Title:  When The Trees Sang  
by: Nicole 
Feedback: jupiterrain@charter.net 
Rating: PG-13/R

***********************************************
 
Part 14

. They woke the next morning to the sound of birds chirping above them in the trees. Garania 
opened her eyes and stretched her arms out in front of her a bit, to awaken her sleeping limbs. 
Legolas stirred beside her and quickly sat up and picked up his bow. Without saying a word to 
Garania, he slung his quiver over his back and stalked quickly off into the woods. She looked 
behind him, watching him walk off, confused by his actions. She shrugged it off, and picked up 
her things to have a quick bath in the spring a little ways away.  
 
Aragorn still lay on the ground, awake, but not moving. He knew what troubled Legolas, but he 
did not speak of it. It was beyond him how even the Elves could forget the sensitive hearing of 
their own kind.  
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~  
 
Legolas clenched his bow tightly. He had not slept well, his thoughts troubled with the 
conversation that he had overheard the night before. Why had she not told him these things 
before? How could he have never known of her and Haldir? He felt betrayed. Haldir had been like 
a brother to him, how could he have lied to him so? He strung his bow and pointed it at the 
nearest moving animal which was hiding in a bush. It just happened to be Gimli.  
 
The Dwarf dodged the arrow by a fraction of an inch as it flew past his face. He emerged from the 
bush to greet a shocked Legolas.  
 
"Those arrows of yours are beginning to become a nuisance, Elf."  
 
Legolas tried to hide the smile on his face, but it was no use.  
 
"I apologize, my friend. I thought you to be a rabbit."  
 
The Dwarf seemed to become insulted by this comment, but chose not to mention this to Legolas, 
as he still held his bow in his hands.  
 
"What brings you out here so early in the morning, Leoglas?"  
 
The Elf looked down at his friend, shaking his head.  
 
"I do not know. I thought that I came out here to find a breakfast other than lembas and berries, 
but I seem to have trapped a Dwarf."  
 
Gimli laughed good-naturedly and brought a bit of happiness back into the Elf.  
 
"Come, let us go back to the camp. They wait for us there."  
 
Legolas nodded, and followed him back through the woods.  
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~  
 
Garania sat in the large pool of bubbling water. She slid down beneath the surface and came 
back up, her hair fully soaked. After making sure that she had removed the last bit of soap from 
her hair, she swam over to the shore, and reached for the clothes that was lying on the ground 
near the edge of the water. Just as her hand reached for it, another reached down and snatched 
it away. She looked up to find her husband standing before her, his eyes dark.  
 
"Legolas, may I have my gown, please? I do not wish to play these games so early in the 
morning. We must hurry and get back moving soon."  
 
He walked back a bit from the water, and sat down on a nearby rock, still holding her clothes.  
 
"You may have your clothes, after you speak the truth to me about your past."  
 
She looked at him, confused.  
 
"But you already know of my past. You have been told of it for many weeks now."  
 
He shook his head, his eyes not meeting hers, until they shot up suddenly and glared straight 
through her.  
 
"You know to what I am referring, Garania. Did you not think that I could hear your conversation 
with Haldir last night? Of all people, I would have thought you to be aware of the sharp hearing of 
the Elves."  
 
Her face went pale, guilt written plainly in her eyes.  
 
"How much of what we spoke did you hear?"  
 
"Every word which escaped your secretive mouth. Now tell me, what did you have with Haldir 
before arriving at Rivendell?"  
 
She looked down at the water, slowly sinking down a little farther into it.  
 
"We were in love. I loved him very much. We were to be married. That is, until I made the 
decision to visit Rivendell."  
 
"One which, from your words, you obviously regret."  
 
His tone was cold, and harsh. Her head snapped up, her eyes blazing.  
 
"Legolas, do not accuse me of that which I am not guilty."  
 
He kept his gaze with hers, never breaking.  
 
"Then why did you tell him that you wished to leave Mirkwood, and return to Lothlorien? Why did 
you tell him that you still loved him?"  
 
"Because I do. But if you were listening to our conversation, which you obviously were, then you 
would have heard the other half of that phrase."  
 
He looked at her, his eyes softening.  
 
"I did. Garania, I do not mean to be so harsh, I simply want to know that truth from you. You have 
kept so many things secretive since the first days that I met you. I seem to learn more and more 
about you everyday."  
 
She smiled.  
 
