The Lost

The Lost

Chapter 14
Author: Frosty the Dairy Cow
Rated: NC-17
Codes: Elrond, Legolas, Aragorn, Haldir, Galadriel, OC, AU, N/C
Summary: After the defeat of Sauron, Elves and Men go to war. The reason, though, is not so clear. Contains real plot.
Notes: Elvish translations are at the end of each chapter.
Disclaimer: LOTR is not mine. Bleh.

For those who are interested, we have a website up - http://www.geocities.com/elvendemagogue - where all our fics will be posted. Hope you'll visit!


*

Food had been delivered the previous day, but there had been no visit from the King. Anólindë stretched as she awoke from her sleep, the morning shining its rays into her room through clear glass windows. The previous day had been long, and its night even longer. Haldir had not allowed her to visit the Queen, nor had he wanted her to tell anyone of Galadriel's state. Anólindë was surprised she had slept at all, when deep down she knew the morning would bring ill news of the Lady of Lorien.

Tense with expectation, she got up and dressed. Her heart weary, she exited the room and was immediately greeted with the sight of Legolas and Haldir standing outside Galadriel's door. Their faces were pale and solemn. Anólindë's stomach fell.

"Aragorn will be coming soon," said Haldir as she approached, "He is allowing me to take the Lady to the forest for burial."

"Are you going alone?" Anólindë wanted to go with, but she knew Haldir would most likely prefer solitude.

He nodded. "It would be best."

Legolas placed a hand on Anólindë's arm. "We are to dine with Aragorn. Are you up for that?"

Swallowing, she nodded. After Galadriel's death, Anólindë would not allow her fears or worries to interfere with the peace talks. With one last look at the Queen's door, she headed towards the main hall with Legolas and Haldir. Both were silent. She felt like she would explode.

They ventured outside when Aragorn arrived. She waited in the cool morning sunlight, watching the King give his condolences to Haldir and provide him with horses and guards. Aragorn then looked to Legolas, who in turn motioned to Anólindë to follow them as they walked away from the silent building.

"You have my deepest sympathies," said the King as they made their way to the fourth level, where Aragorn made his home. "We have our differences, I know, but Galadriel was one of the kindest spirits I ever met. Her loss will be felt."

Legolas nodded, but said nothing. She knew he felt partially responsible, even though Haldir explained to him that Galadriel knew what she was doing. Anólindë didn't like seeing her friend in pain, so she touched his shoulder and smiled. "Caral awartha estel. Hebron innas gel, aldaw."

He smirked, turning his face to look at her. "Le nella noss an galu," he said, blinking softly.

"Then you should listen to me." She smiled and licked her lips, then noticed Aragorn watching them. His eyes were gentle, not the same as when she had first met this King. "We cannot forget the sacrifice she made for us."

Legolas nodded, but Anólindë watched Aragorn as he smiled softly and turned his head away.

The wao tho the Hall was short. Anólindë sat next to Legolas at the table, feeling slightly uncomfortable. It was a dark day, and she couldn't help but be distracted by her thoughts. The idea of eating did not enter her mind.

"It is my turn to chide you," said Legolas as he took a small bite of food, "You must keep up your strength."

Anólindë smiled. "I know. I'm not hungry, though."

"Understandable," replied Aragorn. She lifted her eyes to his and wondered exactly who this man was. He confused her, one minute seeming to be their enemy, the next a friend. She wasn't sure what to make of him. "There will be food available later, if you wish to wait."

Nodding, Anólindë pushed her plate away and took a sip of water instead. "I don't think I can handle food right now."

Beside her, Legolas sighed deeply and set down his fork. "I seem to be feeling the same way. My thoughts overwhelm me."

"I had planned on speaking with you about plans for a peaceful resolution to this war, but I can see this day is not one for talk. I myself am disted bed by my thoughts." His bright eyes moved to Anólindë as he sighed. "Perhaps we can put this off for a day."

"That might be best." Anólindë bit her lip and set down her glass, looking to Legolas. He smiled softly, but she could see his inner sadness.

"I know not what your plansld bld be for such a day, but if you like I would be happy to give you a tour of the city. As a sign of solidarity to my people."

