Part 7. A New Beginning

The bright light of the moon illuminates the Middle-earth that is so dear to Eleniel's heart. Her face is adorned with a soft and peaceful smile, her soul radiates the light of the stars. It would seem that what could depress her at this moment? At times her soul felt homesick. Not a few years have passed since she left the lands of the Forest Realm, and to this day she keeps her word. Perhaps for humans ten years is a long time, but not for an elf, for them a century can seem like an instant. But not for Eleniel, she remembers every day, counting the days she left her home.

Eleniel is now in Rivendell, and seven years have passed since her arrival in Lord Elrond's realm. She never thought the neighboring realm of elves would open its doors to her. But Lord Elrond was kind to Eleniel and accepted the princess of the Forest Realm as his own daughter.

Initially, Eleniel held her way to nowhere. She was simply running away from her native home. On the border of the lands of the Forest Realm and the Golden Forest, Eleniel heard the voice of the Lordess of Lothlórien, she spent her first three years by Galadriel's side.

"The Beginning of Memories."

Eleniel races as fast as she can out of this place. She doesn't want to see anyone, her soul is torn into little pieces. She wants to disappear from this world. She regrets that she returned to Middle-earth at her mother's instruction, thinking it a most reckless act. Now she could be in Valinor and her heart would not know this sadness. Except that she can no longer hold it all in and bitter tears flow down her cheeks. A heart-rending cry echoes around the area, scaring away the birds and animals. That scream belongs to the Princess of the Forest Realm, all the pain that is in her now, she pours out in her scream.

She stops the horse, the tears pouring from her eyes she cannot see the way. Feeling weakness in her legs she falls to her knees. Emotions overwhelm her, unable to endure, Eleniel hits the ground with her hands, unknowingly releasing some of her energy herself.

-What for?" cries Eleniel, and another scream reverberates through the neighborhood. This question will go unanswered, no one will answer it for her. One of her hands reaches for her chest clutching part of her tunic in the area of her heart, the pain tearing at her soul. -Why does it hurt so much?

-Child... -Suddenly a soft, feminine voice is heard, the source of which Eleniel cannot identify. She looks around, trying to find the owner of that voice that was so familiar to her.

-Lady Galadriel? - hesitantly the young elf asks, seemingly from the outside she is talking to herself. Her eyebrows furrowed, she continues to look around, hoping to see the lord of the Golden Forest.

-Beloved child of the Valar, do not grieve, make your way to Lotlorien, I will wait for you... -she says and her words are like the wind developing on the wind.

The Princess of the Forest Realm cannot ignore her invitation, she wipes the bitter tears from her face with the back of her hand. Eleniel decides to pull herself together and make her way to one of the older elves who lives in Middle-earth.

Closer to nightfall, Eleniel was at the borders of Lothlórien, on her way to the Golden Forest she encountered no danger, but just not at the border. Unfortunately, she did not manage to pass unnoticed by a pack of orcs; had it not been for the horse, they might have caught her right away. Eleniel grabbed her bow, she needed to kill them as quickly as possible while they were far enough away from her. Legolas always told her, "If you use a bow, make sure the enemy is defeated before he gets close to you. Don't let him make a move on you, the bow and arrows are your advantage over the enemy, for you can be faster than the wind." The closer they get to her, the lower her chances of survival, one elf against forty-five orcs is too much.

-Twenty-five... -Whispered Eleniel to herself as she reached for her arrow, she realized that her quiver was empty and she would have to bare her swords. She was a skilled warrior, but just one against twenty... That was a lot.

Why couldn't she ride away on horseback? There was a river ahead and they would not be able to cross it, Eleniel had no choice but to fight. These hideous creatures surrounded her, the princess held her swords tightly in her hands, staring piercingly at the orcs.

-Look here, Elven Princess, tonight we are in for a feast. - said one of the orcs snidely, and the others burst into disgusted laughter.

-Your dreams are an abomination. - said Eleniel, gripping the hilt of her swords so hard that her knuckles grew white.

-Grab it. - said this orc, apparently the leader of the pack.

After his words, they rushed toward the elven woman. Eleniel was quick and killed these orcs as soon as they approached her. She could not afford to die at the hands of these foul creatures, except that there were many of them and they acted together.

