindel attempted to prevent them from being caught by Elrond. Finally, Glorfindel gave up. I had heard that Erestor is still trying to prevent the twins from misbehaving or at least from being caught. And with Elladan, that means a constant watch."

Indil laughed. She had heard stories of Elrond and Celebrían's children from both her and Glorfindel. She was already fond of the twins.

"I cannot imagine having twins. Legolas was a very well-behaved child but brothers usually means trouble and twins can only be worse," Taravil smiled. "Perhaps you will have twin boys Indil. At least Glorfindel will have some training with them."

Indil gasped as she looked at her. "Do not dare say such a thing. I am afraid he would return to Middle Earth, if he knew I was to have twins." She shuddered.

"My sons may have been mischievous, but they brought as much joy as they did havoc." Celebrían smiled proudly.

Indil and Taravil smiled at her, knowing how proud she was of her sons. Celebrían rarely discussed Arwen. The grief was too near. Indil had spent countless hours with both Taravil and Celebrían comforting them about their lost children. Tears welled up in her eyes when she thought how relieved she was that her child would not be born in Middle Earth.

~~~~~

"I want a little girl," Glorfindel said quietly. They were lying in bed snuggled together.

"A girl?" Indil turned to look at him. "I thought you would have wanted to have a boy."

"No. I think twins cured me of any desires to have boys." Glorfindel chuckled. "Besides, I wish to have a beautiful girl who looks like her mother."

"What if she favors you?"

"Then we shall never marry her off and I will keep my daughter to myself."
 
Indil shook her head at her husband's comment. He honestly had no idea how beautiful he was. But that was fine. He was arrogant enough without knowing that, she thought to herself with a smile.

"I do not care as long as our baby is happy and healthy," Indil sighed. "I just wish we did not have to wait so long for him to arrive."

"Him?" He chuckled. "Are you sure you are not wishing for a boy?"

"Perhaps." Smiling mischievously, Indil said, "Perhaps we will be blessed with twin boys."

Glorfindel groaned. When she giggled, he tickled her side. Rolling above her, he glared down at her.

"Do not tease about those things. You would not laugh if it truly happened."

"I would love two little boys just like you." Indil pulled him to her for a kiss.

~~~~~

Indil woke up when she heard him moan. Reaching out, she felt his sweat covered back and sat up quickly.

"Glorfindel, wake up. You are having a nightmare." Indil attempted to shake him.

Quicker than she could have imagined possible, he jerked awake and grabbed her arms roughly. His eyes were flashing with anger and he seemed to not even know who she was. When his fingers bruised her flesh, she let out a small cry.

His senses returning to him, Glorfindel looked at her in horror as he let go of her arms. Gently, he drew her to him and held her close.

"Indil, my love, forgive me. I did not mean to hurt you. I was dreaming and ... when you woke me, I did not even realize..." he said, his voice heavy with guilt.

Indil shushed him and she stroked his sweat dampen hair. As she kissed his face repeatedly and continued to stroke his hair, his breathing eventually calmed.

"Glorfindel, I had hoped these nightmares had stopped," she whispered, concerned.

"I had thought so as well," Glorfindel said sadly.

"What did you dream this time?"

Glorfindel's nightmares when he left Middle Earth had been constant. Indil thought that perhaps it was the guilt of leaving, as well as feeling both happy and safe in Aman that was causing these nightmares. When they were first married, they grew more frequent and worse. He had finally admitted, after a few nights, that they had started soon after they left Middle Earth.

The nightmares of what had happened in the past haunted him most often, but the worst nights were when he dreamt of what was happening there now to those left behind. There were nights when he would leave the bed when he thought she was asleep. She knew that he had stayed awake many nights to avoid the thoughts of his subconscious mind. Eventually her presence with him at night soothed him and over time the nightmares came less often and were not as horrible. When she became pregnant, they had stopped. Indil had hoped that they would not return.

"Glorfindel, what was it? What did you dream this time?" she asked quietly.

He was quiet so long; she thought that once again he would not tell her.  Most of the time, he would not speak of what haunted him other than to say if it was memories of the past or fears of the present. Tonight, he was even more unwilling to speak of it. He lay back down and she watched him until he finally looked at her. Seeing her concern for him, he reluctantly told her what he had dreamed.

"I was back in Imladris and I could see the Nazgul flying overhead. And it was dark and cold. The air was thick and hard to breathe. Then a little girl came running through the garden laughing. And she was so beautiful and pure, so untouched by evil, that she was like a ray of sunshine through the clouds."

Glorfindel paused and Indil watched his eyes. The sorrow in them was heart wrenching to her.

"Her laughter was like music that floated through the air. She ran to me, her golden curls floating behind her. She was such a vision of happiness; she was like nothing I had ever seen before. When I bent down to pick her up, I saw Arwen watching us. She was smiling sadly. Then I heard the screech of the fell beasts above and Arwen looked up at them and started weeping. When I picked up the little girl, she was..." Glorfindel stopped and ran a hand through his hair unwilling to look at her.

"She was what, Glorfindel?"
 
He shook his head and lay silently for a long time before he whispered, "She was dead. Like the others."

Indil lay down and held him to her tightly. "Glorfindel, it was a nightmare, nothing more. Our child will never have to be in Middle Earth."

Falling

27th Day of September
Fourth Age, Year 88
Tirion

"I think I have never tasted wine this good before," Elladan smiled.

"You say that every time," Rumil laughed.

Elladan looked offended. "I say it every time because each bottle is better than the one before it."

"Especially after three bottles," Elrohir smirked.

"You are very correct, my tyrant brother. If I were to drink another, I am sure it would be better than this one," Elladan said with a hiccup. Leaning forward, he put his arm around Airemír. "At least Airemír appreciates my taste in wine."

Airemír's blush could be seen even by the firelight and Laurëanna smiled. Elrohir was sitting on the blanket and she was curled up with her head in his lap. Elladan had been entertaining them all for the last hour.

"But I drink for my heart was truly broken when the one that I loved married another," Elladan said sadly.

"Here it comes." Elrohir winked at Laurëanna.

"I feel sure that Laurëanna thought she was marrying me rather than he. She is still confused as to which of us she loves. She sees him, but she yearns for me."

Laurëanna laughed. Elladan said this every time he had been drinking. It had become a custom with him.

"Tell me Elrohir, does she cry out my name when she dreams? For I feel certain, she dreams only of my fair face." Elladan smiled brightly. "As do all of the fairer sex, I am sure. Airemír, do you dream of me as well?"

"I dream of you Elladan," Rumil said quietly. Everyone turned to look at him. "Every night I dream that you will think of something more original to say or will at least grow weary of this love affair with yourself."

Everyone laughed.

"Envy, Rumil, is so typical of the Lórien elves." Elladan smiled smugly. Airemír promptly slapped him on the arm. "I meant typical of the Lórien males. They know secretly that all Lórien maidens prefer Imladris lords."

Airemír glared at him until he held her hand to his mouth and kissed it. She blushed crimson again before Elladan's attention was diverted again.

"That is why there is no lady love for you, Elladan. There is no room in your heart for love of another besides yourself." Rumil chuckled. Elladan scowled at him.

"Elladan, perhaps you have had enough to drink. I do not think you can walk back to the manor anymore," Elrohir said as he confiscated the bottle from Elladan's hands.

"First my lady love, now my wine. Oh, you are a tyrant." Elladan smirked.

"Why have you suddenly begun to refer to my husband as a tyrant?" Laurëanna smiled.

Rumil and Elladan snickered as they looked at Elrohir waiting for him to answer. Elrohir smiled slightly.

"Your mother called your father and I over-demanding tyrants last night."

Laurëanna looked shocked as the others laughed. "My mother? My mother never says things like that. Especially not to my father."

"Your mother can be very intimidating if she wants to be and she is not afraid of your father, I might add." Elrohir smirked. "She was quite...umm..."

"Frightening? Terrifying?" Elladan laughed "Which word were you searching for, Elrohir? You were quite pale when you came home last night."

"Angry is the word I was looking for Elladan." Elrohir glared at his laughing brother.

"I cannot imagine Lady Indil saying something like that or even being angry." Airemír smiled. "I wish I could have seen it though. I cannot imagine anyone standing up to Lord Glorfindel, especially not one as small as your mother. Perhaps you have not inherited all of your outspoken personality traits from your father, Laurëanna."

"I will say in her defense that Lady Indil was completely correct. I was being an over-demanding tyrant with my beautiful wife," Elrohir said bending down to kiss Laurëanna's forehead. "I had intended to make it up to her today but I had a group of guests to entertain instead."

"Is he trying to imply we should leave?" Elladan said looking at Rumil. Rumil shrugged, yet neither moved. Elladan smiled brightly at Elrohir.

Elrohir sighed and Laurëanna held back her laughter at his frustration. He had been encouraging Elladan to leave for the better half of the night.

Airemír stood and brushed the sand from her dress. "Rumil, Elladan, why do you not walk me back to the manor?"

Rumil stood and began gathering the empty wine bottles. Elladan just rolled on his back moaning, "But I am having a good time.  I do not want to return to the manor yet. We can go swimming or play in the sand. It is still early."

"We could bury you in the sand Elladan, that would be entertaining," Elrohir said standing up.

Grabbing Elladan's arms, Elrohir pulled him to his feet. Nudging him in Rumil's direction, he said, "Now you run along to bed. It is time for the grown ups to talk."

"Why do I get saddled with him every time?" Rumil groaned. "You half elves cannot handle your wine."

Elrohir gave Rumil a menacing look and Rumil sighed, grabbing Elladan's arm as he was slightly wavering. Airemír came and put her arm around Elladan as the three went back to the manor.

"Your brother." Laurëanna shook her head.

"It is embarrassing that people say they cannot tell us apart." Elrohir sighed. "He is the one acting like a fool."

"And he is not as desirable as you are my love." Laurëanna stood and put her arms around him. "Now that we are alone, what it is it you wish to talk about?"

"I do not wish to talk very much. Only words of love in your ear as I ravish your body," Elrohir said grasping her closely to him.

"Fine. After we swim, you can ravish me," Laurëanna said moving out of his arms.

"Swim?" Elrohir said, annoyed. "I do not wish to swim."

Laurëanna began to walk towards the water. After a few feet, she pulled her dress over her head and dropped it on the sand. Elrohir, seeing her walking in all her glory, smiled then cursed as he made sure that Elladan and Rumil were far enough away to not see her.  He hastily undressed and chased after her. Hearing him behind her, she laughed and ran to the water. He caught her and, picking her up, walked the rest of the way into the water.

"You should not walk completely bare on this beach with my somewhat unscrupulous brother and his friend lurking about," Elrohir admonished her.

"It is not as if they would hide behind the bushes to see me. Elladan knows you would kill him and Rumil has known me all of my life. He has seen me completely bare before," Laurëanna teased as she floated to the deeper water.

"Yes, but you were a small child then. You are not a child any longer. I do not wish him to see you in this form," he said splashing her. He laughed at her look of outrage as she splashed him back. They swam and played in the waves for a long time, enjoying the carefree moments they were together.

~~~~

Elrohir wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her wet body against his with a smile. She smiled back as she wrapped her arms around his neck. The water was swaying against his bare thighs as he lifted her up.

"Elrohir, what are you doing?" Laurëanna said, surprised, as he pulled her leg around his waist.

"What does it feel like I am doing?" he asked, kissing her throat.

"It feels like we are going to fall over," she said glancing nervously at the waves.

"I will not let you fall," Elrohir said kissing her deeply.

Smiling, she asked him, "Do you promise?"

"Yes."

Laurëanna kissed him lovingly.  Wrapping her arms tightly around his neck, she ran her tongue over his bottom lip teasingly. Reaching down, he cupped her buttocks and lifted her completely off her feet.  She wrapped her legs around his waist as she leaned forward to lightly bite his ear. Her lips searched for the overly sensitive place behind his ear that she had discovered early on in her many explorations of his body. She knew it would make him even more aroused as she lightly sucked on the spot.

Holding her up with one hand under her buttocks and the other around her waist, he gave in to her torment and moaned. Laurëanna knew every inch of his body and memorized every detail; therefore, she drove him wild with passion with the slightest touch. His breathing quickened as she buried her hands in his hair and lightly pulled his head back. Running her tongue lightly along his jaw line, she pressed her body against his, eliciting another moan from him.  Sensuously, she kissed her way back to his mouth.

Elrohir met her lips in a fiery kiss as their tongues dueled for dominance. As always, she allowed him to control her pleasure and surrendered, knowing he would satisfy her every want and need. The sounds of the ocean were in concert with the waves of passion crashing over her.

He could taste the salty water on her as his lips glided sensuously over the tender skin on her neck. Lifting her higher, he dropped his mouth to her breast. Laurëanna moaned as he ran his tongue over it, teasing her. She tangled her hands in his hair pulling his mouth closer. As he continued to tease her, he chuckled as she tried to bring him even closer still, arching her back in pleasure. Elrohir tried to stop her.

"Laurëanna!"

Off balance, the next wave knocked them both down.  Elrohir quickly stood up and pulled her from the water. She began laughing as soon as she looked at his frustrated face.

"I thought you said you would not let me fall," she laughed.

"I did not think you were going to tip us over," Elrohir said, grabbing her to him playfully.

Wrapping her arms around his neck, Laurëanna kissed him. "Well, you distracted me."

"The wave crashing down on us has distracted me. I am beginning to think that I am unable to make love to my wife anymore."

"You have never had that problem before. Perhaps you should speak to your father about this. He might be able to cure this ailment," she teased.

"I do not mean I am not capable of it," Elrohir said slapping her behind. "I mean forces are working against me. Every time I try to make love to you, I am interrupted by some unforeseen event. And bringing my father into this discussion is not helping matters."

"Are you certain you are still capable of it?" Leaving his arms, she winked as she walked backwards out of the water to the beach.

Elrohir smiled as he watched her. The moonlight was glistening on her wet skin and her hair clung to her, making her look as if she were a beautiful creature of the sea.

"Perhaps you need to rest before you try again. You do look a little winded. I did not mean to tire you out with all of that swimming." Laurëanna smirked, still taunting him.

"I am not the least bit tired. I was more worried about you, my love." He walked in her direction slowly.

"Why are you worried about me?" she said watching him cautiously.

"It has been three days."

"Yes, and?"

"The last two nights you have fallen asleep quite easily. And..."

"You are concerned I would fall asleep on you while we were making love?" She smiled. "I could never do that."

Elrohir grinned.

"You are much too loud to sleep through," Laurëanna said crossing her arms over her chest.

Elrohir stopped in his tracks and looked at her seriously. As he continued to study her intensely, her smile faded thinking him angry and she began to look concerned.  He continued to glare at her and she squirmed visibly. He walked to her as if he were stalking his prey.

"Forgive me, I should not jest like that. I am just..." She looked at him and saw he was restraining his laughter.  She playfully hit him on the arm. "Oh, you are incorrigible."

"Yes but you love me." Elrohir swept her into his arms.

"Yes. I do. I love you more than I thought possible," she said softly as she traced the outline of his face. "I feel like I have been blessed with the most wonderful gift."

Elrohir watched her for a moment. All of the playfulness as well as the passionate embraces had stopped. As he held her, he realized what he was losing in a few short days and his chest tightened. When she looked at him and her tears started to fall, he pulled her into his arms and held her tightly.

"No, I am the one who has been blessed, Laurëanna. I had lived many years before I met you, but I was never alive until I loved you," he said softly in her ear. She began to sob and it tore at his heart.

"Laurëanna, my love, do not cry. I do not want to spend the remaining days with you weeping or unhappy. I want you to know how much I love you and enjoy our happiness together," he said pulled her face up to look at him. "I am afraid when you meet me in Middle Earth, you will not love me as much. I must make sure you leave remembering how much we are in love and how happy we are now."

"Why will I not love you? I have loved you since the first day I met you. How could I possibly not love you knowing how happy you have made me?" she asked confused.

When Elrohir looked away, she saw the pain in his face. Laurëanna watched him as he walked to where the water splashed against his ankles.

"Is that why you are concerned, Elrohir? Not that you will resist me because of the seriousness of the times, but that I will not love you?"

"I am not the same as I was. I was vengeful, dangerous, and full of anger. When I think of who I was then, I do not feel I deserve you. My sole existence revolved around killing," Elrohir said not looking at her. "Part of me wishes to warn you away from my former self for you are owed more than that. But the selfish part of me needs to know you will still be able to love me. Perhaps you will be able to pull me from the darkness at last as you have done here. Middle Earth is not Aman though. And I am no longer him."

Laurëanna walked to stand behind him and wrapping her arms around his waist, she laid her head on his back. They were both quiet just listening to the waves.

"Elrohir, my love for you will not end. No matter how dark your past is, I know your heart."

He turned in her arms and placed his hands lightly on her face. "But I will not know your heart and I fear I might break it."

Laurëanna smiled slightly then stood on the tips of her toes to kiss him. "I have always trusted you with my heart. I will never distrust you. You cannot persuade me not to love you."

Elrohir smiled gently feeling overwhelmed by her love for him. While he did not understand how she could love him as much as she did, he happily accepted it.

She ran her hands over his chest lightly.  "Now, I suggest you take me back to the fire and make mad, passionate love to me before we are interrupted again. With your luck of late, my warrior prince, Ulmo himself will rise out of the water to stop us if you delay."

Elrohir chuckled. Stroking her shoulders, he smiled at her as she watched his gray eyes grow stormy with desire.  He lowered his mouth to hers stealing her breath away with a passionate kiss.  He picked her up and carried her back to their fire as she kissed him continuously.

Laying Laurëanna down on the blanket, he rested on her, half covering her body as he kissed her fiercely. Faintly brushing his hand down her neck, he began torturing her ear with his tongue, loving the way it made her squirm. He leisurely kissed down her neck as his hand moved from her neck along the line of her shoulders. Kissing her lips again, his hand swept between her breasts without touching them and onto her stomach.

Laurëanna was going mad with desire. She buried her hand in his hair and tried to move her body against his. His hand on her stomach prevented her from moving. Her frustration only added to his desire.

"Elrohir, make love to me," she whispered when he released her lips.

Elrohir kissed along her jaw line before whispering in her ear. "Patience." He smiled at her soft groan of frustration.

His hand was again stroking her velvety skin. She tried once again to press her body against his. He altered his position so he was lying with his leg draped over hers and his upper body lying over her arm; pinning her to lay beneath him, completely under his control. He sucked her lip in between his own then reclaimed her mouth and his tongue found hers, stroking her mouth to ecstasy. Laurëanna welcomed his sweet invasion as her tongue danced with his, wanting more. Once again, he released her mouth and kissed his way to her tender throat.

Lazily, Elrohir swirled his tongue on her heated skin, awakening her senses until her body was tingling.  He sensuously sucked her warm silky flesh marking her with signs of his passion. Laurëanna ran her free hand down from the powerful muscles of his chest to his sleek abdomen but he would let her go no further.

"Elrohir, I want you," Laurëanna whispered urgently.

"Not enough," Elrohir murmured, still kissing and sucking on her neck. "Want me more."

As he once again gently nibbled her shoulders, Laurëanna moaned in frustrated desire. Elrohir ran his hand slowly and provocatively down her body.

"Please, Elrohir," Laurëanna whispered desperately.

"Want me more," Elrohir said in a deep passion-filled voice.
 
Laurëanna drew in a gasping breath as he hungrily sucked on her skin as her fingers intertwined in his wet hair. When she wrapped her leg around his thigh, she brushed her stomach against his heated skin and he moaned deep in his throat.

"I want you."

"Want me more," he commanded

"Please, Elrohir! I need you to make love to me," she pleaded in a husky voice.

Still caressing her, he looked to her turbulent eyes. "You need me?"

"Yes," she whispered.

Elrohir moved fluidly between her thighs. Allowing her to guide him, he eased into her.  They both moaned, then he captured her mouth seeking the sweetness within. He paused a brief moment for control as he felt her heat envelope him.

As he stroked into her, she wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him with aggressive plunges of her tongue into the hot reaches of his mouth.  The faster her tongue mated with his, the faster his thrusts were deep inside her.  She released his mouth gasping for air.  His lunged into her forcefully as she moaned in ecstasy.

"Laurëanna, open your eyes. Look at me," Elrohir commanded.

Her hungry eyes met his as she bit her lip trying to refrain from screaming in rapture. Elrohir loved to watch his wife overwhelmed with pleasure, knowing he was the source of it.  As he continued his blissful filling of her, she stroked his solid back, feeling the muscles tightening underneath his heated skin.  She dropped her hands lower still to his rising and falling buttocks.

Elrohir watched as her passion built, pushing her closer and closer to the edge.  Finally, she cried out in abandonment as her release came and dug her nails into his hips as she arched up to meet his thrusts. Kissing her, Elrohir succumbed to their passion as well.

Completely spent, neither could move for some time. They just kissed each other lovingly. Finally he lay back and she curled up beside him.

"Melethronen, that was magnificent," Laurëanna said draping her arm across his waist. "I am overjoyed you were not interrupted this time. I think I would have had to murder someone if they had."

Elrohir chuckled and kissed the top of her head.  He pulled a blanket over them and she snuggled tight against him.

Laurëanna whispered, "Gerich velethen."

He replied, "Gerich velethen, Melethrilen." He smiled gently. He soon felt her even breathing as she fell asleep. Unable to resist the peacefulness he felt, he fell asleep soon after.

