Outside of Time

by Eruannth_Luin

*******

She spoke no word; but being filled with love, Elwë came to her and took her hand, and straightway a spell was laid on him, so that they stood thus while long years were measured by the wheeling stars above them; and the trees of Nan Elmoth grew tall and dark before they spoke any word.

J.R.R.Tolkien, The Silmarillion, Chapter 4 - Of Thingol and Melian

*******

“Why do you treat me as one of the young ones, brother?” The elf turned blazing eyes on his younger sibling.

“The woods are unsafe, Elwë, as even the most innocent among us surely knows,” Elmo replied calmly.

Elmo refused to be daunted by the flare of unnatural light dancing in Elwë’s steel grey eyes. This argument they had often, since Elwë preferred to venture out alone.

“Elmo, it is merely to see again my friend, Finwë. The journey is not far, nor is it likely that danger could come upon me unaware.” Elwë’s voice was more reasoning and less irritated, until he saw the mulish look on Elmo’s countenance and then he added hotly, “Send no guards to follow at a safe distance again, my brother. It will not go well with them…or you, when I return!”

Indeed, he has changed, thought Elmo, and in more ways than the unfamiliar glow in his eyes. He seems near driven to bring us to this land of light and spirit creatures. Finwë, also, is more than ever the leader, pressing onward with an urgent passion. What altered them so while dwelling in that strange country; what compelled them so relentlessly on this trek toward the West?

Shaking his dark head in frustration, he turned from his irascible elder brother. One was determined to set off alone, the other equally set on providing an escort.

Elwë stood for a moment at the edge of the encampment, witnessing the scene and the contentment of his folk with this lovely land, and contemplating how soon he could rouse them to press onward.

Being well-provisioned and armed with a long bow and quiver of arrows, Elwë made no secret of his departure. Striding boldly away from the encampment, he virtually dared Elmo to send others to shadow him. The set of his powerful shoulders, the graceful and efficient movements of arms and legs, the sweep of his flowing mist-grey hair, presented a picture of beauty to be admired for the sheer pleasure of witnessing such a superb example of Elf-kind. Though he knew it not and would have heeded it less, more than a few of the elf-maidens cast appreciative glances in his direction.

His focus was now turned to outwitting and evading his ‘pursuers’. As this was truly how he thought of them, he had not the slightest compunction about ridding himself of his unwanted and, to his mind, unneeded companions. He allowed himself a snort of derision before he leapt into the nearest tall tree and began his active escape.

As was his wont, he did check to make certain the ‘hounds’ were thoroughly eluded before continuing on to seek the company of one of other two elves that shared the First Journey, as they referred to their time in the Blessed Realm, and could, therefore, comprehend the wonders they had experienced.

How can I make Elmo understand that which he cannot conceive? Starlight is all he has ever known. Elwë struggled with his inability to adequately describe the land they strove to reach. Ah, we have not words to tell of the Light and the Song of the Two Trees. He must stand near them and be filled with wonder and great joy before we can speak of their beauty. With an elegant shrug of his shoulders, he stole silently away.

*******

At the first he thought it merely a disturbing whisper in the air, then a strange new birdsong. It seemed to weave its melody into the fabric of his soul, and unhesitatingly he abandoned his purposed goal to find this rare delight.

True enough, nightingales flitted about, but also seemingly questing for the elusive song. Together they sought the fount of this unknown blessing.

With utmost stealth the elf approached the vicinity of the hauntingly lovely song. What bird throat could produce such music, he could not begin to imagine. Luring him ever closer, the melody sparkled like starlight, mesmerizing his senses to all else about him.

Through the velvety dark woods, crossing a near silent stream, he was drawn inexorably closer, with steps graceful and noiseless. He paused momentarily, casting about with his highly attuned senses in search of danger. Satisfied that all was well, he continued to follow the notes that tantalized him.

Forgotten was his search for Finwë, his friend, as he followed the Lomelindi deeper into the woods. Forgotten, the folk who followed his lead and his desire to bring them to the Blessed Realm; all else was obliterated by this bewitching beauty of sound that pierced his innermost being.

Bemused by the increasing glory of the song, he strode unthinkingly into the open glade, halting abruptly at the sight of a shadowy figure with arms upraised as if to touch the stars. From this one emanated the song.

