Bester of Death here! My Cuz Crow and his friend Lady Elveanna write this fic, and nether of them claim the Lord of the Rings characters they’ve used. It you wish to con tact them or see they sites go to the following links.

Crow: [email protected]     www.geocities.com/crow_recantation/LordElrond.html

Elveanna: [email protected]    www.elevanna.net   

Right now on with the fic! Enjoy!

 

Chapter three

 

The ceremony was over and the guests met in the great dining hall. The richness and beauty of the surroundings made the last days’ celebrations look poor. The table lining was held in white and gold and rose petals were strayed everywhere, emanating their sweet aroma. The marble columns were decorated with ivy and white lilys and soft candlelight enchanted the room. After everyone had given their well-wishes to the newly wed, people found themselves together in small groups, talking and laughing, their voices somehow softened by the music and the magical atmosphere.

Elrond’s glance followed Leara everywhere. He tried to desperately take in every detail of her dress and hair, as if he feared she could vanish any minute. He was afraid that he could forget anything, like a dream  blurring with the awakening. He forced himself to concentrate on the conversations he was involved in, only to find his attention again distracted by her.

She was speaking with Aragorn and Arwen and the signs of familiarity and understanding between the three of them made him curious and angry at the same time. He scold himself for being jealous of his own daughter, but he could not help but asking, why she didn’t put her trust in him the way she did with Aragorn and Arwen. Of course, when Aragorn would return to Gondor, taking with him Arwen as his queen, Leara would no doubt follow her cousin. Aragorn was family to her, but somehow he had the feeling that he deserved her trust, as if their souls were long since connected. This thought got him startled. Since when did he think about her that way? 

The strong scent of the flowers and the temperature made Leara feel dizzy, which was strange, for she seldom encountered physical problems like that. The most unusual feeling of having so much of her skin exposed made her uneasy. Silistra looked at her with great concern. If I didn’t know it better, I’d believe that she is going to faint, she thought. Her glance fell on Elrond, who couldn’t take his eyes off Leara, who pretended not to notice. As soon as possible, she found an excuse to leave the group she was talking to and made her way towards her.

“I must speak to you.” She shoved her hand under Leara’s elbow, dragging her from Arwen and Aragorn with an excusing smile.

“What is it?” Silistra frowned at the annoyed nuance in her voice. For some reason, Leara seemed to be nervous.

“What is wrong with you, little wing? You look a little white around the nose.”

“I am feeling a little dizzy. That’s all.”

“That’s all?” An angel does not feel dizzy. Nor does she get so emotional.

“That’s all. Don’t worry about me. You better go back to your admirer.”

Silistra looked over to the young man she had been talking to. He was one of Aragorn’s men from Gondor and seemed to have developed a certain admiration for her. Not that she’d noticed.

“Don’t be ridiculous. But I’m really concerned about you, Leara. Perhaps you should go outside for a minute and take in some fresh air.” She gave her an intense look, as if she saw right through her. Leara knew, that the guardian was reading her like an open book and tried to withdraw from Silistra’s tight crasp.

“You are hurting me. Leave me alone.”

Silistra loosened her crasp, but didn’t let go of her. “Just don’t forget why you are here, angel.” She hissed the last word, and Leara knew that she was upset. She stared at her in disbelief, trying to get her thoughts in order. Then she resigned.

“As you wish.” She gave Silistra an angry look. “I don’t know what has gotten into you. I was only talking to Aragorn and Arwen. Don’t you think, that I did my work properly here?” She raised her chin in defiance.

“Elrond over there is always watching you. Don’t tell me you didn’t notice! And you know how Gandalf thinks about you. I want you out of their view as much as possible. Do not get careless because of the mood of the day.”

Leara eyed over Silistra’s shoulder and spotted Gandalf, as usual watching her. “I think I really could need some fresh air.”

“Then go, child, and forgive me my harsh words. You know, that I cannot act differently.”

Leara squeezed her hands tightly. “I know.”

Silistra lightly touched her cheek with a cool hand. “You will see, you will feel better once you have given air to your head.”