~~~~~

Elrohir woke the next morning and, watching her sleep for a few moments, once again feeling tormented. Sliding out of her embrace, he stood and, finding his clothes strewn around them, he dressed silently. Afterwards, he watched the ocean for a long time.

Laurëanna felt cold and alone when she woke up. Looking around, she saw Elrohir watching the water.

"Melethen, it is still early," she said sleepily as she watched him.

"No. Dawn has already broken. This darkness is not natural," Elrohir said quietly as he turned around.

Laurëanna looked at him sadly realizing how short their time was growing. In seven days, she would be leaving. She slowly stood up and dressed as he watched her. Both gathered the blankets and walked back to the manor silently hand in hand.

~~~~~

In the midmorning, they returned to Tirion. Rumil and Airemír had gone home and Elladan had returned to Lord Elrond's house.  Elrohir and Laurëanna went to see her parents and Indil was very affectionate to her daughter while Glorfindel seemed almost cold to her. Laurëanna felt hurt by his stubbornness.

Indil watched the distance grow between Laurëanna and Glorfindel, but did not know how to make things right. Finally, unable to stand the tension, Laurëanna said they needed to go see Thranduil and Taravil to discuss her seeing Legolas. Indil sadly said farewell to her.

"How long will you push her away, Glorfindel?" Indil said from the doorway.

Glorfindel looked up surprised.  "What do you mean? I am not pushing anyone away."

"You push Laurëanna away every time she comes near you now. Do you think you will stop feeling this pain in your heart by hurting her? Or are you closing your heart to her to ease your own suffering?" Indil responded. "I watch you and I want to scream at you. I see your attempts to make things easier on yourself by any means. I understand your feelings. I am losing her as well. Do not be so selfish that you push her completely out of your life before she leaves us," Indil said.  She left the room, walking down the hall to their bedroom.

Glorfindel felt anger burning inside him but resisted his urge to follow her.  He knew she was right but he did not know what to say anymore.

~~~~~

"Laurëanna. Elrohir. Come in. I am so pleased to see you," Taravil said as they walked into their home.

"Taravil, it is wonderful to see you as well. We have not seen you since..." Laurëanna trailed off. Taravil looked at her sadly and touched her arm.

Elrohir and Laurëanna followed her inside then Elrohir went to talk to Thranduil while Taravil spoke with Laurëanna. The two of them sat together on a settee in their parlor.

Taravil reached behind her neck and unclasped the necklace she was wearing. Giving it to Laurëanna, she smiled.

"I have not taken that off a day since Legolas was born and Thranduil gave it to me. Legolas will know that only I could have given it to you."

Laurëanna looked down at the delicate gold necklace. The pendant was a small leaf with a gem that was a unique shade of green.  She nodded and Taravil helped her put the necklace on for safekeeping.

"If he is still unsure, remind him of the words I last spoke to him when I left Middle Earth. The two of us were alone when I said them, so only I could have told you this." Taravil had tears in her eyes as she said softly, "Listen to the sea and you will hear my prayers for our swift reunion."

Laurëanna smiled and squeezed Taravil's hand. "Hopefully, you will have that reunion now."

Even as she said it, Laurëanna wondered if she would have a reunion with her mother. The thought of not seeing her for awhile hurt Laurëanna deeply. She loved her father terribly, but the bond with her mother was somewhat different. Glorfindel still looked at her as a child to love and protect. Her mother looked at her as an adult who needed to spread her wings if she wished to fly.

"Laurëanna." Taravil smiled. "My son will protect you as will Elrohir and Elladan. I know this in my heart. And when the ring is destroyed, Elrohir will bring you to see your parents again. You will not be without them for long."

"Yes, but it will not be the same." Laurëanna voice was sad as she reminded Taravil, "I am not allowed to say anything to them about now. They will not know who they are to me or who I am to them."

"My child, I cannot speak for a father but a mother knows her child.  Your mother may not understand it, but she will know you in her heart." Taravil stroked Laurëanna's hair. "The bond between a mother and her child is so strong, nothing can change that."

Laurëanna nodded and hoped Taravil was correct.

Tears welled up in Taravil's eyes. "Laurëanna, I must ask a favor and pardon me if it seems selfish. I know it is not your task to do this, but will you please tell Legolas how much I love him? Tell him how proud of him I am and that one day does not go by without me missing him."

Laurëanna leaned forward and hugged her. After a few moments, Taravil pulled back with a smile.

"You are so like your mother. Her compassionate and caring nature is the reason we are friends. She reached out to me as you are. Your mother always had an open heart and you do as well." Taravil smiled. "If I did not love Elrohir so much, I would wish that Legolas would fall in love with you."

Laurëanna laughed. "I am very flattered but there is only one for me. I just have to make sure that he knows in the past that there is only one for him as well."

Standing, Taravil put her arm around Laurëanna's shoulders. The two walked through the house out to the courtyard where Thranduil and Elrohir sat talking.

Taravil leaned over and whispered to her, "He will know."

Seeing the two of them standing there, Thranduil and Elrohir rose. The four sat down and Thranduil and Taravil told Laurëanna some of the things they felt she needed to know about Mirkwood, if asked. Laurëanna worried that she would forget all of these things and someone would see through her lies. Knowing she would have to lie to those she loved was difficult. She had never lied to her parents or her husband and now her whole life would be a lie.

Thranduil came to Laurëanna and embraced her.

"Be safe, Laurëanna. You have all of our prayers to guide you. Tell Legolas I said to be brave and true, but to return to me soon," Thranduil whispered in her ear and she nodded.

As they were leaving, Elrohir put his arm around her waist. "Are you all right?"

"No. It seems like time is moving so swiftly and I cannot seem to keep up. I have so much to do and I do not feel I have enough time to do it all."

"I know. I feel the same way. Time is moving faster every day," Elrohir sighed.

"We need to go back to my parents house. I need to speak to them as well as your parents and Elladan. There is something I need to discuss with all of you," Laurëanna said looking at him seriously.

"What is it?" Elrohir asked concerned.

The two of them were near a courtyard with a beautiful fountain, so Laurëanna took his hand and led him to the fountain. She decided it was best to discuss it with him before the others.

"Laurëanna, what is it?" Elrohir asked again.

"I spoke with Eönwë. He came to see me because I made a request of the Valar and he came to tell me Manwë's decision." Laurëanna looked at him and said, "I asked the Valar that when the time came and each of you returned to Aman, you would be allowed to remember who I am and our past."

"Did they agree?"

"Yes."

Elrohir grabbed her into a tight embrace as he kissed her repeatedly. She pulled away slightly and said, "Wait. Please listen."

"You have to make the choice before I go and it cannot be changed no matter what happens." Laurëanna looked down for a moment before returning her eyes to his. "Even if I die in Middle Earth, if you choose now to remember me, you will regardless."

Elrohir looked stunned. She continued, "And if your path changes and we are not together, you will still know.  My parents will remember their lives together even if they are not married or if they are married to someone else when they come here.  The decision you make now cannot be changed."

He was silent for a moment and she looked away. Looking at her, he reached over and brushed his hand across her cheek. She looked up and he was smiling.

"I would rather remember the few years we have been together and suffer the pain of our parting again than forget how much I love you. And if I am too stubborn to love you in Middle Earth, perhaps these memories will knock some sense into my hard head." He leaned over and kissed her. "Yet do not fear, my beloved. You will be mine when these memories come back to me and they will only add to the new ones we will create. I will be allowed to fall in love with you all over again in Middle Earth and I would hate to not recall the first time."

Laurëanna laughed and put her arms around his neck. He held her for a long time before she sat back.

"Well, you are a fool if you think you will come to Aman without being with me. If you do not fall in love with me in Middle Earth," she grinned mischievously, "I will stab you with your own sword while you sleep." He chuckled before kissing her passionately.

~~~~~

When they returned to her parents' house, Elrohir went to get his parents and brother. Laurëanna went inside and, seeing her mother, ran over and wrapped her arms around her tightly. Indil stroked her hair and asked what was wrong.

"I just worry that I may not see you for sometime when I arrive in Middle Earth and I will miss you," Laurëanna said softly. "I cannot imagine not seeing you almost every day."

"I know. I worry about that as well," Indil said, drawing Laurëanna to the couch to sit with her.

"Yes but you will not even know to miss me. I will know. I will miss both of you. But I will most likely see Ada before you. I am not sure I can explain why we need to go quickly to the Gray Havens when the ring is destroyed without an explanation. We will return to Imladris, for that is Elrohir and Elladan's home. Even then, who is to say that Ada will even want to get to know me," Laurëanna sighed. "Everyone has said that he is rather distant from the others in the city. Why would he not be so with me as well?"

"Because, my darling, he will see something in you so like himself that he will be drawn to you without reason." Indil smiled.

"Taravil says that you will know me no matter what. She says a mother knows her child." Laurëanna looked at her mother hopefully. Tears swelled in Indil's eyes as she nodded.

"I will know you. My heart will know you, as will my fëa, even if my mind does not understand." Indil stroked Laurëanna's cheek. "How could I forget my beautiful baby girl?"

Both held each other tightly as tears streamed down their faces. Glorfindel walked into the room and silently watched them. His heart was full of love, yet feeling as if it were being ripped to shreds. Before he could say anything, there was a knock at the door. He moved to let Lord Elrond, Celebrían, and the twins into the house. Celebrían looked at Laurëanna and Indil's tears and quickly asked what was wrong.

"I need to tell you all something and I thought it would be easier to tell you all together." Laurëanna rose to stand with Elrohir as the other sat down. Everyone glanced around nervously.

"Do not worry Glorfindel. Elrohir cannot steal your daughter from you twice," Elladan teased trying to lighten the mood. Glorfindel smiled slightly as the others laughed.

Once again, Laurëanna explained her request and the decision of the Valar.

"That is wonderful news, Laurëanna." Celebrían smiled.

"There is one thing though," Laurëanna replied, looking at her parents. "If you make the choice to remember, you will no matter what happens. If you two do not marry one another, you will still know everything. If I die..."

Glorfindel surprised everyone when he got up and left the room, slamming the door to the balcony.  Stunned silence filled the room. Indil recovered first and got up to follow him.

"No, Naneth. Let me speak to him," Laurëanna said and went outside.

Glorfindel was standing with his hands on the railing looking down and did not look up when she came out. His thick hair had fallen forward and she could barely see his saddened face.

"Are you going to keep doing this?" Laurëanna said softly. "Keep running from the truth. Or are you trying to punish me for doing this by making me feel like you are disappointed in me?"

"Laurëanna..." Glorfindel started but did not look at her. "It's just hard. I cannot explain it...you would not understand..."

"I would not understand? What would I not understand Ada? The sadness that our lives have been ripped apart? The fear that all of this pain might be for nothing? The heartbreak of knowing things will never be as they are now? Tell me Ada, what would I not understand?" Laurëanna exclaimed.

"I am losing everything for this. You are losing me but in a few days you will not even remember me. I cease to exist to you. I have to continue to live knowing what I have lost. You do not." Laurëanna replied looking at him, desperate for some understanding.

"Do you think it is easier for me to not know what I am missing?" Glorfindel finally looked at her, hurt written in his eyes. "I can barely even breath at the thought that soon I will forget you, your mother, our family.  I cannot protect you in Middle Earth and now I know that I can get these memories back, but even then there is a price. I might remember it when it is too late. Too late because you have died before I even knew you. Or too late because your mother has married another. "

"Then make the choice not to remember," Laurëanna said softly. Glorfindel looked away and laughed bitterly.

"Do you not see? There is no way for us to make it through this and ever be back to what we are now. Is it wrong for me to feel angry that the Valar have done this to us? I would rather fight all of the forces of Mordor by myself than let you return to Middle Earth but you could not live with the guilt that others would die."

"Could you?"

"Yes," Glorfindel replied looking at her. "Yes, I could. I would do all I could to prevent it. In the end though, I would rather keep you safe and live with the guilt of their deaths."  Once again, he looked away. "I know that makes me seem heartless but you are my child. It is my duty to protect you and they have taken that ability from me. I have to watch your mother grieve for your loss, knowing that soon we may not even have each other."

Laurëanna studied him for a long time. She was confused how to comfort him or get through to him. Finally, she walked over and put her arms around him. He turned and held her tightly.

"Ada. You know as well as I do that you could not live with the death of another on your conscience. You would try to find some way to save us all even if you were lost in the process." Laurëanna looked up at him.  "I need you to stop doing this. Naneth needs you to be there for her and I need you as well. You cannot protect me, so at least help me get through these next few days. When the ring is destroyed, I will come to Imladris. You will come to know me and when you come here, you will remember everything. And if you and Naneth are not together, you will change that. Things will happen the way they are supposed to happen."

Glorfindel raised his hand to her cheek and whispered, "I love you so much. I cannot accept that I will not know you even as you are fighting to stay alive. I trust Estel, Legolas, and the twins to do what they can to protect you but there is nothing for certain."

"Ada, I could die here in days when Sauron arrives. You could die as well. Do you think that if the Dark Lord comes here you are guaranteed to live long enough to protect Naneth and I from harm? There is no other way. At least this way, we have a chance to once again find each other," she replied. "Now, please, be there for Naneth. She needs you to be strong for her. She only pretends to be so strong. She's really tenderhearted underneath. She counts on your strength to help her through this."

Glorfindel nodded. "I feel as if I have let everyone down. I have been horrible to you and your mother both."

"Yes. Luckily for you, I am used to a temperamental husband," Laurëanna laughed. "You have spoiled Naneth. She actually thinks you are very even tempered most of the time."

Glorfindel smirked. "I am. Most of the time. Its just my daughter tends to bring out the worst in me. I think the last time I was this difficult is when you fell in love with that troublemaker."

"It could have been worse Ada."

"How?"

"I could have loved Elladan." Laurëanna smiled.

Glorfindel thought for a moment. "I honestly do not know which is worse." 

The two of them laughed.

A/N Thanks for all of the reviews! Rating and reviewing me is the best way to let me know what you think and I value your input. Thanks once again to my lovely beta and wonderful new friend, Ellisk. Your help has proven to be invaluable. Thanks to the gang for being supportive! And of course, thanks to Tolkien for creating elves and letting me play in his world. I am making no money doing so.

Elvish sayings:
Le melon – I love you
Melethen - My love
Melethrilen - my beloved -feminine
Melethronen - my beloved -masculine
Gerich velethen – You have my love
Laurëanna – Golden Gift
Indil – Iris

9th Day of October
Fourth Age, Year 26
Tirion, Aman

 Glorfindel tried to hide his smile as he watched Indil struggle to rise from her spot on the bench. She was so swollen with child that she was horribly out of balance. He thought she looked beautiful though. She caught him watching her and gave him a dirty look.

“Stop your amused glances. Your son is being horribly active today,” Indil said, pressing her hands against her aching back.

“My daughter is ready to come into the world,” he smiled.

Celebrían looked at Taravil and said, “I will be so glad when this child is finally born so we can put this debate behind us. Glorfindel will never admit he is going to have a son until he sees him personally.”

“That is because he is going to have a daughter,” Taravil smiled. “A beautiful baby girl with her mothers sunny disposition and her father’s intuitive nature.”

Glorfindel winked at Taravil then looked back at Indil to gloat. His look grew concerned as he jumped to his feet.

“Indil?” He said, quickly wrapping his arms around her as she leaned into him. She was pale and a sheer glisten of sweat covered her pain stricken face.

“Glorfindel,” she said in a panic filled voice.

“Its all right Indil. Taravil, can you go get the midwife?” Celebrían said calmly. “Glorfindel, you need to help me get her into bed.”

Immediately, he bent down to scoop her into his arms and carried her into their bedroom. Indil had prepared long ago and had extra bedding, blankets, and towels already in the bedroom. While Celebrían rushed around getting water and other supplies, Glorfindel held her hand and smoothed back her hair, trying to keep her calm.

“Glorfindel, I am afraid,” Indil said softly as tears filled her eyes. “What if something goes wrong?”

“Nothing will go wrong. Our child, son or daughter, is going to be healthy. And you will do beautifully,” he smiled. Leaning forward, he kissed her, “Le melon, my sweet Indil.”

A sense of calm washed over her as she looked into his eyes. “Le melon, my golden warrior.”

 ~~~~

 Thranduil thought he would have to sit on Glorfindel before this day was done. Either that or tie him to the chair.

“Glorfindel, you are making me exhausted just watching you,” he sighed.

Glorfindel had been pacing since Thranduil had arrived early this morning. Every once in awhile, he would sit down with a sigh only to jump right back up and start pacing again. Thranduil had tried getting him to drink some wine to calm him but so far he had only taken a few sips before he would resume pacing again.

“This is taking too long. It should not be taking this long,” Glorfindel worried.

“I have already explained to you. Taravil was in labor longer than this with Legolas and Celebrían has reassured you that she was in labor longer than this with Arwen and even longer with the twins. This is the hard part. You must be patient,” Thranduil said again. He almost snickered at the sight of the much-feared Imladris lord acting so frustrated and helpless. Perhaps it was best for all of their kind that Glorfindel had never been married in Middle Earth.

Indil had been in labor since the previous afternoon. Taravil had come to plead with Thranduil to come sit with Glorfindel because he was driving the midwife to madness. Celebrían had tried to order him from the room a few times before Thranduil had arrived. She finally convinced him that he was upsetting Indil so he reluctantly left the room.

Rumil was sitting quietly in the corner. He had arrived a short time before only to be yelled at when he asked how much longer the midwife thought it would be. Glorfindel did not know the answer and was very unhappy about it and made sure that Rumil was aware of his displeasure.

Celebrían came into the room and Glorfindel almost pounced on her.

“Is she well? Is the baby well? What is happening? How much longer does the midwife feel it might be?” He demanded without waiting for answers in between questions.

“Glorfindel, my word, calm down,” Celebrían smiled. “She is fine and the baby appears to be fine. The midwife does not think it will not be too much longer. And Indil told me to tell you that she will not forget the fact that this is all your fault.”

Amused that his wife still had her sense of humor after so many hours of labor, Glorfindel smiled. “Can I at least see her?”

Celebrían hesitated and he grew instantly anxious. “You are not telling me something.”

“I am just concerned because right now…she is more calm than you are. I do not want you to go in there and cause her to be tense again,” Celebrían tried to hide her amusement. Thranduil had to look away for fear that Glorfindel would see his smile.

Looking at the two of them, Glorfindel grew irritated. “Fine. Take amusement from the fact that I am a little anxious.”

Against his wishes and much to his dismay, Rumil’s snort could be heard by all. Luckily, Taravil coming into the hall distracted Glorfindel.

“It will not be much longer. Celebrían, we need you,” Taravil said quickly.

After a few tense minutes, Indil’s pain-filled screams filled the air and both Thranduil and Rumil jumped up to stop Glorfindel from running down the hall.

“It is normal. It is fine,” Thranduil said calmly as he held onto him. Soon they all heard a tiny little cry. Thranduil patted him on the back and said, “The babe is here finally.”

Glorfindel’s heart was racing. When he heard Indil’s pained cry, his heart almost stopped. Now it was racing. After what seemed like an eternity, Celebrían returned to the hallway with a small bundle in her arms. Gently, she laid the bundle in his arms.

“Indil said to tell you that you were correct again,” Celebrían smiled. “Glorfindel, meet your daughter.”

Glorfindel looked at her stunned and whispered, “Indil?”

“She is well. Very tired, but well. We are taking care of her now. Once we are finished, you can bring the babe back and see her.” Celebrían kissed him on the cheek and said, “She is beautiful.”

As Celebrían walked away, Glorfindel took his first look at his child. His chest felt tight, as he looked into the most amazingly beautiful, little face he had ever beheld. Her eyes were closed but after a moment she opened them and the beauty of her blue eyes struck him as they struggled hard to focus on him.

Every feature seemed perfect to him. A long fringe of lashes framed her eyes. Her cheeks were slightly chubby and her skin was the palest shade of pink. Her delicate ears and a dainty mouth with pale ruby lips accented her graceful features. Gently, he stroked the curve of her cheek and was amazed at the soft silkiness of her skin. Her tiny head was crowned with soft down that would soon become golden curls.

He confirmed that she had both ten toes and ten fingers. When he caressed her hand, she latched onto his finger and he watched in awe, as her hand closed and opened tentatively.

“She is beautiful,” Thranduil said quietly, almost startling Glorfindel, who was so fascinated with his daughter that he had forgotten he was not alone.

“Yes, she is,” Rumil agreed. Both were peering down at the child with smiles. After a moment, the two patted him on the shoulder and left him alone with her.

She was looking up at him and he smiled, stroking her cheek. His heart felt like it would explode at any minute. He had never thought it possible to be this happy. His daughter was the reflection of all that is good in the world. So pure and perfect, he could barely believe she was real and not a dream. Her soft, almost lyrical breathing reassured him that she was indeed real.

He did not even notice Taravil when she came to stand beside him. She rubbed his back gently and said, “Indil is ready to see you and her daughter.”

Glorfindel smiled and thanked her. Walking slowly and carefully down the hall to their bedroom, he quietly walked to their bed and sat beside Indil who was propped up on many pillows. Gingerly, he laid the babe in her arms.

“Oh, Glorfindel, she perfect,” Indil whispered tearfully. She looked at him and he kissed her warmly.

“Are you well?” He asked, stroking her cheek with the back of his hand.

She gave him a weary smile. “I am exhausted, but well. Your daughter is as stubborn as you are. I did not think she wished to be born.”

