Title: Aloneness as Destiny By: Brilaglar Rated:PG Feedback: SillySamwiseG@aol.com ********************************************* Chapter 7 Return to me Gweth bent over the little stream again. It was where her and Legolas first got to know each other and where they slid down the banks. It was a very warm memory that she'd think about all the time. As she looked out to where they had slid down, she noticed that the sun shone on it as the water bubbled down the rocks. The water splashed like golden beads in the sun that early morning. The golden leaves of a willow draped over her and lay in the stream. Music spouted from the stream in a peaceful melody. Up behind Gweth came Ilesse, another elf. Ilesse wasn't originally from Lothlorien, but Rivendell and never talked to anyone except wardens and elves in Galadriel's family. She had long black silky hair that went over her shoulder in a braid. She was the only female warden for Galadriel, but she was as brave and as good with her hands as any of the young men. "Hello, Gweth," Ilesse said. She sat next to Gweth and smiled weakly. "Hi, Ilesse," Gweth answered desolately. There was an awkward silence. "I notice that you are often by yourself again," Ilesse said with an apologetic frown after some time of silence. Gweth laughed halfheartedly. Inside she felt so cold and sad, but still she would smile, for she was also happy…in love. She splashed the water on her face and it flew like little diamonds on her brow. She shook the drops from her hair and the ones that remained glistened in the warm sun. "I just miss him…" "I'm sure you miss him," Ilesse said, cutting her off. They both smiled at each other. "I would miss Haldir if he were gone." "You are lucky, for Legolas may never come back alive, but Haldir loves you and will never leave you," Gweth said. She felt tears streaming down, falling into her stream. She hated the thought of Legolas never returning, though she had told him not to think the same thing. It had been maybe three to eight months (none can tell time in Lothlorien) now and she still had so much time to wait. Ilesse frowned and slung an arm over Gweth. They were close friends when they talked about problems, because they were very much alike at heart. They were sitting there and talking some more when Ilesse looked up as if she had heard some noise that Gweth hadn't. "I must go. I have felt washed away by your river and have forgotten an errand. Farewell and be glad. You will find your love again." So Ilesse trotted away into the trees and her gentle footsteps faded and were drowned out by the song of the river. Gweth was alone again. <<>><<>><<>><<>> Legolas looked in front of him and saw the dark path that lay ahead. There he was, in the Paths of the Dead, and how daunting it was. The only thing that kept him at peace was that he was spacing out… -FLASHBACK- "Legolas!" Legolas heard Gweth's voice and he quickly turned. He had been walking with the company for several minutes when Gweth was spotted in the distance, riding on her horse as fast as she could urge the beast. The company kept on walking, but Legolas waited. "I'll catch up," said Legolas. He gave a sigh of relief when Gweth was close by him. She unmounted her horse and ran into his arms, falling limply. She began to weep in his strong arms and he held her against his chest tightly. "I love you Legolas," she whispered in a very soft voice. "I'll always love you." A silent tear fell from his eye and he kissed the top of her head. "I love you too." She looked up at his face and gasped. "You're crying!" "Yes, I am," he admitted with a chuckle. "I've never seen you cry," she said. She wiped the tear with her finger from under his eye and looked at him so lovingly that he held her tighter. She felt safe wrapped in his arms. "I'm crying because, what if I never see you again?" he said. His voice was shaky and scared. "Oh, Legolas," she said in a gentle voice that reminded him again of an angel. "We will meet again. I've known that we are meant to be and if I am right then I will see you again." He face glowed and those beautiful eyes sparkled with tears filling in them…they were tears of fear. He sighed and his eyes were doubtful. "No!" she said sharply, her fear fading. "Don't look at me that way. Don't be doubtful of my words. I love you. I will travel a million years if it takes me that long to find you." He nodded. "And I would do the same." "Promise?" she asked. She laid back against his chest. "I do not know where my road will go, but stay here for me. I will return." "I will," she said. Her heart was only just in her words and she knew some how that she could not stay put too long. "Unless I am told to find you." "No, you must