Leara nodded and made her way outside, inhaling the fresh air. Night was closing in and the temperature had gotten more agreeable. A cool wind had freshened up and caressed her skin. Social events always made her feel uncomfortable, but never had she been in the center of attention that much. But at least, a part of her mission was fulfilled and if everything else would turn out that good, she would soon be off. Off home. The heavenly plane… she missed it with all her heart. Suddenly the feeling of not belonging here overwhelmed her and she shivered in spite of the mild air.

 

Inside, Elrond was heading for the door, about to follow Leara, when suddenly Timus blocked his way.

“Please, do not leave now, my lord. We have not yet had the pleasure of hearing Lady Silistra’s beautiful voice raised in a song, as she promised she would do. I think, now is the perfect moment for a song, what do you say? We will ask her to do a love song for the happy couple.”

Elrond could hardly deny this offer in front of all his people, nor could he just leave the room when Silistra was about to sing, without being accused of impolite behaviour. So he only nodded and reluctantly returned to his place. Timus bowed to Silistra, who took his offered hand with all possible dignity, not openly showing her disapproval of this idea. It wasn’t necessary, for Timus knew nevertheless, how less pleased she was. But for the moment, he had no better idea of how to keep Elrond from walking after Leara.

The guests reclaimed their seats and Timus handed Silistra a harp.

“Will you sing us a love song of your people?” asked Arwen, cuddling herself against Aragorn’s chest, who, in return, placed a kiss on her forehead.

“I will sing you an ancient song of Númenor. But I don’t know if it can compare to elvish poetry.”

Aragorn’s face brightened up at the mention of Númenor, the ancient home of the Dúnedain. “There would be no greater gift you could make me, lady Silistra, than to sing me a song of my kin,” he said. “But tell me, where did you learn it? I thought all of the old stories and songs were long forgotten by men.”

By men, yes, but we angels will never forget the beautiful island of Númenor and its downfall. “Some survived the ages, my lord. Told from mother to daughter and from father to son, they could make it to our times.”

Aragorn smiled understandingly. “I see. So your mother be blessed for what she taught you.”

Silistra lowered her head. The guests’ voices faded, as she began to caress the chords of the insrument and raised her soft voice to a song to Ancalimë[1].

 

Out of morning and into midnight,

Through the sunrise and under moonlight.

Ancalimë, oh!

Ancalimë, dream of me.

 

Everything that comes from day

Comes into the heart to stay.

Love is in your name each day.

 

In the moment you come before me,

In that moment I see you only

Ancalimë, oh!

Ancalimë, dream of me.

 

Everything that comes from night

Comes within your shining light.

Love is in your name each night.

 

Outside, Leara could hear Silistra’s pure voice, and although she had heard it many times, it made her sad tonight. Love is in your name each night… I have never known this love. And I never will. A small crystal clear teardrop hung on her lashes, but she brushed it away angrily.

A noise made her spin around. Voices of two men, talking to each other in a fashion that indicated, that they did not want their conversation to be heard by others. Covered by the darkness, she tip-toed closer to get a  better view, silently cursing her gown for the rustling silk. She assumed that this had to be Elladan and Elrohir, for she had not yet seen them in the hall along with the guests and family members and as she got closer, she saw, that her theory was right.

The two brothers had met outside in the dark, in one of the white pavillions. Elladan had slipped off his silver robe and his tunic, blue as the blue sky, shimmered in the moonlight. He measured the floor with long steps, again and again, like a panther in its cage. Elrohir stood completely motionless. He had his arms around his body and his lips firmly pressed together. In his eyes, so similar to Elronds’, stood an expression of pain, which clenched the angel’s heart. Pity and sorrow wettened her eyes again.

Finally, Elladan haltened his steps. His glance went to the stars above. Spreading his arms out wide, he closed his eyes.

“Oh, Elbereth Gilthoniel, Lady of the stars, take this pain and guilt away from me.”

Elrohir covered his face with his hands. “Let go, brother. She is gone and will never come back to us. We will only see her again when one day we will come to the undying lands for ourselves.”

Elladan spun around, his eyes in a feverish glow. His hands caressed the dagger in his belt. “Don’t you think that we would deserve it? That we deserve to die? Think of it! We could meet her again!” He crasped his brother’s hands.

“What are you indicating? That we should kill ourselves to be with her? On the day of our sister’s wedding?” He moved away from his brother, disgusted. “You are sick.”

