Emerald

Title: Emerald 2/?
Author: Ambur
Beta: Fianna ( Muchos gracious, if you guys could see one of my drafts, you’d buy her a steak dinner for sparing you my constant change of tense, awkward sentence structures, and backward sentences.)
Rating:PG-13
Warnings: mild profanity, violence
Summary: Emerald takes a journey to meet a Golden Lady…
Disclaimer: LOTR not mine, belong to Tolkien.
A/N: Refer to chapter one
Feedback would be appreciated!! E-mail: amboo1979@yahoo.com

Chapter 2 Dreams come

Elrond was becoming more and more exasperated with Emerald. She had grown worse since her father had returned. She was even more angry, bitter, and dour than usual. He had tried many times to discuss this with her, but she had simply thrown a fit and stomped away. Mayhaps he was being too lenient and too gentle. He and his sons were always afraid to speak too frankly for fear of hurting her even more.

Perhaps this is why Elrond made the decision he made next. He spoke to Aragorn of it, after all, she was his child, and Aragorn showed no signs of disagreement. Elrond was determined to help Emerald with her inner healing, else she grow up to be a bitter, angry, lonely woman.

He sometimes felt he and his family were too close to her. mov moved on pins and needles when it came to her erratic emotions so much so that the much needed lessons of tough love were not often invoked. He sighed heavily. He knew she would feel she was no longer wanted, but he must do something, or else she would be lost to her grief forever.

The next morning, surrounded by several of Elrond’s wardens and his sons, Emerald was packed and ready for her journey to see the one Elrond hoped could heal his adopted daughter. He would send her to Galadriel, Lady of the Light.

As he expected, she had taken the news personally, though she said nothing, he could read the pain in her eyes. Her eyes chips of colored stone, hard before her years. Behind the beauty of the color, lay the pain of many years.

She had asked him how long she was to stay. Elrond had given her no answer and so she felt she was being sent away, a burden he no longer wanted. She only hoped they would not take her back to that cursed town or mor mother’s. Emerald’s heart was heavy, but she refused to cry. She choked her tears back, never allowing herself to be weak. This would never do if she would survive, as she always had, relying only on herself. She hardened her resolve and yet another wall formed around her heart.

**
Arwen bade Emerald a tearful farewell. Arwen had always felt such guilt towards Emerald, as if she were to blame for holding the Ranger’s heart, but Emerald had never blamed her. Partly because her own mother never blamed the elven beauty for taking the Ranger away. We cannot help whom we love, Emerald. Their love was forged long ago, my daughter. You cannot blame the elf, for your father’s weaknesses.

Arwen squeezed her once more, “Come back to us Emerald.” The girl gave her a small, doubtful smile. Before she could mount her horse, Elrond pulled her to him, holding her and whispering words of endearment and hope. In her current state of despair, he wondered how much she truly heard or dared to believe. Aragorn had already given her his goodbye and for the first time since she was but a day old, held her in his arms. She was stiff in his arms, not knowing how to take this brief affection from him. Was he sincere or was he simply glad to be rid of her once again?


**

It would take almost ten days to reach the borders of the Golden Wood. They moved quickly, trying not to arouse attention. Emerald wished they could go at a slower pace. She had never been anywhere outside of Rivendell or the town of her childhood and she really wished she could take the time to appreciate the different landscapes.

“Caras Galadhon is the home of your grandparents, is it not Elladan?”

“Aye Emmie, it is. You shall love it there. It is the most beautiful place in all of Middle Earth. My grandmother is the most elegant and lovely creature you will ever lay eyes upon.”

“Why do we travel here Elladan? Ada refused my questions. Am I to be left there?”

Elladan’s brow burrowed, “Do you still not believe we love and cherish you Emerald? What must we do to make you believe it?”

Her shoulders drooped and she looked away, “I am sorry to doubt you so, brother. Forgive me.”

Elladan reached over and patted her hand, “All will be well. You shall see.”

Elrohir rode up to them then, “We should reach the borders of Lothlorien mid morrow.”

**

Emerald was glad to finally be able to rest and she was desperate for a bath. She was not use to such travel and she swore she would never take for granted being clean ever again.

She was allowed a quick bath in a nearby stream while Elladan stood guarding her, and then it was off to bed for they would rise very early.

The morning came all too quickly for Emerald, but she was becoming more excited to see this fabled city. had had heard many stories from Arwen about the wisdom and grace of Galadriel. They partook of a quick breakfast, with Emerald drinking her elixir, calling it an herbal tea. This did not go unnoticed by the twins, who had already long suspected what she was doing with this “elixir” she made.

Much to Emerald’s dismay, Arwen had secretly removed her oversized tunics and left her with nothing but gowns to wear. She begrudgingly slid the shimmering white gown over bodybody, long sleeved and adorned with pearls. She also frowned when she reached into her pack to find something to bind her hair with and realized Arwen had removed those as well, forcing her to wear her hair free and flowing down her back.