wait for me!" he held onto her tightly, wishing that he could hold her like that forever. "But what if I know where you are and what if Galadriel tells me to go and find you or we'll never meet again?" Gweth said. "Then come to me." They were silent for a moment and he caressed her long hair and played with it in between his fingers. "Legolas!" they heard Pippin yell. "I must go now," he said, looking deep into her eyes. She then kissed his lips softly. He did not let go of her so fast, no matter how loud his friend yelled. They were too far around a corner for Legolas to see, but he could sure hear them. He kissed her lips deeply and they both felt washed away. "Legolas!!!!!!!!!!!" shouted Aragorn. Then Legolas could hear Aragorn's footsteps coming around the corner. Legolas ripped his mouth from hers. He knew that he had to go now. "Farewell," Legolas said, giving her a squeeze. He took off towards Aragorn, but glanced at Gweth once more. "And until we meet again!" "Farewell!" Gweth called back. -END OF FLASHBACK- Legolas shook his head and then noticed that he was in the gloomy paths of the dead again. He looked back once and saw the dead bodies crouching on the ground, crawling to them. Gimli sat behind him shivering. "Will this never be at an end?" said Gimli in his rough throaty voice. Legolas shrugged. "When it ends I will be glad." <<>><<>><<>><<>> Gweth walked towards where Galadriel sat. Above Galadriel was an elf, speaking in a hushed voice …Morrodwen. Morrodwen's chestnut brown hair and her backside was all Gweth could see of her. Gweth began pleading to Galadriel. "Oh, Galadriel!" Gweth cried in a most desperate voice. Morrodwen's voice ceased and she turned to see Gweth. (Gweth and Morrodwen were old friends, incase you are wondering. Morrodwen had come with her friends, Ilesse and Nilisil, to live in Lothlorien instead of their original home, Rivendell) Morrodwen seemed concerned. "What is it? Is there something wrong?" Morrodwen asked. Gweth looked back at Morrodwen, but found no words to say, for she had to speak to Galadriel. So she turned to Galadriel. "Galadriel, I can wait here no longer here! Tell me, should I find him?" Galadriel looked thoughtful at Gweth with loving eyes, a smile on her warm face. "When the next full moon rises over Lothlorien, you, Gweth, will ride to Gondor with swiftness. Be of service to those in Gondor and you will find him." "Thank you!" Gweth bowed. She felt excitement rise through her. Gweth left swiftly out of the room in excitement. Morrodwen followed her quickly and caught up to her. She put her hand over Gweth's shoulder lightly. "Oh, Gweth, let me go with you." Gweth jumped back in surprise at the words. "Why would you want to come with me? Isn't your home here?" Gweth said. Morrodwen shook her head. "My place is with my friends and I feel that you could use help. You are my friend. I could always come back here, but I want to go with you. Let me go, please! I don't know why I want to go so badly, for I love it here, but I feel I must." Gweth hesitated. "You may come with me. I would love your help." "It could be dangerous. Galadriel knows that something will happen in Gondor, but she doesn't tell me." "I know…" Gweth's voice faded. "So this will be an adventure! We leave in Lothlorien in a few days," Morrodwen said. <<>><<>><<>><<>> Gweth hugged Ilesse goodbye and Morrodwen did the same. Tears spilled over Morrodwen's eyes, making them sparkle like sapphires. "Since I have come into Lothlorien I have never left. I have dwelt here for thousands of years and here I am, going," sobbed Morrodwen. "I love you all." Ilesse smiled. "Take care of yourselves." "We will," said Gweth. Morrodwen and Nengwethal looked out into the gardens. They both hoped they would look upon the golden wood again. The two elves rode out into the night on their horses, a dusty cloud behind their horses' feet. Swiftly they rode, disappearing in the darkness. Galadriel, Celeborn, Haldir, and Ilesse watched them fade far out onto the road. "Goodbye," Ilesse whispered under her breath. "And let us hope we meet again." ******************************* Chapter 8 Nightmares and Dreams The only sound that Gweth could hear was the horse's hooves on the ground from under her. The cold wind stung her face and left her panting, as she rode blindly in the dark. Neither of the two elves could see anything in the pitch-black dark. The horses were going at such a terrible speed that Gweth slung her arms around Aminya's neck and held on for dear life. "Whoaaa," Morrodwen whispered and her horse slowed to a stop. Gweth did the same. "What is it, Morrodwen? Why are we stopping?" "Don't you want to make camp and stay here for the night?" Morrodwen asked. Gweth shrugged. She wanted to ride as long as she could stay awake, but her horse seemed to want otherwise. "I guess we could sleep here for the night." <<>><<>><<>><<>> Right when things were just getting beautiful again, Legolas was out to war against Mordor. Out onto the dusty ground he rose out to war. 