He swirled around, heading towards Leara, who stepped back, in fear that the elf could discover her. She surpressed a curse of anger, when her dress got a hang on a branch. With a sharp noise, which seemed to split the darkness, the silken fabric tore apart. She froze.

“Who is it?” came Elladan’s commanding voice. “Show yourselves, or be assured that we will find you anyway.”

Leara decided that now it was too late to get away. Better face the brothers and her mission. She slowly turned, swallowed hard and stepped into the pavillion.

“It’s only me. Please forgive me my intruding. I am sorry if I have disturbed your privacy.”

“Leara!” Elrohir gasped.

Elladan eyed her suspiciously. “Good evening, Lady Leara. I cannot help but wonder what you are doing here ouside all alone.”

“I wanted to have a look at the stars. They are beautiful tonight, aren’t they?” She smiled at the brothers.

Elrohir looked at her, and his grey eyes, that so much resembled his fathers’, were sad and tired. “They are beautiful, my lady. But so are you. Surely a highlight on our sister’s wedding.”

“You are too kind.”

“Not at all.” An embarrassing silence grew in which Elladan tried to figure out whether or not she had heard the conversation with his brother the minute before.

“Tell me, how do your people call the lady of the stars? I once knew it, but I must have forgotten it.”

“Elbereth.” Elladan said, his grey eyes showing a sign of relief, that she obviously had not heard them talking. “The stars are her eyes and the black sky is her gown. Everyone knows that.”

“Do you have a moment to spare? Then I will tell you what the people of Gondor say about the starry sky.”

“We have been to Gondor,” Elladan snapped. “And we know about the stories the mortals tell there.”

“But I doubt that you know this one. For it is rarely known. And seldom told to strangers.”

“I would love to hear it, brother,” Elrohir said and sat down on a bench. Leara smiled and took a seat next to him. She looked up at the sky and hoped that it would somehow grant her the self-confidence she needed to gain the trust of the brothers.

“A long time ago, when men were young, there lived a man called Rión. He dearly loved a young maiden, Liniel, and she loved him. She had the brightest eyes and her laughter was like sweet music to him. They wanted to get married to be united forever, but fate spun a different web for them. One day, when Rión was off hunting with the other young men, bandits stormed his village, killing all people there. The young and the old, men and women. When Rión came home, he found Liniel dead. She wore her wedding dress, which she had tried on to show it to her sisters.”

Elladan grumbled, but nevertheless took a seat opposite Leara and listened with growing anticipation.

“Riòn thought, that the pain was going to kill him. Never could he have imagined a life without Liniel. So he took up his sword and left his home, walking into the woods. He was determined to end his life, for everything he thought was worth living for, was now gone. At the moment he was about to bring the sword down to his heart , a lady in white appeared. She was so beautiful, that he could not help but cry. And then she comforted him and asked him why he was so sad. He told her about his dead beloved, and that she now was lost to him. And then the white lady said…” Leara stopped, studying the brothers’ faces.

“What did she say?” Elladan jumped up and was now on Leara’s right.

“She said, ‘Do not despair, Rión, for she will always be with you.’ With these words, she pointed up into the night sky and there, along with all the thousands of stars, Rión clearly could see one, which was the brightest. And he then knew, that it were Liniel’s eyes, watching over him. And that he never would be alone again. ‘Your sorrow has pitied me,’ said the white lady. ‘And I know how she loved you and how strong your love for her was. She has one of the purest souls and therefore has earned a place in my field of stars where she will always look down on you with love.’ With these words, she vanished, and suddenly Rión was no longer desperate. He left his village and became a wanderer. Lonely, but never alone. Daring, but never in danger, for Liniel watched over him, her eyes in the stars and her love still in his heart and soul. And when  he died as an old man, people said, they could swear that there was a new star in heaven.”

The three of them were silent for a moment. Then Elrohir spoke. “Who was she? The lady in white?”

“Elbereth,” whispered Elladan, his eyes wide with amazement.

Leara nodded. “Perhaps. But whoever she was, it is said, that ever since, all the good souls have earned their place in the starry sky along with her. Watching over their beloved.”

