Chapter 7- New Eyes

Chapter 7- New Eyes

Lady Galadriel had Haldir show us to our sleeping quarters a little after she and Celeborn spoke to us. Haldir led us down the staircase and back onto the ground where there was a large clearing and several pavilions far off in the distance. "You shall stay here for the night," Haldir nodded at the mallorn roots that had intertwined to make up a sort of hollow.

"Thank you, Haldir," Aragorn nodded. "This is very kind of your people."

I shot my brother a confused look as if to say: We're sleeping under a tree, Strider. Or haven't you noticed?

"I only do as my Lord and Lady request," he dipped his head toward our group. "Goodnight," he Elf muttered, walking back up the long, winding staircase.

I investigated the hallow to find fresh cots, pillows, blankets and food inside. I felt a pang of regret for the way I had previously addressed Haldir; after all, he had every right to be suspicious of us. I smiled softly, watching Pippin and Gimli fall into their beds in sheer exhaustion and fall asleep within seconds. If only I was as trusting as them.

I leisurely slipped out of my boots and bracers, thankful to finally take them off. I unbuckled my belt, taking my blades and knife off and laying them on my bed. My breastplate came off next, I fumbled with the strap for a moment before I was able to free myself of my armor. I was now left in my trousers and dirty, green blouse.

It had been three months since we had left Rivendell, and already my garments were beginning to show signs of age. I needed to find a new pair of clothes soon. I wandered outside of the hallow and into the clearing where some of the Fellowship sat.

Aragorn sat nearby, sharpening his sword and lost in his own thoughts while Frodo and Merry leaned back against the roots listening intently. "Aragorn?" I whispered, approaching my brother nervously.

He looked up, meeting my eyes softly. "Yes, Rayel?"

"Are you still angry at me?" I asked.

My brother smiled sadly, "No, I am not mad at you. I never could stay cross at you for long." He shook his head. "I was merely frustrated with all that occurred today- but my anger wasn't directed at you, dear one. You mustn't worry."

I sighed, relieved. "Thank you, brother. For I was very much afraid that I had done something unforgiveable in your eyes."

"Never," he smiled, but in his eyes there was pain.

There was music in the air, a slow, saddening melody that echoed throughout the Caras Galadhon. It was coming from up in the treetops and amongst the airy pavilions. "A lament for Gandalf," Legolas whispered, seemingly reading my mind. He had changed into a fresh pair of clothes and a blue tunic; his hair still damp from the bath houses. His voice was sad and quiet; far quieter than it normally was.

"What do they say about him?" asked Merry curiously.

"I have not the heart to tell you..." his voice drifted off, and his eyes turned downward. "For me, the grief is still too near."

"I bet they don't mention his fireworks," Sam muttered, laying out a blanket. "There ought to be a verse about them." He seemed thoughtful before jumping to his feet and reciting: "The finest rockets ever seen; they burst in stars of blue and green! A rap of thunder; silver showers-," Gimli snored and Aragorn proceeded to elbow him hard in the stomach. "Like a rain of flowers... Ah, that's no good," he muttered frustrated as he plopped back down on his blankets.

"That's beautiful, Sam," I smiled reassuringly. "I've never seen fireworks, but the way you describe them-," my eyes twinkled from blue to green. "I can almost see them for myself!"

Aragorn smiled briefly, "You have happiness in your eyes, Rayel. I have not seen them that color for many days..."

I looked down, instantly quiet.

How long had it been since I had been genuinely happy? How long had it been since I had laughed? Since I smiled with sincerity?

"Do you have anything to say about Mithrandir?" Legolas asked, his eyes were so sad I could have cried.

I nodded softly, trying to think of the right words: "I hadn't known him long, and I'm not too good at writing songs," everyone chuckled. "A beard in grey; I wish he'd stayed. A dear friend to me; no silver lining can be seen... His walking stick; also his staff; oh how I miss his thunderous laugh." I swallowed hard, fighting back the tears that now sprung in my eyes.

Legolas smiled sadly, "I had forgotten his laugh..."

"I wish I could hear it again... Our last hours together were so serious- there wasn't a time or place for laughter," I agreed, wiping the tears from my eyes.

We were quiet for a while, listening to Gandalf's Lament somewhere up in the trees. My eyes drifted across the clearing a short distance where I spotted Boromir. He was slouched up against the side of the tree, remorse and trembling. I started toward him before Aragorn cut me off, "I'll talk to him, Rayel. Why don't you take a journey to the bath house or rest?"

I swallowed down my remark and nodded. "Yes Aragorn."

Aragorn walked over to Boromir and said; "You should take rest."

I strained my ears for Boromir's remark only to see Legolas shake his head. "Remember what I said about eavesdropping?"

I sighed. "Force of habit," I admitted quietly.

"I'm sure they'll tell you if it's something important," he assured me, smiling softly.

"I hope," I chuckled. "Can you tell me in what direction the bath house is?"

"Of course, right up that cobblestone path-the large pavilion. You can't miss it. Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel have taken the liberty upon themselves to set out a change of clothes for us."