'Here I am, going out to another war,' he thought. It seemed less likely that anyone would come back alive this time. It was dark in Mordor, so dark he wondered if it was night or morning. Legolas began muttering a song under his breath: 1 'Elven lady of the river was here long ago Her hair was gold and her face would glow Her feet danced on grass so gracefully And her hair would flow while glistening Oh, Lady Nengwethal! Where does thou dwell? Are you lost in land of leaves so gold? Where do you dwell, O never old? The sunbeams glistened on your hair! O fair Lady, do they still settle there? 2 3 They say you sing the woods to life O, would you marry and be my wife? For you walk alone in grass so green But rarely speak and are seldom seen The men afar think of your face And travel far to find your place But where you lay no one can tell But still you are loved by all so well' Yes, Legolas had changed it, but only slightly. He had told Gweth that the song would some day change and he had changed it himself! He smiled weakly and was reminded of some of the fond memories they had shared together. No one could ever replace her corner of his heart. Maybe she wasn't destined to be alone. "We are so few and the beast of Mordor are so many," a man whispered to Legolas. "We will loose so many." "Yes," Legolas agreed. "But I will make it, for deep in the golden wood, an angel awaits me. I wish you luck, for we all could use some." Not long after, Legolas found himself in the middle of hoard of many people shouting. He felt as if he were going deaf as their voices blared. He also shouted at the top of his lungs and instantly felt his lungs go sore. <<>><<>><<>> Gweth jumped up from where she was sleeping. She had been laying in her sweat that drenched her cold body. She had been having so many horrible thoughts as she was drifting to sleep, but she couldn't fully fall into slumber. She couldn't fight the thoughts. She felt as if something dreadful was happening. Morrodwen groaned and sat up. "What's going on…?" She wiped a few light brown hairs off of her face. "Nothing really, I just had a nightmare I think," Gweth mumbled. She shivered and went back to her blankets. She kept on having strange thoughts that didn't seem to be her own. She closed her eyes for a moment and then opened them. -Vision- She saw many people dressed for war, screaming at one another before charging at each other, smashing and slaying each other. Orcs were among men, but she saw no other kindred. She saw bodies push her own, but she couldn't feel a thing. She saw a flash of white blond hair go in front of her eyes and she heard an even louder yell that sounded almost familiar… -End of Vision- Gweth blinked and looked out to the forest again. She put her hand on her face to remove the hairs she had seen, but there wasn't even a hair in front of her face. Her hair hadn't looked like that either. Hers was golden blond. 'Whose voice was that?' she wondered. It had seemed so real, but so quick, only like a flicker in her mind. <<>><<>><<>><<>> Gweth mounted upon Aminya and she bolted down the path with Morrodwen and her horse only trailing behind by a few feet. Gweth was tired, but anxious to get moving with only a scarce breakfast resting in her stomach. "What-is-such-the rush?" Morrodwen panted. "I feel-something is-happening. There is—war." Morrodwen nodded and held back any other questions that came to her mind. They just rode on till the next evening without a word, nor food. <<>><<>><<>><<>> Nine days later… "We are going through Rohan as Legolas has done, are we not?" "We are," Gweth answered, looking at Morrodwen. "Gweth, you are very weary and we have almost made our way into Rohan. We will be there in about eight more days, but must we keep riding this swiftly? You have hardly slept in three days!" Morrodwen said. "Haven't you felt that the danger is over in Gondor?" Gweth felt no danger, nor did she have any nightmares. Still she wanted to arrive as quick as she could. "I feel no danger lurking, but…" "Then please let us have four days without any riding. We can recover full strength by then and neither of us will look so…" Morrodwen looked at her own dirty hands and then at Gweth's face. Gweth had deep circles under her eyes and she was covered in dirt from head to boot. "We won't look so…weary…and maybe we can wash ourselves and be presentable." Gweth sighed and