Paradox of the Fourth Age by Alassante

A/N I could not have written this story without the help of so many people. Thanks so very much to Ghetto, Maram, Viv, Space, and Haleth for not only holding my hand and putting up with my "little" breakdowns but also answering 901 questions.SilverMoonLady and Ellisk have both beta'd some part of this so I thank them both for that as well as their support with this story. And of course, thanks to Tolkien for letting me play in his world. I am making no money doing so.

The darkness would not come here, banished in Aman with the creation of Anar. The sun warmed the air, and gathered into a corona around Laurëanna's long, golden hair as she stood amidst the colorful blooms of her mother's favorite garden. Watching her through the window, Glorfindel hoped her mother's grace and elegance melded with the strength of the House of the Golden Flower would be enough to protect his daughter. Her sweet, innocent face and deep blue eyes had never looked on the horrors he had seen, but he could shelter her no longer.

Smiling, he watched as she tried to lure the geese away from the flowers. He would simply have chased them off. As if sensing him watching her, Laurëanna looked back at the window and, seeing him, laughed. Her compassion towards the geese always led to the maiming of the flowers. She offered, with unrepentant, laughing eyes the excuse that the geese would not want to eat the flowers if she gently led them away. Though it often exasperated him, the flowers usually regrew.

To Glorfindel, his daughter was perfect, a vision of love and beauty: full of joy and laughter unknown to him before her. Her heart was warm and overflowing with love. She was witty and had a wicked sense of humor to go with a beautiful, infectious laugh. He had never known he could possibly love someone so much.

"Melethen, we must tell her soon." Indil came from behind her husband, placing her hand on his arm. He continued to stand wordlessly before the window.

"Melethrilen, I will tell her. Allow me one more moment of the peace of this world, before I delve back into the horror of Middle-earth. I can hardly bear the thought, much less to speak of it to her." Shaking his head, Glorfindel sighed, "I wish my daughter could stay untouched by the evil of Middle-earth forever."

"Glorfindel, that cannot be. She has been very blessed in her life to not have suffered as we have, but she needs to know what happened. Now that all hope is lost in Middle-earth with the departure of the elves, the sadness is felt in the wind. She knows something is horribly wrong, but she does not want to press you, waiting for you to tell her in your own time. You must accept that she is no longer a child." Indil kissed him gently. "Laurëanna trusts you to tell her anything this important. Do not think you can continue to shelter her from all that has happened. It is not possible. So far you have been lucky that everyone has respected your wishes and guarded her from the truth as well. She knows of the kinslayings, the deeds of Morgoth, and your death in Gondolin, yet you have kept this from her. Do you think she is unaware of the fact that the version of the past that she has been told is incomplete?"

Glorfindel watched his daughter for a moment longer. He knew his wife was correct. If he closed his eyes, he could almost see Imladris again. Soon, the visions would become horrific, and he could bear it no more. Looking at his innocent daughter, he could almost forget that it had happened. For her, it never had.

"Would you prefer if I spoke of this with Laurëanna?" Indil offered.

Glorfindel smiled slightly and shook his head. Pulling Indil to him, he rested his forehead on hers and she wrapped her arms around his waist. They both stood silently for a moment, comforted with each other's presence. Reluctantly, with a sigh, Glorfindel pulled away and walked towards the garden, while Indil watched him sympathetically.

Glorfindel knew he had put this off far too long. It was time.

xOxOx

Middle-earth is no more. All that once was, had been destroyed and blackness covered the land.

"The quest stands upon the edge of a knife. Stray but a little and it will fail to the ruin of all." Galadriel, Fellowship of the Ring

After the Battle at Helm's Deep, the valiant and honorable unknowingly strayed.

Lord Elrond foretold that Aragorn must walk the Paths of the Dead. Only Isildur's heir could gather the Army of the Dead, and they were essential to successfully defeating Sauron.

Swiftly, he sent his sons, Elrohir and Elladan, with the Dunedain of the North to take the message to Aragorn and aid him in this mission. They were to find the three walkers, Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli, in Rohan. The group of Dunedain and the sons of Elrond, known as Grey Company, rode to meet the Rohirrim traveling from Isengard back to Helm's Deep.

But after a defeat of Saruman's forces at Helm's Deep, King Theoden and his nephew, Éomer of Rohan, rode to Isengard with Mithrandir, the White Wizard, to confront Saruman, while the three walkers rode instead directly to Minas Tirith.

