Thirty Four - A Fighter

The two days we spent in Lothlorien went by quicker than I had hoped. For every second of it, I was with my sister, Iston and Ozora, getting as much time with them as I could. 

Legolas was right. Time is an unforgiving concept.

“Never before have we clad strangers in the garb of our own people,” Celeborn said as we stood by the riverbank and Elves put cloaks over our shoulders. Esme harboured a sad expression as she clipped mine and stood back with the others.

“May these cloaks shield you from unfriendly eyes,” Celeborn said. “We have resources and a gift for each of you,” Galadriel continued with a smile. 

“Princess Verena,” Celeborn beckoned me and gestured for me to walk with him. I nodded and followed him toward the forest. 

I never had a relationship with him like I do with Thranduil or Galadriel. He’s always taken matters in a more serious manner and always tried to understand Tempests, but continuously, and admittedly, failed. 

“Every league you travel south, danger increases. Mordor’s Orcs hold the eastern shore of the Anduin. Nor will you find safety on the western bank. Creatures bearing a White Hand have been seen on our borders. Seldom do Orcs journey in the open under the sun, yet these have done so,” He said quickly and quietly as I followed him.

He looked me in the eye and pulled out a short dagger. 

Beautiful but deadly. 

“You are being tracked,” He whispered in Elvish. “By river, you have the chance of outrunning the enemy,” He said. “The Falls of Rauros,” I said and he nodded “Thank you, Celeborn,” I said and he nodded. 

“Verena,” Galadriel called. “Go now, while the sun still rises,” Celeborn told me and I nodded, walking back to Galadriel.

“I possess no gift for you, but your sister does,” Galadriel looked at Esme, who nodded to Ozora. She walked toward me and I knelt down as she handed me a glass with a strange substance inside it. 

“When you said you had been exhausting your energy, I wanted to fix it and, well, I came up with that. Use it on your hands and face when you need it. It also heals wounds,” She explained. 

I stood up and hugged her. “Thank you, little sister,” I said as she hugged me back. “Of course, Ver,” She said. “May our parents’ spirits protect you. Bring Alek home,” She said and I nodded, hugging her again. “I will. I promise,” I whispered. 

“Come here, little love,” I knelt down and hugged Ozora next. “Once this is over, I will be back,” I told her. “I can’t wait,” She smiled and I tugged a piece of hair behind her ear and smiled. 

“Iston,” I said as I walked over to my nephew. “Ver,” he said. I hugged him and he hugged me even tighter. “I’m not leaving forever,” I chuckled. “You might be,” He muttered and I pulled back, looking him in the eye. 

“Listen here, Iston Galahon. In the last thousand years I’ve wandered this world, I have always taken care of myself and those who travel with me without fail. The destruction of this Ring will not be the end of me,” I said and he nodded. 

“I will see you again, I promise,” I continued and he hugged me again. “I love you, Iston,” I said. “I love you too, Ver,” He whispered. 

“My lady,” I curtsied in front of Galadriel, who smiled. “Princess Verena,” She said in a formal tone. “I wish you well on your journey, darling,” She continued. “Thank you,” I smiled. She hugged me and we stood there for a second. She always reminds me what a mother’s love feels like. 

“Celeborn has told you the best path and my husband is rarely wrong,” She said and I nodded. “Remember what you fight for, my little warrior,” An old nickname when I started my training meant to encourage me.  

“No goodbye for us?” Oropher asked as I walked to the bank. “All three Galahon brothers waiting for me? A number of elleths would be jealous,” I chuckled. Haldir, Oropher, and Rumil stood side by side. 

“Be safe, Verena. Never have I met a fighter as skilled as you,” Haldir complimented. “Thank you, Haldir,” I said and hugged Rumil last. “Take care of my sister. Her concern for me is greater than I thought,” I said. “I have for the last fifteen hundred years, have I not?” He asked and I smiled. 

“Verena,” Legolas called and I turned to him. “We are ready,” He said and I nodded. “This is goodbye for now,” I said and they nodded, saying goodbye as well, giving me an Elven salute and I did the same, then walked over to Legolas. 

He got in the boat first and took my hand, helping me in. Boromir helped Merry and Pippin into a boat with him and Aragorn had Frodo and Sam. 

“You realise we won’t need an ore, right?” I asked and pointed at the ore in his hand. “Well, I thought you’d want to- nevermind,” He sighed, putting the ore down and I snickered. 

I moved the boats through the water, guiding it down our set path. Galadriel waved from afar and I looked back at the water.

“I have taken my worst wound at this parting having looked my last upon that which is fairest. Henceforth, I will call nothing fair unless it be her gift to me,” Gimli said. “What was her gift?” Legolas asked. 

“I asked her for one hair from her golden head. She gave me three,” He answered and Le smiled. 

“You’re starting to get along,” I commented. Gimli was too entranced by Galadriel’s gift to him to hear it but Le did. “I guess so,” He said as I looked back at him. 

We passed through the Great River Anduin, heading south. I made sure to keep us all close and in the middle of the river. 

If these Orcs pose a true threat, I refuse to let them harm us in water. 

~~~

We banked closer to nightfall, pulling the boats onto shore and made camp in a rocky cave. I started a fire and Sam began cooking while I sat by the water, watching for Gollum, the creature who is tracking us.

“You’ve been guiding us all day, Ver. you need to rest,” Legolas said from behind me. “I am fine, Le. It doesn’t take much to move water currents,” I said. “The Ring feeds from your power. I see it every day,” He said and I looked away. 

“I am fine,” I huffed. “But you’re not,” He said, sitting next to me. I didn’t say anything, he just waited for me to counter him. 

“The Ring is deceitful, just like its owner,” I whispered. “Ver,” He said, moving closer to me. “Please rest,” He said. I finally nodded and he stood and held his hand out. I took it and he helped me up, walking over to the others. 

“Aragorn, Boromir,” I said and the Men looked at me. “Watch the waterway for gollum, I tried to lose him on our path but I’m still not sure,” I said and they nodded, walking back to the bank. 

I unrolled my bedroll, laying it out as Le did the same with his and laid in it, staring up and sighing. 

“Legolas,” I said as he looked at me. “I am lucky to have you,” I said and he smiled. “I am lucky to have you as well, Verena,”