nodded, holding up part of her tattered dress in one hand so that it came up to her knee. She had several dresses to wear when they arrived in Gondor, but the tattered one would have to do for as long as she traveled. She surely didn't want to be seen in such a state. "I guess we may rest, for we are weary and hungry and the horses are weak." Gweth laid out a bed of blankets and almost immediately she fell asleep… <<>><<>> 4 'Gweth found herself walking all alone though Gondor. "Where is Morrodwen?" she said aloud to herself, looking all directions. All of the sudden, a soft hand went over her eyes. It wasn't a woman's hand, but the gentle hand of a man's. "Guess who?" came the gentle voice. She was too excited to say anything. She quickly turned around and looked at the handsome face…Legolas. His white-blond air fell over his broad shoulders and on his face was that charming smile. "I thought you'd never find me," he said. "Legolas, don't be angry," she said, though she knew he wouldn't be. "Galadriel told me I'd find you here." "I wouldn't be angry. I'm glad you came," he said. He wrapped those arms around her and held her tightly. She rested on his chest and felt as if she had strayed into a dream. Feeling him around her was what she had longed for…' <<>><<>><<>> Gweth awoke smelling…Lembas. Indeed she had strayed into a dream. She stretched out her arms and yawned. Morrodwen was sitting on the ground, unrolling the leafy covering on a Lemba. "Oh, you're finally awake!" Morrodwen said. Her bright, wide smile was pleasant. "Or should I say, you finally fell asleep?" Gweth laughed softly. "Indeed, I had FINALLY gone to sleep." "Well, we will reach Gondor before you know it!" Morrodwen said cheerfully. "Yes, then we must find somewhere to be of use as Galadriel has instructed me," Gweth suddenly remembered. "Then, let's go!" Morrodwen said as she jumped to her feet. "I'm almost as excited as you, if it is possible." ****************************** Chapter 9 Meet again Gweth and Morrodwen stood still and looked over Minas Tirith. The wind blew on their faces and their hair whipped around their shoulders. Gweth took a deep breath and smiled. She looked at Morrodwen whom was also smiling. The sun shone on their faces and their eyes gleamed with happiness. "I'm so excited to see some place new. I don't think I have ever been to such a place where no elves dwell, though I love my fellow elves. Joyous it feels to see something so different." "Neither have I been away from elves," Gweth admitted. "But it's beautiful." Long years had passed since she had lived somewhere besides Lorien. Now she expected to wait for Legolas for a long time. Gweth then noticed that not far away was Mordor, even more wickedly than the mines of Moria. Shadows of fear fell on her face. It was a desolate sight to see, but she didn't mention her horrible thoughts to Morrodwen. Where could Legolas be? Could he be there, in Mordor? Who even knew if he was alive? <<>><<>><<>><<>> Morrodwen and Gweth led their horses through the cities when Gweth saw a small boy with his back facing towards her. He was the smallest she had seen so far and next to him was a boy about a foot taller. She looked at the smallest and smiled, for she loved children and there weren't any children elves where she had lived (Arwen is youngest of all elves). Gweth bent down on her knees to say hi to him. "Hello," she said. Then he turned and she saw that it was Pippin! Pippin looked up at her in astonishment. "Nengwethal!" he gasped. She laughed and Morrodwen too seemed to recognize him. "Well, it is most pleasant to see you here! I thought you were a child! Where are the others?" Gweth exclaimed. Shadows of grief and worry fell on Pippin's face. "They aren't here. Gandalf left me here and I was separated from them. I gave my service to Denathor here, hoping that I could be of some service. What might you be doing here?" "I promised Legolas that I'd see him again…and I'm so glad you're here!" Gweth added. He smiled knowingly and hugged her neck. "It's been a long time," he said in her ear. "Oh! I'm sorry," said Pippin, suddenly remembering his friend standing there. He pulled away form Gweth and held his hand out towards his friend. "This is Bergil son of Beregond, my friend and guide of Minis Tirith!" Bergil stood tall and he looked at Gweth in admiration. He had not often seen elves and definitely none of her beauty and stature. She no longer wore her ragged dress, but a shimmering one that looked like waves on the ocean when she moved. "Pleasure to meet with you, Bergil," she said to him. "The same here, my lady," answered Bergil shyly. "And this is my friend, Morrodwen Maybird, Elven maiden from Lothlorien," said