Just as Elrohir had predicted, the borders were reached within three hours of awakening. Elrohir and another Rivendell warden rode ahead to announce their arrival. Emerald was nervous. She had not had enough of her “tea” and she felt as if eyes were bearing down on them from the canopies above them. Her heard jerked upward when she thought she heard something. She stared hard into the trees above them; suddenly wishing she had elven senses. She could not help but notice the eerie silence that lay before them.

She was unnerved. Why did she feel change was coming? The feeling was tangible, yet elusive. She shook her head. Perhaps she was only unnerved for the many stories she had heard of these woods. Lothlorien the the most skilled warriors. She knew these wardens were not to be trifled with. Especially the one called Haldir, the March Warden. She had heard many a tale of this Lorien Captain of the guard.

A few moments later, Elrohir and the warden returned with wide smiles. “Our grandparents were expecting us, as our father predicted. We are to be welcomed with open arms. Come Emerald!” The two brothers took their place on either of of her and lead the party into the woods.

They had ridden a short distance into the woods before the first Lorien wardens made their appearance. Emerald gasped when several dropped silently to the ground before them. All were armed, but none drew their weapons and despite being surrounded by her own guard, she found she was still afraid.

“Mae Govannen Princes of Rivendell.”

Emerald gasped softly when she saw the owner of the deep baritone voice. The Lorien guard parted to allow the owner to approach them. She needed no introductions to know who this one was. This elf screamed authority and power and must indeed be…the fabled March Warden of Lorein.

She instantly saw the difference between these elves and Legolas. The Lorien elves were pale shimmers of silver whereas Legolas and his kind seemed made of gold. She had always thought Legolas beautiful, but these elves were exquisite. Her gaze fell to the two elves that stood on either side of the March Warden, brothers, she could tell. Her gaze lingered on one in particular until he regarded her with a smile. She turned her toward the ground her face flushing.

The twins spoke softly to Haldir as she strained to hear. She hated it when they spoke of her, as if she wasn’t there. She frowned at Elladan when he looked at her. She was quite capable of speaking for herself. Haldir’s gaze now fell to her as he moved to stand beside her horse. Why he chose to speak elvish to her, she did not know. Perhaps he was testing her.

“You have been expected and are welcome to these woods, daughter of Aragorn.” He noticed her flinch at his words. She answered him then, in perfect Sindarin very softly, her gaze still glued to the ground.

“I am not on such terms with Estel, Captain. Please do not refer to me as such.” Her voice was devoid of disrespect and the Lorien wardens were amazed at how well she spoke their language. And why should she not? She had lived among elves for several years now.

Haldir glanced quickly at the twins, who gave him a sad smile. Haldir looked back to Emerald and smiled gently, “I beg pardon, my Lady. I did not know this. It is to be assumed you are the Lord Elrond’s ward?”

Elladan spoke in Emerald’s stead, “Aye Haldir. Our father has embraced her as his own and has raised her as such.”

**

The journey through the forest took the entire day. By nightfall, they still had not reached the city and would have continued had it not been for Emerald. She was beyond exhaustion by the days end. Haldir was the first to notice and stopped for the night. The horses were left at the border and traveling by foot had made her even wearier. A command was given and several ladders fell from the high canopy. Emerald groaned when she realized she was expected to climb this ladder and could have throttled Arwen for taking her tunics and leaving her this cumbersome dress to wear.

She watched the twins quickly ascend the ladder. She had just put her hand on the ladder to pull herself upright when she was scooped up from behind and flopped over a shoulder. Before she could mutter her angry protest, the pale elf descended quickly up the ladder with her before standing her gently on her feet.

She was mortified by the experience. Her mind wondered if she was heavy or cumbersome to him. Her face burned with humiliation and she was thankful for the darkness. She knew he could still see her face, but she was saved some embarrassment from it. The pale elf placed his hand to his heart and bowed. She held her breath when she realized it was the same elf she had been so enamored with before. This elf spoke to her in his language for he was one of the many elves who did not speak the common tongue.

“I am called Orophin, my Lady. Should you require any comforts, I shall see to them.” He grinned widely at her as he turned from her.

“Come sister, and have some food.” Elladan pulled her down beside him.

“Nay Elladan. I am too tired. I want not but but to close my eyes till winter comes.”

Elladan laughed and shoved a mug of water in her hands. She drank it hastily as she was always dehydrated. She licked her lips, wanting more. Elladan filled the mug and she drank it just as quickly.

“There, I am full. May I sleep now?”

She flinched when another body dropped down beside her and another in front of her.