Silently he approached, coming to stand directly before the unknown being. Though lissome and slender, there radiated from it an immense strength and an unguessed power. From the gentle curves of body he suspected a female of her kind. That she was not Elf he knew at once, though he could also tell she was no threat.

She stood slightly taller than he, and he was accounted tall among his people. Her skin was pale and smooth; her gleaming ebony hair flowing as a river over her hips. She was clad in a simple gown of silvery-grey that reflected the light of the stars; her slim feet were bare. Neither jewel nor ornament graced her long-fingered hands or circled the column of the pale throat, yet to him she was beauty unsurpassed. With a start he realized he could discern the faint outlines of the woods through her comely shape, as if she were not a creature of substance, but rather of dream.

That was the moment she lowered her arms, her opened eyes coming to rest on the entranced Elf standing before her. A mutual gasp came from two separate throats as they beheld each other.

Reaching out, he clasped her cool hand. As they stared, unspeaking, into each other’s eyes, his love was born under the mute witness of countless radiant stars. It was a thing wholly unknown in the circles of Arda.

*******

The wondering voice of song spoke first, in his mind, little more than an awed whisper, “Child of Ilúvatar?”

Unable to reply aloud he merely nodded.

The corners of her perfect mouth curved upward as her eyes drank of his beauty, unaware that those selfsame orbs held him speechless in astonishment.

His thoughts came then to her mind, unbidden and unsought, “The Light! I have seen this Light! How came this one to shed the Tree Light from her face and eyes.”

For a space she was confounded by his unspoken statements and question. Studying her own exterior through his eyes, she noted the radiance from her silver-grey ones and the planes of her astonished face, and noted the lesser, but still present gleam from the dark grey pair of this remarkable being who watched her with such intense fascination. A slow smile graced her lips, and her hand rose without her willing it to touch the skin of this unexpected treasure.

A delicious shiver ran the course of her body. It was true! Here, clothed in mortal, though long-lived, flesh was one of the great mysteries of Ilúvatar! Her stunned delight now boundless, she stood as entranced as he, and for several slow breaths neither one moved or spoke.

Fearless by nature and, as the leader of his adventuring people, bold to face unknown challenges, he yet wavered before this one who was not an Elf.

“You are one of the spirit-beings, lady?” He queried.

Her laughter like musical light answered him first, as in a soft mind-voice she replied, “Among the great I am counted friend, yet I am not equal.”

“Why, fair lady, have you strayed far from the beauty of Aman and your people?” he asked.

“Hushed and dreaming is this land, soothing and restful, yet silent and yearning for song, and for life still to awaken.” She barely whispered the next words in his mind. “And above all, rumors of the Children.”

“You came to find us?” he was startled by her answer.

“Ah, but I did not do the finding, Child, I called merely. You it was who followed my entreaty.” Again she smiled. “Have you a name?”

“Elwë; in our tongue I am known as, Star-person.”

Her smile was wise as she pondered the stars to whom she had been singing prior to the abrupt arrival of this one aptly named, Star-person. In her private mind she mused, It was as if he had descended from the star-field to take on living flesh. This encounter is too near a thing of improbability to seem a chance meeting. Her amusement faded to awe as she considered the possibility. The One has arranged this music!

With a shock, he belatedly realized that, though his hearing was acute, the words they had exchanged were spoken without sound.

“How is this thing possible?” he thought. “Have I a new perception of sound?”

Again that artless laughter bubbled from his companion, then she spoke to his mind, “Osanwë. It is the manner of speech among my people.”

“We have not spoken aloud?”

“Such communicating has only now, with the coming of the Children of the One, entered Arda,” was her reply.

Puzzled, Elwë watched her unmoving lips as she ‘spoke’.

“Fair one, fair Elwë…” she paused with the joy she felt at this first saying of his name. “The form you see is not of my designing; it reflects how your eyes behold my being.”

A puzzled frown was his response.

“We are not bound within coverings of living matter, as are you, and so we may, at our will, pass unseen. When we choose to be acknowledged, we often assume a form similar to the observer, for their ease of understanding,” she explained.

His face clearing, he queried her, “Then you have seen other elves to have the model for your body?”

“From your mind, unbidden came an image, and so I donned the raiment you provided.”

“You are of my imagination? Then you are not real?” he could not grasp this concept easily, struggling to fit it into his reality.

“Real…” she studied him thoughtfully, “Not as you perceive real, but real nonetheless.”