As if sensing herself being discussed, the babe began to cry softly. Indil fed her as Glorfindel watched and soothed her cries. Soon after being fed, the baby fell asleep and he took her so Indil could get some much-needed rest.

 ~~~~

“What shall we name her, Melethen? We must choose something,” Indil sighed. She was tired, having been up every two hours for the last three days.

“I told you to choose one,” Glorfindel said nonchalantly, not even looking up at her. His attention during the babe’s waking hours had almost been focused solely on her.

“Glorfindel,” Indil said, through clenched teeth. “I am tired. I have asked you what you want to name your daughter so unless you want her to be forever know as ‘Glorfindel’s daughter’, I implore you, choose a name.”

Glorfindel looked up surprised. He had not realized she was even upset until her last comment. Regretfully, he realized he had been disregarding her need for attention lately. He put the babe in her cradle and climbed on the bed with his wife, wrapping his arms around her still-tense body.

“I have been a horrible husband and neglecting my tired wife. Forgive me. You have my sole attention now,” he said and caught her mouth with a lingering kiss.

After a few kisses, the tension in her body relaxed as she snuggled into his arms.

“I am not used to having to share your attention with another female,” she smiled.

“I must admit, I am completely enthralled with her. She is an amazing gift you have given me,” he smiled.

After a moment of thought, Indil smiled, “Laurëanna. Her name is Laurëanna.”

Glorfindel kissed her and trailed his fingers down her face gently, just looking into her eyes. “It is perfect. As is she. I am blessed with two beautiful loves now.”

Indil shook her head and giggled. “What have I done to you? Soon, you will burst into song. I will forever be known as the one who turned the great warrior Glorfindel into a minstrel.”

He looked offended then laughed. “No, I will not burst into song. Besides, I have to make sure to keep vigil over that babe, so I must stay intimidating.”

“Why is that? No harm will come to her.” Indil looked at him confused.

“No but when she is older, many ellyn will want to take my daughter from me. I must be prepared for that day.”

“Oh, Glorfindel. Most ellyn will fear that child. Not only will she be your daughter and will most likely have some of your more intimidating traits, but no ellon will want to ask permission from you to wed her. My poor daughter will never marry,” she sighed as she rested her hand on his chest.

“That is perfectly fine with me,” he responded with a laugh.

 ~~~~

Glorfindel woke to the sounds of Laurëanna stirring. Quietly, he rose and checked her cradle. Even though she was awake, she was not crying. Carefully, he picked her up. Since she did not appear to be hungry, he let Indil sleep as he took the babe down the hall and outside to the balcony. Settling into a chair, he looked down at her as she silently watched him. The moon lit up her face and he could clearly see her eyes.

“Well, Laurëanna, you have me all to yourself now. What do you wish to speak about?” He whispered smiling softly. Amused, he realized that he was now talking to her as if he expected her to answer him.

Laurëanna looked at him expectantly. Since Glorfindel made it a practice not to sing, he proceeded to tell her stories. Knowing how her mother loved nature and all growing things, he told her the story of the Two Trees. She continued to look at him as if listening. When he had told his feelings upon seeing the Trees, he noticed her eyes were becoming heavy and she soon fell back asleep before the story was finished.

Glorfindel sat and watched her sleeping peacefully for some time. Her closeness made him feel more peaceful as well. As her mother had introduced him to happiness, she now was introducing him to the peace he had long searched for at last.

~~~~

A Band of Gold

28th Day of September
Fourth Age, Year 88
Tirion, Aman

The following days were spent preparing Laurëanna for Middle Earth as well as preparing Aman to defend against the Dark Lord’s attack if she should fail. Lord Elrond, King Thranduil, and Lady Galadriel were all called to meet with other Elven leaders to discuss strategy of defense. The practice fields were full of ellyn preparing as well. The beaches at Alqualondë were also being studied for any weaknesses and prepared for battle. The city of Tirion swelled with the citizens of Tol Eressëa. The ellyn of the island remained, while the ellith and any children were brought to the city.

None of the citizens except those closest to Laurëanna knew of her part in this. Manwë had decided if she succeeded, the past would fade so no one would even remember this preparation and Laurëanna did not need the extra scrutiny of the other elves. She was grateful for this. As it was, she felt a huge weight on her shoulders that grew heavier each day.

During the early hours of the day, Glorfindel, Elrohir, and Elladan worked with her on her self-defense skills with a sword. They had decided that spending too much time on archery would only hinder any progress with the sword. Even if they had tried to work on her skills with a bow, they would have had a difficult time due to the fact that the archery fields were so full as the Elven warriors refreshed their skills in battle. Rumil was not able to train with her for this reason.

In the afternoons, Laurëanna spent time with her family as well as Taravil and Celebrían. Everyone tried to familiarize her more with various aspects of Middle Earth. Since she was claiming to be from Thranduil’s realm, she was trying to learn more of their history. She already knew much of the history of Imladris, Mithlond, and Lothlórien from tales told by her family as she had grown up but she knew little of Mirkwood, only being exposed to Thranduil on occasion. Taravil had not discussed much of it with her. To Taravil, memories of Mirkwood focused too much on Legolas and reminded her too greatly of her loss. She tried not to discuss the forest at all, even if she could not stop thinking of it.

They decided that it would wisest to say that she was born early in the Third Age, when Thranduil was king and Taravil the queen. She also was to be born after Legolas. Taravil told her who to name as her father and mother if asked. The couple she had suggested had been killed shortly before Taravil had left. They had no known family or any kin in any of the other realms in Middle Earth, therefore, she would not have to worry she would be discovered.

Laurëanna learned much of the dwarves and their history with the Mirkwood elves. She heard the history of Dol Guldur and tales of dragons and great spiders. She was told more than she could possibly remember, she thought to herself.

After the practices in the morning and the afternoon study lesson, Laurëanna would spend the evenings with her friends and family together at her parents’ home. Glorfindel’s mood had become less withdrawn and difficult since the day on the balcony with Laurëanna. He and Indil spent a lot of time with their daughter. At times, Indil would sit with Laurëanna’s head in her lap as she stroked her hair and the two talked quietly. Glorfindel would watch them and his heart would ache. Every night, he would spend hours soothing Indil as she wept. With Laurëanna, Indil was a pillar of strength, as she always had been. Celebrían and Taravil were with Indil in the morning hours to keep her spirits up while Glorfindel was training with Laurëanna.

Rumil and Airemír came to visit as well. Despite the darkness that was now constantly surrounding them, they all tried to enjoy the few days left in hopes that the threat of Sauron would not come to pass. As Eönwë had said, the days became almost as dark as the nights with the sun barely able to break through the gloom spread by the evil threat. The elves that had been in Middle Earth during the War of the Ring grew more and more despondent as once again their old foe had returned. Nightmares, long subdued, came once more, and everyone grew more restless and discouraged.

Galadriel had come to live with Celebrían and Elrond rather than traveling back and forth to Alqualondë when she met daily with the leaders of the Elven armies. Swan Manor had been turned into a haven for the warriors along the coast. The life they had all lived prior to the meeting in Máhanaxar days earlier was now gone. The hope lie with Laurëanna, and the burden was at times too much for her to bear. Most times she quelled her fear in front of others so only Elrohir and her parents saw the torment that she now suffered. All of the years of peace she had lived had come at a high price to her.

At night, she and Elrohir would make love until both were exhausted, then he would hold her throughout the night. Her sleep was now disturbed with nightmares of what her failure would cost everyone. Elrohir worried that she would break under the pressure, so he watched his temper and mood around her. When she was not around, Elladan had seen him lose complete control more than once. Elladan let him rage, knowing how hard it was for him to control his temper for his wife’s sake. He was always there to pull his brother back before Laurëanna returned to him.

Elladan’s heartache was swallowed in order to support Elrohir and Laurëanna in any way he could. Celebrían and Elrond watched sadly as the brothers, once again, had to suffer in silence over matters neither could control. Nightly everyone prayed that Laurëanna would be successful and live through this so they would all be reunited again in Aman. Each of them had made the choice to remember their lives with her. No one had even hesitated when Eönwë had returned to ask each one their choice. Taravil, Thranduil, Rumil and Airemír would not be allowed to make that choice and each regretted it. They comforted themselves with the knowledge that perhaps their loved ones would be with them once again, and felt sure that they would know Laurëanna in Aman once they all returned.

 ~~~~~

On the morning of the ninth day, Elrohir woke to an empty bed. Sliding out of bed, he pulled on a pair of leggings and went to find her. When he did, she was sitting amongst the flowers of their gardens.

He watched her for a long time as she picked at the flowers absentmindedly. “Melethrilen, what is it?” He asked softly.

Laurëanna did not turn to him when she answered. “My flowers. They are all dying in this darkness. They will all been gone soon.”

After a moment, she said softly, “I guess it does not matter though.”

Elrohir searched for the words to comfort her. He walked to her and sat with her.

“These flowers will come to grow here when you return. We will live in this house again and both of our memories of Rivendell will help us return this cottage to the way it is now,” Elrohir said as he reached out and stroked her hair.

The hopelessness in her face was distressing to him. His wife was rarely ever sad before all of this happened and it was unbearable for him to see her like this. He wanted to comfort her but there were no words that would do so. The days were murky and ominous, sapping the happiness from all that lived in Eldamar.

“If I return,” she said sadly.

Elrohir reached her and enfolded her in his arms. “You will return and I will return with you. We will be together; I know it in my heart. I may be stubborn but there is no way I cannot fall in love with you.”

“What if by changing the past, you die? Have you considered that? I could alter the past just to see my beautiful husband die. I could not bear it.”

Elrohir had never thought of it. By altering the past, she could affect the lives of her own family and she would have to live with that guilt. The possibilities of what could happen were endless and terrifying.

Not knowing what to say, he gathered her in his arms and held her as she sobbed.

 ~~~~~

Laurëanna had insisted on one more day of practice even though no one’s heart was in it. Elladan was sparing with her and Glorfindel said, “Elladan, you are holding back.”

“I do not want to hurt her,” Elladan explained, moving out of her reach when she swung at him. Each blow he deflected with ease.

“Let us hope the orcs are as polite,” Glorfindel replied watching the two intently. “Elladan, do not hold back. They will not. Neither should you.”

Elladan parried another well-aimed thrust but then went on the offensive. He hooked his blade high and wide, almost catching her off guard. Recovering quickly, she deflected his strike and spun before attempting to lash out at him to the mid-section. He launched an attack on her so hard and fast that Glorfindel cringed every time she parried a strike. After a flurry of blows against her, Elladan eventually knocked the sword from her hands and her to the ground. He looked mortified as he checked on her. Elrohir also went to see to her when she burst into tears.

Glorfindel began to walk over to her, then stopped. He realized that in two days he would not be there and she would have to rely on the brothers, not him. He watched painfully as the twins took care of her.

“Laurëanna, are you hurt?” Elladan said, falling to one knee.

“I cannot do this,” she said as she sobbed. “I am not ready. I …”

“Laurëanna, what is it?” Elrohir said checking her for injuries.

“Elrohir, I think she is more shaken than hurt,” Elladan said softly. Both watched her as she covered her face and sobbed harder.

After a few moments, Elrohir said, “Laurëanna, you cannot stop and cry if attacked by orcs. Now stand up, we need to try again.”

“No, I do not want to do this anymore. I am tired,” she said, shaking her head.

“Laurëanna, you do not have a choice. Now stand up,” Elrohir said putting his hand under her arm and rising, bringing her with him.

Elladan watched the gathering storm between the two of them, yet said nothing as he stood off to the side.

“Stop, Elrohir. Just leave me be,” Laurëanna said, trying to pass him.

“Elladan, sword,” Elrohir said, still blocking her way. He could see how angry she was getting and he was pushing that emotion to the limit. Elladan quickly handed him his sword. He reached down and picked up Laurëanna’s sword from the ground as well.

“You wish to stop?” Elrohir asked her.

“Yes,” she said angrily.

“You move past me and we will stop. Now take your sword.”

“You cannot be serious,” Laurëanna stared at him as if he had taken leave of his senses.

“Completely. Take your sword,” Elrohir would not let her move out of his reach. Finally, she took the sword from Elladan while she glared at her husband.

They fought for hours, barely stopping to rest, and Glorfindel was ready to scream. Every time Elrohir would knock her down or strike the sword from her hands, he would make her retrieve it and try again. Each time he would come close to wounding her, he would stop and make her start over. The longer it went on, the angrier she became and Glorfindel was tempted to step in. He was afraid she would end up taking Elrohir’s head off in his sleep that night if he kept this up. He could see that she was tired, but pure anger, fueled by adrenaline, kept her on her feet, so much so that fatigue barely slowed her down.

Elladan stood quietly beside him watching. Both warriors were observing the mistakes she was making and hoping to see her correct them, at some point, before they ceased sparring.

Finally, she caught Elrohir off guard with a few well-aimed strikes. Then, using her body weight, she knocked him back. Before he could deflect her blow, the tip of her blade was against his stomach. The two of them stood breathing heavily as she glared at him. He lowered his sword and looked at her.

“You did it. You finally realized you could not overpower me. You had to outsmart me,” he said watching her eyes filled with fury.

Still glaring at him, Laurëanna threw her sword on the ground and walked away. Running past her father and Elladan without sparing them a glance, she left the three on the practice field.

Elrohir picked up both swords slowly and walked towards the other two. He had expected Glorfindel to be upset with him so he was surprised when Glorfindel nodded approvingly at him.

“I know that was not easy for you, Elrohir. But it needed to be done. She does not realize how fast things will happen if she is attacked,” Glorfindel said looking at him. When he looked away, Elrohir saw the sadness in his eyes. “Unfortunately, we do not have time to teach her to react without thinking or work on her response time. There just is not enough time.”

“It will be enough. This is dangerous but we all know that none of us will stand there and let her die, unprotected. Even if we do not know who she is, we will protect her,” Elladan replied.

Elrohir was quiet before he responded, “You are assuming we all live to protect her.”

“We are here now. Why would we not live through it?” Elladan said, confused.

“Laurëanna is afraid that her being there will change things and one of us will die because of it. It is possible that one of us will die. The visions show Aragorn’s future, not ours. We do not know what will happen,” Elrohir replied then followed Laurëanna up the stairs.

After he left, Glorfindel nodded at Elladan and said, “Laurëanna will be the only one who will know what has happened differently from our time now. She will carry the guilt and sadness if it is someone close to her that dies. If it is Elrohir, it will most likely destroy her. She could not take that pain.”

 ~~~~~

Laurëanna ran up the stairs, brushing past everyone that she saw. She did not want to speak to anyone. When she got to her house, she went to her room and began to remove her practice clothes. As she took them off, she threw them on the floor. She grabbed a robe and went into the bath.

Elrohir came into the house cautiously. Hearing her bathing, he decided to wait to speak to her until she was done. He sat down with a sigh. He had hoped she would understand why he had pushed her so hard today. The orcs would not care how fair this was to her or how this had ruined her life. They simply wanted her to die.

When she finally came out of the bath, she went into the bedroom to change and he walked in quietly. He was silent as she dressed.

“You do understand why I was being so hard on you, do you not?” Elrohir finally said.

“No,” Laurëanna replied not looking at him. “I know my husband has just spent hours trying to kill me over and over again.”

He came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her resting his chin on top of her head. Finally, he felt the tension leave her and she leaned back into his arms.

“Elrohir, I am so afraid. What if I get there and Legolas does not believe me?”

“Do you remember what Taravil said to him before she left?” She nodded. “Do you have the necklace?” Once again, she nodded. “He will believe you. Legolas will know you are telling the truth.”

“What if we cannot convince Aragorn to go to Isengard?”

“You will.”

“What if…”

“Laurëanna, my love, you are panicking. We have prepared as much as possible for tomorrow. There is no point in you worrying all day about what happens if something goes wrong. You will figure out what to do, no matter what the problem is. I have no doubt that you will make things right,” Elrohir said turning her to face him. “Then, when it is all over, you and I will fall in love and return to Aman and be disgustingly happy.”

She giggled. Wrapping her arms around him as tight as possible, she rested her head on his chest.

“Do you realize that tomorrow I will be spending my first night apart from you since we were married?” She said. “I will be so lonely.”

“Just do not turn to Legolas for comfort,” he smiled as he stroked her hair. “Or Gimli.”

 ~~~~~

Laurëanna and Elrohir went to see her parents. They had invited his family, Thranduil, Taravil, Rumil, and Airemír for a farewell supper for Laurëanna.

As she looked around the table, Laurëanna’s heart ached knowing that she would be seeing her family and friends for the last time like this. The next time she saw them, they would not know her. Taravil and Celebrían would not even be in Middle Earth. And the others would be scattered in their different realms so she may never see them again. Even their friendship with each other would change without the tragedy of Middle Earth; some of them would never have met and might not meet, such as her mother and Rumil.

Galadriel assured her that the twins would visit her at some point so she would see her, Rumil, and Airemír eventually. Knowing that if she saw Thranduil in Mirkwood it would expose her lie, she would most likely not see him again. And only her family would know her in Aman. Her dear friends would not know her at all.

The others sat drinking wine as Laurëanna slipped onto the balcony for a few minutes. Even though it was late afternoon, it was so dark it seemed like nighttime. Laurëanna looked at her beloved home and her chest felt tight. She was overwhelmed with sadness because of the thought that if she failed, her friends and family might die trying to protect this. It was no longer the beautiful serenity that she cherished throughout her life. It was dark and surrounded by evil. And she was wrapped in sorrow.

Hearing the door open, she smiled seeing Rumil and Airemír come onto the balcony with her.

“Laurëanna, we are leaving. You should spend time with your family,” Rumil said softly, trying to hide the sadness he felt.

Tears filled her eyes as Laurëanna said, “This is goodbye then, isn’t it.”

“Yes, it is,” Rumil said and Laurëanna put her arms around him.

“We will never again have the fun that we had as I was growing up. But I will forever remember in my heart. When I see you in Lothlórien with your brothers, I will befriend you again and this time I will finally meet Haldir and Orophin,” she whispered and he nodded.

“Beware of Orophin, he is easily infatuated by every beautiful elleth he sees. My brother was always searching for the one that he could spend his life with. He wanted to be in love, always the dreamer. You will like him very much,” Rumil smiled. “Haldir is harder to know. He has been accused of being haughty and distant. But underneath that hard exterior, he is very caring. Perhaps you can see past the outside and see the goodness underneath.”

“You have told me so much about both of them, I feel as if I know them already. I am sure I will love them both,” she smiled. “I will always love you, Rumil. You suffered so much when I was a child, always the target of my evil plans. And now as adults, I have the most fun with you and Airemír.”

Laurëanna and Airemír hugged. Tears began to flow freely for both of them. No words were spoken because neither could say goodbye. Rumil looked away with tears stinging his eyes. They all had so many good times together.

Airemír withdrew from the hug and looked at Laurëanna for a long time as she stroked her hair. “Promise me you will be careful. You must make it through this, Laurëanna. You deserve to have your life back to what it once was. To do this, you must be strong. Protect your heart as well. Even if your friends and family see you as a stranger, you know the truth. Keep those memories in your heart no matter what. I wish I could say I will never forget you but I cannot. You must promise you will never forget me, my beloved friend.”

“I will not. I will not forget one moment we have all spent together. Losing the bond between us will be worth it if you will not suffer again the horror of what happened in Lothlórien. I wish to see you both of you happy and safe even if you do not know me,” Laurëanna cried clutching her friend to her. Rumil came and hugged both of them and the three friends stood for a long time, as they would never be again.

Finally, Rumil said, “Airemír, we must go. Laurëanna has many farewells to say.”

Airemír nodded. Kissing Laurëanna on the forehead, Rumil walked in the house choked with emotions. Airemír continued to hug Laurëanna both with tears streaming down their faces. When they pulled apart, Airemír whispered, “Be safe, my friend.”

When she left, Laurëanna wiped the tears from her face and once again turned to look over the balcony, her mind flooded with so many memories of the good times she had with her friends. They would always be in her heart.

Elrohir walked onto the balcony and, taking her in his arms, kissed her gently and said, “Laurëanna, Taravil and Thranduil are leaving as well. They wish to say good-bye to you.”

“This is not going to be any easier. I am leaving behind so many people, Elrohir. Yet I will see Legolas and the things I have been told of him will make him a friend to me from the beginning. The same is true with both Rumil and Airemir’s families. I will finally meet Arwen and Aragorn. I hopefully will see for myself the beauty of Lothlórien. I only hope that things will happen as they should,” she said softly.

“They will, have faith. And you will see all of the wonders of the Golden Wood. Do not let the pain of their parting make you forget why you must sacrifice their friendship,” Elrohir said stroking her back. He wished he could take the sadness from her face and once again see the beautiful, cheery woman he had known.

“I know. It is all worth it. But it does not make the pain any less,” she said.

Elrohir took her hand and led her inside. Thranduil and Taravil were standing near the door waiting for her. Taravil held her for a long time. She had been there when Laurëanna was born. She remembered the joy she felt seeing her beautiful face. She had watched her grow from that beautiful baby to the more radiant woman before her.

“I remember as a child, you gave me flowers that you had uprooted from my garden. You were so happy and proud, completely unaware of what you had done. I could not be mad once you handed the cherished flowers to me, telling me that my beautiful flowers should be inside as well,” Taravil said with a smile.

Laurëanna laughed, “At least, your future gardens will be safe from me.”

Taravil smiled. “You can always pick flowers from my garden as long as you are happy and smiling once again.”

“Yes, but this time I will need to at least introduce myself before picking your flowers,” Laurëanna smiled.

“No. Legolas will introduce us when you return,” Thranduil said with a smile.

Taravil hugged Laurëanna tightly with tears streaming down her face. Thranduil squeezed her hand and said, “Be safe, Laurëanna.”