Anólindë looked up at Aragorn, whose eyes did not seem to hold any mistrust. Sitting alone in her rooms would not make her feel any better, and she wondered if perhaps she could make a good impression on the King of Gondor if she took the tour. She needed to do this. "I would be honoured to receive a tour," she responded, placing a hand on Legolas'uldeulder. His blue eyes seemed less inclined. "I will go alone. You should be with the others while they mourn."

Legolas glanced uneasily at the King, who in turn lowered his eyes. "You should not go alone, Anólindë. This city is dangerous."

"I assure you, she will be well-protected." When the blonde elf turned to Aragorn and frowned, the King continued, "And I promise, my intentions will remain honourable. You have my word."

"It will be fine," said Anólindë, not liking what Legolas was assuming, "I will be fine. I want to do this."

Legolas sighed and shook his head. "Do you not need to mourn as well?"

"I do, but in my own time, and my own way. I owe this to Galadriel. She died for this peace."

Her friend's eyes lowered as he reluctantly agreed, then glanced once more at Aragorn before standing. "Be careful," he said to Anólindë, then turned to the King, "Take care of her."

Aragorn nodded politely as Legolas left the hall. Taking a deep breath, Anólindë licked her lips and met the King's gaze. "Shall we go?" she asked. Smiling, Aragorn stood and motioned her to the door.

*

Anólindë stood at the end of the courtyard, looking out over the realm of Gondor. Osgiliath was visible in the distance, situ alo along a river that eventually led to Lothlorien. She sighed inwardly and narrowed her eyes at the dark mountains looming over the cities. They smoked now, their fires all but gone. Still, though, even with Sauron destroyed, he still managed to maintain a hold on this world.

Her eyes flickered to where Aragorn stood talking with a guard. It was nearly evening, the sun casting a shadow of the white tree that stood stark in the middle of the courtyard. It seemed to symbolize ash and death. Anólindë felt her body chill. She wished for the full, green trees in the forests of her home, not the pale, haunted ones living like ghosts in Man's land.
e toe tour through Minas Tirith had been long and quiet. Aragorn had kept true to his word and remained honourable, and kept her safe. In every person they passed she saw malice and hatred, but no one made any attempt to hurt her. The King prespresent. They would do nothing against his wishes.

Still, though, she could feel their anger. Her kind was not welcome.

Licking her lips, she turned back to the view of the valley as Aragorn settled his conversation and headed towards her. "It will be a cloudy evening," he said as he followed her gaze over the land, "Rain may fall."

"The sky will weep for those who have been lost." Looking up at the darkening sky, Anólindë inhaled the soft scent of jasmine. The faces of the men and women who had watched her in thcitycity threatened to overwhelm her mind. Never had she been so close to such malcontent. "Tell me, King Aragorn, do you believe the people of Gondor would ever accept peace with the Elves?"

His blue eyes turned to hers, thoughtful in their appearance. "They would learn to adjust."

Smiling, her eyes shifted to the lush landscape. "The Lady of the Golden Wood was no mere elf. She was gifted and beautiful and meant so much to my people. Her death was hastened by this war, by the need for peace. She saw what would happen if we failed." Anólindë's voice lowered as the sun burned red over the mountains. "When I look at your kind, Aragorn, I do not see the possibility of harmony. I see only hate."

"They do not yet know the truth. The world of men has been blinded, the same as the world of elves. The difference is our eyes are not yet open."

"Are ours truly?" Anólindë turned to face Aragorn. Sorrow touched her heart when she thought about what would happen if they failed. "Agar innas tuilinn sen ardhon. Im albaur ant cenan man on lim."

The King sighed heavily. "You give up too easily."

Curious, Anólindë tilted her head and frowned. "Why is it you care? Not three days ago you were willing to see all of us dead, and now you speak of peace like you wished it from the beginning. Forgive me, but I don't see how one's mind can change so quickly."

His eyes darkened slightly as his fingers brushed against the stone wall. "I don't blame you for being suspicious. I would be as well." Aragorn eyed her then, his expression contetivetive. "I have my reasons."

"Will you not share them with me?"

He held her gaze a moment longer before averting it and stepping back from the wall. "In time. It is too early now."