"Some secrets are meant to be kept. Others, will come out when it is time."  
 
He looked at her, one question still plaguing his mind.  
 
"Haldir spoke of when you came to Rivendell. The years....they seem a bit....how old are you 
Garania?"  
 
She looked at him, mirth showing in her eyes.  
 
"Nearly 5,000 years old."  
 
He opened his mouth in shock, but laughed, in spite of himself.  
 
"So much there is to learn about you, melamin. Some things I fear shall remain a mystery forever 
with your secretive mind."  
 
She smiled at him, and reached for her clothes, which he handed to her. Instead of taking them 
however, she took his hand instead, and pulled him swiftly over her head, to land face first into 
the water. She looked back at him, laughing.  
 
"That, Legolas, is for being so hornary."  
 
He stood in the water, his face and hair dripping wet, a smile playing on his face.  
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~  
 
They returned to camp once they had fully dried themselves, where they found the rest of the 
group awaiting them. They had already mounted their horses, ready to set back out on the 
journey. Garania went quickly to hers, and jumped upon it, as Legolas did the same. They started 
back onto the trail, the sun just barely peeking over the mountains.  
 
They rode hard all day, rarely leaving a gallop. Finally, the trees of Mirkwood began to come into 
view, and the party from Lorien turned back. As he was bidding them good-bye, and turning to 
ride off, Haldir stopped beside Garania.  
 
"Garania, nin mellon. Garo bronwe, a car alu anno am. Ir bachs thio an galo doll, hebin i naugths 
ned nin meleth cuin, a le bellas, shall be renewed."  
 
She smiled at him, while Legolas watched from beside them, jealousy building in his eyes, 
something that was not accustomed to his race.  
 
They turned and rode off back down the path from which they had come, leaving them at the 
edge of the forest, watching them go. Garania turned to Legolas.  
 
"Shall we go on?"  
 
He looked at her, and took a deep breath, before nodding, and telling his horse to continue on. 
They followed behind him closely, preparing for what was to come.  
 
*********************************

Part 15

Their arrival had triggered an outpouring of sympathy from the people of Mirkwood. Garania could 
see that Legolas wanted nothing more than to run to their room and hide, to get away from the 
eyes of his advisors, and servants. She took the opportunity to rescue him from their torment 
when she saw Gandalf making his way up the path to the castle.  
 
"Gandalf! Come, sit, speak with us, please." She jumped from her spot at the table beside 
Legolas. She walked over to where Gandalf stood approaching, and took his arm, leading them to 
where they sat. Legolas cast them both a grateful look when they sat. She took her place beside 
Legolas and smiled at Gandalf.  
 
"When did you arrive? I thought you were going to remain in Lothlorien, to have council with my 
grandmother."  
 
He nodded, and looked warily around the table at the advisors. Garania saw his gaze wandering, 
and quickly dismissed them from the room.  
 
"You may go now, we wish to speak with Gandalf in private."  
 
They stood, and bowed to them, before quickly retreating from the room, mumbling amongst 
themselves. She turned her attention back to Gandalf.  
 
"Please, I apologize for the advisors. They seem to have been surrounding us from the moment 
we returned to Mirkwood. Now, what brings you here? Did you decide against staying?"  
 
He shook his head, raising his pipe to his mouth.  
 
"No, I thought it best that I be present at the coronation. After all, I do consider you both very dear 
friends, and I felt that this was an important matter that I must attend."  
 
Legolas smiled at the Wizard.  
 
"Gandalf, I feel a great deal better just knowing that you are here. I am very happy that you 
decided to come."  
 
Just then, Aragorn walked into the room.  
 
"Legolas, Garania, more visitors have arrived."  
 
He wore a smile, and they all knew which visitors these were. Garania lept from the table, and 
practically ran into the main hall, something very out of her character. To confirm her suspicions 
stood Arwen, and Elrond, each wearing a smile across their face. She ran to them, her arms 
outstretched wide.  
 
"It is good to see you! Did you arrive just now?"  
 
Elrond nodded, standing back to look at her.  
 
"Child, it is good to see your face. So many times in the past weeks have I feared that I would 
never again do so. You grow more beautiful everyday. The light in your eyes brings me more joy 
than you know."  
 
She smiled at him, pulling him again into an embrace.  
 
"I have missed you as well. Often times my mind has wondered to you over the past weeks." She 
pulled away and turned to Arwen.  
 