 ~~~~~

After more talking and drinking wine, Lady Galadriel came to sit beside her and took her hand. The two sat for awhile listening to the others speaking. Once Elladan had everyone captivated by one of his stories, Galadriel looked and her and smiled.

“We have discussed it and thought it best if we all said farewell to you tonight so that you might have the morning hours with just your parents and your husband. Tomorrow will be difficult enough for you without adding farewells to four more people,” Galadriel said quietly.

Laurëanna nodded. “Just do not say anything nice now or I might cry again.”

“Then perhaps you would like a handkerchief?” Galadriel smiled.

Laurëanna laughed softly. She dreaded saying goodbye to everyone. She had never had to leave anyone other than for a short time. It was another new and terrible experience for her. Every day she woke and wished it had just been a nightmare, but it never ended. She knew that tomorrow it would be real and she would at last say goodbye to everything and everyone in her life. Tears filled her eyes at the thought.

“My child, you have a light that shines from within you brighter than most I have ever seen. In the past few days, that light has grown as dim as the skies outside,” Galadriel said as she pulled Laurëanna’s face up gently to look at her. “You cannot let that light go out. It is part of you and you are letting it wither away.”

Laurëanna’s tears began to stream down her face when she saw the tears glistening in Galadriel’s eyes. She had never seen her cry or look this vulnerable. With a start, Laurëanna realized that the darkness and evil outside were affecting Galadriel even more so than the others. She saw deep pain of many ages in her eyes. The foe that she had tried to defend herself against and had killed her husband, her beloved granddaughter, and countless others she loved was now close to destroying everything she knew. She had finally escaped to Aman yet her peace was once again shattered.

Laurëanna felt a horrible sense of guilt. She had been so consumed with what she was losing, she had forgotten that they were dealing with facing an old foe that had almost destroyed them all. Lightly, she squeezed Galadriel’s hand.

“I will be fine. Once this cursed Ring is destroyed, I will come to Lothlórien and see all of its glory. Elrohir can bring me there,” Laurëanna said with a little smile.

Galadriel touched her face gently. The two said nothing further for there was no need for words. The room grew quiet and Celebrían came over and took Laurëanna in her arms.

“Please be safe. You go with all of our blessings, Laurëanna. We will be here waiting for you when you are ready to come home,” Celebrían said. Lowering her voice, she said, “Do not let him push you away, child. He is stubborn, but you two belong together. Give him time to see that. Do not give up on him.”

“Never,” Laurëanna smiled through her tears. Both Galadriel and Celebrían gave her long embraces. Lord Elrond hugged her and kissed her forehead. They walked to the door leaving her parents sitting with Elrohir.

As they were leaving, Elladan took her hand and brought her outside with him. Once the others had walked away and it was just the two of them, they just stared at each other. Finally, she started laughing.

“Why are you laughing?” He smiled.

“Because I am trying to imagine you being serious enough to say goodbye without making me laugh,” Laurëanna giggled. Growing serious, she said sadly, “You always make me laugh.”

Elladan smiled but there were tears in his eyes. Pulling her to him, he hugged her tightly for a long time. Laurëanna couldn’t speak for fear of losing her composure completely. She knew she would see him soon but this was the last time she would see the Elladan she knew: the one she loved as she did.

“Thank you,” he whispered.

“For what?”

“For coming into our lives. You are so special and I am proud that you are being so brave,” Elladan said, his voice strained with emotions. “Promise me something.”

“Anything,” she said as the tears began to flow despite her best efforts to stop them.

“Do not fall in love with me, no matter how tempted you might be,” he said in a deadly serious voice despite the twinkle in his eyes.

Laurëanna laughed and held him tighter. The two stood for a long time just holding onto each other tightly. When he finally pulled back, she looked at him with a smile and he kissed her gently on the forehead.

“You poor thing. You will be helpless to my charms when you meet my evil twin,” he chuckled.

“That would create a lot of confusion when we all returned to Aman, would it not?” She giggled. Holding his face gently, she whispered, “I love you Elladan.”

While she still could, she kissed him quickly and went back inside. Elladan stood for a moment before Galadriel came and, putting her arm around him, walked back to his parents’ house with him. Everyone knew how much this was hurting him despite his jokes and smiles.

While he was the one the least likely to be riled, his demeanor did not allow him to show his emotions anymore than Elrohir’s did. Elladan’s humor covered his hurt as much as his twin’s anger covered his. He felt as if he had lost another sister and it was agonizing to him. He knew he had to be there to support Elrohir tomorrow so he and Galadriel talked until late into the night as she soothed him with her tender words of comfort. Celebrían and Elrond consoled each other: seeing their sons hurt again was as heartbreaking to them as the possibility of an upcoming battle.

 ~~~~~

Laurëanna and Elrohir had said goodnight shortly after the others left and returned home. They wanted to spend some time alone together. At home, Elrohir walked out to the gazebo and stood alone for a few minutes. It was eerily quiet. No insects were chirping; no wind was blowing. The stars were not visible. It was like the whole world was shrouded in a thick blanket of malevolence. This was not the first time he had stood in a gazebo just like this one, feeling the same thing. Out of the corner of his eyes, he saw a flash of light and looking up, he saw her.

Laurëanna was standing in the doorway and she took his breath away. She was completely bare and her skin was bathed in only flickering light of the lamps inside but her inner light was radiant to him. Her thick hair hung in waves to her waist and he knew without being close to her exactly how it smelled. He could remember the way her skin felt and tasted. Everything about her was part of him now, imprinted in his very memory. Slowly, he walked to her and when he reached her, he pulled her into his arms.

“Laurëanna, there are no words to tell you how much I love you. You are everything to me,” he whispered in her ear. “I had lost almost everything and my heart had begun to harden, yet you gave me so much love. Your spirit overwhelmed my sadness until I began to live with joy and laughter when I thought there was none left in me. And now I pray that you will do this again and not lose faith in our love.”

“You are everything to me. I cannot imagine my life without you. You have given me so much; I cannot remember a day where I did not feel blessed to be your wife. The first day I saw you, I knew that you would be the one to make me complete and you were. You will always be my light in darkness, the one who holds my heart. I would sooner lose the stars than lose faith in your love,” she lightly pulled him to her for a kiss. Picking her up, he wrapped his arms tightly around her.

As they kissed, their minds became one as memories of their lives together flooded back to them. Images from the day they met until this very moment drifted through their minds as their tongues danced gracefully together, lips joined lovingly. It was as if time stopped and it was just the two of them.

They made love for hours memorizing every second, every touch. They were united in love and body, becoming one fëa, their bond stronger and more powerful than it had ever been before. The world outside ceased to exist and they swore eternal love to each other yet again. For one night, the evil was held at bay by their love.

 ~~~~~

The following morning, the birds did not sing nor did the wind blow. The fragrance of the flowers could no longer be smelled as they were all withering from the loss of the sun and the foul air. All was still and Aman was grieving the loss of another day, bringing them one step closer to war.

As Elrohir was bathing, Laurëanna walked around her house touching various items and recalling special memories about each one. Her time was slipping by and she was torn between trying to recall all she had been told in the last ten days to prepare her and memorizing the moments of the life that she was leaving behind.

She was wearing leggings, a tunic, and a jerkin in the green and brown tones that a Mirkwood elf would be prone to wearing. Taravil had made her a cloak of deep green with embroidery sewn in designs that elves of that realm would have created. Her sword was smaller and lighter due to her size and she wore it so the scabbard was attached by a belt at her waist as well as one at her knee to keep it from moving too much. She wore soft brown leather boots that came to her knees. Her thick hair was completely braided and hung almost to her waist. Everything about her outfit was designed to resemble the fast, light elves of the woods.

Laureanna felt so out of place in her clothes, much like she was playing dress up as a child. She had always been very fond of beautiful clothes and now she was dressed as an ellon. She would feel so out of place once she arrived in Middle Earth, so this was really nothing compared to that. She sighed. All hopes of this merely being a horribly dream were gone. This was real and in hours, all that she loved would be gone. Tears stung her eyes but she would not cry again.

Elrohir walked into the room with his wet hair glistening. She looked up and smiled slightly. He looked so tired and sad it made her heart hurt. Reaching out, he handed her a long gold chain.

“What is this?” she asked as she took it.

“When Eönwë came to see me about my choice to remember, I asked him if you would be allowed to take your ring with you and he said yes. But if you wear it on your finger, it would indicate you were married and I would not…” he trailed off before he continued. “He explained to me that since you are going back through time, it will dissolve the bond between us, because it had not happened yet.”

Laureanna nodded as she blinked back tears. She had not even thought of the ring and was touched that he had. She had worn this ring since he had given it to her at their wedding and it had never occurred to her that she should take it off. But if it had been seen in the past, Elrohir would assume she was married.

The bond between them would be dissolved and only exist in her memories. When he looked into her eyes, he would not know of their love. She had realized this since the Ring of Doom but looking down at the ring now, the full impact became real and was like a sword in her heart.

Sliding the ring off now, she placed it on the chain and Elrohir fastened it around her neck, along with the necklace Taravil had given her for Legolas. The chain with her ring on it hung low and would likely never be seen by accident. She looked down at her hand and realized how odd it looked without the ring. Wrapping her arms around him, she held onto him tightly.

“Thank you for asking him. I never thought to ask because I never thought to take it off. This will be the only thing that will travel through the ages twice. When we return to Aman, I will wear both my rings together,” she whispered before she kissed him.

One slim gold band was all that would remain of this day. Just as one band of gold was the reason she was returning.

 ~~~~~

Glorfindel was sitting on the balcony when Indil came out and sat wrapped in his arms. He had not slept at all the night before. She had cried herself to sleep and, once he was sure she was sleeping soundly, he had come onto the balcony and counted the hours remaining. He held her now and both were silent. There were no words to sooth each other. The day had come to say goodbye to their daughter. Nothing could ease that pain except the possibility that it would only be for a short time until they returned to Aman.

When Elrohir and Laurëanna arrived, each parent spent a long time talking to her then they all were together. Time seemed to be moving faster. When the knock came at the door, Indil looked at Glorfindel panic-stricken.

“It’s too soon. It is not yet mid day,” she cried.

“Nay, it is not. ‘Tis merely Elladan or Elrond, I am sure,” Glorfindel squeezed her hand as he rose. Despite his words, his blood was cold now, as he was full of dread.

Opening the door, he was disappointed to see Eönwë.

“Glorfindel, forgive me, but Laurëanna must come with me now. Ossë has seen Sauron’s ships not two full days from here. He has tried to delay them but through the power of the ring, Sauron stayed his assault,” Eönwë said, distressed. “We are running out of time.”

Glorfindel nodded sadly and let him into the house. Eönwë waited by the door as Glorfindel returned to the others.

“It is time, Laurëanna. Sauron’s ships are closer than they feared. You cannot wait any longer,” he said.

Indil started crying and she clung to Laurëanna who was trying very hard not to collapse in fear.

Pulling back to look at her, Indil cupped her face and said, “Be safe, my brave daughter. I am so proud of you. You will make this right then return to us. Do not make me mourn you twice. Stay close to Elrohir and Elladan. My love will always be there, even if it is just in your memories, but I promise, I will know your heart when I see you again. When the Ring is destroyed, bring your father to me.”

Laurëanna nodded and said, “I will, Nana. I promise. I will miss you every moment until we are here again.”

They held onto each other tightly, both with tears streaming down their faces. Elrohir and Glorfindel watched in silent agony. Finally, after a few kisses, the two pulled apart. Laurëanna looked at Glorfindel and began to sob. He gathered her in his arms and lifting her feet off the ground held her tightly.

“Le melon Ada. Take care of Naneth,” she whispered when he lowered her to the ground and she looked up at him.

“You make certain you come to Imladris when the Ring is destroyed. If anything should go amiss, you come there straight away. Be brave, but safe. Do not look for valor. You are already a hero for returning to Middle Earth. Once you convince Aragorn to walk the Paths of the Dead, you have accomplished your duty. Then you focus on staying alive to see our lives brought back together.” Tears were filling his eyes and his voice broke. “Le melon Laurëanna, more than I can ever say in words, and I am so proud of you. No father could be prouder.”

Glorfindel hugged her again and pulled Indil to them as well. After a few minutes, Eönwë cleared his throat. Reluctantly, they pulled apart with final kisses. When Laurëanna began to walk to the door, Elrohir took her hand, feeling it shaking like a leaf. As Elrohir led her out of her parent’s house following Manwë, she glanced back at her parents and sobbed. Once the door was shut, she looked up at her husband. He kissed her on the forehead as he rubbed her back, drawing her close to him.

As they walked, Laurëanna grew more and more afraid. Tirion was in turmoil so apparently the news was spreading. She tried to take in all of the features of the city that she loved so dearly, committing them to memory. It was so dark, she could not see the gardens or the fountains, but she could almost envision them. She tried to focus on the city not the people. If she thought of the people that she cared for so much, she would have gone mad. Neither Elrohir nor Laurëanna realized that Elladan followed them quietly so that Elrohir would not be forced to return to the city alone.

Elrohir felt like his fëa was being torn from him and worried that for the first time in his life that he might not be able to endure something. When they reached the Ring of Doom, he felt sickened. Manwë and Varda were there waiting. They both smiled calmly, yet their eyes betrayed their worry.

“Laurëanna, forgive me that we have cut your time with your family short. It could not be avoided,” Varda said softly.

“I understand,” Laurëanna answered, her voice barely heard.

“Laurëanna, do you have any questions that you wish to ask before you leave?” Manwë asked and she shook her head. “You must remember what you were told ten days past. You may not tell anyone, save Legolas, of the fate of Middle Earth. If Elessar once again makes the wrong choice, once he starts down the wrong path, no more can you do to intervene and you cannot tell family nor friend who you are.”

Laurëanna nodded solemnly. Varda smiled at her reassuringly and Laurëanna could not help but feel overwhelmed before the two Vala.

“The blessings of the Ainur go with you Laurëanna. In times of doubt, know that we hold true to our faith in you,” Varda said and laid her hand gently Laurëanna’s head. “You must hold true to your faith and trust in Eru.” Laurëanna nodded, tears glistening in her eyes.

“We will give you and your husband a few moments,” Manwë said and nodded. The three Ainur walked a few steps away and turned away as they spoke softly.

For a moment neither could speak, as they looked at each other painfully. Finally, Elrohir said, “I love you more than I thought I could possibly love anyone. You have made me trust in love to heal even the deepest hurts.”

Laurëanna stroked his face as tears flowed freely down her face. “I have loved you from the moment I saw you. Your love is more beautiful that all of the splendor of Aman and your heart is more precious than any gem in Arda.”

“You warn Legolas that if one golden hair on your beautiful head is harmed, he will answer to me when we arrive in Aman.” Laurëanna laughed before Elrohir continued solemnly. “Make me see our love as I see it now. Do not lose hope in me, my love.”

“Never.”

Elrohir kissed her and for a few moment the world was perfect again, as they were bound within a spell of enchantment of true love. As her lips danced gracefully on his and his tongue found hers, they poured all their love into the kiss and it was so beautiful and so intense, yet heartbreaking. He held her and she wrapped her arms around his neck, merging their bodies, mouths, hearts, and fëa for one last time, blocking all else from their minds save each other.

When they broke the kiss, the spell was broken as reality crashed into them like a wave and a fell wind blew over them. Laurëanna shivered, as it seemed to grow even darker. The air that had been so still now was tumultuous and cold. The wind sounded loud as it crashed over the Pelóri, like a wild beast roaring through Calacirya.

“It is time Laurëanna,” Manwë said gently and held out his hand to her.

She hesitated a moment, terrified, and looked at Elrohir. Painfully, he nodded and she looked back at Manwë then took his hand. Behind him, there appeared to be shimmer, a ripple in the world. He held her hand gently and brought her closer. She stopped and he turned to look at her reassuringly.

“It will not hurt. You will not feel a thing,” he said soothingly in a quiet voice as he urged her to move even closer.

Laurëanna had never been more terrified in her life and without thought, she pulled her hand from Manwë’s. Turning, she ran to Elrohir and threw her arms around him holding him tight and kissing him urgently. Even as he returned her kiss she could feel his tears falling on her face as well as his own.

Once again, she released him and he whispered, “My love, you must go now.”

Nodding, she turned away reluctantly. She looked apologetically at Manwë and he smiled gently, noting she seemed calmer.

Laurëanna wiped her tears away and took a deep breath. Manwë walked with her to the shimmering area. As she stepped into it, she saw what seemed to be a tunnel of bright light and felt a blast of warm air surge around her. The bright light dimmed and she felt Manwë’s hand leave hers. She turned to look one last time at Elrohir. When she turned around, her hands flew over her mouth.

Before her stood the broken walls of Helm’s Deep. Her eyes widened at the sight of the Hornburg and the Deeping Wall. The gates were shattered and parts of the wall were completely in ruin. Every where she looked it seemed there were men scurrying about at work. Looking to her left, she saw the piles of bodies and almost wretched at the sight and the smells in the air. So consumed with the horrific scene before her, she did not hear the men of the Mark speaking to her. When someone touched her arm, she whirled around and stared at two men, both weary and filthy.

“My lady, where did you come from? You should not be here. This is no place for you. You should be with the other women,” one man said to her looking at her suspiciously.

Laurëanna saw the doubt in his eyes and noticed his hand rested on his sword. She was still in shock as she struggled to remember what to say. Her hands betrayed how shaky and faint she felt so she quickly clasped them together for fear the men would see her nervousness and grow more suspicious.

“She is an elf,” the other man said softly staring at her in awe.

The first appeared surprised but before he could speak Laurëanna said, “Legolas…I need to speak with Legolas.”

The first man said, “I do not know this…Legolas…that you seek. You did not answer my question, I asked you where…”

“Legolas. The elf with King…I mean, Lord Aragorn,” Laurëanna stammered. Taking a deep breath to calm herself, she continued, “I need to speak to him most urgently. I come on behalf of the Elven King of the Woodland Realm. Will you take me to him?”

The two men looked at each other for a moment and she grew worried. Finally, the first man said, “I will show you to Lord Aragorn, my lady.”

A/N Thanks for all of the reviews! Rating and reviewing me is the best way to let me know what you think and I value your input. Thanks once again to my FABULOUS beta, Ellisk. Your help has proven to be invaluable. Thanks to the gang for being supportive! And of course, thanks to Tolkien for creating elves and letting me play in his world. I am making no money doing so.

Elvish sayings:
Le melon – I love you
Melethen - My love
Melethrilen - my beloved -feminine
Melethronen - my beloved -masculine
Gerich velethen – You have my love
Laurëanna – Golden Gift
Indil – Iris
Mellon nîn - my friend
Wilwarin- Butterfly-Q
Hebo estel - Have hope

10th day of October
Fourth Age, Year 30
Tirion, Aman

Indil stifled a yawn as she stretched out on the blanket beside Glorfindel. They had taken a picnic lunch to Alqualondë for the day, and Laurëanna had proceeded to exhaust the two adults with her endless energy. Even now, she was bouncing up and down on her father’s stomach, giggling non-stop.

"I am weary just watching her," Indil sighed.

"Ada, let us swim more," the little girl pleaded.

"No. I am too tired. If I were to try to swim, I would sink to the bottom of the ocean and Ossë will have to come and rescue me," Glorfindel replied as he tickled his daughter. "Take a nap Wilwarin and then we will swim again."

Even though Indil had been pleading with her daughter for an hour to settle down for a nap, Laurëanna had stubbornly resisted all attempts to stifle her enthusiasm. This time, however, she promptly climbed off Glorfindel’s stomach and curled up in the nook of his arm. He gloated as he looked over at his wife.

"You lack the charm and finesse my daughter requires to be convinced," he smirked.

Biting back a laugh, Indil said, "No, I do not resort to promises to do as she asks. Have you ever said no to her without a negotiation?"

Glorfindel pondered that question for a moment, but said nothing.

Indil chuckled, "As I had thought."

~~~~

Despite the sadness that continued to lurk in the shadows of their minds when they thought of the elves that remained in Middle Earth, Glorfindel and Indil had found a happiness within their small family unknown to either of them. They both learned to see the world again through their daughter’s innocent eyes. The decades of hardship that Glorfindel had suppressed faded with each of his daughter’s dimpled smiles and he fell more in love with Indil every day. The nightmares ceased and he could be heard laughing out loud, which Celebrían swore he was incapable of in Imladris. He tolerated her good-natured teasing usually with a comeback about her wicked sons. Indil knew that both of them looked forward each day to welcoming the twins to Aman at last and their deepest fear was that they would never come.

Indil felt her life had begun anew. Her happiness in her new roles as mother and wife added to the near completeness she felt in her new home with her friends and activities in the cities. She spent hours in the library studying everything she could possibly absorb in one sitting. Enjoying learning, she also wanted to make sure her daughter was educated in all things. Glorfindel had taught her Quenya as well as Westeron and the two of them were teaching Laurëanna to speak all three languages.

Laurëanna had given all of them hope of a new life. Even Thranduil grew fond of the elfling. Taravil and Celebrían frequently would disappear with her for hours and Indil wondered at times if they intended to return her. Eventually, they would bring her home because they were too tired to care for her anymore. Even Rumil seemed unable to keep up with her. Laurëanna had developed a fascination with him early on in her life and from the moment she was able to walk, she was often his shadow.