Gweth. Pippin and Bergil both bowed. "Peregrin, do you have any advice on what we should do here? We wish to find a place to help and to where we may stay," Morrodwen said softly. "Will the company be here again?" "The Houses of Healing will be an excellent place to work in. I fret that we have a good number of people in there for we are at war!" answered Bergil with a frown. "And I hope all of the company will be here once again. I doubt that they'd leave me here," said Peregrin. "On the second thought…" his voce faded. "I see," said Gweth. "Would you be so kind as to show us to the Houses of Healing, Bergil and Peregrin?" "It would be our pleasure!" said Pippin. "It's so nice after all to have a familiar face around again." <<>><<>><<>><<>> So Gweth and Morrodwen were hired in the houses of healing and there they worked for a long time it seemed. They were constantly moving and helping others every time they could and Gweth always made haste. They actually enjoyed being in the Houses of Healing and they tended many. They were both even happier to know that the ring had been destroyed and they had won! They all had doubt in their hearts and all feared of the shadow that was growing, but Sauron was finally lost. They all danced and sang with one another. Gweth and Morrodwen found themselves there in Gondor for a very long time even after war, not knowing where Legolas was or any of the company except Merry, Pippin, and were delighted to meet Gandalf. Alright…back to the story… <<>><<>><<>><<>> "What if we never find him?" Gweth said to Morrodwen as she put away bandages in a closet. "I love him so much." Morrodwen reached out a soft arm to her friend. She squeezed Gweth's shoulder and answered, "Galadriel would not lie to you. You will see him some day." So many mixed up, strange feelings stirred in Gweth. 'But why haven't I found him? I have been here for so long.' Every day, Gweth would cry again. She was turning back to the lonesome self she had been before. She hated it, but couldn't help it. She loved Legolas so much, but he never came, nor did she hear word of him. "But Galadriel could be wrong! And what if she is?" Gweth jerked away and she couldn't help the tears from spilling down her eyes again. She ran towards her room, for she wanted to fall on her bed and weep. She loved Gondor, but she had been so long away from Legolas. She could hardly remember how soft his eyes looked or how sweet his voice was or how tender his hands were. She began gaining more speed as she ran down the bare halls. 'POW!' she felt herself knock against someone with a powerful blow. Her hair flew in front of her and stuck to her teary face. Gentle arms caught her and held her from falling. She kept her eyes down, not wanting him to see her soaked face. Obviously, the hall hadn't been empty as she had thought. She pushed by him and muttered: "Excuse me." He became aware of whom she was when his arms had caught her. The feel of her skin was too familiar and the golden blond hair that flew against his chest reminded him of so many memories. There was a familiar fragrance that was in her air…of flowers he had smelt in Lorien. Legolas was too dazed to even say anything at first as he looked upon her gorgeous, but gloomy face. Her hair was longer than he had last seen her. She wore garments of a worker instead of the fine, elegant-looking dresses she had worn before. Still, he thought she was the most beautiful thing he ever laid his eyes on. As he watched her walk away, he searched his mind for some smooth thing to say to catch her attention. "Maiden so beautiful, why are you crying?" he said, not able to find anything better, for if he waited too long she would be out of ear-shot. She pushed her hair away and stopped short. Her tight jaw loosened and her lips parted, but out came no sound. She turned little by little and then looked into the soft blue eyes of a handsome man. 'I am sleeping and am lost again into a dream,' she thought. "Gweth…" he whispered with a smile spreading on his fair face. The voice was different from the ones in her dream. His was lively and soft. "Legolas!" she shouted. Now the tears truly fell from her eyes as he ran towards her. He opened his arms wide for her and she freely jumped in them. "I thought I'd never see you again!" she cried. "I love you so much. I'm so sorry I ever…" (he kissed her forehead) "left you. I don't want to ever…" (kissed her nose) "leave you again." He kissed her head many times and then worked his way down her face. He worked his way to her mouth and kissed deeply, letting her savor the warm taste on his lips. He looked upon her shining face and felt lost in her ocean-blue eyes. "I'm so deeply in love with you."