The hobbit Pippin looked into the palantír and blackness began to spread across the land from Mordor. The Dark Lord darkened the skies to allow his forces to move freely without fear of the sun. The armies that he had gathered moved to strike Gondor. Mithrandir rode with Pippin to warn Denethor, the Steward of Gondor, in Minas Tirith.

King Theoden and Éomer, with the hobbit Merry by their side, gathered the men of Rohan. When the Grey Company came upon them, Aragorn had been riding to Minas Tirith for several days, and though the Dunedain, Elrohir, and Elladan made chase through the Riddermark, they did not overtake Aragorn until he reached Minas Tirith. It was too late to travel to the Paths of the Dead and they entered the city to prepare for its defense as the siege began.

Like a house of cards that has had a single card removed, mankind began to crumble.

With the help of the Rohirrim, Aragorn was able to push back the armies of Mordor but with a devastating loss of men, including King Theoden and Denethor, Steward of Gondor. The Witch King killed King Theoden's niece Éowyn, the White Lady of Rohan, who had ridden with the army of Rohan without her uncle's knowledge. The hobbit Merry lived, but had been forever maimed in the attack.

The forces of Men, far too diminished by the battle upon the Pelennor, were unable to march on the Black Gates to give Frodo and Sam the diversion they needed to climb Mount Doom and destroy the Ring. The two hobbits were captured, killed by orcs, and the Ring was taken to Barad-Dur. Once again, the Ring had returned to Sauron and he came to full power.

The One Ring had found its true master.

The elves had defended their realms during the War of the Ring in anticipation of the Ring's destruction, as Elrond and Galadriel had foretold. Lothloríen successfully defended against the attacks and stayed strong. King Thranduil and the Mirkwood elves successfully defended their realm but incurred significant losses, leaving them weakened and vulnerable. When the fellowship failed, Thranduil led the remaining elves of his kingdom to the stronghold, Imladris, rather than risk Dol Guldur destroying them all. Thranduil sent word to his son, Legolas, in Minas Tirith.

Saruman fled from Isengard and took over the Shire. Evil filled the purest place in Middle-earth. Those who would have been able to stop it were too concerned with protecting their own people to save the smallest ones.

Soon after the battle at Minas Tirith, Arwen Undómiel and an escort of elves rode to the city against the wishes of her father, Lord Elrond. The Nazgul intercepted the party before they reached the city and only a few survived. Aragorn ascended to the throne as King Elessar, unaware of Arwen's fate. It was only when her escort, in a dire state, arrived at Minas Tirith bearing her body that he learned of her death.

King Éomer took the remaining men of Rohan back to Edoras. Work began to repair the damage done to Helm's Deep.

But alas, some damage could never be repaired.

As King Elessar struggled with his grief over the loss of Arwen, her brothers departed for Imladris to tell their father of her fate. Gimli, Legolas, the two surviving hobbits, Merry and Pippin, and the Dunedain traveled with them despite the increasingly treacherous roads. Mithrandir remained with the king. Nazgul watched all roads to the White City.

A day away from Imladris, their small party was ambushed by Saruman's orcs and Merry and Pippin were both killed along with most of the Dunedain. Legolas sustained significant injuries while valiantly attempting to protect his friend, Gimli, albeit unsuccessfully. Elladan sustained injuries as well. The previous day, Lord Glorfindel had heard of the orcs traveling in the area and set out from Imladris with a small band of warriors. They came upon the battle soon after Legolas and Elladan were wounded.

Glorfindel's army engaged the orcs and defeated them while Elrohir and the remaining Dunedain rushed the survivors back to Imladris for healing. Elladan was saved, but Legolas' wounds were fatal, and he died with his father weeping beside him. Imladris mourned the loss of Arwen and Legolas. Glorfindel returned to the city, losing only a few of his forces.

The valiant had fallen. All that remained of the fellowship were the king and the wizard.

Gondor prepared to defend itself as Sauron gathered his strength. Lothloríen prepared for another assault. Yet Sauron's forces inexplicably withdrew from the Lórien woods and lay silent behind Mordor's walls for many years.

It soon became clear that Sauron was merely biding his time, waiting until he was at full and unbeatable strength once more. The Rohirrim left Edoras for Helm's Deep. Lord Elrond, Círdan, and Mithrandir met in Imladris to discuss the fate of the elven rings.