Although she was close to their friends, Laurëanna could not stay separated from her parents for long, or they from her. Being left by one parent or both had caused the few temper tantrums she had thrown. She had the charm and outgoing personality of her mother, but when provoked, the temper of her father. Thranduil once teased that it was the Noldo in her only to receive an icy glare from Glorfindel.

~~~~

After her nap, Glorfindel did as promised and took her back into the ocean. Unlike her mother, she had not been taught to swim by being thrown in the water, but thankfully she had learned much more quickly. Holding her as he went into the deeper water, Glorfindel was surprised when she began squealing with happiness.

"A ship, Ada! A ship!"

Looking over, he saw another elven ship from Middle Earth that would soon be docking in the harbor. It was only the second one in four years and the first had been nearly three years ago. Some had feared it had been the last, yet Glorfindel felt sure it was not. Quickly, he waded to the beach so he could tell Indil.

Indil had heard Laurëanna’s squeals and turned to see what they were looking at. By the time Glorfindel was beside her, she already had their blanket and basket packed up. She changed her daughter into dry clothes while Glorfindel dressed as well. Not knowing what caused the excitement, Laurëanna knew her parents were rushing to go somewhere and so she behaved.

"Do you wish for me to go tell Celebrían and Taravil?" Glorfindel asked.

"No. I am afraid I would lose Laurëanna in the hectic crowd. I will go to the city and you keep her with you. Just keep a firm hold on her," Indil warned with a quick kiss on his mouth and her daughter’s head. "Laurëanna be good for Ada and do not try to get down from his arms. Do you understand?" she said sternly.

"Yes, Nana," Laurëanna nodded solemnly, her arms tightening around Glorfindel’s neck.

"I think I can manage not to lose her," Glorfindel smirked then pulled Indil to him in a deep kiss. "Hurry back, Melethrilen."

~~~~

Glorfindel watched Laurëanna studying the ships in the harbor with a smile. Her eyes seemed to take in every detail. She was thrilled to be at the harbor when the ships arrived and he was glad she was with him as he saw the elves departing the ship. Their eyes were more haunted than the elves that had arrived three years ago and he knew that Middle Earth’s struggles had worsened. His heart tightened as he held his daughter a little closer.

"Ada, these elves are all sad," Laurëanna whispered, her eyes wide. "Why are they so sad? Do they not like to ride on the ship from Tol Eressëa?"

"These elves are not from Tol Eressëa. They are from somewhere else. It is not a nice place and they had to leave," Glorfindel said, unwilling to tell her about Middle Earth yet. Brushing her forehead with his lips, he gazed over the faces of the elves.

Nothing could have prepared him for seeing Galdor. An elf from the Havens, Galdor had been the messenger than Cirdan had sent to the Council of Elrond. His once fair face seemed to have aged centuries and he was now lame, being aided from the ship by two others. Glorfindel heard a gasp beside him and turned to see that Indil had arrived with Taravil and Celebrían. Her expression seeing her old friend was one of horror. Tears filled her eyes and began to spill on her cheeks. Glorfindel shared a concerned look with Taravil then handed his daughter to her.

"Indil, I know this is hard for you but you must be strong now. Let us go welcome Galdor together, but he needs to see your warm smile not your tears," Glorfindel whispered in her ear and she nodded.

Wiping her eyes, Indil took a deep shaky breath and allowed Glorfindel to lead her closer to Galdor. On either side of him was a couple from Mithlond. They smiled seeing Indil.

"Laire, it is so good to see you again," Indil greeted the elleth. She turned to the ellon and said, "You look well, Arnarmo." Both embraced her in greeting.

"Galdor, you on the other hand have looked much better," Indil teased but her forced smile did not quite reach her sad eyes. "Galdor you have met my husband but Laire, Arnarmo, this is Glorfindel of Imladris."

"Your husband?" Galdor exclaimed. "When did you become a glutton for punishment Glorfindel? Was one Balrog not enough for you?"

Indil gasped indignantly but the jest had the desired effect and everyone laughed.

"I fear she suffers more than I do. And she is much more diplomatic and open to negotiations than that Balrog was," Glorfindel joked.

Indil shook her head and said, "I cannot believe you jest so easily of your earlier demise. It is not normal."

"Ada! Nana!" The high-pitched, angry cry came from behind them. Rumil had taken Laurëanna while Taravil and Thranduil greeted some Mirkwood elves and the elfling had grown impatient of being left out.

"Would you like us to help you get into the city? Perhaps you would stay with us until you find housing," Indil offered and Glorfindel nodded.

"We have family here in Alqualondë, but thank you for the generous offer," Laire replied.

"I could not impose…" Galdor began.

"Nonsense, I insist," Glorfindel interrupted. "But let me allow you to meet the ruler of the house before you decide if it is safe."

Glorfindel and Arnarmo led Galdor to meet Laurëanna leaving their wives behind. Laire’s tears could not be restrained and Indil held the other elleth tightly.

"I am so glad we made it. It has been so hard," Laire sobbed. "We have lost so many and Sauron’s power grows stronger every day. Saruman sends orc attacks as well. The hobbits are all enslaved now, except the few that escaped to Mithlond or Rohan. Some are even living in caves with the dwarves."

"You are safe now. In time the nightmare will fade. Valinor has cleansed my fëa of so much hurt," Indil reassured her. "What has happened to Galdor?"

"We were attacked before we left. He was not even supposed to be coming with us on this trip. They were captured and tortured as they were being taken back to the Shire, to Saruman. Before they got to there, the five warriors and Galdor managed to escape but the orcs killed four of them. Galdor practically dragged Nárello back to Mithlond," Laire whispered, her face growing pale. "Nárello died that night. Galdor almost died as well. Lord Cirdan delayed the ship a few days so Galdor was recovered enough to make the journey. He is much better than he was mellon nîn. We feared he would not survive the first few days."

Indil hugged her tighter as tears rolled down her face. She was overwhelmed with sadness and guilt that she and Glorfindel had such peace and happiness while her friends were dying.

~~~~

Laurëanna looked at the strangers with some trepidation while Glorfindel introduced everyone. Finally with bluntness only a child can be forgiven for, she asked Galdor, "Why do you limp? Who hurt your leg?"

"Laurëanna, you are being disrespectful," Glorfindel admonished her and instantly her lip began to quiver as it always did just prior to the tears that eventually would flow. This was usually the outcome of a reprimand from her father.

"Nonsense Glorfindel, she is just curious," Galdor smiled. "I am a very clumsy elf. I fell off my horse."

Laurëanna studied him for a minute before she burst into laughter, her tears forgotten. She became a fast friend with Galdor a while he lived with them and she tried to teach him to be less clumsy. When Galdor moved to Alqualondë, his limp was all but gone. He continued to take ‘lessons’ on grace from her for awhile until she felt safe that he was no longer in danger of hurting himself.

Whispers of the Past

4th Day of March
Third Age, Year 3019
Helm’s Deep, Rohan

Laurëanna followed the man to find Lord Aragorn and tried not to appear as disoriented and afraid as she was. There was no turning back now. The future she knew was gone, as was her life there. If she failed now, she would never have any part of her life back. Stiffening her resolve, she pushed the fear to the back of her mind.

Everything was dirty here. Even the sun seemed less bright in this land. The men had sweat, dirt, and blood from themselves and others dried on their skin. Their hair was not neatly tied back in braids, but fell wildly around their shoulders. Most had hair on their faces as well, and it was equally grungy.

When Laurëanna saw the eyes of some of the Rohirrim, her heart went out to these people. Some she knew must be young, yet they had such pain and weariness in their eyes, it made her heart ache. Unlike elves whose bodies altered very little over time, the men’s faces were lined with age. Even the younger ones were beginning to show the years of hardship in their faces.

The outer walkways were littered with the bodies of the enemy and the Rohirrim, all lying where they fell. There were pools of blood that had been walked in and tracked through the filth on the ground as the men were making piles of carrion. She blinked back tears when she saw the way they carried their own dead with dignity and honor, yet the enemy was handled with no such regard.

There were so many bodies. She could not imagine how many lives would be affected by the loss of these men. How many people would mourn for these poor souls tonight? She thought of her last days with her friends and family and her heart tightened. Did these men have time to say their farewells? Biting her lip, she tried desperately to hold back her sorrow.

She saw one man weeping beside one of the bodies and felt that the younger man knew the fallen soldier, perhaps it was even his father. She wanted to go to this man, to offer comfort, yet she knew she could do nothing for these people. The ones that noticed her walking by stared at her and she almost pulled her hood up to avoid their looks, unable to face their sorrow.

As they entered within the walls of the keep, soldiers were drifting through the areas she where walked. Since the battle had raged on through the whole night, some were sleeping on the ground still in parts of their mail. She saw quite a few injured men being tended to in a large room. The smell of blood was making her feel nauseous and the sounds of their cries of pain were horrible. She cursed her heightened elvish senses for the first time in her life.

The man she was following stopped a few times and asked other men about Aragorn and she could feel the men studying her. She did not know if it was because she was female or an elf, but she pretended not to notice and avoided their gaze. Finally, they came to a room and there was a dark haired man tending to a dwarf with a wound on his head. The dwarf was very perturbed at the man, who was in turn chuckling at him.

"Now look here, you young…" the dwarf trailed off noticing her and the man with her. Aragorn turned to look at them with a weary smile.

"Lord Aragorn, this woman…elf…elf woman wishes to find someone. She says he is an elf and that he is with you," the man gestured to her and she tried not to be offended at his tone of disbelief.

"Legolas, I need to find Legolas. I bring word from his father," Laurëanna spoke quickly.

"My father? Has something happened?" a startled voice from behind her asked.

Laurëanna whirled around and barely resisted the urge to run and throw her arms around him. Although she had never met him, she felt as if she knew Legolas very well. She had heard stories of him all of her life and she instinctively took comfort in seeing something familiar. She could not resist smiling when she looked at him. His beautiful, silky, pale blonde hair was the same color of his father’s as was the noble bone structure of his face, which she heard had been typical of Oropher’s family line. But his eyes were his mother’s: compassionate, gentle, and blue the color of the sky. Realizing she was smiling at him quite strangely after been insistent on seeing him as soon as possible, she grew serious again.

"Prince Legolas, your father has sent me and I must speak with you," she said in a rushed manner. Glancing at the other two, she said quietly, "Privately."

Legolas studied the elleth before him, his expression concerned and confused. She was not from Mirkwood, nor would his father send a lone elleth to find him. His father had no possible way to know he was here. Yet she did. Perhaps this was some trickery of Saruman’s, though he did not sense malice or threat from her. He realized everyone was waiting for him to speak.

"Yes, we will find somewhere to speak," he nodded at the Rohirrim so he would leave them.

"We have been given a place to rest so Gimli and I will leave you two here. We are to leave this afternoon, so try to get some rest, Legolas," Aragorn smiled at her and said, "I did not hear your name, my lady."

"Laurëanna, my lord," she smiled at him shyly and he nodded before leaving. Gimli also nodded to her.

Legolas followed them to the door then shut it behind them. Laurëanna walked over to a chair and sat down quickly with a long sigh, feeling rather out of sorts.

"You and I both know you are not from Mirkwood, nor did my father send you, so what is the meaning behind this deceit of yours?" Legolas said quietly as he walked to her. He sat down so he was facing her and she chuckled.

"You are most likely not going to believe me," Laurëanna said. "Despite your gentle nature, I have been assured that King Thranduil has taught his son well to be skeptical to a degree. Surely you see no threat from me?" She grinned weakly, yet did not let him answer. "Your father may not have sent me but he knows I am here, as does your mother."

"My mother?" Legolas’ eyes narrowed at her with more suspicion.

Laurëanna turned to look at him and gently reached out and touched his face. Although he watched her strangely, he did not stop her as she then took his hands.

"Legolas, I have been sent back through time by the Valar to warn you. Aragorn is about to make a grave error. If he goes directly to Minas Tirith rather than with Mithrandir to Isengard, the fellowship will fail," Laurëanna replied bluntly. "I have been sent to warn you of this and we must change his mind without telling him of these consequences."

Legolas face was a mask of pain and confusion as he studied her. Laurëanna bit her lip in regret she had been so blunt. But there was little time for gentle tactics right now.

"What are you saying? How can this be? Who are you?" Legolas said, jerking his hands from hers.

"I probably should have practiced what I had planned to say a little more. I had no idea how much being in Middle Earth would disorient me, despite all of the warnings. Let us hope my sword practices were more worthwhile," Laurëanna sighed and tried again. "Today Aragorn, Gimli, and you were planning on riding straight to Minas Tirith, correct? This is a mistake. You already did this in my past. Well, before I was born. I mean…Legolas, I was born in the Fourth Age, Year 26. This morning, before I came here, it was Fourth Age, Year 88. Just days ago, the Valar decided that I must be sent back through time to help guide Aragorn to fulfill the destiny that has already been foreseen by both Lord Elrond and Lady Galadriel. If Aragorn goes to Minas Tirith this afternoon, he will destroy that destiny and all of Middle Earth will be in ruin."

Legolas stared at her dumbly for a moment before saying, "This is some trick of Saruman’s. Or perhaps Sauron’s. You are one of his spies."

"I had hoped you would be easier to convince. I guess I do not look as sweet and honest as my husband always said I did," Laurëanna said frustrated. "Legolas, I know your mother, Taravil. I have known her all of my life. She was even there the day I was born. She told me to remind you that her words to you before she left Middle Earth were for you to ‘listen to the sea and you will hear my prayers for our swift reunion.’ She said you two were alone when she spoke those words to you."

She hated the look of sorrow on his face, but she knew she must continue. Reaching behind her neck, Laurëanna unclasped the chain and gently put it in his hand.

"She also said if you still did not believe me to give you this. She was wearing it when she left for Aman and had not taken it off since the day you were born and King Thranduil gave it to her."

Legolas was quiet as he studied the necklace. She watched his face and could see how much she had upset him and felt horrible. Reaching out, she caressed his cheek and smiled gently when he looked up at her.

"She is very proud of you and asked me to tell you how much she loves you. And your father said the same as well, plus he says to be brave and true yet he wishes you to return home to him soon," she said, gently. "You are a great hero in my time Legolas."

"If my parents are giving you messages from Aman, I must not be there with them," Legolas observed after being quiet for a few moments. "Am I still in Middle Earth?"

Tears sprang to her eyes. She had not thought about possibly having to tell him his fate. She quickly looked down at her hands.

"You…you…were not in Aman, no," she whispered painfully.

Legolas glanced away and they were both silent. Finally, he asked, "So the fate of Middle Earth is tied to this one decision of Aragorn’s?"

"No one is sure of other mistakes that have been made, but they know this mistake was costly. Eru has shown us this to be true. Lord Elrond is sending Elrohir and Elladan with a message to Aragorn. If he does not receive this message when he is supposed to and where he is supposed to, the fellowship will fail. By not going to Isengard, he will not receive the message until it is too late," Laurëanna said, solemnly. "I cannot tell you more or it might affect other decisions you make as well, but you must help me convince him."

Legolas was quiet for a long time. Occasionally, he would look at her but mostly he stared at the necklace in his hands.

Finally, she said, "Legolas, you do believe me, do you not?"

"I am just wondering why you were chosen," Legolas said casually.

"I wish I knew," she muttered. "I was chosen because a person cannot exist in the same time period as their previous selves. I was not born until after Sauron comes into…until the fellowship failed."

"And who are you?"

"My parents are Lord Glorfindel of Imladris and Lady Indil of Mithlond," she smiled at his look of surprise. "My husband is…" she trailed off sadly. She was not sure if she should tell him.

Legolas watched her for a moment before saying gently, "Your husband is who, Laurëanna?"

"Elrohir." Tears filled her eyes and she looked away quickly. "Well, he will be. Or he would have been. Or…I do not know now. That future is gone."

"You have given up your life to do this. Why? And why did the Valar send you back now?" Legolas asked her softly.

"Legolas, I am not sure how much I should tell you," she paused, thinking. "But since hopefully this will never happen and it might help you understand how dire things are, I will tell you part of the story."

Taking a deep breath, Laurëanna continued, "Sauron has destroyed Middle Earth. He is now on his way to Aman. This morning before I left, his ships had been spotted two days from Valinor and our days are completely dark."

Laurëanna could not keep the panic or sadness out of her voice. Legolas’ eyes were wide with shock.

"So we must make this right, Legolas. Or he will bring his evil to Valinor and darken it once again," A tear slid down her face as she beseeched him. "You must help me."

~~~~

Legolas and Laurëanna discussed how to approach Aragorn for a short time before she insisted he get some rest. He stayed with her rather than going to find Aragorn and Gimli. As he was falling asleep, she hummed under her breath a song his mother used to sing to her all of the time when she was a young child. He smiled and reached for her hand. While he was sleeping, Laurëanna watched him for a long time, still holding his hand, his mother’s necklace now around his neck.

He was alive. It was unreal. She had met Aragorn and Gimli. King Theoden, Éomer, and Mithrandir were somewhere in these halls. She thought of all of the stories of these people that she had heard and now she was with them -- had a chance to perhaps save some of them. It was too overwhelming to imagine.

Sadly, she realized she could not save the mortals for long. Their fate was to die someday. Would Aragorn be a good king? Would Éomer become king at such an early age again? She wanted to save Aman and the elves of Middle Earth, but she found herself curious about these mortals. Elrond, Elrohir, and Elladan all had mortal blood as well. Her husband and his brother spent much time with mortals, the Dunedain of the North.

Elrohir had told her many times how he felt the pain of being mortal. He was blessed with the life of the Eldar, yet he felt his mortal blood drew him to the second born Men as well. He talked of watching them age and die. She could not imagine. She had never seen an old man or woman. Even those remaining Calaquendi of Valinor did not appear to age. Only their eyes showed the years of their lives. Here she would see people whither and die. The thought terrified her.

Shaking the morbid thoughts out of her head, she gently extracted her hand from Legolas’ and went to look out of the one small window in the room. She watched the men work for hours before she finally woke Legolas and they prepared to go see Aragorn.

~~~~

Laurëanna smiled when Aragorn came outside with Legolas and Gimli following. She waited for Legolas and his companions on a balcony. Sitting there, she looked out into the distance and could see far away. If she looked down, she would see the horrors of the battle the night before, so she kept her eyes level along the tree line in the distance. Turning back to the three approaching her, her gaze fell upon Gimli and she wrinkled her nose. Knowing all she did about the dwarf, it was difficult to be rude and unfriendly to him but she knew she must. A Mirkwood elleth would hate a dwarf at first.

"Aragorn, Gimli, this is Laurëanna of Mirkwood. You met her earlier," Legolas reminded them.

"My lady," Aragorn nodded.

Gimli looked her over and nodded. She looked at him with obvious distaste.

"Prince Legolas, why must this…dwarf…be here? I was sent to talk to Isildur’s heir not…" she began, trying to ignore Legolas’ look of shock.

"Master Gimli is a good friend and traveling companion of mine, as well as one I would trust with my life, my lady," Aragorn said smoothly as Gimli sputtered.

"Laurëanna, may I speak with you for a moment?" Legolas interjected before grabbing her elbow and steering her out of hearing distance of the other two.

"What is the meaning of this? Surely you know who Gimli is and…" Legolas began.

"Yes, but an elleth from Mirkwood would have no love for a dwarf. No more than an elven prince did at one time." Turning her back so that Aragorn and Gimli could not see her face, Laurëanna’s eyes twinkled and she barely held back a giggle as she reminded him of his first feelings towards the dwarf. Elrond had told her how Legolas had felt about Gimli and knew the feelings were mutual.

After a moment, Legolas nodded with a slight smile. "You are correct. I did not think of that. Try not to be too rude, however."

"Legolas, I would personally love to hug and kiss that little dwarf myself. Lady Galadriel was quite charmed by him and speaks very highly of him. And if we live through this war, I do intend to hug and kiss him!" Laurëanna smiled. "However, for now I will pretend that you reprimanded me and I will be nicer to him when we go back to talk to them."

Legolas nodded and the two went back to where Aragorn and Gimli were standing.

"Forgive me, Master Gimli. It appears you have proven to be a valuable asset to this group and I … apologize for my rudeness," Laurëanna said, pretending it was distasteful to even speak the words. Gimli gave her an equal look of distaste.

"Legolas said the two of you need to speak to me before we departed," Aragorn reminded her, trying to detract from the uncomfortable feelings between the two.

"Yes. Yes we do," she nodded and once again, blurted out without so much as a preamble, "It is very important that you go with Gandalf today to Isengard not directly to Minas Tirith."

Aragorn looked at her oddly for a long moment and Laurëanna bit the inside of her lip. Apparently, she had picked up more of her father’s diplomacy than her mother’s natural tact and grace at these things.

"Sauron will soon strike Minas Tirith. I need to be there to help Lord Denethor and his son, Faramir, in any way possible. No. We will leave for Minas Tirith as soon as we can prepare," Aragorn said as he began to walk away.

Laurëanna’s heart dropped into her stomach and she looked at Legolas desperately.

"Perhaps it would be best if we did stay with Gandalf. Things seem less unsure if we stay together," Legolas added.

"Why did you not make this suggestion earlier when we discussed it?" Aragorn looked at Legolas curiously, then turned back to look at her. After studying her for a moment, his gaze returned to Legolas. "Is there something I should know? If there is a reason why we should change plans now, you should share it with me."

"I…" Legolas started but looked lost for words as well.

"I have the gift of foresight," Laurëanna blurted out, suddenly inspired.

Legolas’ eyes widened in shock as the other two turned to observe her curiously.

"And your visions brought you here? Now?" Aragorn said walking towards her studying her closely.

Laurëanna tried not to look too deeply in his eyes; afraid he would see the lie in them, yet she knew that if she looked away it would look suspicious so she ended up looking at him anyway.

"I know that if you go to Minas Tirith today rather than going to Isengard with Gandalf, the results will be disastrous," she stated.

‘That is not a lie and I did not tell him his fate if he did not go. Did I?’ she asked herself, concerned.

Aragorn walked to the wall, stroking his bearded face, deep in thought. Legolas came up and put his hand on his shoulder.

"I do not think it wise to ignore a vision from the future, but I will trust you to make a wise choice and I will follow you wherever your path leads us," Legolas said, quietly.

Laurëanna felt like she could not breathe. The moment of truth had come and she could feel it slipping away already. Gimli’s face was full of distrust as he watched her and the way Aragorn was taking so long to decide, she felt sure he would choose to go on to Minas Tirith.

Screwing up her courage, Laurëanna walked over to where Aragorn stood and lightly touched his arm. When he turned to her, she smiled as gently as possible and said, "Aragorn, I know how tormented you are. You did not want this legacy you have been given any more than Frodo wanted the Ring. But the failure of Isildur is not your future. You can rebuild the honor the men of Numenor have lost."

Aragorn did not answer her so she continued. "I know when you learned who you were, you took the guilt of your ancestors upon yourself and have never let it go. You have hidden from your destiny for many years, Aragorn but you have been unveiled now. You can run from the truth no longer. The people of Middle Earth need you to guide them. Did you not stay here and defend Helm’s Deep with your life? Do you not owe it to Gondor to do whatever you must to save them? Can you abandon them in their hour of need?"

Aragorn glanced away and she could see she had angered him by the tension in his jaw. At last, he turned heated eyes on her.

"Why have you come, Laurëanna?" Aragorn said studying her.

Laurëanna could see Legolas looking very nervous and she tried to appear calm when she answered him. "I have come to advise you to go with Gandalf to Isengard as I have said. I have come to stop you from making a grievous error."

"But why?"

"Because I know how easily this path is to stray from. I have faith in you as a leader of Men. I know you are what the people of Middle Earth need. You will help to restore this land, make it beautiful once more so that men and hobbits, and even dwarves can have a future here. I also know that when your mother died you swore you would never fail your people," Laurëanna said confidently.

Elrohir had told her that night that Gilraen had died, Aragorn had confided in his adopted brothers of his feelings about being Isildur’s heir and how he pledged he would not fail his people. Elrohir explained that Aragorn thought that if he claimed the throne of Gondor, he would bring only failure to his people. Laurëanna hated to use his own words against him but she would stop at nothing short of breaking her oath to the Valar to convince him.

"How did you know…" Aragorn exclaimed.

"I know of your oath to your mother as surely as I know that if you go to Gondor now, you would only destroy them. Please Aragorn, trust me when I say this," Laurëanna said earnestly.

"Aragorn, I’m glad you are still here," a voice from behind her said, startling her. She turned and her eyes rested on an elderly man dressed all in white and she grinned, despite herself.

Gandalf the White was smiling at her warmly. "And who is this?" he asked