"Arwen, my sister, how have you been?"  
 
The Elf before her smiled, and wrapped her arms around her tightly.  
 
"Garania, you had me nearly sick with worry. If you ever possess the notion to fight an evil king 
you shall take me with you, do you understand?"  
 
She laughed and smiled at her.  
 
"If this is what you wish, than you shall have it. How was your journey here? I assume you have 
seen Aragorn. He wore a smile wide enough to span his face when he came to inform us of your 
arrival."  
 
Arwen smiled.  
 
"Yes, I have seen him. Our journey was not too long, thankfully. It was quite nice actually, hardly 
an orc was to be seen."  
 
Garania smiled, and Legolas approached behind her, followed by Gandalf and Aragorn. He 
stretched his hand out to Elrond.  
 
"My lord, it is good to see you. I am glad that you could be here for the coronation."  
 
He nodded.  
 
"Yes, as am I. I hope you are not becoming too nervous, at the approaching day tommorrow."  
 
Legolas shook his head, a terrible liar as always.  
 
"No, no, I am actually quite calm about it. I have hardly any nervousness about it at all."  
 
Elrond smiled, seeing plainly through his words.  
 
"Well, I suppose you all would like to rest after your long journey. I will have one of the servants 
show you to your room." Garania called for a servant, and a small girl with long brown hair 
approached them. "Carlea, show them to their rooms, and make sure that they are comfortable. If 
they require anything, come and find me."  
 
The girl nodded, and bowed to her, and then looked at the guests, motioning them to follow her.  
 
When they had gone, Garania stood alone with Legolas in the hall. She turned to him and smiled.  
 
"Shall we get some rest too. Tommorrow will approach fast, and the day will be upon us. Come, 
let us rest. We will need our strength for tommorrow."  
 
She took Legolas' hand, and gently led him off to their room through the palace.  
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~  
 
The hall was filled with people. Visiting guests, friends and distant family, royal advisors, and 
servants and the likes. Garania watched from the large doors of the entrance as the room slowly 
filled up with guests. She spotted Elrond taking his place beside Aragorn and Arwen, and Gandalf 
seated close beside them. Her nerves were calm, and she intended to keep them that way, as 
Legolas was in need of her assistance. He was pacing behind her, his eyes facing the ground, 
and his hands clasped tightly behind his back as he walked. She held back her smile as she 
watched him walk back and forth across the tiny room.  
 
"Legolas, must you do that? It is not going to help anything. It will only succeed in making you so 
dizzy that you cannot walk straight to make your way to the front of the hall."  
 
He stopped and looked up at her, his eyes showing his nervousness.  
 
"I'm sorry. I'm just nervous about the coronation, I suppose. I guess your right. But this is really 
the only thing that helps me take my mind off of it."  
 
She smiled at him, starting to walk over towards him, but just as she did, the sound of trumpets 
sounded from the hall. She jumped, as she always hated the sound of these instruments. 
Legolas' eyes went wide, and she thought he was surely going to run out of the palace. The 
doors to the hall opened, and he was left with no where to go, but up the long, red carpet that led 
to the front of the hall. He took Garania's arm, and pushed his coronation robe over his shoulders. 
He was dressed in a blue tunic, with a golden robe flowing lightly behind him, and just barely 
dragging the ground. His hair was combed back in its usual fashion, with the two braids on either 
side of his face. His hands shook slightly as his left one rested atop Garania's hand, which was 
perched lightly upon his arm. She was wearing a long, flowing gown, colored the shade of green 
to match her eyes. It went far out behind her in a long train. The bodice fit tightly, and came to a 
point below her waist, where it flowed out around her legs and brushed against the ground when 
she walked. The sleeves were long, but cut out at the shoulders, where only a small strip of fabric 
connected them to the rest of th gown, leaving her shoulders free and open. Around her neck was 
the diamond given to her by Elrond, and her hair was pulled up in a large bunch atop her head, 
with too many braids to count. It glittered in the sunlight pouring in through the large windows, 
with the many crystals that had been placed throughout it, casting a glow around her face, and 
making her eyes shine. They walked slowly up the carpet, Legolas' heart beating wildly. When 
they reached the front, where the advisors and royal party stood, they kneeled before them, still 
holding onto one another. Many words were said, most of which went unnoticed by the both of 
them, until the ones came that signaled the placing of the crowns atop their heads. They began 
with Legolas.  
 