An orc runs at her, bringing his weapon forward, trying to thrust his sword into her torso, only Eleniel swats away the blow with one of her swords and cuts off the orc's head with the other. Behind her, another orc tries to kill her with a suspender. Eleniel stooped down and in a circular motion cuts off his legs, falling her sword slides across his nasty neck, cutting off his head. Her actions seem to have angered the orcs, and they grew angrier. Eleniel had no mercy on them and was killing them so that they could not hurt her. For their swords might have been smeared with poison. Just as Eleniel killed the thirteenth orc, she heard the whistle of an arrow, she saw the orc's arrow fly at her, only to have no time to bounce back. But suddenly an elven arrow hits that Morgul arrow. Decapitating another orc as he watched in confusion as a squad of elves ran toward them. Eleniel saw the other orcs fall to the ground with arrows in their heads.

-What a mess you've made, princess. - suddenly a voice sounded painfully familiar. Eleniel turned around and saw a stately elf walking toward her, smiling, putting his bow behind his back.

-No, just doing your job, keeper of Lothlórien. You're losing weight in age, aren't you? - Eleniel said, smiling, coming to meet him.

-You don't change, you know that, do you? - the elf asked, smirking at her.

-And there's nothing you can do about it, and you're still bumming around? - Eleniel asked as she continued to taunt her old friend, she put her arms around his neck. - I missed Haldir.

-It's mutual Eleniel. - he said, smiling, circling the princess in an embrace, holding her by the waist. - I did not think to see you so soon in Lothlorien, what brings you to these lands? - Haldir asked, lowering Eleniel to the ground.

-Mistress Galadriel asked me to come to her. - said Eleniel, lifting her swords from the ground, she went to the river to dip them in to wash away the blood of the Orcs. - And how long have the orcs been visiting you, are there not many of them?

-We notice them on the border, but it looks like they've been following someone. - Haldir said, hinting at Eleniel.

-Maybe it was too quiet on the road, maybe they were following me. I saw a couple of orcs, but I didn't kill them, not to draw attention. But I guess I shouldn't have. - said Eleniel swung her swords, brushing the water off them, and put them behind her back.

-Elenniel, what is it? - Haldir asked, stepping closer to the princess. - This is clearly not the work of orcs. Who did this? - He touched her cheek gently, the elf frowned as he studied the elf's face, his eyes expressing concern.

-Don't worry, it's... it's all right, Haldir, let's not keep Lady Galadriel waiting. - Eleniel said, smiling softly at Haldir, but there was pain in her eyes. The eyes never lie, for they are the mirror of the soul.

-Whatever you say, let's go. - He said, backing away from the elfess knowing she didn't want to bring it up.

On the way to Lothlorien they talked about what was going on in their lives while they were away from each other. Of course there was nothing stopping them from exchanging letters, but there was certainly no substitute for live communication. Because that is how you can convey and show the emotions you are experiencing at the moment, when you are telling a story, asking questions to the person you are talking to. By morning they reached the lands where grow mallorns - trees with silver trunks and golden leaves, in the branches of which there were platforms where elves - galadrims (elves of Lotlorien) lived.

Every time she saw them, it took her breath away. Eleniel tried to capture that image in her memory, seeing those golden leaves seemed as if the sun was giving them its light.

-Your expression doesn't change when you look at the mallorns like a child. - said Haldir, grinning kindly at the elf's reaction.

-Come on, you see these great trees every day, so you don't feel their value. - said Eleniel walking up to the tree, she touched the trunk and energy began to flow through it, pure and powerful. This tree, was ancient and has survived much. - You should be more lenient with me and keep your snide remarks to yourself.

-Whatever you say, pampered flower. - said Haldir laughing to himself.

-I'm going to throw you down. - said Eleniel, glancing reproachfully at the elf. They exchanged no more words, Haldir did not prevent Eleniel from enjoying the atmosphere and the beauty of the Golden Woods.

As they climbed to the topmost platform, all of Lothlórien was before Eleniel's eyes, time seemed to stand still at that moment, allowing every inch of this domain to be captured.

-How beautiful... It's unbelievable. - Eleniel whispered, enjoying the view, her heart felt like it was breaking at that moment.