~~~~

Laurëanna resisted the urge to break into tears and beg the Maia for help. Why had the Valar not sent her back to warn him? He would have listened once he determined she was telling the truth and Aragorn would not have questioned his advice.

"This is Laurëanna of Mirkwood. My father sent her here with a message," Legolas explained.

Gandalf turned to study her and once again she feared she would be exposed. She had only been here a short time and she was already living in constant fear. How could she spend the rest of her life here? If Aragorn went to Minas Tirith, it did not matter anyway.

"Yes. Laurëanna claims she has had a ‘vision’ and insists we must go with you to Isengard," Gimli grumbled and Laurëanna shot him a dirty look.

"Ah. The gift of foresight in an elf is not one to be questioned, Master Gimli," Gandalf said, his eyes never leaving her face. "And what is this vision, my lady?"

"If Aragorn goes to Minas Tirith today, it will bring dire tidings upon the fellowship, Mithrandir," she said truthful, yet evasively.

The wizard studied her for some time then walked to Aragorn slowly with his hands clasped behind his back. Once again, Laurëanna waited with baited breath for his response. Every one watched the wizard. Stopping before Aragorn, Gandalf nodded.

"And what do you think, Aragorn?" Gandalf analyzed his features.

Aragorn looked at her and she could see a slight uncertainty in his eyes yet he said, "She knows things one could not know without some power guiding her. I cannot imagine that she would bring danger upon herself to come here alone if she were the enemy’s servant."

"Perhaps you should go to Isengard. We might find some useful information from Saruman before you go to Minas Tirith. This will delay your journey to Gondor by a day." Turning to look at her, Gandalf continued, "Whether her vision proves to be true or not, King Thranduil believed in it enough to send her, so we should not doubt her."

Aragorn nodded thoughtfully as Gimli looked less than pleased. Laurëanna almost fell to the ground and wept tears of joy and finally released the breath she had been holding in. She looked over at an equally relieved Legolas.

Legolas and Gimli went to find a horse for her as Aragorn went to see Lord Éomer and King Theoden about the change in plans. As he was walking away, Gandalf stopped in front of her.

"My dear, I do not know your full purpose for being here, but I have a feeling things are not as they seem," Gandalf studied her and she looked at him at levelly as possible. "If I suspected you of any trickery, I would not have aided you so far, yet I believe you were sent by those far wiser than myself."

Laurëanna said nothing as she tried to keep her mouth from dropping open at how quickly the Maia had uncovered her secret.

"I would suggest that you work on remaining less impassioned by your duty here. While we are in Isengard, you need to stay out of sight of Saruman for surely he will see what I have seen," Gandalf smiled faintly. "You have only lived in the Undying Lands have you not, my child?"

Laurëanna smiled as she blushed. Gandalf lightly touched her shoulder.

"You have the beauty of youth and purity as well as the grace of one born in peace. I am curious, but I will not ask for I know you are not allowed to answer," Gandalf smiled faintly. "Something about you, fair lady, is very familiar, however."

They both began to walk to the horses, but when they saw the men ahead, he laid a hand on her arm.

"You must be careful Laurëanna. These are very dangerous times and you are ill prepared for what you must face. Stay close to Legolas and be safe," Gandalf warned her in a low voice. She nodded sadly.

Even though Gandalf did not know the full story, it was comforting to her to know that he knew what he did. At the same time she worried that she would have a hard time keeping this from others. As he warned, she would stay far away from Saruman, but what if Lord Elrond or Lady Galadriel discovered her? Yet if they did, she knew it was Eru’s will and it was no fault of her own. She must put her faith in that knowledge.

~~~~

When Laurëanna and Gandalf joined Legolas, Aragorn, and Gimli, they were standing with many men. Two were obviously royalty and judging by their ages, she assumed one was Lord Éomer and the other King Theoden. As they were introduced to her, she bowed her head respectfully. While the men finished their discussions, she watched the king and his nephew subtly.

Based on how an Elf matures compared to how a Man matures, she knew that Lord Éomer and herself would be considered similar in age. She could not imagine having the burdens he would soon have on him at her age. She felt so young. Of course, she would not die and he would die most likely before he saw one hundred winters. Looking at him now, so youthful and virile, it seemed such a waste to her that Men’s lives were so short.

Noticing the elf watching him, Éomer turned to her with a slight smile.

"This seems an unlikely place for an young girl such as yourself," he teased.

"I am older than you I assure you, Lord Éomer," she replied. "Perhaps you are too young to realize a female, elf or woman, should never be judged by her appearance. We can easily surprise you."

Éomer chuckled. "Yes, Lady Laurëanna, you are correct and I do know better. If my sister, Éowyn, were here now, she would surely set me straight with less graciousness than you are showing. My apologies."

Laurëanna nodded with a grin and took the reins of the horse the stable boy brought her. Éomer looked at the horse strangely then back at her.

"Was your horse injured or too weary when you arrived?" he asked.

Her face paled for a second as her mind raced.

"Her horse bolted in the madness when she arrived. She came soon after the battle had finished and there was still much activity," Legolas said calmly and Éomer nodded.

Laurëanna reproached herself for not thinking of an answer previously. Truly, if she was to make it through this, she needed to be better prepared when questioned. She looked at Legolas gratefully and nodded. Legolas helped her mount her horse, then he and Éomer both went to their own mounts.

As she followed closely behind Legolas and Gimli, the riders rode down the dike and they halted at the edge of the wood. Eventually Gandalf went into the woods along the pathway beyond. Laurëanna barely listened to Gimli and Legolas discussing the woods as she, like Legolas, wished to stop and walk among these trees. She felt Yavanna’s presence here and it was a comfort to her. There were trees here as old as Middle Earth and some species that did not grow in Valinor. She would have loved to have taken time to hear their songs. Despite the discomfort of her companions, especially Gimli, she enjoyed the time they spent in the trees.

When they came out of the woods, Legolas cried out about the eyes of the trees looking out from the shadow and attempted to go back. She was shocked as she watched the Mirkwood Prince’s desire to stay with the trees and grateful that Gandalf stopped him. Gimli was also grateful.

Out of the forest, Laurëanna began to once again feel uneasy. This world was so strange to her and she missed her family. This would be easier with Elrohir beside her. Biting her lip, she tried not to think about the night without him.

Her eyes widened as creatures that belonged to the eyes Legolas had seen began to exit the woods. They were like nothing she had ever seen before, yet she did not feel frightened by them, as the riders around her appeared to be. They called to others like themselves that came from the North. She heard Gandalf explaining to the others that they were Ents and allies of the free people of Middle Earth.

Tears stung her eyes as she heard Gandalf say to King Theoden, "The evil of Sauron cannot be wholly cured, nor made as if it had not been. But to such days we are doomed. Let us now go on with the journey we have begun!"

If only they knew how true that statement was. Even if Aragorn walked the Paths of the Dead, there was a chance Sauron might not be defeated. There was no guarantee that she had done enough to fix the future. She gazed longingly at the woods as the riders continued their journey. Legolas and Gimli rode beside her at the back of the procession. Darkness was falling and she was glad. The constant barrage of this dreary place was wearing on her more than the long hours they had ridden. When the wolves began to howl, chills ran up her spine and she glanced nervously over at Legolas, lit now only by the nearly full moon.

"You will be safe," Legolas reassured her quietly seeing the fear in her eyes.

Laurëanna wanted to believe him but she had never deluded herself with the thought that she was a warrior. She was safest in her husband’s arms, not with a sword in her hands. She blinked back tears as she thought of Elrohir.

When they reached the banks of the river, all were stunned by the nearly dry bed of sand and one of the riders that was nearest her exclaimed, "Saruman has destroyed the river as well."

They were all hesitant to ride where so many of their fellow Rohirrim had fallen, yet Gandalf urged them on. The wolves ceased their howling as they moved further down the river, but Laurëanna still felt they lie in wait. They came upon a large mound in the middle of an island that was surrounded by stones and spears where the Rohirrim who had fallen were buried. She could not help the tears that fell on her face, feeling the grief of the men around her. Hope was fading fast for these people and she could not reassure them that it was not lost.

As if reading her mind, Legolas turned to her and said, "Hebo estel."

Laurëanna drew a shaky breath. He reached out and squeezed her hand. Gimli watched their exchange and for the first time, she did not sense distrust from him. Turning away, she wiped her eyes.

It was midnight before they stopped at the base of Misty Mountains beside the bed of the Isen River. Laurëanna could barely keep her head up she was so exhausted. Legolas kept her near him at camp and she felt Gandalf and Aragorn’s eyes on her as well. She was too tired to decipher if their fear for her well being lay with what was outside the camp or the fact she was the only female within the camp. Growing up in Valinor, she never had to worry about such things a man taking advantage of her, but both her husband and her mother had explained such dangers to her in her final days in Tirion.

Lying on the ground between Legolas and Gandalf, she half-listened to the quiet conversation between Aragorn and Gandalf to prevent herself from becoming overwhelmed with sadness. With Aragorn so close by, she could not even talk to Legolas in Sindarin, as she had been able to do throughout much of the day, despite Gimli’s annoyance. Weariness overtook her and she fell asleep.

Pale wisps of smoke curled enveloped her as she searched for the stars. Never in her life had she seen such an infinitely black night. Gandalf turned to glance at her and she could see the sadness in his eyes.

"You were too late," he sighed and turned to look away.

Turning to following his gaze, Laurëanna saw that all of the men in the camp were dead as wolves weaved among their bodies and the carrion picked at their flesh. She cried out and rushed to Legolas side. Shaking him, she pleaded with him to help her, but his eyes never opened. She felt stickiness on her hands and held them in the light, sobbing aloud when she saw the blood dripping from them.

"Laurëanna."

Elrohir stood smiling at her near the body of the king and she ran to throw herself into his arms. He hushed her as she wept. After a few moments of her loud sobs, she heard him chuckling and she pulled back to look at his face. It was no longer her husband but a black shape of sheer evil.

Laurëanna sat up with a scream. The camp was already awake, having been awakened by the watchmen who had cried out when a solid form of blackness rolled towards them. Terror began to overtake the men and Laurëanna grasped for Legolas’ arm, watching wide-eyed as both he and Gimli seemed to surround her. They too watched in amazement.

Suddenly Gandalf jumped up and spoke loudly to them. "Stay where you are! Draw no weapons! Wait! And it will pass you by!"

Even as the words came out of his mouth, a mist began to gather around them all. Legolas pulled her back towards the center of the group. The men drew towards each other and spent the rest of the night awake, and afraid of the whispers in the dark.

~~~~

 A/N Directly quoted the following two comments by Gandalf from Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, J. R. R. Tolkien, Chapter 8
"The evil of Sauron cannot be wholly cured, nor made as if it had not been. But to such days we are doomed. Let us now go on with the journey we have begun!"
"Stay where you are! Draw no weapons! Wait! And it will pass you by!"

A/N Thank you for all of the reviews! It is wonderful to know that people read and enjoy this story. Thanks once again to my FABULOUS beta, Ellisk. You’re consistantly supportive and I value your input so much. You are a gem of a friend. Thanks to the gang for being supportive! Binka, Ghetto, Maram, Viv, and Rhaps – thanks for being there to support me and pat me on the back when I needed it. Thanks to Space for my wicked cool banner. It is wonderful like everything you create! And of course, thanks to Tolkien for creating elves and letting me play in his world. I am making no money doing so and unfortunatly own none of them.

Elvish Sayings:
Suilaid. Elladan eneth nîn. Telin o Imladris– Greetings. My name is Elladan. I come from Rivendell.
Mae govannen. Laurëanna eneth nîn. – Well met. My name is Laurëanna.
Laurëanna – Golden Gift

10th day of October
Fourth Age, Year 30
Imladris, Middle Earth

“Elrohir!”

Elladan yelled a warning to his brother as the orc’s blade swung towards his neck. Elrohir turned and having no time to deflect the blow, he ducked. Bringing up his sword as he rose, he managed to catch the orc in the chest. Pain shot through his leg as the orc’s blade sliced into him as the creature’s arm fell, followed shortly by the rest of his body.

Looking around, Elrohir saw that the rest of the orcs were dead and Elladan and the elves with them were all alive. Sitting down on the ground, he cut his leggings to see the damage the orc blade had done.

“You could have been killed,” Elladan said angrily.

Elrohir glanced up at him and saw the rage in his eyes. Elladan dropped to his knees and cutting part of Elrohir’s cloak, began to apply pressure on his brother’s gushing wound

“But I was not. Although you seem to be trying to see that I suffer as much as possible,” Elrohir said through clenched teeth, pain filling his eyes.

“I told you it was too risky to attack them. But you did not listen. You put all of us in danger and almost got killed and for what? Over twenty-five orcs nowhere near our borders. We were outnumbered and could have bypassed them completely,” Elladan snapped.

“That is more orcs that will not attack the next group of elves bound for the Grey Havens,” Elrohir replied.

Elladan did not respond because he knew it was no use. Elrohir had been getting more and more dangerous every year. He had tried to get through to him, but since destruction of Lothlorien his rage had not dwindled. On the contrary, every day it seemed to grow worse. Elrond and Galadriel watched and worried, yet did not interfere, feeling that if anyone could get through to him it would be his twin.

“Elrohir, you need to get back to Imladris soon. You are losing too much blood,” Elladan said concerned.

“I am fine. We can do one more pass near…”

“No! We are all going back to Imladris before you get yourself or anyone else killed!” Elladan shouted.

Elrohir glared at his brother and tried to stand. Unable to rise alone, he held onto Elladan’s arm and stood up. Glancing at the faces of the other four elves with them, he saw the strain of the previous weeks on them. None would look him in the eyes and he knew they felt as Elladan did. He was being reckless.

“Fine, let us leave now,” Elrohir said quietly.

Elladan sighed in relief. Helping his brother to his horse, he insisted they ride together worried Elrohir would lose consciousness. The other elves had taken the weapons and armor from the orc bodies to be melted down for use by the elves. They all began the half-day’s ride to Imladris leaving the orcs for the crows.

~~**~~

Elrohir was barely conscious when they reached his chambers. As Elladan and Malino carried him to his bed, a servant was sent for Lord Elrond. Elladan cut his brother’s leggings off and continued to try to stop the bleeding.

“Elrohir…” Lord Elrond said rushing in.

A wave of nausea rolled through Elrond as he saw the pallor on his son’s face. Taking the cloth from Elladan, he examined the wound. It was not a large cut, but it was deep. The blood was still seeping from it but had slowed down somewhat.

‘I will not lose another child in these lands,’ Elrond thought angrily.

Together he and Elladan worked to cleanse the wound and stitch it closed. After a few moans, Elrohir lost the battle against the blackness surrounding him. The exhaustion of many nights without sleep in addition to his blood loss was too much for him to muster any more strength. Elrond laid his hand across his forehead gently as he watched his shallow breathing.

“He should be fine,” Elrond declared in a tone that betrayed his relief.

Turning to Elladan, he embraced him tightly. He then noticed Lady Galadriel standing in the doorway. He nodded to her and she released a deep calming breath. Walking to her grandson’s bedside, she kissed his brow and whispered, “Esteë hinya.”

Asking a servant to watch Elrohir and send for them when he awoke, Elrond led Galadriel to his library. Elladan promised to join them once he had bathed and changed into clean clothes. Removing his mail and boots, he walked into the bathing chambers he shared with Elladan. He smiled gratefully at the servant who had filled the tub with steaming water. After she left, Elladan removed the rest of his clothes and sank down into the relaxing hot water. It had been weeks since he had a hot bath. In the wilds he bathed in cold streams or creeks when there was time and opportunity.

As he let the water sooth his tired muscles, Elladan tried to ease his troubled mind. The realization that Elrohir could have died today kept running through his thoughts. Many times the brothers had been in battle, yet this time disturbed him more than any other. His twin had been so careless today. Normally Elladan watched him fight with grace and ease, every movement deliberate and fluid, much like a well rehearsed dance. Thousands of years fighting orcs had made them both finely honed warriors.

Today Elrohir fought like a man possessed, completely unaware of his surroundings, only thinking of killing the orc before him. He had killed more than his share, but in his single-minded urge to kill, he had almost been struck down himself. Elladan had watched in horror as he had been caught completely unaware by that final orc. He felt his stomach tighten with nerves when he realized if he had not shouted, it would have been too late.

Dreading facing his father, Elladan waited until the water had cooled completely before getting out of the tub with a sigh. He dried off and then dressed slowly. Finally unable to prolong it further, he walked to his father’s library.

“Elladan, I had food and wine brought here for you, so please eat,” Galadriel said embracing him. She held him a moment before drawing back to look at him, running her fingers down his cheek. “You are so weary. It is good you have returned home.”

“Yes. It is good to be home,” he nodded and kissed her cheek.

While he ate, Elrond and Galadriel sat quietly drinking wine, both allowing him time to enjoy his meal in peace before discussing their mission and the events of the day. When he finished eating, Elrond handed him a glass of Miruvuor to aid in his relaxation. Elladan thanked him and drank it slowly before relaxing back into the deep cushioned chair. Elrond took the tray from him and placed it on a table near the door before sitting down in front of his son.

“Were you ambushed again?” he asked directly. He watched as Elladan hesitated. “No need to lie for your brother now, Elrohir. I cannot help if you are not honest with us.”

Elladan was quiet for a moment before saying, “No. We were not ambushed. We came upon orc tracks this morning and followed them northwest.”

“And how many were in their party?” Galadriel asked.

“About twenty five.”

Elrond was quiet for a moment before saying, “Twenty five orcs headed away from Rivendell and you tracked them down despite the fact you were outnumbered. Then you attacked them. What were you thinking? The number of orcs grows rapidly as the number of elves diminish and you continue to act foolishly with no thought to those with you.”

His jaw tightening, Elladan said nothing to betray his brother nor would he. He had been arguing against this attack the whole time, but he knew Elrohir was reckless enough to do it without him or possibly completely alone if Elladan abandoned him.

“Elrond, please do not blame Elladan solely for this. You know, as do I that Elrohir has continued to act rashly in these missions. His boldness in battle has become the talk of Rivendell. Elladan is not his keeper; he is his reluctant accomplice in order to possibly protect him. If we continue to ignore the fact that Elrohir is doing his best to get himself killed, we cannot stop him before its too late,” Galadriel said impassioned. “I, for one, have lost too much in this war. I do not intend to lose my grandsons because we are not willing to confront Elrohir on this matter.”