"And now, to crown the new king of Mirkwood." The tall Elf before them removed silver crown 
from the pillow that it rested upon. "I hereby crown you, Prince Legolas Greenleaf of Mirkwood, 
son of the former King Thranduil, king and ruler of the kingdom of Mirkwoodm ordained by the 
Valar, and crowned now today." He placed the crown atop Legolas' head, and moved onto 
Garania. She stiffened slightly as he moved to stand before her. "And now, to crown our queen." 
He picked up the second crown, a smaller one, and held it in his hands before her. "I hereby 
crown you, Princess Garania of Lothlorien, granddaughter of Galadriel & Celeborn of Lothlorien, 
queen of Mirkwood." He placed the crown atop her head, and stepped back, allowing them to 
stand before the people. The room erupted in applause, as Garania and Legolas made their way 
back down the carpet, to begin the festivities that were awaiting them for the rest of the day.

******************************************
Part 16

The days to follow went by slowly, some more than others. Garania had noticed a change in 
Legolas, one which she had expected to come, but not so soon. He spent most of his time locked 
up with his advisors, and when he was not there, he was out alone, hunting. She understood this, 
however, as her time was spent in much the same way. She woke one morning to find the sun 
shining brightly through the open room. Turning her head to the side, she noticed that Legolas 
was no longer there, something which had become normal to her. She yawned, and swung her 
legs out of bed. After dressing, she made her way to Legolas' study, which was located on the 
first level of the palace. She saw that the door was slightly open, so she quietly looked inside, 
careful not to disturb the discussion that was taking place. A wave of concern swept over her 
when she saw Legolas, seated at his desk, looking as if he were about to collapse. His eyes were 
tired, and he could scarcly keep his head from touching the table. She backed away from the 
door, and walked down the long corridor to the kitchen. On her way, she passed one of Legolas' 
advisors, who had awoken late, and was running hurridly to the study. She stopped him in mid-
sprint.  
 
"Sarandal, wait, please, I need you to help me with something."  
 
He turned, looking back at his queen.  
 
"Your Highness, anything you require, you shall have. What do you need?"  
 
She walked closer to him, so as to keep her voice low.  
 
"I need you to inform me of Legolas' schedule for the day."  
 
He looked at her quizzically.  
 
"But why, my lady?"  
 
She shook her head, waving the question off.  
 
"It is no concern of yours, just tell me what his plans are."  
 
The Elf shrugged slightly, and opened up the book that he was carrying. He pulled out a long 
sheet of paper, and began to read it off.  
 
"7 a.m. - Meeting with royal advisors, 1 p.m. - Hunting...." He paused. "There's really nothing after 
that. I should think that the hunting will last for much of the rest of the day, though. Will you need 
anything else?"  
 
She shook her head, and thanked him quickly, before heading back towards the kitchen.  
 
Sarandal watched her go, and then ran as fast as he could down the hallway, only to arrive late to 
the meeting.  
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~  
 
Garania waited for the day to pass, spending most of the time by herself, in her own study. 
Finally, much to her relief, 1 p.m. arrived, and she crept quietly out of her study and down the 
hallway through the palace. She waited behind a corner, and watched as Legolas emerged from 
the study, followed by his advisors. He looked even more exhausted than he had earlier. When 
the advisors had set off down the hallway, she watched him walk towards the main hall, towards 
the stables. She followed him every step of the way, her movements so light that even an Elf with 
hearing such as his could not hear her approaching. She waited outside the stables while he 
readied his horse, and mounted it, riding off quickly into the forest. When he had disappeared into 
the trees, she went into the stables and retrieved her own horse, mounted it, and rode off swiftly 
after him. It took her only a few moments to catch up with him, as he rode slow, taking his time 
with his hunting. A sigh escaped her, and she brought her horse over to the edge of the clearing 
where he now stood perched atop his horse, his bow drawn at ready, aimed at some animal 
hiding in the foliage. She raised her face to the sky, looking at the bright sun shining down upon 
them through the leaves. She brought her gaze back down to Legolas, and smiled slightly. 
Closing her eyes, and raising her hands towards the sky, she began to whisper slowly in Elvish.  
 