-This view is mesmerizing..." suddenly a soft and familiar voice came from behind her.

-Lady Galadriel..." said Eleniel, turning sharply to see the adult elf behind her. - Hello...

-Good to see you well, child. - said the elfess as she approached the young elf, the overlord smiling at the princess. Galadriel hugged Eleniel gently. - You are safe now. - She kissed her forehead.

-Thank you. - Said Eleniel looking into Galadriel's eyes, the young elfess knew that the adult elf could look into the souls of others, so she wasn't going to hold anything back.

-Stay with them as long as you need, the doors of Lothlórien are always open to you. - Galadriel said, running her fingers through Eleniel's hair.

-I thank you very much Lady Galadriel. - said Eleniel, smiling sincerely at the elfess.

-Elaniel?! - suddenly a familiar voice came from behind Galadriel.

-Arwen? - Eleniel asked looking at the Sovereign, she only smiled merrily and nodded to the elfess stepping aside so that the young elves could see each other.

-O Valar, it really is you. - said Arwen running up to Eleniel and taking her in a tight embrace. - I have longed for you.

-It's mutual Arwen, I didn't know you were in Lothlórien. -With a puzzled expression, Eleniel said, snuggling up to Arwen.

-We hadn't seen Grandma and Grandpa for a long time, my heart was aching, so I decided to visit them. - said Arwen, holding Eleniel's hands. - But, what brings you to Lothlórien? Are you all right? Has the shiver touched the Forest Realm?

-I invited Eleniel to join us. - said Galadriel interfering with Arwen's impulse.

-Yes, Lady Galadriel summoned me. - said Eleniel with a nod. - But what shudder? - The elf-woman asked with a frown.

-We felt a tremor in the ground, what happened? - Arwen asked perplexed.

-It is a long story, and not a pleasant one. - said Eleniel, she did not want to bring it up. - I left the Forest Realm, all is well there.

-From this day forward, the doors of Lothlórien are open to you, you can stay with us as long as you want Eleniel. - Galadriel said, stroking Eleniel's cheek.

-I am immensely grateful to you, Lady Galadriel. - said the Princess of the Forest Realm.

-Greetings to you, child of Thranduil Oroferion. - a low, masculine voice suddenly rang out.

-Lord Keleborn. - Eleniel bowed to the lord of Lothlórien.

-I am familiar with your situation, you are most welcome. But should we send a messenger to warn the lord of the Forest Realm? - the elf asked.

-No, please. No, please." "I don't want my father to know where I am, or-" she did not finish, and the elves beside her knew what she meant.

-Whatever you wish child, rest from the road, we would be glad if you would join us in time for the meal. - said the lord of Lothlórien as he walked away from them.

-Thank you. - Eleniel said as she made a bow.

"-Lady Galadriel, how much does Lord Celeborn know? - Eleniel asked mentally, asking a mute question of the overlord."

"-Only that you decided to leave the Forest Realm because of Thranduil's feisty nature. - Galadriel said, answering the elfess' mute question."

-All right, Eleniel, you should get some rest, and later I would like to have a private word with you. - Galadriel said. - Arwen will show you to your chambers.

Thanking Lady Galadriel, Arwen helped Eleniel get settled in her chambers, their chambers were next to each other. Arwen wanted to make the young elfess feel comfortable. Upon entering her chambers, the elfess saw that her things were already in her chambers and she need not worry about them. After tidying herself up, Eleniel lay on the soft bed, reflecting on her life.

Later in the evening, Galadriel decided to talk to Eleniel. The young elf told her everything that had happened to her, that she had these abilities, about the dream where she saw the Necromancer. By the end of their conversation, they agreed that the Lordess of Lothlórien could develop her abilities for the young princess, and that she could control her powers. So three years passed in the Golden Forest, until Arwen decided to visit her father in Rivendell, and Eleniel went with her.

Lord Elrond invited Eleniel to stay in his kingdom, to which she agreed, since her friends and Arwen's brothers in one person, the twins Elrohir and Elladan, were here. They were very happy to see her and often went with Eleniel to the borders to cleanse them from orc attacks. So Eleniel also met the Lord of the House of the Golden Flower, a Noldor elf from Gondolin - Glorfindel. He often studied with her, teaching her many things, from history to swordsmanship. In the evenings they often spent time together. It is impossible to say that there was anything between them. No, it was more of a mentor-teacher relationship. For Lord Glorfindel's heart was already occupied by his wife, waiting for him in Valinor, and he intended to sail to her when the time arrived.