Soon after the meeting in Imladris, Sauron's first strike came though not, as expected, upon Men. Disregarding their weakened and divided kingdoms, Sauron chose to first crush his most powerful foes, thus ensuring that the Elves could not align with Men to defeat him as they had once before.

The first and the harshest strike was upon Lothlórien. Dol Guldur's forces had secretly tripled in size during the years that Sauron had been silent. The orcs, goblins, and trolls of Moria attacked from one side while the forces of Dol Guldur pressed their assault from the other. Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel defended their realm, but they were desperately outnumbered, their defense quickly turned into the wholesale massacre of the Lórien elves. The Silver Lord fell among his people, though at the last, Lady Galadriel led a small group of survivors out of Lothloríen to the safety of Imladris. The orcs and Uruk-hai burned the city of Caras Galadhon and the surrounding wood to the ground.

The Golden Wood was now blackened and the mallorn trees grew no more.

Because of the collection of power within the elven realm, Sauron once again bided his time, readying his assault. Knowing they could not hold Sauron's forces for long, the Ring Bearers made the agonizing decision that the elves would forever depart the shores of Middle-earth for the Undying Lands.

Lord Elrond chose to send Lord Glorfindel to the Grey Havens with the first group of elves sailing to Valinor. King Thranduil, broken by losing his only son, went with them to sail to Aman and once again be with his wife. Lord Círdan and the elves of the Mithlond began to build the substantial number of necessary elven ships. Glorfindel and Thranduil sailed to the Undying Lands and met with the Valar about the events in Middle-earth. Mithrandir left Imladris to return to Minas Tirith and King Elessar.

The assault on Gondor ensued promptly on multiple fronts over a period of decades. Though Rohan's borders remained quiet, King Éomer could not leave his lands undefended to send aid to Gondor. After the total destruction of Gondor's cities and the people within them, Sauron's eyes fixed on Minas Tirith where he would crush Isildur's heir at last.

Sauron himself came to Minas Tirith on the final day of its destruction and killed the last descendant of the Númenor kings among the ruins of the city. With Aragorn dead, Gandalf was the last remaining member of the Fellowship. The Witch King took the White Wizard captive to Minas Morgul. Nazgul flew over Imladris.

The King of Men's glory was dimmed, and his city lay in ruin. The world was breaking.

Decades later, the remaining elves in Imladris left for the Grey Havens with Lord Elrond and his sons. They crossed over the sea to the Undying Lands in the company of Lady Galadriel. Sauron entered the empty haven of the elves and burned the Last Homely House.

As the last remaining elves in Middle-earth prepared to depart for Aman, Sauron's armies fell upon the Grey Havens and took possession of all the remaining elven ships. Despite the brave defense of their harbor, Lord Círdan was taken captive to Minas Morgul and the fate of the elves of Mithlond was never known.

The power of the elves had departed Middle-earth. The Dark Lord faced no opposition, and the remaining free peoples of the West, including dwarves, hobbits, and the inhabitants of Rohan, were ultimately overrun.

xOxOx

When Glorfindel finished telling her, Laurëanna was weeping. He had not seen his daughter cry since she was a young child. When she finally looked at him, her tear-filled eyes were shocked and confused.

"Ada, how could this have happened? How could one of the Ainur be capable of destroying part of Eru's design? I do not understand how so much darkness...so much evil could come from such good." Her voice was barely more than a whisper.

Glorfindel did not know what to say. How could he explain Sauron's betrayal, his fall from grace, when it was something, he did not understand himself? How does one explain Morgoth's deeds: the first evil in the world? Saying nothing, he drew her to him, holding her as she sobbed uncontrollably. He glanced up and, through the window, he could see Indil weeping as well and knew she was remembering her home in Mithlond. His heart ached for those elves that had never made it to Aman.

In less than a century, Middle-earth was lost forever and all of Valinor wept.

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A/N Melethen - My love
Melethrilen - my beloved -feminine
Melethronen - my beloved -masculine
Meleth i guilen - love of my life
Laurëanna – Golden Gift
Indil – Iris

10th Day of April
Fourth Age, Year 24
Grey Havens

Glorfindel walked to the stables to retrieve his pack, leaving King Thranduil and Lord Círdan inside Círdan's halls. He was glad to have a moment to himself. He was frustrated that Lord Elrond was sending him to Aman on the first boat rather than allowing him to stay in Middle-earth to help defend his people. But it was crucial for the elves with Glorfindel to make it safely to the Grey Havens and the Lord of Imladris trusted no other more.