"Thank you," I smiled. "I'll be back shortly." I headed off in the direction Legolas had pointed, my mind filled with thoughts- and the Lament didn't make things any better : "Mithrandir, Mithrandir, A Randir Vithren, ú-reniathach i amar galen. I reniad lín ne mór, nuithannen, In gwidh ristennin, i fae narchannen; I lach Anor ed ardhon gwannen...Caled veleg, ethuiannen." They sang and my heart hurt; for I understood these words perfectly.

"Mithrandir, Mithrandir O Pilgrim Grey. No more will you wander the green fields of this earth Your journey has ended in darkness. The bonds cut, the spirit broken. The Flame of Anor has left this World...A great light, has gone out."

This was what Legolas had been so apprehensive to translate to the Hobbits, and for once, I wished I had not understood what the lyrics meant.

I followed the path up hill and to a flat where the billowing curtains surrounded the bath house. I looked around nervously and parted the stream of fabric so I could enter the domed building. Inside there were two large basins, a reclining sofa, a vanity and table covered in perfumes, bath salts, and soaps. The tile floor was slick and there was an over-powering aroma of flowers and pine in the air. On the sofa was a change of clothes for everyone in the Fellowship. Legolas' dirty clothes were in a basket of some sort, obviously waiting to be cleaned.

I walked over to the full basin: the water sparkled clear and blue. Small tendrils of steam billowed about in the air; the water was warm to my fingertips and immediately I poured a small amount of the forest scented perfume into the water.

After stripping off my clothes and adding them into the dirty clothes pile, I slipped into the water, submerging myself and sighing contentedly. The warm water soothed my aching muscles and the perfume cleared my head. I slid under the water, letting my hair billow down my shoulders and completely submerge. As I broke the surface of the water, I took in the surroundings again: this place was beautiful. The bath house was warm and the curtains surrounding it, guarded and protected me from unwanting eyes.

I reached down the floor where a glass bottle of soap sat. I poured a fair amount into my hand and proceeded to massage it into my scalp, taking the time to make sure my hair was completely saturated. It had been far too long since I had the luxury to take a bath and I was going to savor it. Who knew when I would be given the chance to bathe again?

After finishing washing my hair, I slipped back under the water, making sure to rinse all of the lather from my tresses. I surfaced again, filling my lungs and finally getting to work on washing my face. My fingernails were short and dirty, my palms were scratched a scraped- and my ankle. By some small miracle, the swelling had gone down completely and the bruising and pain had subsided a great degree.

Minutes went by and finally I stood, enveloping my body in a large, warm towel. Cautiously I stepped out of the basin and winced, the water was dark and murky; I hadn't realized just how dirty I had been. I quickly dried myself and approached the sofa where the Lord and Lady had arranged my clothes. There was a long, flowing blue dress with a boat neck. The dress had long, embroidered sleeves and a laced back. I stared at it for a moment, in awe of its beauty and slightly in sheer annoyance. Why couldn't they have given me trousers and another blouse?

With a sigh, I slipped into the fresh underclothes and into the dress. I struggled for a moment, trying to fasten the buttons and I let out an angry huff.

"Do you need some help?" a feminine voice chuckled.

I turned to face the Lady of Light and nodded softly. "Yes, thank you."

The Elf, the mother of my mother, approached my from behind and began buttoning the back of my dress. "You look so much like Gelä," she said softly. "And every day, your hair darkens softly..."

I looked at her reflection in the vanity mirror. "Then you know who I am?"

"Of course I do," she chuckled softly. "I have been watching you for many years, dear."

I swallowed hard. "If you're really my family, then why didn't you ever visit?"

She looked pained, "I never had the opportunity... Come," she took my hand and led me to the vanity. "Let's do something with your hair, shall we?" She poured a dark substance into her hand and softy ran it through my hair, coating it in the liquid. "This will make it soft and keep it clean for a month at the most." She reached for the brush beside the mirror and combed out my hair, smiling as my hair slowly began to resume its natural wavy state. "You wear it in a braid far too often, Lothrayel. You should wear it down more often."

I turned to face my reflection: with my face clean and my hair down, I looked older, and far more fair than I had in the past. The scar on my cheek was faded softly, and my cheeks were tan. The White Lady whispered something and suddenly my hair was dry.

"Thank you," I said sincerely, as I stood up from the vanity.

"Before you go back to your Fellowship, allow me to show you something- it's important."

Galadriel led me outside and down the stone pathway and toward a gated garden. Within the garden was a large, marble fountain, a waterfall trickled down the rocks nearby and I could sense something in the air. Magic.

She produced a silver pitcher from the waterfall and filled it with the water. "You will many things in the mirror," she gestured to the fountain and I approached carefully. "Things that were," she poured the water into the fountain, reaching the brim. "Things that are and some things that have not yet come to pass." She stepped away from the mirror and nodded for me to sneak a peek.

I took a deep breath and leaned forward, staring into the mirror, suddenly images began appearing and my eyes widened.