“That was a beautiful story, Lady Leara. Thank you for the pleasure of hearing it from you.” Elrohir put his hand on his heart. “I will never forget it. It will always remain in our hearts.”

“So will she,” Leara said, gently brushing aside a strain of his dark hair.

“Who?” he asked, his eyes showing his puzzlement.

“Your mother. She has never left you.”

Elladan jumped up with a start. “So you have listened to our conversation! And I thought it some coincidence, that you have brought up the subject of the stars. You have been eavesdropping!”

Elrohir finally got angry. “Now hold your tongue, brother! Don’t you see what Leara was trying to do? She was trying to comfort us.” Elladan tought about it for a second, then sat down again, not fully convinced.

“I know what you were thinking about” Leara whispered and took his hand. He only looked at her, not saying a word. “I know, that you feel guilty and you think you could easily make the pain go away. But believe me, that’s not the way.”

Elladan took in a sharp breath. The moonlight drew shadows on his face, his eyes glittered with unshed tears and Leara thought, that he looked more sorrowful than his brother, although Elrohir was more able to show it.

“And what would a mortal know of what it feels like, to endure hundreds of years full of questioning yourself, whether or not you could have changed anything for the better? Feeling the guilt and the pain day by day. Feeling the pity of all those who surround us. I can almost read their minds. They believe that we are responsible for this. That she should be here today, if it were not for our mistake.”

“But you are not alone in this, brother” said Elrohir and squeezed his hands. “Don’t you see, that I bear the same burden? But you don’t let me get close to you. You just want to die.”

Leara stood up and suddenly an unearthly light seemed to surround her. The two brothers stared at her, dumbfolded.

“It is you decision and noone can make it for you.” Her voice was now cold and her words harsh. “Take the easy way out, and leave this world. It is only a small step for you to take, you will not know pain or fear or doubt any longer.”

Elladan stood back and drew his dagger. His hand trembled as he raised it to his throat.

“No!” cried Elrohir and jumped to his feet to get the weapon from his brother. But a small gesture of Leara’s hand made him stop. He dared not to interfere with her, so mighty did she appear and so dangerous.

“Go on,” she hissed. “It’s easy to do. If you want to do it, do it now. But before you go, take a look at the stars.”

He frowned and in a moment that seemed to stretch into an eternity, Elrohir saw a small silver teardrop leave his brother’s eye and making its way down his cheek. With a clang, the dagger fell on the marble floor and Elladan collapsed on his knees. The dam was broken. In the arms of his brother, Elladan finally gave way to all the tears he had tried to hide for so many years. Leara’s face softened, as she knelt next to him, and stroke his hair.

“Elbereth,” he whispered.

“No. I am only a messenger.”

“Do you really believe in the story you told us?” asked Elrohir.

“I do believe that the ones we love are never lost as long as we keep the memory of them in our hearts. That’s what the story is about.”

“If she is in the sky now, then she must be one of the brightest stars.”

“And she would not want you both to worry so much about her, questioning yourselves whether you could have changed what has happened or not. She loves you and she always will, no matter what decisions you will make in life. Would you really want to give your father and sister one more thing to worry about?”

Elladan smiled, brushing his tears away. “Now I can see why father likes you.”

Leara was thankful for the darkness covering her sudden blush at these words. “You should both go back. I think you have not yet had a dance with the bride, haven’t you?”

“Nor you with the groom,” laughed Elrohir, ”am I right?” He offered her his arm.

“Wait,” demanded Elladan. “You are not his cousin, am I right?”

Leara looked at him, alarmed. “What makes you come to that conclusion?”

“Don’t worry, my lady, we will keep your secret.” He exchanged an understanding glance with his brother, who nodded, smiling. “We do not care who you are. If you wish to tell us, do it. Otherwise, we just believe that the heavens have sent you here to help. So you did.”

“Not yet,” said Elrohir. “We have not yet had the honor of a dance. I think, only then can I fully enjoy this evening.” The two brothers got hold of her arms and Leara felt herself dragged back to the house by two suddenly very good-humoured elves.

She laughed, trying to get rid of their grasp. “Slowly, my lords! This storytelling has made me weary and my mouth dry. And above all, see, what I have done to my dress.” She pointed to the seam of her dress, which was a little torn off. “If you would excuse me for one moment, I would love to get that fixed and make myself a little more… presentable.”