“How then can I hope for your love? We are in all ways dissimilar.” His confusion and pain were written in broad strokes on his face.

“Love?” she stroked his face as if to smooth away the unrest she saw there, “Love has a multitude of aspects, dear Elwë.” Again her smile brightened with the saying of his name. “Perhaps you wish to explore the range of meanings?”

“A discussion will serve no purpose, Lady. My fëa yearns toward you, and yet it cannot be answered and completed.”

Softly she told him, “Fëa I am wholly. I hear your plea.”

“Yet the completion of two joined as one between elves is accomplished in the hröar.”

His grief was an agony she had never known, but she seemed wedded to the suffering of his fëa.

Ilúvatar, hear my cry in your far realms. This ‘love’ is a sorrow, yet from the depths of the fëa of Elwë there is joy undreamed of in any song. Is unity with this Child of yours a part of the Great Music?

From beyond the stars, in a voice like muted thunder, came her answer. Yours the choice, but calamitous to you will be the doom to come from this union. Yet also light and hope shall spring from your line. If you so will it, you may clothe your fëa with flesh like unto that of these, my Children, yet retain fully your divine essence.

Long she contemplated the path she was permitted to travel. There were unknowns and possibilities with which she had no experience and no others to guide her. Unbroken was this perilous trail. Perilous indeed…the One had spoken of her doom.

Strong, supple fingers gripped her hand with fierce tenderness, seeking her attention.

“Lady, stay awhile, I shall not trouble you with my love. Simply to be in your presence is gladness untold.”

“You know not what you ask of me,” she stated simply.

Confused he responded, “Only that you dwell in this land and allow me the joy of the Light. The memory of the blended Tree-Light has driven me ever West.” He paused, “But here with you I could be content.”

“I wish for more. Within your fëa is an unknown fire kindled, that would at once warm and consume me,” she replied pensively.

“And yet it cannot be with us, Lady.”

“Favor has been granted me, Elwë, to garb myself in living flesh.”

“Lady! How is this change effected?”

"That fashioning I do not comprehend. Only permission has been granted, not the needed knowledge.”

Not understanding the complexity of the transformation Elwë continued, “Already you are clothed in elf-like form. Could you not simply confirm the change within yourself?”

Smiling kindly she answered him, “Outwardly I would seem complete, yet it would be a mere shell. Beings such as you are formed from the center, growing, replenishing by the use of food and drink, repairing damages done without conscious effort, a creature contained within your skin. You are form and substance, and constrained by needs and desires peculiar to your kind alone. And you are much more than these few words portray. Of this I have only slight knowledge.”

“Must the One cause these changes in you?”

“He has permitted, if I will it, but the solving of this problem is mine.”

Despairingly Elwë said, “Then how is it to be accomplished?”

Her mind-voice was soothing, “Softly, Elwë. You shall be my pattern.”

He grinned broadly until a sudden thought brought a look of consternation to his face. “Lady, elves are male and female, the design of the One for the completing of our fëar, and for the bringing forth of children.”

With a slight furrowing of her brow she contemplated this additional challenge. “Inasmuch as you share, male with female, that will I emulate to design my body.”

The Light in her face and eyes intensified and she fastened her gaze on him with an intent expression. It seemed to the elf that she sought to peer into his innermost parts to gather information.

Though it felt to Elwë like the passing of hours, outside the shelter of her influence time unraveled with blurring haste; trees leaping toward the stars and the swift lives of lesser plants and the animals passing as a breeze.

He experienced a mild tingling in all the varied parts of his body as the powerful mind of the Lady explored his inner physical components one by one. Occasionally a shudder would course through his frame as his body instinctively fought against the intrusion.

Elwë watched the Lady with a spellbound intensity, as if willing her to succeed. The first minor change was a tenuous intimation of the formation of internal organs barely visible through her translucent skin. Almost as an afterthought he realized she had shed her simple gown.

He stared in fascination as the curve of her hips became slightly more rounded, the contours of her breasts took on a bit more fullness, her abdomen developed a hint of added flesh, as well as a modest increase in the musculature of arm and thigh and calf. With a curious grin he pondered, Is this an alteration to fit my thoughts? I had not thought I had a preference, he mused to himself.

Although there was no overt modesty among elves, nudity was usually reserved for cleaning of the body or clothing. Therefore the unclad form of any particular female was of no special interest, since he had never felt any attraction to their fëar, but he was visually familiar with the variety of physical attributes of the female form.

