Scarred Fate

CHAPTER 16: The Ringbearers

CHAPTER NOTES

SCRIPTS:

'Thoughts'; ~visions~; **mind speech**; -l-Letters-l-

Galadriel sighed frustrated. She had secluded herself into a deserted corner of Imladris' beautiful gardens *for hours*. She could not find her son-in-law although she constantly searched for the mental power that was Elrond; his own strong fae used to shine brightly with Vilya's power.

Normally she would find him within minutes when – like now – she had an idea of his whereabouts. The peredhel must be one or two days away from the top of the High Pass and on his way to Imladris.

But either Elrond was not, or he was in no condition to react to her searching mind, or – and maybe the worst possibility – he did not have Vilya anymore. A most troubling thought indeed.

She desperately hoped that Elrond was alright.

The lady of the Golden Wood leaned back against the willow under which she sat. She usually loved how willows comforted with their shielding curtain of twigs, but in Imladris, she found no peace.

The last time, she had been here she had to bid her beloved daughter farewell. And now, wherever she went she could feel Celebrían's gentle presence.

If she could only concentrate, she was sure she would be able to find Elrond.

**Galadriel? **

The lady of the Golden Wood sighed with relief. The peredhel lived.

**Elrond? I was searching for you. **

A short silence followed that statement.

**I did not bear Vilya for some hours. But that is a very long story. **

** Listen, Elrond! You have to turn back! Ride to Mirkwood. **

When Galadriel perceived Elrond's voice next, it had taken a slightly urgent tone.

** Do you have any news of my chief counsellor? **

** He is a seer, mightier than you, even mightier than I. **

** I know **Elrond intercepted.

Galadriel hesitated. What had already happened? And what was yet to come?

** What has he done yet? **

** I don't know for sure. I was ambushed on the High Pass by Hillmen from Angmar. Erestor caused Glorfindel to come to my rescue by giving him false facts but he left Glorfindel two days away from where I was in a cave with my sons and a few soldiers. He used Vilya to cause an avalanche that killed most of our besiegers. Then he simply vanished. No one knows where he is.

But that is not all: we have had human captives but one of our soldiers killed them. This is some kind of conspiracy and I don't know Erestor's part of it, if he has part in it at all. Glorfindel arrested the murderer, he is bringing him to me while we speak but I don't think that he will talk. **

**Send him to me. **

**Lóriën? That is too far away. We have opened farewell letters that Erestor wrote and he foresaw his death. He will die! **

**No, he will not. And no, I am not in Lóriën, I am in Imladris. When I saw Erestor's death in my mirror, I tried to find you, but you were in Mirkwood then. So I journeyed to Imladris to prevent it all. But I came too late.

Send this murderer to me to interrogate.

You should know that Erestor wrote in the farewell letter to Lindir that his family was behind it. But he gave no names.

Ride to Mirkwood, you can still save him. I will contact you, the moment I know more. **

**But we think that he is pursued by human soldiers. He is weary and without supplies. He is fading, Galadriel. Erestor is in no condition to outrun them. And I feel that Imladris is in danger.

I need your advice. I cannot put Erestor's safety before that of Imladris. **

**I have Nenya with me, so do not worry for your valley. It is safe with me. **

**How did Erestor die in your dream Galadriel? What am I to prevent? **

**Maybe the future has already changed again and without my mirror ... Still I dreamt of him dying in Mirkwood, Elrond: a long Mirkwood knife will end his life. **

For a short moment there was silence.

**I don't want to lose him. **

**Then don't. **

Galadriel broke the connection. Elrond's last sentence had surprised her. It was not so much that he cared for his chief advisor – Galadriel would have been highly disappointed in her son-in-law if he didn't and Elrond was known as a compassionate Elf – it was how he had said it: with a kind of shocked realisation.

Could it be that Elrond liked Erestor more than he should? Or exactly how he should?

Well, on her list of problems, that had about priority 50. First she had to find Thalion's letter. Then the traitor in Imladris, and Faelon. Haldir had not informed her yet about Lindir's whereabouts. She had to make sure that no evil had crossed Imladris borders and would not cross them either.

How Erestor could have let Imladris' defences get to that point in the first place, was beyond her understanding.

**Husband **

**I wondered when you would contact me. **

**I needed to hear your voice.**

**But my lady does not want to chatter. What troubles you that has not troubled you when you left? **

**Memories and questions.

Celeborn I fear that I left too late or too early. Once again I am meddling. What if it happens again? What if I make it worse?

Erestor is still out there and his scheming still in realization. What he planned for centuries might be too complex, too frail. What should have ended with his death only, might as well lead to the death of others if I act in the wrong way.

And all around me there is the memory of sweet Celebrían. I feel like suffocating …

And I needed to hear your voice. **

Galadriel could almost feel Celeborn's sad smile. Oh he knew her well.

**I know what you need to hear. And be assured, love, whatever will come of this: you will be able to change exactly what you are meant to change. Eru's plans will be fulfilled. Do what you can, it will be enough, it always was.

No blame lies with you, Galadriel! Remember that.

Now rest some and let Celebrían's presence comfort you, not burden you. She would not have wanted that. We will see her again, love. Just have patience like you used to have.**

Galadriel smiled, a small tear escaping one ice blue eye. **Thank you. You know I love you.**

**Less then I love you.**

Fair laughter filled Imladris' garden. **That is not possible dearest.**

But quickly Galadriel sobered **I will have to stay for a while. **

**I know. Stay as long as you need to, but remember that you are sorely missed here, my lady of the Golden Wood.**

CHAPTER END NOTES

fae ~ spirit