"The End of Memories."

Eleniel was sitting in a gazebo with a stream running beside it, and her feet were in the water. Unexpectedly to herself, she wore a silver-colored dress today, her soul demanded it, at times she wanted it. Eleniel had thoughts that her mother would have loved to see her in the dress, especially on this day when it was her birthday. But this day was not only a celebration, it was also a mourning day, for it was the day she left them. Her hair, which had grown over the years, fell down her hips in waves, and her head was adorned with the tiara that had been with her since the last day she left the Forest Realm, her ancestral home.

The princess wondered how the lord and prince of the Forest Kingdom were doing now. She missed her brother, but at the same time she was also resentful of him, for he had supported his father in this moment. It was as if Eleniel was a crystal vase, so why hadn't they treated her properly before? Why, as soon as something happened, they remembered that she could protect possessions.

Unexpectedly, though, one day Lord Elrond asked Eleniel if he wished him to confirm her presence in Rivendell, for the lord of the Forest Realm had asked about her. Eleniel said, without thinking long, that she did not want them to know that she was in Rivendell, for it might end badly for her. And they might want to bring her back home. They did not bring it up again.

-It's a beautiful night, isn't it? - Suddenly a man's voice came from behind her.

-It's true, the stars and the moon are down for us, they shine so brightly. - Eleniel said smiling. She felt a warm cloth resting on her shoulders, turning around she saw Lord Glorfindel. He threw his warm cloak over her.

-It's getting cold, you could freeze Eleniel. - uttered the adult elf.

-Then Lord Elrond will cure me. Thank you for your concern. - cheerfully said Eleniel, wrapping herself in her cloak, she finally got her feet out of the water, realizing that she was already freezing.

-Why aren't you asleep, my dear? - The elf asked, taking her hand. -What's troubling you?

-So many years have passed, and my soul has not yet come to terms with the death of my mother, my yearning overtakes my soul, I want to feel under my feet the ground of my home, I want to breathe the air of the Forest Kingdom. - said Eleniel smiling bitterly, a single tear rolled down her cheek and she quickly brushed it away.

-It is hard, but one day you will find peace. It takes time. But the sad thing is that we have an immeasurable amount of time, and we don't know when that hour will come. - said Glorfindel hugging the young princess by the shoulders.

-I have dreams... -Suddenly Eleniel said. - Things that once happened and things that might happen soon. Ten years ago I dreamt of the Necromancer's awakening, and yesterday he appeared in my dreams again and... I am afraid.

-We are all destined for different fates and we can't rewrite it, so whatever happens be brave, because your spirit is so strong it can overpower everything in its path. - said Glorfindel.

-You know how to be supportive in times of need. - said Eleniel, smiling slightly at the elf.

-I'm always glad to help. - said the elf, bowing his head slightly, and putting his hand over his heart. - All jokes are jokes, but this is a little present from me to the beautiful elf, who charmed me with her beauty and kindness.

Glorfindel held out to Eleniel a box covered in blue velvet.

-Glorfindel, but..." Eleniel only wanted to be indignant that he shouldn't have gone to so much trouble.

-Hurry up and open it, I want to know if you like my gift, I made it with my own hands. - said the elf smiling proudly.

-I love everything you do for me, my friend. - said Eleniel, smiling softly at the elf. Opening the lid of the box, she saw a tiara made of silver with snow white stones in it.

-Do you like it? - Glorfindel asked, watching Eleniel's reaction.

-That's... Glorfindel, you were so skilled! I am honored to receive such a gift from Lord Glorfindel himself! Thank you! - Eleniel said, hugging the adult elf by the neck. - Thank you so much!

-You're smiling at last, happy birthday dear. - Said the elf, hugging her back.

Glorfindel and Eleniel spent time in the gazebo until dawn, watching the sun come up, talking about different things they were comfortable together, and they could spend hours by each other's side. And for Eleniel it was a new beginning, she began to live for herself, what would the new day bring her?