"Ross si, esgal i nif ned i Anor." **Rain now, cover the face of the sun.**  
 
She raised her face towards the sky, her eyes still closed. Suddenly, clear, glowing raindrops 
began to fall from the sky, leaving glittering remains where they landed. She opened her eyes, 
watching Legolas' statement change as he felt the dampness hit him. He turned quickly, his eyes 
finding her. He lowered his bow, his eyes shining. Glimmering diamonds fell all around him as he 
rode over to her. When his eyes met hers, he smiled.  
 
"I should have known you to have something to do with this. No other Elf in this kingdom could 
produce such a rainshower on a day when the sun shines so brightly."  
 
She smiled at him, the raindrops falling upon them, but leaving them dry.  
 
"Today is the last that you shall spend locked away in your study, Legolas. You grow more weary 
by the day. Either you will inform your advisors of this, or I shall, but I will not watch you tire 
yourself like this. It is not good for any of us, or the kingdom. You have been through far too much 
already."  
 
He nodded, knowing that it was useless to try to change her mind.  
 
"I suppose ruining my hunting trip is punishment for my absentness."  
 
She laughed, and then beckoned her horse to run, leaving him shaking his head in bewilderment 
behind her.  
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~  
 
They spent most of the day in the forest, riding, happy to finally be away from the palace. Garania 
brought her horse up beside a large rock, that stretched high above their heads. Legolas 
appeared beside her, and dismounted his horse. He helped Garania from hers, and then walked 
towards the rock.  
 
"Do you remember the first time we came here?"  
 
Garania nodded.  
 
"Of course. I was the one who brought you. Come, let us awaken some old memories."  
 
She took his arm and pulled him up to the rock, and began to climb up it slowly. She had to grasp 
her gown hem tightly in her hands to keep from stumbling over it. Legolas followed close behind 
her, keeping a sharp eye on her, making sure she did not fall. Finally, Garania pulled herself atop 
the rock, which was in reality a small cliff. She pushed herself to her feet and walked to the edge, 
looking down upon the scene below. Legolas came up behind her, looking out over her shoulder.  
 
"It is still as beautiful as the first day I found it."  
 
They looked down, at the small waterfall spilling over the side of the cliff a little ways away from 
them. At the bottom, lay a large pool of crystal clear water, shimmering in the reappearing 
sunlight. A sea of flowers surrounded the water, forming every color imaginable. The entire area 
was hidden into a cove, unable to be viewed by an ordinary passer's eye. Garania walked 
towards the stream of water pouring over the cliff. Legolas looked at her, curiously.  
 
"What are you planning to do?"  
 
She looked back at him, mischieviously.  
 
"Just what I said before. To awaken old memories."  
 
With that, she lifted her gown, and ran as fast as she could towards the edge of the cliff, sailing 
over effortlessly, and falling gracefully before hitting the water in a single glide. Legolas watched, 
a smile across his face, and his eyes shining brightly. She reappeared atop the surface nearly as 
soon as she went beneath it, smiling happily at Legolas. She called to him from below.  
 
"Legolas, come down! You did it once, you can certainly manage it again!"  
 
He smiled down at her, and took a deep breath, building up his courage. Of the few things he 
feared, heights was one of them. He closed his eyes, and leapt from the cliff, trying not to think of 
just what a height it was from which he was jumping. He hit the water swiftly, coming up beside 
Garania. She laughed when she saw the water streaming down his face.  
 
"And just what do you find so funny?" he asked her teasingly.  
 
She shook her head, her own hair barely even damp from the water.  
 
"Nothing, only you."  
 
He playfully threw a handful of water towards her, laughing uncontrollably.  
 
"So you find it funny that I resemble a drenched dwarf, do you? Just because you have the 
mircaculous ability to keep yourself dry even in the most wet conditions, does not mean that you 
have the right to laugh at those of us who do not."  
 
She laughed so hard she could barely keep afloat, returning the splash that Legolas had sent her.  
 
"I apologize, my love. Please forgive me. But I do believe that Gimli would take offense at your 
former comment."  
 
He swam over to her, wrapping his arms around her.  
 
"Yes, he most likely would, but I'm sure it would be nothing he could not find a swift rebuttle to."  
 
She laughed, floating around with him in the water. They swam around for several more minutes, 
enjoying the cool and peaceful feeling of the water, before climbing out, and laying themselves 
amidst the flowers to rest beneath the sun. Legolas turned his face towards Garania, studying her 
statement.  
 
"What are you thinking about, melamin?"  
 
"Nothing....Legolas....have you ever wished....do you ever wish for an heir?"  
 
He pulled his eyes away from hers, trying to think of an answer.  
 