“If you promise to have a dance with us later.”

“I promise.”

“Alright then. Come, brother. Let us give our well-wishes to the bride and groom.” Elladan dragged his brother away, who waved at her. Then they both vanished into the night, heading back to the house.

 

Silistra smiled at Glorfindel. “No, my lord, please give me a little break. I would be honored to sing with you. But my mouth is dry and this harp is heavy. I am not used to sing so much.”

“If you promise to sing this song with me later.” He handed her glass of wine.

“It will be my pleasure to do so.” She accepted the glass from him with a nod, only to put it down again in the next instant. She spilled something of the precious drink, as she stood up, but did not notice. Something had caught her attention.

Elrond had left his place at the end of the table and was now heading for the gardens. Gandalf close at his feet. Silistra sighed and leant her head against a marble column, suddenly feeling the weigh of her duties and the sorrow of ages heavy on her shoulders.

“Are you alright?” came Timus’ concerned request.

“No. I feel so helpless.”

“He is going to her.” He nodded. “I saw it coming.”

“Who could have foreseen it, Timus? I told her to be careful. To avoid him.”

He laughed, but there was no humour in this sound. “You angels believe to know everything. You are very wise, indeed. But you are also very naïve, when it comes to matters of the heart. Love can not be ‘avoided’. She always gains control over our hearts and minds.”

“Love?”

“Don’t tell me you don’t see what’s going on.”

“If she loves him…”

“If she does, which I tend more and more to believe with every minute passing, then this love will weaken her.” He took her arm, staring at her intensly. “You know that.”

“I know.” She closed her eyes. “I feel that she has completed her task. We will leave as soon as protocol allows. It must end now.” She got rid of him and went away, her golden cloak floating behind her like wings.

Timus smiled. “Not necessarily. There is another way…”

 

Gandalf had noticed, how Elrond’s nervousity grew with every minute Leara was away. Now, as he saw his friend standing up, leaving to the garden, he knew, that he was about to go to her. To this… demon. It had to be stopped. Gandalf had known the Lord of Rivendell fo a very long time now, and he had always been a trustworthy advisor to the elf. He could not understand, how one so wise, could possibly throw all good advices away for this… woman? No, Gandalf shook his head. This was no woman and he would prove it. Grim, ready to face this evil, he took up his staff and followed Elrond.

“Mithrandir. May I have a word with you?” Silistra stepped in his path.

“What do you want of me? Get out of my way. I have no time for this!”

“Is that the way to speak with a lady?” asked Timus, coming to her aid.

“I must speak to you,” she said.

“I am not interested in what you have to say, woman!”

“You will listen to me,” she said softly and something in her voice made him hesitate and for the first time he realized, that over his concerns about Leara, he had completely ignored Silistra’s presence. But now she suddenly seemed to be more than just a servant. There was a power upon her, which he could not resist. Slowly, he nodded.

“Let’s go outside. Noone should hear this.”

Leaving Timus behind, they stepped out into the dark hallway, only lit by few candles. Silistra turned her head in each direction, to make sure, that noone was listening, then spoke.

“I know what you know, and I know what you fear, but I assure you, that your suspicions are wrong. It is not Elrond we are here for.”

“We?” He stared at her. Then a sudden shadow of recognizing flew over his face. “You two are here together! You are one of them. I must say, you disguised very well. But the other one was careless, without this incident at Elrond’s council, I might not have known.”

“Perhaps, but that is not important now. No longer. We will soon take our leave.”

“You mean after she has taken Elrond. I know, he is outside to meet her. I must stop this now, before something happens to him.” He turned to go, but a flash of lightning blinded his eyes. He swirled around, only to come face to face with an angry archangel.

“Mithrandir! Do not dare revealing her now! I know that she has already completed her task, the one she was here for. We will leave as soon as the celebrations are over. Let them have their good-bye, allow us to leave without much uproar, and you will hear from us no more.”

He studied her face intensly. Oddly enough, he considered believing her. He felt that she would not lie to him, felt that it was against her nature to do so. After a moment of silence, he gave way.