Most of the Lórien elves that lived in Imladris had been in that company, though Lady Galadriel insisted on staying behind until everyone else had left. She was more worried about her people than herself, and in truth, the Lothlórien elves had suffered the most of all the Elves in Middle-earth. It was therefore decided that they should go to Valinor first before all others, and Glorfindel and Thranduil were to speak for those remaining elves in Middle-earth.

"Lord Glorfindel, I did not see you."

Looking up, he saw a petite elleth that seemed familiar to him. She smiled warmly at him, and he was struck by the way her eyes lit up when she smiled.

"Yes, I had one more thing to retrieve. Forgive me, I cannot remember your name," Glorfindel said softly, watching her as she began unbridling her horse.

"I do not know if you ever knew my name. We have only met once. I was working with Lord Círdan on some scrolls when you arrived once before." Turning to him, she said, "My name is Indil."

Glorfindel nodded with a slight smile. He was not one to make idle conversation and struggled with it. In Imladris, many had thought him withdrawn and shy, others had even gone so far as to think him standoffish. He was none of these things, he just preferred to stay quiet unless he had something worthwhile to say, rather than chatter as some did.

Indil watched him subtly as she brushed her horse down. She remembered him very well for he was perhaps the most handsome ellon she had ever seen. He was renowned for his bravery and heroic deeds, but to her, he was simply beautiful. The way he radiated power was erotic. Blushing as if he could hear her thoughts, she turned away. When she accidentally knocked over a stool with a large metal bucket, it made such a racket it startled her horse. The horse tossed his head to the side, knocking against her, and Indil began to fall.

Moments before she hit the ground, perhaps getting trampled by her horse, Glorfindel caught her and pulled her away from the horse. As soon as she regained her footing, Glorfindel began to soothe the horse. She watched in awe of his tender yet firm control of the animal. The horse finally calmed down and Glorfindel turned back to her.

"Are you hurt?" he asked, concerned.

Not trusting herself to speak, she shook her head. Glorfindel watched her for a moment for any signs of injury, but seeing none, he removed his pack from the ground where he had dropped it. Turning back to her, he noticed she was still watching him quite intently. She was a little pale, as if frightened.

"Perhaps you would like me to put your horse in his stall," he offered. She nodded with a weak smile.

"I feel he likes you more than he does me right now," she teased softly. He led the horse into the stall, patting his muzzle soothingly.

Returning to her, he smiled. "He seems a little temperamental."

"Yes, he is quite temperamental, indeed. But I shall miss him," she replied sadly.

"Do you sail with us tomorrow?" he asked.

"Yes. Lord Círdan wanted me to take some scrolls that he did not wish to be left behind. He will be sending someone from the village on each ship until the final one when the remainder will leave. I am ready to go though. This world is so harsh and evil. It is hard to remember why we continue trying each day to even make it through," she said as they began to walk towards Círdan's house.

Her searching glance found his eyes and the deep hurt within the azure depths was clear. "I need some peace as well, even though I have not suffered like some of the others," she continued. "My heart breaks each time I see one of the Lórien elves. I feel guilty that we in Mithlond have suffered the least, other than a few unorganized attempts by Saruman's forces, we have been spared."

Glorfindel glanced at her in surprise. "Do not feel guilty for what is comforting to all of us. I fear that if the Grey Havens fell, the elves of Middle-earth would lose all hope. The elves here have welcomed the ones I bring with me with warmth and solace that was much needed."

Indil was quiet. She looked over at him a few times as if gathering courage.

"What of you, Lord Glorfindel? Why does a brave and honorable warrior such as yourself carry such guilt after all that you have done?"

Glorfindel smiled sadly and looked out to the ocean. They both walked in silence for a moment.

"Forgive me, I should not have been so intrusive," Indil said, embarrassed.

"No. I am not offended by what you said, it's just…" Glorfindel looked at her. "I do not know how to answer."

"Just be honest: I am not judging you. Besides, I do not know you well enough to think anything you say is odd," Indil replied with a smile.

Glorfindel chuckled. The sound seemed strange to his ears, and he realized he had not laughed in so long it sounded foreign.