Much of the time clothing was used to protect the skin from damage and to provide warmth for the young who had not yet learned to regulate their body temperature efficiently. Occasionally special clothing was worn for festive times to display the beauty of the garment.

His attention was quickly drawn to the cessation of the vague inner tremors. The Lady stood like a slender oak sapling, her eyes closed, but he could sense an intense mental plea.

Ilúvatar-Creator of all, shaping and molding I have done so far as I am able. Male he is, female I would be, though I lack the pattern.

A low cry of amazement and wonder escaped her lips as the necessary organs were added to her, and other parts modified to equip her for all the functions of a female elf.

Elwë sensed, rather than felt or heard, a breath of the sweetest smelling air just before the Lady, with a broken whimper, collapsed in a heap on the ground at his feet.

*******

An exquisite blending of sensations too numerous to catalog flooded her being, as air filled her lungs, blood coursed through veins, organs awoke to full function, smell, hearing, touch, sight all newly awakened, the brain orchestrating all; the onslaught completely overwhelming her.

The Elf-Maia reveled in the flood of new feelings, but felt a surge of panic at the confinement within this fragment of living tissues. She who had known only freedom was now constrained by her own choosing to dwell nestled in this tiny realm. A tear coursed down her cheek; the magnitude of her decision only now beginning to be realized.

She then, for the first time, felt the touch of another living being on her mortal flesh as Elwë gently smoothed the errant midnight strands of hair from her Light-filled face. With a delighted shiver her eyes opened, and she gazed deeply into Elwë’s dark grey pair that expressed both concern and curiosity.

The tiny uplift of the corners of her mouth quickly became a happy smile as she explored the play of muscles. Tentatively she extended her awareness to her limbs, flexing muscles and testing the immediate limitations of motion.

Elwë sat back on his heels at her side, utterly captivated by the process, the more so when her hand reached up to stroke his face. It felt like a shockwave deep within him, of recognition and longing. She stared at him, wide-eyed in astonishment, a bewildered look on her face which changed rapidly to one of rapture.

With a sudden awareness that startled him, he felt the questing of her fëa. His fëa answered in glad wonder as he leaned forward to touch her smiling lips with his own.

In his mind he heard her musing happily, Ilúvatar, creator-designer of all that is, essence of the Great Music; the song of these, your Children, is more than could have been imagined or achieved among even the mighty of the Ainur.

Laughing with joy he gently scooped her into his arms, nuzzling the gleaming black hair, breathing deeply of the scent of her. Awash with profoundly intense feelings he could not identify, he merely snuggled her warm, supple body to his chest and continued to cradle her with a tender possession. Mirth now echoed from her as she rejoiced in his enthrallment, her musical laughter filled the glade.

“Elwë.”

Her eyes widened at the saying aloud of his name. Not only the ‘speaking’ with combined actions of tongue, lips, throat, lungs, and abdomen caught her attention, but also the simple beauty of the sound that meant her beloved.

Her beloved! Tears welled in her eyes at the implication of her unthinking statement.

Gently she was settled with her back against a great beech tree; the smooth bark and faint song drew her attention causing her to close her eyes in concentration.

A rustling sound arrested her contemplation. Fluttering open, her eyes beheld Elwë shedding his garments and she looked on with unfeigned delight at the sight of his unclothed body.

Grinning at her childlike expression he stretched fully like a great cat, the play of muscles under his faintly glowing skin, entrancing his audience-of-one. Rising effortlessly to his feet he proceeded to dance for her, beginning with the energetically graceful movements of the Dance of the Stag, flowing into the smooth gliding motion of the River Dance and ending with the slow, fluid beauty of the Dance of the Stars-Above-Cuivienen.

“Teach me.” Her melodious mind-voice halted Elwë in mid-stride.

Reaching down he clasped her hands firmly and lifted her to her feet, steadying her until she learned the art of balance. Her first steps were unsure, tentative imitations of his graceful bearing. Rapidly she gained control over her muscles and began to copy his movements.

He laughed with delight as he taught her the simple basics, and then proceeded to the more complicated moves. The little glade rang with the sounds of their joy.

Finally, flushed with excitement and breathless with unaccustomed exertion, she begged a respite. He lifted her easily and set her on a broad tree-limb, then sprang up with easy and seated himself beside her. For a time neither spoke.