"Wish for one, yes, but I know that it can never be, so I do not question it."  
 
She turned her head back towards him.  
 
"But do you ever wish you had chosen another wife, one who could provide you with an heir?"  
 
He turned his eyes quickly towards her.  
 
"Never. And do not for even the slightest moment consider that I would....there is only one thing 
that has bothered me since the moment I was informed that you could not bear children."  
 
She looked at him.  
 
"And what's that?"  
 
"Why?"  
 
She smiled.  
 
"Yet another secret I have kept from you these years. But now you shall know." She paused for a 
moment before continuing. "When I was born, it was known that I was the child of the Witch King, 
and until I went to be raised by my grandmother, it was common knowledge. Many wished for me 
not to reproduce, for fear that I would spawn a power of even greater evil than the one from 
whence I came. When I was sent to Lothlorien, they knew of my lineage, and they feared of what 
I could become, or produce. From the time that I was very young, a curse was put upon me, one 
that would prevent me from ever spawning children of my own. To insure the effectiveness of this 
spell, I was also given poison, to leave me barren. So you see, this is why I never told you the 
reason why I could not give you an heir."  
 
He nodded, understanding.  
 
"It seems so cruel, though, for your grandparents to allow them to do such a thing."  
 
"They feared as much as the others, and they only wished to keep the santity of Middle Earth, 
and it was the only way they knew. It had to be done. I do not hate them for it, or harbor 
resentment against them, as I can understand their reasoning behind it."  
 
Legolas nodded, looking at her.  
 
"Well, shall we start on our way back to the palace. I'm sure they will be missing us by now."  
 
He raised up and took her hand in his, pulling her gently from the ground. They made their way 
back to their horses, and started back towards the palace.

********************************************
Part 17

Garania walked up the steps to the palace, slowly, trying to keep her balance. For the past few 
weeks, she had felt this way, unable to walk even the shortest distance without being forced to 
stop and rest for a moment. When she found that she could go no further without collapsing, she 
grasped the stone railing, and brought herself gently down onto the nearest step. It was beginning 
to worry her, this ill feeling she had been experiencing, and she wondered if there might not be 
something seriously wrong that was bringing it on. She knew well that Elves did not succumb to 
sickness or the likes, so she was sure that it was not anything like this. However, her suspicions 
were running wild, and she decided to call on her grandmother for answers. When she had 
regained enough strength to pull herself from the stairs, she got up and made her way slowly up 
to her room. She walked inside and closed the door, smelling the sweet air from the outside. She 
walked over to the railing and closed her eyes, trying to make her thoughts heard to Galadriel.  
 
"Grandmother....hear me....please...."  
 
Her answer came to her in a soft voice echoing in her mind.  
 
"My darling....what troubles you?"  
 
She closed her eyes even tighter and let her thoughts run free.  
 
"For weeks now, I have been feeling ill....is there something wrong....what is the matter with me?"  
 
Galadriel spoke only one single sentence.  
 
"The curse has been lifted...."  
 
And then the voice disappeared, leaving Garania shocked, and confused.  
 
It took her only a few minutes to understand what she had spoken to her, but when the realization 
finally hit her, she sprinted to the door, running as fast as she could to Legolas' study.  
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~  
 
Legolas sat alone at his desk, reading over some papers that had been delivered to him by his 
advisors. Suddenly, the door flew open, and Garania entered, her eyes wild. She was followed 
closely by two advisors. The first one spoke.  
 
"Your highness, I apologize.... she ran in, I could not stop her. I tried to tell her that you did not 
wish to be disturbed, but she would not listen. I fear she may have lost her mind."  
 
Legolas dismissed them both out of the room with a single wave of his hand. He then turned to 
Garania.  
 
"Melamin, what is it? Why do you look so pale?"  
 
She spoke quickly, excitement taking her over.  
 
"These past few weeks, I have been feeling ill....I spoke to Grandmother....she informed me 
that....the curse....the curse has been lifted!"  
 
He looked at her, his face blank, his statement telling her that he did not understand.  
 
"What? Slow your speech, and calm yourself. What are you trying to tell me?"  
 
She spoke slower this time, trying to make him understand.  
 
"I have been feeling rather ill these past few weeks. I did not know that cause of it, so I went to 
my grandmother for help. She said nothing but....Legolas, the curse has been lifted."  
 