The room was quiet for a long time, each wrapped in their own thoughts. Finally, Elrond said, “Forgive me, Elladan. Galadriel is correct. We must talk to Elrohir about this soon. I know you have done your best to try and prevent his actions. You have been a loyal protector of your brother for so many years that we have come to take it for granted.”

“It was not always this way. We always fought side by side and protected each other for as far back as I can ever remember. When Lothlórien fell…something just changed in him. I can no longer reach him. I think about what happened today and…” Elladan trailed off as his emotions overwhelmed him into silence.

Reaching over, Galadriel took his hand and squeezed it. “Elladan, this is not your fault. Elrohir needs help from all of us now and we will bring him through this. Your father says his wounds should heal quickly, so at least he is physically well now. We merely have to sooth his fëa somewhat. You are not alone in this.”

“Elladan, you need rest as well. You are exhausted. We can discuss this further tomorrow,” Elrond said rising from his chair. When Elladan stood, the two embraced. “I am relieved you are home safely, my son. Tomorrow we will find a solution for this, but tonight, you need to put your concerns aside and rest. You will need your strength to deal with your stubborn brother when he wakes.”

Elladan chuckled and nodded, relieved to not have to carry this burden alone any longer. After a kiss from Galadriel, he went to his chambers and slept peacefully for the first time in weeks.

~~**~~

Elrohir awoke with a start, confused by where he was. Glancing around, he realized he was back in his bed in Rivendell. Attempting to rise, pain shot from his thigh and he moaned.

“Do not try to sit up yet Elrohir,” Galadriel said softly. “Here, try to drink some of this.” She helped him drink some Miruvuor. Refilling the cup with water, she watched him drink it quickly.

Smiling gently at him, she asked, “How do you feel?”

“I am well considering, I suppose,” Elrohir murmured still groggy with sleep. “I feel weak though.”

“You have lost a lot of blood. It will take a few days for you to regain your strength,” she replied.

“Is Elladan alright?” he asked quickly.

“Yes. He is still asleep I imagine. All of you were quite exhausted from what I have seen.”

“It was a long mission. I will be fine in a couple of days,” Elrohir said.

“Perhaps,” Galadriel responded. “Yet you will remain in Imladris for a few months to fully recuperate, I am certain.”

“What? I will be needed for patrols and…” Elrohir argued.

Galadriel interrupted him before he could finish. “It is best for you to heal and recuperate to full strength before you end up getting yourself killed as you almost did this time.”

“It was not that bad. I do not know what Elladan said…”

“Your brother has been protecting your secret too long Elrohir and he did not betray you this time either,” she reprimanded him in a stern voice.

“No, he would never betray you even if you risked his life as well,” Elrond said from the door.

Elrohir felt the anger building in him and tried to refrain from a response. He felt them watching him and finally could not stay silent. “I will not be treated as some misbehaving child because I was doing my duty. My injury could have happened to any of those with me. Do not treat me like I am to be punished for being wounded.”

Elrond glanced over at Galadriel, who watched him sadly. Soothingly she said, “Elrohir, you are not being punished nor are we treating you like a child. You are being reckless and we are concerned. We know you do not mean for others to be harmed when you take these risks and that you would risk your life to save anyone with you. Yet they are loyal to you and will not abandon your leadership even if you are being careless or dangerous. You are hurting Elrohir. As it always has, your hurt turns to rage and you vent it by throwing yourself into killing orcs. Just as you did when your mother left for Valinor.”

Elrohir said nothing, but pain filled his heart. Elrond came to sit beside him on the bed. After checking his wound, he turned to face him. Elrohir could see the tears glistening in his eyes.

“Elrohir, we have lost so much in this war. I cannot lose another child. I know how much rage you feel over all that has happened--we all do--but you cannot let it destroy you. Soon we will be in Valinor and you can begin your life anew, free of death and killing. Your mother is there waiting for you and I cannot face her if I lose you. She has already lost her father and her daughter, she cannot lose you or Elladan as well,” Elrond said in an emotion filled voice.

Still Elrohir said nothing as he looked away from his father. Elrond could see the pain in his features and wished he could take it from him, but he knew Elrohir needed to first acknowledge it before he could heal.

“She haunts my dreams…” Elrohir said softly. “Every night I remember her face: so beautiful yet she was so cold. There was so much blood and I can still remember Estel’s cries. He had come so far only to lose what he loved most. I never wish to love like that. I could not bear to love someone so much and lose her like that.”

Elrond and Galadriel said nothing, but she reached over and stroked his hair. Elladan had walked into the room quietly and listened to his words. He too could remember the sight of Arwen’s body as if her death had happened yesterday. He knew the memory would never leave him, but the pain had grown bearable for him, having mourned her loss while he healed from his injuries. Obviously Elrohir had not dealt with his feelings.

“Then to lose Legolas and the others…and almost lose Elladan so soon after. Then grandfather and Lothlorien, it was just too much. Why was I spared and not them?” Elrohir asked his father.

“Elrohir, only Illúvatar knows the answer to that, but you should not feel guilt for living…” Elrond started.

“Of the three of us, it should have been me. Arwen was so beautiful with a gentle heart and caring fëa. All that knew her loved her and she sacrificed so much to be with Estel. It was all for naught! And Elladan is loyal and…he is the better person by far. I am nothing compared to them. It should have been me that died. My fëa is weak and dark compared to them…” Elrohir said angrily.

“Elrohir,” Galadriel interrupted him. “None of you ‘deserve’ to die. You cannot think about it that way. And no one wishes it were you instead of Arwen.”

“I do!” Elrohir yelled. “Every day I wish it had been me that died instead of her!”

Galadriel shook her head, saying, “Listen to me. Illúvatar has not shown you what your purpose is, but he has a plan for you, a greater purpose that has not be revealed to you yet. You must have faith in him to guide you.”

“I do not want to talk about this anymore. I am tired and wish to rest,” Elrohir said in a monotone voice.

Galadriel sighed and kissed him. Looking into his silver gaze, she said, “I love you Elrohir. I do not want to lose you as well.”

“Nor do I,” Lord Elrond said squeezing his hand.

After a few moments they left the room. Elrohir glanced over and saw Elladan watching him.

“What do you want Elladan?”

Elladan glared at him. “You are a fool to have kept this from me for so long. Always I have been there for you and you decide now to try to face these feelings alone. What were you thinking? We have always been there for each other. How do you think I would feel if I lost you?”

“Elladan, do not lecture me…” Elrohir warned.

“You are right. It is a waste of time to lecture you. You are too stubborn to listen to anyone. If Glorfindel were here, perhaps he could beat some sense into you. Stop being so selfish. Naneth and Adar have lost too much to face losing you so stop trying to get yourself killed.” Angry tears filled Elladan’s eyes and Elrohir looked away to hide his own tears. “You are a fool but I…I need you. I cannot continue to live in this darkness without you by my side.”

Elladan sat beside Elrohir on the bed, and after a moment, he looked up at him. “Forgive me Elladan. I never meant to put you in danger. The pain was too great and I did not see what I was doing.” Sitting up slightly, he embraced his brother.

“I will forgive you if you swear to me that you will stop doing this and allow us to help you heal your heart,” Elladan said in a stern voice.

Unable to speak, Elrohir nodded. Elladan sat and talked with him until he fell asleep.

Facing the Enemy

5th Day of March
Third Age, Year 3019
Helm’s Deep, Rohan

Laurëanna stretched her arms above her head in an attempt to relieve some of the soreness in her muscles. Sitting awake most of the night, terrified, had made her body feel as if she had lain on a bed of rocks for days. Crouching back down, she scooped up a handful of the cool water that once again flowed through the Isen and brought it to her face. Her second day in Middle Earth was off to a very rough start.

“Are you all right?” Legolas asked her. He had been watching her since she had walked down to the river and was concerned by the toll last night had taken on her. The strain of the sleepless night added to the shadow of sadness on her delicate features.

Legolas had never doubted the wisdom of the Valar, so he knew that things would happen as they were meant to happen. Yet, he wondered sadly if Laurëanna, much like her father, would sacrifice her life for others. And the ones who mattered most to her would not know her to mourn her loss. Knowing that he would be the only one who truly knew who she was made him feel an overwhelming responsibility for her. He would sacrifice himself if the need arose, but as Boromir’s death had shown, sacrificing himself would not guarantee her safety. In addition to that, no one would be left to assist her if anything happened to him. Their lives were intricately tied to each other, just as Sauron’s fate was tied to the ring. Like the ring was to Sauron, Legolas was her protection, yet while he could survive without her just as the ring could exist without Sauron, part of him would be lost in her death and his failure to prevent it. She on the other hand could not accomplish her mission alone and the fate of Middle Earth had been placed on her shoulders.

Legolas watched her sympathically. He could not imagine coming into this world from the peace of Aman. All his life he had watched those around him battle the evil in Mirkwood. To be thrust into this after a lifetime of peace was much like what the hobbits had endured when they first left the Shire. And it had taken an immense toll on each of them.

Laurëanna sighed and replied, “As well as can be expected, I assume. I do not think I am strong enough for this journey. Or brave enough.”

She felt an overwhelming sense of disappointment in herself for being so weak. Feeling selfish, she thought how much she wished she could be lying on the beach with Elrohir rather than be in this horrid place. Any other day she would be waking up in Elrohir’s arms, perhaps making love, or making breakfast with Elladan underfoot every time she turned around. Smiling slightly, she thought back to the time that Elladan had caught one of his braids on fire trying to tickle her while she was cooking. Elrohir had teased him for months that the smell of burnt hair signaled that breakfast was ready. Her fascination with the newness of her surroundings was dimming quickly in her loneliness for her husband and family. Soon she would be with Elrohir and Elladan again, she reminded herself as tears stung her eyes.

Gently, Legolas reached out and squeezed her hand, still cold from the water. When her blue eyes looked into his, he saw even more pain and sorrow then yesterday.

“Laurëanna, you are doing well under the circumstances. Last night was difficult for the men with us and they have faced many battles. Do not be so hard on yourself. Once you are reunited with Elrohir, you will feel some of your strength return, but until then, know you are safe in my care. I will not allow anything to happen to you. The Valar have laid this task upon you and I will protect you,” Legolas reassured her.

Laurëanna nodded, too emotionally drained to even speak of her gratitude. Eru would guide them through this and, as Galadriel had told her, she must put her faith in him.

~~**~~

The king and his company once again set out for Isengard. The morning was gray and foggy, causing the riders to feel dismal and quiet as well. In the reek and mists, they passed through lands that were filled with the burned and hewn stumps of ancient trees. Laurëanna was mortified with the destruction of the land. After many miles, they reached a highway that was paved with stone and had water filled gutters.

When they came to a tall pillar of black that had a stone carved and painted to look like a long white hand pointing north, everyone felt a sense of dread fill them knowing that they drew close to Isengard. The red that now stained the white hand reminded all of blood--an eerie warning to them perhaps, they wondered. But Gandalf rode on unflinchingly and they followed. All about now were large pools of water and the mists cleared as they reached Isengard’s doors at midday.

Everyone looked about in amazement at the ruin before them. The doors were broken and twisted; the stones were cracked and thrown about. There was an arch still standing before them, but the roof was destroyed. The walls surrounding Isengard had gaping holes torn into them and their towers were nothing but dust. Through the tunnel, a ring surrounding the tower of Orthanc was filled with water with steam rolling off it into the air.

Everyone was surprised by the fact Saruman had been overthrown except Gandalf and Laurëanna. But she was awed by the damage of Isengard nonetheless. Her attention, as well as the others, was quickly drawn to two small figures seated on a pile of rubble smoking while surrounded by the remains of a feast.

“Welcome, my lords, to Isengard!” Merry called out to the king’s company as Pippin waved gleefully.

Laurëanna watched, amused, as the two hobbits introduced themselves and bantered back and forth with Aragorn, Gimli, Legolas, and Gandalf. The riders and the king were equally amused with the banter. Her father had told her of these two hobbits, Merry and Pippin, as well as Sam and Frodo, who he had helped on their journey to Imladris. The story of Glorfindel’s encounter with the Ringwraiths to save Frodo at the Fords was well known throughout the Imladris elves of that age. Elrond had once teased her that she had never made Glorfindel angry enough to light up and glow, as he did that day according to the legends. But he suspected Elrohir had come close to seeing it when her father discovered their romance.

As Éomer and his men followed Gandalf into Isengard to talk to an Ent named Treebeard, Aragorn, Gimli, and Legolas chose to stay with the hobbits. She did as well despite her curiosity about meeting Treebeard.

After the others left them, the hobbits turned to her and smiled. Legolas said, “Merry, Pippin, this is Laurëanna. She is from Mirkwood also. She was sent with a message from my father.”

“You came to Rohan alone?” Pippin asked.

“No,” Laurëanna thought quickly. “I traveled with three ellyn from Mirkwood.” When Aragorn glanced over at her, she continued calmly, “They left me shortly before Helm’s Deep once they assured themselves the battle was over. We worried that three heavily armed elven warriors would perhaps cause alarm so soon after the battle, so they stayed out of sight.”

“She appeared without a horse or her escort, seemingly out of nowhere, with claims of a vision…” Gimli muttered under his breath.

“What Master Gimli?” Laurëanna asked. “Do you doubt my word? I have no reason to lie. Do you truly believe I would continue on in your company if I had a choice?”

Legolas and Aragorn chuckled. Merry said, “Here we go again with the elf and the dwarf arguing.”

“We are not arguing. I am merely pointing out the fact that Lady Laurëanna can appear magically,” Gimli explained. “Perhaps she can show us how she disappears magically as well.” The dwarf turned to look at her with a smirk.

Laurëanna smiled sweetly. “Master Gimli, if I were capable of any sorcery, trust me you would be a turned into a toad by now. Or perhaps something useful.”

Aragorn shook his head and interrupted the arguing with more questions for the hobbits. Then the hobbits promptly set about getting them food and drink from a damaged guardhouse. Laurëanna sat quietly, listening to them as she ate. She worried too much about saying something without thinking, so she listened, fascinated by the tales of all that had happened to the two hobbits since the Uruk-hai kidnapped them.

Of course, she knew the general events, but she had never heard the details. Learning of them now, directly from the two hobbits, the story took on a new meaning—one that was all too real.

Throughout her life, Laurëanna had learned of the history of Middle-earth, just as she had learned geography and math. Her parents had exposed her to every aspect of her history, including her father’s death. At a young age, she had even come to her father to ask him about his part in the kinslayings and he had reluctantly explained that he had come upon the grisly scene in Alqualondë after it had occurred. Wishing to shield her from the truly terrible details of this event, he focused his story on the fact that he had followed his friend Turgon, son of Fingolfin and Prince of the Noldor, to Middle-earth. Turgon had also been a distant relative to Elrohir’s both on his mother and father’s side.

But the stories that Glorfindel had told her and her tutors’ history lessons had always seemed more like legends or even fairy tales. No one had wanted her to be touched by the evil that had been part of Middle Earth or the first ages in Aman. Now she was hearing the stories uncensored and seeing first hand the fear the hobbits had felt. She could not help the tears that fell on her face hearing the tales.

They told of their sorrow over losing Boromir, who they saw as a noble man who, though tempted by the ring, sacrificed his life for them. In their eyes, he was a hero who died valiantly. They told of the horror of their captivity at the hands of the orcs. And they told of their time with the Ents and the Battle of Isengard. This story made her smile, glad that the Ents had their retribution against the fallen Maia. She also smiled at their joy in response to discovering that the others were well. The fellowship was no longer whole, but the ones that remained together here were loyal to each other.

When Aragorn decided they should seek out Gandalf and the king’s company, Laurëanna remembered Gandalf’s warning about being seen by Saruman.

“I think it best if I stay here in the guardhouse. I am tired and would enjoy some quiet time to rest before our return trip,” Laurëanna said with a tired smile.

Legolas turned to speak to her away from the others. “I am not certain it is completely safe for you to stay here by yourself. I will stay with you,” he said.

“No. I think you need to go with the others. I will be fine. The danger is gone and I am armed if I encounter someone,” she reassured him.

“It is too dangerous. We do not know that the orcs have all been driven from this land,” Legolas argued.

“Legolas trust me. It is safe. The hobbits have been walking about unharmed all of this time in plain sight. I will be in the guardhouse. I promise I will be careful. I think I will be safer here than if I go with you into Isengard,” Laurëanna said then smiled. “Besides I can scream quite loudly, if need be. Do not worry, I will scream first then defend myself until my rescuers arrive.”

Legolas felt that he needed to heed her advice on this despite his misgivings. She perhaps knew some reason why he needed to be with the others and she was not meant to be there. Reluctantly, he nodded and watched her walk up the stairs to where they had eaten earlier. Then he joined the others.

~~**~~

Laurëanna heard noises downstairs and grew wary. Looking out a window opposite the tower of Isengard, she saw the Ents were destroying the white hand that they rode by earlier. She smiled slightly. Saruman was defeated and perhaps this time, it would be forever. Suddenly, she remembered something that dampened her mood. Saruman was able to escape Isengard in her past. What if she had not prevented him from taking over the Shire? She honestly did not know what would happen now. Shaking her head she realized there was nothing she could do about it. If he did in fact escape, perhaps the elves could aid the Hobbits. Or even the men of the West. Without Sauron, Saruman would not be as powerful.

Going back downstairs to breathe some fresh air, she sat on a rock watching the Ents. They were beautiful to her. Each was very unique. She could imagine them in Valinor; in fact, she wished they were in Valinor. The splendor of the forests there was more suited for these graceful caretakers of the trees. She heard some of them making sounds, which she assumed was their own language. It was melodic and soothing, relaxing her frayed nerves to hear them. She sat with her eyes closed, listening to their song.

Sooner than she expected, the king’s company and her companions returned. She stroked her horse’s muzzle, watching the Ents come to speak to Gandalf. Their fluid strides were slow yet sure. She smiled at the affectionate way Treebeard talked to Legolas about Mirkwood and the elves.

As she mounted her horse, Legolas nodded to her and said to Treebeard, “This is Laurëanna. She also is of Mirkwood. Perhaps one day she will visit your forest as well.”

“It is an honor to meet you.” Laurëanna bowed her head to the Ent. “I would love to spend time in your forest as well.”

“And you will be welcome, fair elf,” Treebeard said. Laurëanna smiled at him and nodded.

After saying their goodbyes, they started out to go back to Rohan. Laurëanna asked Legolas, “What happened with Saruman?”

“Gandalf tried to encourage him to help us, but he would not. His staff is now broken and his power diminishes,” Legolas replied.

“Let us hope it is enough,” she muttered under her breath.

Legolas heard her and asked quietly, “For what?”

“Nothing. He is merely very dangerous,” she answered evasively.

Studying her for a moment, Legolas realized that the danger Saruman represented might not be defeated and he felt a sense of dread in his stomach. “A most unusual thing happened as well. Grima Wormtongue threw something from the windows of Orthanc.”

“Really? What was it?” Laurëanna tried to appear curious, yet she had her suspicions of the answer.

“A Palantír,” Legolas said, studying her reaction and seeing no surprise.

“Aye, that is unusual. I wonder how he came by a Palantír. Let us hope he has not been using it. They are also very dangerous,” she muttered half to herself.

Gimli watched their exchange and could not help but feel apprehensive. He no longer felt she was a threat or a spy of any kind, yet he could plainly see she was hiding something from all of them. He hoped her secrets would not bring more danger upon them all.

~~**~~

When they stopped for the night, Laurëanna was exhausted but could not sleep. She closed her eyes until she knew that Legolas had fallen asleep rather than worrying about her. Then she nervously watched Pippin and Gandalf. Finally, she decided that the past had been changed enough that the hobbit would not look into the Palentír. Unable to fight anymore, her eyes drooped shut.

“Laurëanna.”

Laurëanna opened her eyes to see Elrohir lying beside her, looking at her strangely. Confused, she sat up and glanced around her bedroom.

“Wait. How did I come back here? Am I dreaming?” she asked softly.

“Come back? You never left. You have been here all night unless you know something I do not,” he chuckled and kissed her. “You have been having nightmares. What is troubling your sleep so much?”

Was it possible that it had all been a dream? Jumping out of the bed, she grabbed a robe as she ran through the house and outside. It was dark and foggy, the air thick and rank. Elrohir wrapped his arms around her waist and whispered in her ear, “What is it, Melethen? You act as if you have seen a ghost.”

“What is happening Elrohir? I went back to Middle Earth. I was in Isengard. How did I come back here? It is dark and terrible here, worse than it was before I left,” Laurëanna exclaimed, terrified.

He laughed. “Do you not recognize your own husband? I am not Elrohir. My brother is dead. And you never left, Laurëanna, nor have you ever been to Middle Earth. Sauron has come and finally defeated the Valar. We no longer have to fight as long as we follow his rule,” he said calmly.

“What? Have you lost your senses completely, Elladan? We have never been married and Elrohir is not dead. Where is my father? You need to take me to him. You are obviously suffering some type of madness,” Laurëanna stepped away from him slowly.

His eyes turned cold, chilling her blood completely. “Lord Glorfindel and my brother were not spared as they chose not to follow the Dark Lord’s rule. Do not mention their names again in my presence. It is a betrayal to our lord to mention the Defiant Ones.”