“Alright. She may have this time. For tonight. But I keep watching you both. And if you are not gone by the next full moon or if something happens to anyone of this household, be assured, that I will pursue you with all my powers and until my very last breath!!”

Silistra nodded. “Your loyality to Elrond and his family honors you, Mithrandir. I have not expected less from you.”

“I don’t suppose that you mean to tell me who you are?”

A smile was the only answer he got, when Silistra turned around and disappeared into the darkness.

 

Deep in thoughts, Elrond silently walked the dark paths of his gardens. He inhaled the air, scented with roses and lilies. Once his eyes got used to the darkness, they scanned his surroundings for the one he was looking for. He didn’t quite know what to tell her, all he knew was, that he wanted to be with her now. For a long time, he had hardened his heart, not allowing himself the weakness of such feelings. But her arrival had somehow changed his life. He felt renewed, younger, as if centuries of responsibility and sorrow had been taken from his shoulders.

He came around a corner, when he suddenly felt her presence. Although he could neither see nor hear her, he knew that she was there. And that she was observing him. He stood still for a moment, absolutely motionless and drew in a deep breath, trying to make out a trace of lavender.

“Leara?”

“I am here.”

He turned into the direction the voice had come from and there she was, sitting on a bench under the old willow. The moon beams highlighted her pale face and Elrond wondered, if she had been waiting for him.

“There you are. We were already missing you.”

“We?”

He could not read the expression on her face. Was she amused? Or sad? He stepped closer, lowering his head to dodge the low hanging branches of the tree, and sat down next to her, carefully trying not to make her feel uncomfortable by sitting too close.

“I did.”

“My lord…” She hesitated, and from the way she was avoiding his glance, he figured, that she was trying to say something, but did not know how to begin.

“Elrond. No need to be so formal”, he teased her. “We are alone here.”

The familiarity did not seem to make it easier for her, for she remained silent. Finally, Elrond could bear it no longer and he took her hands. They felt cold and she stiffened at his touch. But nevertheless, she did not withdraw.

“Tell me, what makes you so sad on this joyful day?”

“I cannot tell you…” Tears dwelled up in her eyes.

“Please, confide in me,” Elrond insisted. “I really want to help you, but you have to tell me, what bothers you.”

She lifted his face up to his, and he once again felt drowning in the deep sea of her eyes, once filled with joy, but now dark and sorrowful.

“My task is finished,” she said. “And I will have to leave this place.”

He sighed and looked away. “I see. When?”

“Soon. Tomorrow, or the day after.”

He let go of her hands, rubbing his eyes. He did not know, what he had expected. He could not ask of her to stay. She was Aragorn’s cousin, and of course, she would leave, now the wedding was over. She would return to Gondor with him and Arwen, living in the king’s court, along with her people.

“But I do not want to leave.”

Elrond was startled, his heart jumped. “You don’t…?”

Leara sighed. “You have been very kind of me… but it is more than that. I do not know how to find the words for it, but if I do not find them now, I may never have the courage.”

“And if I don’t tell you what I feel before you leave, then I will ask myself forever, why I have let this moment pass unused.”

“And what do you feel?” she asked, holding her breath.

“That I do not want you to leave. Never.”

Leara flung herself against his chest, grabbing his collar. “I don’t want to go… Oh, if only…”

Elrond held her tight, stroking her hair. “Hush, don’t cry. Not tonight. Our hearts should be lightened with music and joy for Arwen and Aragorn.”

For minutes they sat, silent. From the dining hall, Silistra’s clear voice could be heard, soon joined by Glorfindel’s in an ancient duet. Elrond held Leara to his chest, inhaling her scent and wondering, how this woman could have gained such a power over his heart.

 

My light shall be the moon

and my path - the ocean.

My guide the morning star

as I sail home to you.

 

Who then can warm my soul?

Who can quell my passion?

Out of these dreams - a boat

I will sail home to you.[2]

 

Moved by the song, Elrond took Leara’s face in his hands. “So beautiful,” he whispered. “I could paint your portrait right onto your face.”

He traced the lines of her face with his index finger, and she closed her eyes, surrendering to his touch. As his lips came down to meet hers, she did not resist. And only Ithil, the moon, was the witness of their kiss.