He began to sing the Song of Stars, the song of the Awakening. She listened enrapt to the tale praising the glory of the First Light. He then sang a new song and within its notes and words she came to understand his love for the Light of the Two that shone outward from her fëa to capture his heart when first they encountered one another.

So many things he taught her; of majestic trees, deep defining rivers, wide grasslands, in song and words, his thoughts bringing life to all he shared. But she also sensed in him an undercurrent of well-concealed unease, concerning the troubling of the lands by unseen evil.

Then the focus of his mind turned from the world about them as his attention was diverted by the slim leg that brushed lightly against his as she shifted her position.

“Lady…”

He watched her lips silently form a word, then she brought forth a sound of utter glory to his ears.

“Melian.”

“Melian?” he asked.

“Elwë,” she stated simply gesturing to him. “Melian,” she continued her thought.

Lifting a slim hand she brushed back a loose strand of his hair, now gleaming silver-grey, and argent as the bright stars overhead.

The enchanted moment was interrupted by the soft rumble in her midsection and a puzzled look on her face. Grinning broadly Elwë explained, “Your body needs food.” Then after the briefest of pauses he added, “Melian.”

His ardent gaze followed by an agile drop to the ground arrested her attention. Putting his hands around her slender waist, he set her on her feet then proceeded to rummage through his well-provisioned pack. Bringing forth a small loaf of bread, a handful of nuts and some dark red berries, he laid out the impromptu meal on his discarded tunic.

Selecting a plump berry he placed it on the upturned palm of her hand. She viewed it with interest, but made no move to eat it, so he chose another, popped it into his mouth, and bit down on the juicy morsel. She copied his example, but the mixture of surprise and pleasure in her facial expression caused Elwë to burst out laughing. Melian joined in the merriment, but reached out for a second flavorful berry.

Each bite was a savory delight for the Elf-Maia. Their meal was, therefore, a leisurely affair with many unspoken questions answered aloud by the Elf. Melian practiced the spoken words with great accuracy and neither had a care for the passage of time.

Elwë observed as her motions and reflexes at first hesitant and uncertain came, with amazing alacrity, to embody with increasing grace, the fluid movements and gestures of the most skilled dancer.

The flexion of her left calf muscle as she stretched lazily, riveted his eyes. Without a thought he stroked along the contour from knee to ankle, lightly kneading the muscle as he went. Melian stilled instantly.

Long fingers encircling her trim ankle, he marveled at the silky texture of her skin. It was his turn to freeze into immobility when her fingers came to rest on his hand, exploring each joint and digit, pausing when she encountered the pulse of his wrist.

He watched as her intent look of examination turned to appreciation of the evidence of this wondrous internal activity. Melian’s eyes traveled up the length of Elwë’s arm, followed a trail of shimmering starlight-silver hair draped over his shoulder, finally coming to rest on his leaf-shaped ear. Of special interest was the slightly upturned tip.

Upon her finger contacting his ear, he was aware of a rush of sensations. Jolted out of his reverie, he stared at the maiden before him, senses fully alert. As she traced the outline of his ear, he could not contain the fleeting tremor that ran the length of his body.

Bemused though not comprehending the cause, Melian questing finger re-traced its path. This time the response was a notable quiver accompanied by a sharp intake of air. Pleased with her discovery she proceeded to limn down his neck, pausing to note the increased pulse rate before dropping down to examine the powerful shoulder and chest muscles.

“Melian,” he managed to speak with hard-won calm, “That my fëa is drawn to you, is without question. Do you desire now to further the bonding?”

Mystified, Melian sat back and studied him closely. “Do you speak of the joining of hröa?” she asked inquisitively.

He nearly choked, refraining from bursting into laughter at her straightforward approach. “Among elves the journey from fëa-call to hróa-joining is as the growth of a tree, unhurried and unwavering, exploration of the body being the final prelude to the joining of hröar.”

Pondering the statement, she considered his words carefully. “For that purpose this dwelling of flesh in which I house was created. There is within you a Light, unlike that known to the others of my kind. To learn of this most precious gift given by Ilúvatar to his Children is my wish.”

Her method of examination could well have been conducted by one searching for a minor injury, for it was both thorough and gentle. But the thrill that accompanied her investigation with fingertips, flat of palm and an ear pressed to chest and abdomen did not abate.