He stared at her, still not comprehending what she was telling him. She threw her hands into the 
air with defeat.  
 
"Ay! Males! Do you not understand what this means, Legolas? The curse has been lifted. You 
shall have an heir after all."  
 
He stared at her, this time his statement one of shock.  
 
"Do you mean....but how can that be?" He grasped the side of the desk for support. "All of these 
long years, I have wished, prayed for an heir, and now, I finally have the chance to have one, and 
I can not bring myself to accept it, for fear that it will be stolen away from me again."  
 
Garania smiled at Legolas, taking his hands in hers.  
 
"Legolas, you fear too much for your own good. This is a miraculous blessing that has been 
bestowed upon us, and though I am as shocked as you, I do not question it. All shall be well, you 
will see."  
 
He smiled at her, beginning to feel a bit better at her words.  
 
"You are right. Come, let us tell the people. They have only a right to know, as I believe it is their 
hopes, dreams, and prayers that have brought this blessing upon us."  
 
He took her hand, and led her out the door to the main hall.  
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~  
 
"Melamin, be careful. You should not be exerting yourself so in your condition."  
 
Legolas layed back, propped up upon his elbows in the grass. He watched as Garania looked 
over at him, a look of annoyance plastered across her face.  
 
"Legolas, I am fully aware of what condition I am in. How could I forget? You have reminded me 
of it everyday for the past nine months. However, my "condition" does not weaken me or keep me 
in my bed, therefore, I shall not act as if it does so. I will do as I please, and I am well aware of my 
limits, do not worry."  
 
He shook his head, smiling to himself. It was no use fighting with his wife, who was now involved 
in a heated sword fight with Gimli. Although he knew the Dwarf would never dream of harming 
her with even so much as a scratch, he still worrried. Garania caught Gimli's sword with her own, 
and pulled it from his hands, throwing it across the field where it landed a short distance away. 
Gimli bowed to her, as she looked down at him over her stomach.  
 
"My lady, I stand defeated. Though I must say, I could not have lost to a more worthier opponent."  
 
She smiled down at the Dwarf, bowing her head slightly to him.  
 
"My good Dwarf, it has been a pleasure battling with you this afternoon."  
 
Gimli went to retrieve his sword, but as he did, a sharp cry echoed through the woods. Legolas 
bolted from where he lay, and grabbed his bow and quiver from its resting place beside him. He 
called back to the palace, requesting help.  
 
"Orcs! Bring your bows!"  
 
He ran off into the forest, with Gimli close behind him on his heels. Garania started to follow, but 
Legolas saw her, and stopped, turning to face her. He spoke more harshly than he meant.  
 
"No! You will not come! I will not have you dangering yourself, or my child, just for the sake of 
battle! You will remain here! I cannot bear to risk losing you again!"  
 
With that, he sped off into the trees, disappearing from her sight. Anger slowly built inside of her. 
How dare he say such a thing to her? As if she would purposely rick the life of their child just to 
fight a few orcs dwelling in the woods. She took one look at the large group of armed Elves 
running quickly in her direction, and then sped off into the woods, following quickly after Legolas.

*********************************************
Part 18

Garania ran as fast as she could, trying desperately to dodge the arrows that came flying towards 
her. She caught a glimpse of Legolas battling an orc a few yards ahead of her, and ran towards 
him. As she neared him, another orc cut out across her path, an arrow aimed straight for her 
middle. Never flinching, she raised her sword, swiftly taking the beast's head from his shoulders. 
The arrow fell from the bow, and she ran closer towards Legolas. As he turned to aim an arrow at 
an orc, he saw her, and a hard statement came across his face. Although he had had his opinion 
changed regarding her battle skills, he still feared for her safety. He took an orc out running close 
behind her, and then ran to meet her. His eyes shone worry and fury. 
 
"Did I not tell you to remain behind?! You are not safe here!" 
 
She met his words with her own, never missing a breath. 
 
"You arrogant bastard! You first have the gall to issue orders to your own wife, and then you 
show anger when I come to give you aid! Never before have I thought you to be so ignorant, or 
even more so, selfish! I will do as I please, and if I wish to fight by your side, damn it to the sea, I 
will do so!"  
 
He stared at her, the anger fading from his eyes.  
 