Laurëanna backed away from him quickly, then turned to run from him, but he caught her and grabbed her roughly. Jerking her around to face him, she was looking now at Aragorn, not Elladan. He was squeezing her arms, bruising her flesh. As she tried to pry his fingers from her arms she noticed it. He was wearing the One Ring.

“This is not possible. It is only a nightmare; I just need to wake up.” Calming slightly, Laurëanna tried to make herself wake up.

“You are a fool to think to can change anything. Do you honestly think you can make a difference? You are insignificant to all. No one will even mourn your passing. You will fail because you are weak and powerless. The only difference you will make is to bring death to those you love that much swifter,” Aragorn said through clenched teeth. “Now go from my sight.”

He hurled her to the ground. Looking up tearfully, she saw Elrohir lying beside her covered in blood.

“No! This is a nightmare! You are not dead!” Laurëanna cried kissing his face. His eyes flickered open and she saw he was breathing faintly.

When his gaze fell on her, he whispered weakly, “Melethen…do not stay in the Golden Hall. Stay with me.”

“I am here. Elrohir, I will not leave you,” Laurëanna cried and kissed him. Drawing back, she realized he was gone. “Elrohir! No! It was not supposed to happen like this. You cannot leave me here alone.”

“He is gone; you are too late,” a familiar voice said.

Raising her head, she cried, “Ada, please do something. Help me.”

“I have no daughter. Who are you?” Glorfindel said watching her suspiciously.

Laurëanna lay down across her husband’s chest and wept. The pain from her heart breaking was tearing her apart. She held onto Elrohir tightly, stroking his face and whispering words of love.

“Laurëanna.”

Laurëanna felt someone shake her lightly. Her eyes flew open and Legolas was watching her.

“You are crying. Are you alright?” Legolas asked concerned.

Wiping her eyes, she nodded. “It was just a nightmare. I…I am fine now.”

“You seem unwell, are you sure…” Legolas began before a piercing cry tore through the night.

“Pippin,” Laurëanna jumped up and ran towards the hobbit, closely behind Aragorn and the others.

The hobbit lay on his back, eyes wide and staring at the sky. Gandalf knelt beside him and tried to rouse him. Pippin screamed out something about Saruman that Laurëanna could not fully understand. Gandalf finally settled him as the hobbit begged for his forgiveness. She listened closely to what Pippin said about what he had seen in the Palantír. This part of the past had not changed. She wondered if this was good or bad.

As Gandalf laid Pippin back in his bed, Legolas turned to her and said, “You do not appear shocked by any of this.”

“No. It has happened before and I think it was meant to happen again. But we must…” she began.

“What was meant to happen again?” Gimli asked coming from behind her.

“The Palantír has tempted many people to look into it before. Obviously, if Pippin gazed into its depths and did not betray us, then he was meant to be the one who picked it up,” Laurëanna said nervously.

Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Gandalf giving the Palantír to Aragorn. She shivered thinking of the Aragorn in her nightmare. A shadow fell over them and they all glanced to the sky in terror, as the moon seemed to have been swallowed whole. The sight of a huge winged creature above them caused many to cry out fearfully.

“Nazgûl!” Gandalf cried. “The messenger of Mordor. The storm is coming. The Nazgûl have crossed the River! Ride, ride! Wait not for dawn. Let not the swift wait for the slow! Ride!”

~~**~~

Laurëanna’s stomach was a bundle of nerves. Now she would learn if things were corrected in history. As she rode beside Legolas and Gimli, she searched the night for some sign of The Grey Company.

Gandalf and Pippin had left for Minas Tirith after seeing the Nazgûl. Taking her aside, Gandalf had said, “Perhaps we shall meet again Laurëanna, if it is meant to be. I must leave your care in others hands, but I sense Legolas to be part of this as well. When in doubt Laurëanna, search your fëa for the answers you seek. You will be guided through this if you listen carefully. The Valar will not abandon you in your quest. Stay close to Legolas.”

The King’s company left shortly after Gandalf’s departure and she knew that soon Elrohir and the Dunedain should find them. Soon after they crossed the Fords of the Isen, the king called the company to a halt. She watched as the men armed themselves. The sound of many horses riding fast upon them was like music to her ears and she turned around to watch their approach.

“Laurëanna, you and Merry stay out of sight,” Legolas called to her as he urged Arod in front of her. She lowered her face and smiled to herself.

Moving her horse close to Aragorn and Merry, she jumped down beside the hobbit. She reached over and squeezed his shoulder reassuringly. When their pursuers were closer, Éomer called for them to halt, demanding to know who rode in Rohan.

Laurëanna heard Halbarad calling out to them, then Aragorn moved to embrace him. She searched the shadows for her husband and Elladan. Growing nervous, she held her breath until she heard Halbarad’s words that Elrohir and Elladan were among the thirty with him.

When finally she saw them in the moonlight, tears filled her eyes and it was all she could do not to run to him. The moonlight reflected off their silver mail and they appeared as she had never seen them before. Their dark hair had warrior braids, much like those that Legolas wore, and even from a distance she saw how serious their faces were. Even Elladan had no trace of a smile, which surprised her.

As the company began to ride towards Helm’s Deep again, Legolas smiled at her. The two of them held back to ride with Aragorn, Halbarad, and the twins. After Halbarad updated Aragorn of the events going on in the North and the South, Elrohir rode up beside Aragorn.

“I bring word to you from my father: The days are short. If thou art in haste, remember the Paths of the Dead.” Elrohir said solemnly.

“Always my days have seemed to be too short to achieve my desire,” answered Aragorn. “But great indeed will be my haste ere I take that road.”

“That will soon be seen,” said Elrohir. “But let us speak no more of these things upon the open road!”

When Aragorn asked about the tall staff that Halbarad carried, the ranger answered, “It is a gift that I bring you from the Lady of Rivendell. She wrought it in secret, and long was the making. But she also sends word to you: The days now are short. Either our hope cometh, or all hopes end. Therefore I send thee what I have made for thee. Fare well, Elfstone!”

“Now I know what you bear. Bear it still for me a while!” Aragorn said then fell silent.

Elladan watched her for a moment before smiling at her and saying, “Suilaid. Elladan eneth nîn. Telin o Imladris”

“Mae govannen. Laurëanna eneth nîn,” she replied.

“I find it most awkward when elves act as if all of the world speaks their language or speak as if we are not even here,” Gimli grumbled.

Laurëanna laughed, “Forgive me, Master Gimli. Sometimes I forget that you have not evolved to the level of the First Born.”

“Evolved?” Gimli snorted. “Evolved to what: braggarts and sorceresses? I think not.”

Elladan chuckled at the dwarf. “Forgive me as well, Master Gimli. I merely told her my name and where I am from.”

“And which one are you again?” Gimli asked.

“That is Elladan,” Laurëanna answered.

“I am the one more fair,” Elladan winked at her. “This is my brother Elrohir.”

Laurëanna’s breath caught in her lungs as he first looked at her, hoping he would recognize something. He barely glanced over before saying, “Suilaid.”

“Mae govannen,” Laurëanna smiled gently. His eyes searched hers for a moment before he nodded. She realized painfully that, while he was curious, he did not sense anything about her.

Legolas saw the pain cross her eyes and quickly said, “Laurëanna is from Mirkwood as well. She was sent with a message from my father and joined us a couple of days ago.”

“It is too bad we did not encounter your party on your way here. We could have perhaps saved you the dangerous trip to Rohan,” Elladan said.

Elrohir watched the elleth closely. Something made him feel uneasy about her, yet he felt a strange sense that he knew her. The wind had blown some of her hair loose from the braid and he had a strong urge to brush it out of her face. The thing that most unsettled him was the feeling that he had done so many times before.

“It seems unwise for King Thranduil to have sent an elleth so far from home in these times of war. He is not known for risking the lives of the elves of his realm so lightly,” Elrohir said to her, ignoring the others present.

“The king needed me to come see Lord Aragorn on an urgent matter. I do not question his decisions nor should you,” Laurëanna replied, surprising herself with her biting tone.

She could not help but feel a sense of anger towards him. He loved her so much at one time, yet now he showed nothing but suspicion towards her. She felt her hurt turn to anger. Valar, she could not believe his nerve.

Elladan almost laughed at Elrohir. Most ellith would fall all over Elrohir and this one acted as if she would prefer to run him through with her sword. Amused, he turned to Elrohir and saw he was surprised by her tone as well.

“I was not questioning his decisions. I am questioning whether or not it is wise to have you with us. It would be most unfortunate for something dreadful to happen to you,” Elrohir retorted arrogantly.

“That almost sounded as if it were a threat,” she narrowed her eyes slightly. “Are you always so gracious with strangers or do you just become arrogant and rude to all females?”

Legolas burst out laughing, but tried to muffle it with his clenched fist while Gimli and Elladan chuckled openly. Aragorn and Halbarad glanced back at them and they all managed to quiet down.

“Elrohir, pretend you have some manners, you big orc. Forgive my brother, my lady, father has never been able to teach him charm or manners. He often acts like a troll among others,” Elladan said quietly to her.

Laurëanna smiled slightly before saying, “Forgive me for sinking to his level then.”

As the others smiled at her comment, Elrohir smirked at her. Beautiful and witty, this elleth intrigued him. He could not explain what drew him to her, but he felt a surge in his fëa that he had never felt before.

A/N
The following were direct quotes from the books as I felt to rephrase them would lessen the impact or dilute the meaning of the words:

~~“Nazgûl!” Gandalf cried. “The messenger of Mordor. The storm is coming. The Nazgûl have crossed the River! Ride, ride! Wait not for dawn. Let not the swift wait for the slow! Ride!”~~ The Two Towers, Chapter 11, The Palentír

~~“I bring word to you from my father: The days are short. If thou art in haste, remember the Paths of the Dead.” Elrohir said solemnly.

“Always my days have seemed to be too short to achieve my desire,” answered Aragorn. “But great indeed will be my haste ere I take that road.”

“That will soon be seen,” said Elrohir. “But let us speak no more of these things upon the open road!”

When Aragorn asked about tall staff that Halbarad carried, the ranger answered, “It is a gift that I bring you from the Lady of Rivendell. She wrought it in secret, and long was the making. But she also sends word to you: The days now are short. Either our hope cometh, or all hopes end. Therefore I send thee what I have made for thee. Fare well, Elfstone!”

“Now I know what you bear. Bear it still for me a while!” ~~ Return of the King, Chapter 2, The Passing of Grey Company

A/N Thanks for all of the reviews! Thanks yet again to the wonderful Elliska, the Silmaril of Betas. Thanks to Binka, Elfy, Hal, Space, G, and Rhaps for always being supportive! Thanks to Space for my wicked cool banner. And of course, thanks to Tolkien for creating elves and letting me play in his world. I am making no money doing so.

Elvish sayings:
Laurëanna – Golden Gift
Indil – Iris
Mellon nîn - my friend
Wilwarin- Butterfly Quenya
Faica ulundo-mean monster Quenya

~~

13th day of July
Fourth Age, Year 40
Tirion, Aman

Thranduil laughed at he watched the Lorien elf rise from the ground and brush off his clothes. “Rumil, hand me your sword. Let me show you how it is done.” Removing his shirt in the hot sun, he strolled over and took the weapon from the younger elf.

Glorfindel calmly handed Laurëanna the cup of water back. “Wilwarin, run back to your nana so I may teach King Thranduil how to fight.”

“Do you think you can best me, old man?” Thranduil replied, cocking his head to the side.

“With my eyes closed,” the Noldo chuckled.

Rumil picked up Laurëanna and carried her back to where Taravil and Celebrían were sitting with Indil. Collapsing into the chair beside Indil, he moaned.

Laughing softly, Indil asked, “What is it, mellon nîn?”

“Your husband…is a tyrant. I have never been so humiliated in a sword fight until I met him,” Rumil sulked.

Celebrían laughed. “Had no one ever warned you about Lord Glorfindel’s skills, Rumil? I do believe we have been trying to remind you every year since you arrived.”

“I keep hoping he will forget how to fight. I practice; he does not. Yet every time I challenge him and think this time I could possibly win, he bests me once again,” Rumil sighed dramatically, drinking the wine that Taravil had poured him while the three watched him with sympathetic eyes.

“I remember he and Elrond fighting one time. The only time they ever fought, as far as I know. Elrond would not speak to him for a week.” Celebrían smiled at the memory.

“Glorfindel beat Lord Elrond?” he asked surprised.

“Worse. He let him win so that he would not embarrass him. Elrond told me it was more humiliating than being bested. The warriors watching knew that Glorfindel allowed him to win and Elrond was angry that now they would never know who would have truly won,” she replied with a chuckle.

“My ada can best anyone,” Laurëanna pronounced with authority.

“Hush little balrog,” Rumil snorted, as he tickled her.

Her laughter was interrupted by the clash of metal. Watching with fascination, Laurëanna climbed into Rumil’s lap. Still small like her petite mother, she looked younger than her age, but when she spoke people often wondered if she were much older. Her mother’s thirst for knowledge had provided her with the knack for learning quickly and her father’s air of confidence allowed her to display that knowledge with a sense of authority. She had developed a fondness for yelling at Rumil in Quenya when angry with him, knowing he did not understand a word of it, and informing Thranduil of everything he was doing incorrectly in his garden. Despite his love for the child, Thranduil had threatened to ban her from the house if she did not stop preaching to him about how her father did everything. According to Laurëanna, Glorfindel did no wrong, and she was quick to let Thranduil and Rumil know where they were lacking to live up to her standards. Indil’s admonishments fell on deaf ears because her daughter would hear her father’s laughter about the subject. Taravil and Celebrían both thought it was amusing as well, which did not help the situation, as Thranduil reminded them frequently.

Indil smiled at her now, her eyes wide as she twisted her braid around her fingers. Unable to harness her abundance of energy, Laurëanna had developed a habit of playing with things, either her hair or something on her clothes, when trying to be quiet. Looking back to her husband, Indil felt a familiar flutter in her stomach. He was shirtless and the sun was glistening off the sheen of sweat that clung to his golden skin. His silky hair was tied back and she was reminded of the night at the docks of Mithlond before they left Middle Earth. His perfect form with well-developed muscles moved gracefully, the sword merely an extension of his body, as he battled effortlessly deflecting every blow. It was like watching a dance as the two elves faced off.

The most noticeable difference in Glorfindel now was his face. His smile and laughter was beautiful to her heart, brought about by years of the peaceful happiness in Aman. His once tired fëa had finally healed as he allowed himself to love and be loved by his wife and daughter, and it reflected in his calm contented eyes. In the last few years, he eagerly helped the new arrivals from Middle Earth as the ships slowly sailed in sporadically every year or so. Former warriors that had fought beside him lived with them if need be until they found houses of their own. Indil comforted them with her generous hospitality, while he counseled them in recovery, listening to hours of late night talks to ease their troubles.

Laurëanna was never told of the events of Middle Earth despite Indil’s suggestion. Glorfindel did not wish her to be troubled with the burdens. Unwilling to push him into it, Indil merely told her daughter that the elves had come from a place where bad things had happened and Laurëanna treated each of them with compassion, leaving her personal touch on their heart. More than once a tearful survivor had told Indil that the purity of Laurëanna’s fëa gave them hope of a new life in Aman.

Taravil watched Indil’s obvious appreciation of her husband and with a smile suggested, “Perhaps Laurëanna would enjoy staying with us tonight.” When Indil looked over at her, she could not refrain from adding, “And perhaps Laurëanna’s father would appreciate time alone with her mother as well.”

Indil blushed as Celebrían chuckled. Laurëanna pouted and said, “Ada said that tonight we were going to…”

“Laurëanna, did you know that we have baby ducks in the pond behind our house now?” Taravil interrupted her.

The little girl’s eyes lit up and she looked at her mother. “Please nana, can I go see the ducks? I promise I will behave.”

Indil smiled gratefully at Taravil before saying, “Yes, but you must mind Taravil and Thranduil. And do not tell Thranduil all of the things he has done wrong to lose this fight.”

Taravil glanced up surprised to see Thranduil glaring at Glorfindel from the ground. Laughing she said, “I wish he could have let him win this one time. I will hear about this all night.”

Celebrían reached over and lightly tugged Rumil’s hair. “See, even King Thranduil cannot best him.”

“I told you so Rumil,” Laurëanna said gleefully before running and flying into her father’s arms.

“I told you so Rumil,” Rumil mimicked her while rolling his eyes as the three ellith tried to restrain their laughter.

Watching Laurëanna helping Thranduil up made it impossible however and he glared over at his wife, as he was walking over to them. “Taravil, you have you no shame, disloyal wife.”

Glorfindel broke into laughter when Laurëanna promptly kicked Thranduil in the shin. Trying to bite back his smile, he admonished her, “Laurëanna, do not disrespect your elders.”

“Ada, he was disrespecting a lady,” she said with her hands on her hips.

“I am telling you, your daughter is turning into a balrog,” Rumil smiled.

“Faica ulundo,” Laurëanna said with a pout.

“What did she call me this time?” Rumil asked, shaking his head at the little girl who began to laugh at him.

“Sore loser, I believe,” Glorfindel said squeezing his shoulder.

Indil’s laugh told Rumil that once again, the spawn of the beast of Thangorodrim, as he affectionately called her away from her father’s ears, had mocked him again.

~~**~~

After everyone had left, Glorfindel went to the washroom with heated water for a bath. Indil changed into a thin, sleeveless, gossamer gown and, bringing an opened bottle of wine, she joined him. Looking up when she entered, he smiled seductively as his eyes took in the low cut gown.

“I thought you might need some assistance,” she explained gazing at him with desire filled eyes.

Glorfindel chuckled low in his throat. “I would appreciate that.”

Pouring him a glass of wine, she handed it to him and then ran her hands down his rippled abdomen before unlacing his leggings slowly. He sipped the wine while watching her, his eyes darkening with desire. She slid the leggings over his hips and down his thick muscular thighs. As he stepped out of them, Indil leaned forward to run her lips across his chest and wrapped her arms around his waist resting her hands on his firm buttocks. When she lifted her face, he gently caressed her cheek, running his long fingers over her delicate jaw line.

“You are beautiful, my sweet Indil. Every day, even more so,” he murmured before bringing his lips to hers. Burying his hands in her hair, he brought her close, as his kiss grew deeper.

Heat flooded her senses as she moaned softly when his velvety tongue stroked hers. Pressing her body against his, she allowed him to sweep her away to a place where only the two of them existed.

Slowly walking backwards towards the tub, Indil led Glorfindel to the steaming water, not releasing his lips as he climbed in and sat down.

“Are you going to join me?” Glorfindel murmured against her lips.

“No, I am going to bath you,” Indil whispered.

Picking up the soap, she gave him a seductive smile. She pushed him gently into the water to wet his hair and then ran the soap through his thick locks. After rinsing his hair, she ran a soapy washcloth across his broad shoulders enjoying the feeling of his thick ripples underneath his soft skin. He leaned forward and she smiled at his beautifully taut back. Slowly cleansing him, her hands trailed down the muscles of his chest and the tightness of his abdomen, as his sultry gaze followed her hand.

Glorfindel moved her hand to a place on his chest. Entwining her fingers with his, he had her rub the spot with the soapy rag. Then he moved his hand lower to his ribs. Grinning, she followed his hand. He pointed to a place on his belly. Taking her time, she swirled the rag around his taut belly. Grasping her hand, he brought it lower to wrap around his hardened arousal.

Leaning forward, she kissed him. Glorfindel ran his hands around her waist and pulled her into the tub with him.

“Glorfindel!” Indil squealed in surprise.

“What?”

“I am still dressed,” she laughed.

Staring at the way the water soaked fabric clung to her curves, he smiled, “Yes, but you look even more enticing than before.”

Heat filled the blood in her veins and she felt a tingling sense in her body under his gaze. With a seductive smile on her normally innocent looking face, she wrapped her arms around his neck as he kissed her passionately.

~~**~~

Rolling over, Indil groaned and tried to sit up. Glorfindel’s arm caught her waist and pulled her back down to the floor.

“Glorfindel, perhaps we should get off of the floor before Laurëanna comes home,” she smiled over at him.

“It is cooler here on the floor,” he murmured, not opening his eyes.

They had never made it to the bedroom the night before after their bath, making love on the rug of the washroom floor before she curled up in his arms and they fell asleep where they lay. Now a gentle breeze was blowing through the opened windows carrying in the scent of honeysuckle and the sounds of birds chirping. Indil sighed contentedly. She felt peaceful and happy, finally almost complete. Once the remaining elves sailed to Aman, she could rest easy and feel whole again. The nightmare would always be there with her, but she healed a little each day with her new family.

“Melethen, we must get dressed. Taravil and Thranduil could be here any moment,” she said rising from the floor.

Her eyes drifted from his golden head leisurely over his magnificent body. Squinting up at her, he grinned. “Are you sure I cannot convince you to take a nap instead?” He slowly moved his hand over the smooth alabaster skin of her leg.

“Well…I might be able to stay for a few minutes,” she grinned back as she sank down beside him catching his soft lips in a fiery kiss.

“I merely need an hour, two at most,” he chuckled pulling her on top of him.

~~**~~

The knock on the door came when Indil had just finished dressing. Leaving her husband in the bedroom, she ran to the door. She opened it with a smile, which faded quickly when she saw Celebrían. Her eyes were red from crying.

“What is it?” she said quickly.

“Another ship came last night,” Celebrían said, her voice full of sorrow.

“Is it Elrond? The twins?” Indil asked in horror.

“No, they are fine as far as I know. Sauron has begun the attack on Gondor. Dol Amroth has fallen.”