Temporarily satisfied she rested back on her heels to study the overall elf, noting with appreciation the sculpted maleness in musculature and general shape, then running her hands lightly over her own body in comparison.

“Male and female differ greatly in this region,” she observed, gesturing to her groin. “Demonstrate now the hröar bonding.”

Her simple statement nearly undid his already ragged composure.

“As my Lady Melian commands,” he responded playfully.

Pausing, he grasped her soft slender hands in his powerful pair. Focusing all his attention on her eyes, he then declared, “Ilúvatar, this day I bring before you Melian, my chosen life-companion. The treasured gift of a physical dwelling like unto mine you have bestowed that we might unite, fëa to fëa.

His own exploration was equally thorough. He brought them both to a state of ultra-heightened awareness. It was not, however pleasureable, the physical delights that captivated Melian, but the splendor of the fëa that swirled about her in vibrant colors and fathomless melodies. With the intimate joining of their bodies came the melding of two fëar never purposed to unite.

Spun of love and interlaced with the blessing of the One, the two beings merged into blissful unity. Their fates now sealed, they were swept away on waves of ecstatic joy.

*******

Upon Doriath a heavy change had fallen. Melian sat long in silence beside Thingol the King, and her thought passed back into the starlit years and to their first meeting among the nightingales of Nan Elmoth in ages past; and she knew that her parting from Thingol was the forerunner of a greater parting, and that the doom of Doriath was drawing nigh. For Melian was of the divine race of the Valar, and she was a Maia of great power and wisdom; but for love of Elwë Singollo she took upon herself the form of the Elder Children of Ilúvatar, and in that union she became bound by the chain and trammels of the flesh of Arda. In that form she bore to him Lúthien Tinúviel; and in that form she gained a power over the substance of Arda, and by the Girdle of Melian was Doriath defended through long ages from the evils without. But now Thingol lay dead, and his spirit had passed to the halls of Mandos; and with his death a change came also upon Melian. Thus it came to pass that her power was withdrawn in that time from the forests of Neldoreth and Region, and Esgalduin the enchanted river spoke with a different voice, and Doriath lay open to its enemies.

J.R.R. Tolkien, The Silmarillion, Chapter 22, The Ruin of Doriath

*******

As the fëa of Elwë Singollo fled his ruined body, agony like flame coursed through her mind. Pain tore her asunder as the fëa bond with her beloved was wrenched from her. Her knees buckled and she collapsed to the ground. The elves standing nearby stared in stunned silence. The wail that broke from her throat had no hint of beauty, but echoed a heartbreaking loss and the grief of emptiness beyond bearing.

Gathering about their beloved Melian, the elves stared in bewilderment at her trembling limbs and tear streaked face.

As she felt the flesh in which she had dwelt these long ages, racked with great shuddering sobs, she recalled the wonderment and blissful joy of their first meetings and the fashioning of hröa and the confining of fëa for love of this singular elf.

She had thought the ordeal suffered at the departing from Doriath of the glorious mingled fëa of their only child, Luthien, was trial enough to fulfill the portentous warning; yet she endured. It was now that the words of Ilúvatar admonished her anew; calamitous to you will be the doom to come from this union. She had no care for the blessing that followed those dire words; Yet also light and hope shall spring from your line.

Bereft of hope, she gazed at the lifeless body of her beloved Elwë. The well of strength and love from which she drew freely to protect the lands and elves of Doriath lay before her empty and barren. Unstinting love had been hers from that first moment he espied her. From Elwë she had learned of the richness of the substance of Arda, and combined with her divine wisdom, she wove from the two an unseen veil to shield the living forests of Doriath. Invisible to the eye, the weaving now hung in tattered shreds. The immense will and pride of Elwë, her proudly borne banner, her impenetrable armor in their battle against the evil that sought ever to destroy them, was irretrievably gone.

As she sat, silent in bitter, punishing torment, she cried out to the One, Hear me, Ilúvatar, your words are proven true. Pain unimagined is now mine. Hear my plea; release from these bonds the fëa of your handmaiden, lest in my weakness I fall prey to the Dark Lord.

In answer she felt a loosing of the fabric of the house of flesh in which she had long dwelt and a dispersing of those long familiar elements to the vastness of Arda. With one last sobbing breath she faded from sight of the attending elves, her fëa fleeing forever the once loved lands where still dwelt the people of Elwë.

The End