"Melamin...." But he did not have the chance to finish, for an orc appeared just inches from 
Garania. The creature grasped her arm, whipping her around to look into its hideous face. It was 
at that moment, as the creature peered at her with an evil grin spread across its black face, that 
she reached her breaking point. All of the frustration, anger, and rage that had been building up 
since their return to Mirkwood surfaced, bringing about a terror much worse than even the foul 
moods from her pregnancy. Legolas watched, wide-eyed, as she allowed herself to lose restraint 
of the powers that she had kept hidden for so long. With one wave of her free hand, she snapped 
the creature's neck in two, without even having to so much as lay a finger upon him. As the 
surrounding orcs saw this, they began to run in fear, but were unable to make it very far. Garania 
whispered under her breath in Elvish, inaudible to all but the orcs, bringing several large trees 
crashing down upon them. The remaining orcs were taken down with a simple sharp gaze from 
her, destroyed much in the same way as the first. When the last orc had fallen, she in the middle 
of them, her arms at her sides, gazing around at the orc bodies that littered the forest floor. 
Legolas stood away, afraid to come near. Gimli and the other archers watched in astonishment 
from afar, never having witnessed the queen's full power before, trying to keep their distance 
between themselves and the Elf. Garania turned to Legolas, her eyes once again soft, but this 
time, he noticed something new in them....pain. Her brow furrowed, and he barely reached her 
before she fell into his arms, unconscious.  
 
-----  
 
Legolas stood outside of their room, waiting nervously on the other side of the door for some 
word from the Elves attending to Garania inside. He had heard nothing since they had carried her 
in, and promptly pushed him outside. He was just about to go inside, despite their orders, when a 
sharp cry from inside stopped him cold. It was a baby's cry. He smiled widely when he head it, 
but then became nervous again at the thought of Garania. He wished nothing more than for them 
to tell him how she was doing. His wish was granted when the door opened, and a smiled Elf 
appeared before him.  
 
"Your Highness, you may come in now. Let me be the first to congratulate you. You have a 
daughter."  
 
He nearly shoved the Elf out of the way as he ran into the room, heading immediately towards 
their bed where Garania lay, holding a small bundle. He sat slowly down on the bed beside her, 
peering down into the mass of blankets in her arms. She smiled at him, and moved the top 
blanket out of the way, allowing a tiny face to appear underneath. He smiled happily down at the 
child in her arms. She had bright blue eyes, and a bit of a darker mass atop her head. Her arms 
flailed wildly as she cooed up at Legolas. Garania laughed, looking up at him. 
 
"I do believe she likes you, Legolas. Here, would you like to hold her?" He nodded, taking the 
baby gently into his arms. He stuck a long, slender finger into the blankets, and was greeted by 
the feeling of a tiny hand clasping around it. He looked back up at Garania, a giddy smile written 
across his face.  
 
"What shall we name her?" 
 
Garania thought for a moment, and then looked up at him, smiling, as if suddenly coming up with 
the answer.  
 
"Angeles." **Pronounced ahn-zhehl-ehz** 
 
He nodded, looking back down at the baby. 
 
"Yes....yes, I think it fits her nicely."  
 
He lifted the baby closer to his face, speaking quietly to her. 
 
"Yes, my love, you will be a wonderful princess, both beautiful and strong. It is no doubt that you 
will make a great queen someday, just like your mother."  
 
The baby smiled happily at him, and then closed her eyes, promptly falling asleep in his arms.  
 
-----  
 
The news spread quickly that a daughter had been born to the royal family. Well-wishers from all 
over the kingdom arrived at the palace to bring gifts for the tiny baby. Legolas and Garania 
remained in their rooms for the rest of the night, simply enjoying their daughters presence. From 
all around, the sounds of Elven voices could be heard, singing a song of rejoice for the birth of the 
princess. 
 
They listened long into the night, and then fell asleep, together, bathed in the moonlight from the 
silver moon shining above. 
 
"Angels, answer me, 
are you near if rain should fall? 
Am I to believe 
you will rise to calm the storm? 
For so great a treasure words will never do. 
Surely, if this is, 
promises are mine to give you. 
mine to give...  
Here, all too soon the day! 
Wish the moon to fall and alter tomorrow. 
I should know 
heaven has her way 
- each one given memories to own. 
Angeles, all could be 
should you move both earth and sea 
Angeles, I could feel 
all those dark clouds disappearing...  
Even, as I breathe 
comes an angel to their keep. 
Surely, if this is 
promises are mine to give you. 
mine to give..." 
 
--Enya "Angeles"
***********************************************