“Water is not food, my lady. You have had nothing since early this morn I am told. As March Warden, all who enter here are entrusted into my care. I must insist you eat before you are allowed to rest.”

Her eyes narrowed at Haldir when she saw him wink at Elladan. Her arms folded across her chest and she sniffed, “I am not hungry.”

The pale elf beside her grinned in amusement at her stubbornness, his eyes twinkling merrily when he spoke, “The wind blows strongly within the canopies of these trees. I am afraid we must insist you eat something, else we will get no rest this night for fear you will be blown away but with one small gust.”

So they were teasing her now. Emerald held her chin high trying to hide the stab of hurt she felt in her heart. The handsome one must have told everyone how heavy she was. Rumil’s smile fell slightly. He took her hand and kissed it gently, “I am called Rumil. You have met both my brothers already.”

Emerald gazed at him, and blinked when a bright light flashed before her eyes, and she saw within her mind a name. She tilted her head to the side, her eyes wide, “Who is Millicent?”

It was Rumil’s turn to flinch. Elladan burst into perils of laughter.

“Ha! Ha! You have broken his secret, sister! I have been trying to get him to speak of it all morning. Elrohir, come quickly! Emmie has discovered the name of Rumil’s new love!”

Elladan slapped Rumil on his back as he blushed furiously, “Ha! I am sorry Rumil. Sometimes Emerald sees things. I suppose I should have warned you. Sometimes she has no control when the visions come to her.”

“I am sorry Rumil. You were projecting very loudly. I did not know it was supposed to be a secret.”

She was rewarded with a boyish smile, “Tis alright lady. I was not even thinking of Millicent until I looked upon you. You reminded me of her sweet face and how much I have missed her.”

Elladan and Elrohir as well as his own two brothers spent the next hour teasing Rumil mercilessly. Emerald was surprised to see such a warm, playful side to this March Warden. She had heard he was such a dour elf. But she found him very warm and gentle. He was also true to his word and did not allow her to go to bed until she had eaten. After she had picked at the dried fruit and Lembas for almost an hour, she caved in and ate and was allowed her rest. She was asleep the instant her head hit the tunics she used for a pillow.

**

Blood was everywhere. Wails and cries of terror were shattered the night. The stench of death flooded her nostrils. Mothers cried out, holding the lifeless bodies of their children and husbands. Guttural roars and the clashing of swords were sounded all around her. The air was so thick; she could barely breath, let alone see her surroundings clearly. Lifeless, dead eyes stared up at her, open and wide. She ran and ran, but could not get away.

The cold eyes followed her, calling out to her. The whispered hiss was carried to her ears across the wind and brushed her mind…witch…I see you child…you cannot get away…no one ever gets away…followed by a cruel laugh. She felt the hiss permeate her body. She felt the weight of the darkness pressing into her. She tried to struggle and cry out, yet no sound could be heard. She could feel the icy grip around her wrists. She struggled violently, but was pulled unwillingly into the depths of darkness.

Elladan shook her roughly, trying to wake her. She struggled against him in her sleep. He straddled as as she became more violent in her struggles, thrashing wildly. Orophin grabbed her face and shouted her name holding her still. As she became more frantic, Orophin had to resort to using rougher means to wake her and slapped her in her face. Her eyes snapped open instantly and the air that had been trapped in her lungs was now free.

Her shrill cry echoed throughout the silent forest and it took her a few moments to realize Elladan held her. Tears spilled down her cheeks as she pulled herself into his embrace.

“Emerald, what has happened? Did you have a nightmare?”

She nodded against his chest. He stroked her hair, “Like before?”

She nodded again before pulling back, “But there was more this time, Elladan. I heard the most wretched voice speaking! And I saw more…elves and men…there was a great battle. I could not see where I was, but Legolas was there with a small bearded man. He had an axe…and Estel…my father…I could hear him yelling over the fighting.”

Her gaze fell to Haldir when he approached and she abruptly stopped speaking, fresh tears spilling down her cheeks as she pressed back into Elladan.

Elladan spoke gently, “Emerald, you have had this dream before. No great battle has occurred. You only have this dream because you are so weary.”

Rumil laughed then, “And you put the Prince of Mirkwood in the company of a dwarf? I know of no such other small bearded men and I know of no elf who would put themselves in the company of one.”

Their gentle teasing did nothing to ease her mind. She refused to go back to sleep and so Elladan had to put her into a deep sleep with an elven spell. No dreams would reach her there.

Haldir spent the rest of the night watching the young girl sleep. He could not forget how her eyes had looked when she gazed upon him. He wondered if she had seen him in her dream. He was certain he had seen fear in her eyes, fear for him.

He sighed and chuckled softly to himself. How foolish was he, the March Warden of the Golden Wood, the High Captain of Lorien, to concern himself with the nightmares of a weary, heavyhearted child?