The first image was that of a beautiful Elf with long cascading blonde hair. The ends of her hair were sparked with red, orange and faint blue, like that of flames. Her eyes were blue, loumnious crystals like Galadriel's. The woman was riding a dark horse, beside her was another Elf- he looked almost identicle to my Uncle Elrond, except he was younger and far more handsome. His jaw was curved, his eyes were bright green and in front of him on the saddle was a small child. The little girl had dark mahogany-colored hair and bright green eyes. She wore a welcome, carefree smile and was constantly pointing out different tress calling: "Ada! Look! Atara!"

I sucked in a breath; this was my past.

I watched as the scene shifted, and suddenly the group was surrounded by orcs. My mother drew her sword, and my father drew his. There was a flash of silver and I watched as they tried to defend themselves. My mother faltared first, and I watched her eyes widen as an arrow was shot through her chest. Her lips moved to mouth the word "love" before she fell from her house and onto the ground.

My father went into a fit of rage, slicing down every orc in his path-but the archer released another arrow and it took the life of my father. Both my parent's bodies lay close to each other, their hands faintly gracing one another's. And then there was me. I was crouched on the ground, paralyzed in fear. The remaining orcs surrounded me, laughing and jeering at my tears. There was a flash of light and the blade crossed over my cheek, producing a thin red line- thus the story of how I obtained my scar.

The water rippled and there I was wandering around in the woods, still a child. Then there stood Aragorn in my path and I backed away from him. Aragorn spoke to me in small whispers and my five-year old figure ran to him, crying and sobbing.

I looked up from the mirror and Galadriel's thoughts entered my head, hauntingly: "Things that were."

The mirror rippled again and I watched Gandalf fall into oblivion and my screaming face objecting, trying to break free from Legolas' grasp. I watched as he swung me into his arms and barreled the stone staircase.

"Things that are."

It was an image of Legolas standing beside the mallorn trees, staring softly down the cobblestone path, waiting for me to return. The image shifted and there I was, standing beside him on the hill outside of the Eastern Gate, sobbing. His arms enveloped me, holding me close and comforting me tremendously.

"And some things that have not yet come to pass..."

There was an image of a White City, burning to the ground, people fleeing, this way and that. And there was me, fighting through the streets, and up toward the battle scene. I watched my lips move to scream one word: Legolas! But when I caught sight of him, he was dead, lying beside the body of Aragorn. The image rippled and I saw Rivendell, bright with flames and fire, smoldering with smoke and ash. Orc armies trampled through the Elven city, smashing windows and slaughtering the Elves.

"This is what may happen, if you fail..."

The next image rippled across the water and I smiled, it was perfect. There was a White City- the same one I saw burning- but it was alive and full of cheering crowds. In the middle was my brother, and he wore the crown of his ancestors and a nervous smile upon his face. As he made his way down the stairwell, I saw an image of Legolas and myself smiling and cheering along with the crowds. Then I watched as we kissed softly and the image darkened into nothing.

"This is what may happen if you succeed."

I backed away from the water, still shaking. "Why did you show me this?" I demanded quietly.

"Because everyone needs something to cling to," she answered simply. "Your future changes so rapidly, Lothrayel. Every decision- every word that you utter can change your ultimate ending. You're impulsive, like your father, but you have your mother's sense... This will be interesting, dear."

"So what are you saying?" I asked.

The Lady looked down, "Nothing is set in stone about your future- but the Elf, Legolas. He plays a major part in your story."

I blushed, "He does?"

She smiled. "Yes, now go in peace, dear one. The Elf misses you, and you need your rest."

I thanked her and slowly made my way from her garden back to our mallorn tree hallow. Boromir was reclining against the roots and I knew not where Frodo and my brother were, but Legolas stood where I had seen him in the mirror.

"Rayel," Boromir looked up at me with widened eyes. "You look ravishing!"

"Thank you," I grinned, looking to Legolas for the same kind of approval.

His eyes widened when he saw me and a smile traced across his thin lips. "Rayel! You look-you look... beautiful."

I blushed, feeling my cheeks warm up. "Thank you, Galadriel picked out this dress..." I shrugged, feeling naked without my blades.

"Yes, the dress is beautiful too... But the one wearing the dress atones for the majority of the beauty."

I looked down, suddenly struck with the images of my parents and Legolas and Aragorn's deaths.

"What's wrong?" he inquired, worry in his voice. "I didn't mean to offend you-."

"Oh no! It has nothing to do with that!" I assured him. "It's just something she showed me," I replied, giving him a weak smile.

"The Mirror?" he asked.

"Yes," I replied.

"Do not let your heart trouble you," he took my hands in his and pulled me into his arms. "There isn't anything to worry about, Rayel." His head on mine and the scent of pine and the forest made my head spin.

I pulled back and looked up at him, his eyes were clear-blue, gleaming with brilliance. Our faces were just inches away from each other. Butterflies danced in my stomach and my heart raced. His nose brushed mine and then he pulled back. "You should get some rest," he said quietly, brushing my hair back from face.

"Oh, yes, of course..." I turned away from him, and his arms left my side.

"Goodnight, Rayel." He whispered.

I felt disappointment settling in and shattering my very being. "Goodnight." I whispered.