Anólindë knit her brow, but asked no further questions. She would not force answers from someone who wished to keep secrets. "I fear Galadriel's sacrifice may have been in vain," she said quietly, "Unless you can convince your people that peace is the right course of action."

"I will do what I can. I don't deny it will be a formidable task, but I have faith in this city. They have followed me through many difficult decisions. They will follow me through this."

Aragorn clasped his hands behind his back as he gazed out over the realm he called home. She watched him and was reminded of how Elrond used to speak of this man. In quiet moments, the Lord of Rivendell had alluded to the integrity and passion of King Aragorn, things not spoken of in public company. He was the enemy, after all, even if he had been raised by elven kind.

Anólindë could see the long years of pain in his eyes. She admired his determination, though, and his compassion. Perhaps she had misjudged this man.

If he noticed her watching him, he did not show it. "It is late. Legolas will wonder where you are."

She followed him as he led her to the third level where her rooms were located. Something tugged at her mind as the building came into view. Parting now, she thought, wasn't what she wanted to do.

"Thank you for the tour," she said quietly, stopping at the stone steps, "And the talk. If nothing else, I have a new respect for you as a King."

He nodded softly. "Thank you as well." Biting her lip, Anólindë made to turn but Aragorn caught her hand. She stilled as he raised his to his lips, and placed a soft kiss upon her skin. "You have given me much to think about. Maer aduial, fael elleth."

Her body warmed quickly as she stood in silence. Aragorn smiled and let her hand go, bowed politely, and made his way back to the fourth level of the city. Blinking softly, Anólindë swwed wed hard and made her way up the steps.

Her mind fluttered with confusing thoughts as she pushed open the heavy doors. Quickly she lost her distraction, though, when her gaze settled on Legolas and Haldir speaking in the Hall.

"Anólindë," said Legolas tersely as she approached, "Where have you been? I was growing worried."

"I apologize. I did not mean to be out so long." Changing the topshe she turned her eyes to the Marchwarden. "Are you well, Haldir?" she asked, touching his arm, "Did you make it to the forest?"

He pursed his lips and nodded. "The Lady has been buried. It pains me to think of her lying here forever. She deserved to be laid to rest in her own realm."

Anólindë nodded, looking up at Haldir as she spoke softly. "It is only her body. Her spirit is in a better place."

"Anólindë is right. As difficult as it is, we must move on." Haldir's eyes flickered at Legolas' words, but he did not respond. "I intend to speak with Aragorn tomorrow, and ask if he would provide guards to ride with me to Lorien. I am hopeful Lord Elrond's power will have drained enough for us to gather more of our kinsmen."

Knitting her brow, she looked to the Prince. "You are just going to ride into Lorien without preparation? It could be dangerous."

"I will go with you." Haldir crossed his arms and sighed heavily, "I am of no use sitting here."

Anólindë shook her head. "You would leave me here alone? What if your mission fails?"

"The others will stay with you. I'm sorry, Anólindë, but we cannot do anything without more of our people. For all we know, they could be suffering under the darkness of Elrond. We know not what kind of power he has." Legolas clasped a hand on her shoulder and squeezed. "I would ask you to come with, but someone needs to stay here with the others."

Anólindë turned her eyes from Legolas'. She knew he didn't want her along because of her history with Elrond, good and bad. "What if Aragorn doesn't agree?"

"Do you believe he won't?" asked Haldir, raising an eyebrow.

She honestly could not say. From her recent conversation, though, she would not be surprised if he provided what they asked. "I don't know," she replied non-committally.

Legolas eyes softened as he took a deep breath. "We need to rest if we're leaving tomorrow. Come, let us take to our rooms."

Anólindë followed him down the hall towards her room. Nervous anxiety entered her body. Her fears told her tomorrow may be the very last day she sees her friends.

*

TBC

Elf-Talk:

Caral awartha estel. Hebron innas gel, aldaw. - Do not abandon hope. Keep remembrance with joy, not gloom.
Le nella noss an galu. - You sound like (kindred to) a fortune.
Agar innas tuilinn sen ardhon. Im albaur ant cenan man on lim. - Blood will swallow this world. I need no gift to see what is clear.
Maer aduial, fael elleth. - Good evening, fair elf.