"Obviously, Lord Elrond trusts you to have given you such an important duty." She saw a flicker of emotion across his eyes, a cross between hurt and frustration. She wanted to bite her tongue. Everything she said seemed to be wrong.

"Lord Glorfindel, once again, forgive me. It appears I am incapable of saying anything right tonight," Indil sputtered with a blush burning her cheeks.

Glorfindel looked over and realized how uncomfortable he had made her. He had not realized he had betrayed his emotion about her last comment, but she had clearly detected something. He wondered how he could make her feel less awkward.

"Indil, please, there is no need to apologize. You have neither offended me nor appeared intrusive. Apparently, I am incapable of making elf maidens feel anything but discomfort," Glorfindel teased with a slight smile.

'He is making this elf maiden feel a lot more than just discomfort,' Indil thought but managed to stop herself from saying.

"Perhaps we should start again." Indil stopped in the middle of the path and looked at him. When he stopped, she said, "I am most honored to meet you, Lord Glorfindel."

In very uncharacteristic behavior, Glorfindel smiled at her warmly as he said, "It is truly my honor, Lady Indil."

The two stood quiet for a moment before he walked her home, and she shyly wished him a good night.

Over the next two days, as the elves made the final preparations to leave for Aman, Indil saw Glorfindel frequently and found herself unable to keep from watching him. He always seemed to be working harder or longer than everyone else, and though he hovered on the fringes of the tight knit group of elves that had come with him, he was most often alone. She could not understand why he seemed to exclude himself so much.

The night before they sailed to Aman, Indil caught sight of him as she walked home. Glorfindel had removed his shirt and tied his hair back to keep it from interfering as he loaded various items on the ship. In the setting sun, he was quite a vision, and she stopped to watch him. His skin had the barest glisten of sweat across his muscular upper body. Indil felt herself blushing. Again. It seemed that Lord Glorfindel had caused more blushes in two days than anyone else had in her whole life.

"Perhaps Lord Glorfindel could use some refreshment." Lord Círdan's voice caused her to jump.

Looking at him guiltily, Indil was mortified that he was smirking at her. She opened her mouth to say something to imply she was not doing what he thought she was. Realizing she was not that good of a liar, she shut her mouth. Then he chuckled, and she wished she could just disappear.

"Lady Indil, I have never seen you at a loss for words. Are you well? Perhaps someone should go in your place tomorrow if you feel you are not well enough to go."

Círdan could not quite conceal his amusement. He had known Indil all her life and he had never seen her act this flustered or guilty before. Despite the somberness of the time, it was refreshing to see something so simple as the innocent infatuation of an elleth. It particularly touched his heart that her interest had fallen upon Glorfindel. His dear friend needed some happiness even if it was just the simple admiration of a beautiful elleth. Handing Indil a flagon of cool water, he nodded toward Glorfindel.

Taking the water, Indil walked down the planks to the boat, trying to calm her breathing as she approached. By the time she reached him, she finally felt somewhat under control.

"Lord Glorfindel, you look hot and lonely. Perhaps you need a moment's respite so you can cool down." Indil almost choked when she realized what she had just said and unable to speak, she thrust the water towards him.

Indil began to giggle uncontrollably. The giggle quickly grew into laughter, and she had to look away from him, trying to compose herself. When she turned around, amusement marked his expression, and she pointedly turned away again to gaze out at the ocean. She watched him out of the corner of her eye as he drank some water. He was a beautiful sight. Of course, as if she had not made enough of a fool of herself, he caught her watching him.

Glorfindel was intrigued. He did not know Indil well enough to know if she normally was this easy to embarrass or set off into giggles. He had seen her often during the previous two days and she looked as if she was very serious when working. She had a cheerful and warm personality and appeared very self-confident, so he did not understand why she seemed less so with him. When he caught her looking at him, he grinned to himself.

Trying to figure out a way to recover herself and seeing none, Indil smiled when he returned the water to her and said goodnight. Walking away as quickly as she could, Indil tried to regain some of her dignity, which she had managed to lose entirely in the last couple of days.

Glorfindel smiled as he watched her leave. He would have stopped her but felt uncomfortable doing so. Besides they would be leaving midday tomorrow; perhaps he could get to know this mysterious elleth on the ship.

xOxOx

The following night, Glorfindel came upon Indil sitting by herself on the deck. Even with just the moonlight on her, he could see how sad she was. He realized that she was crying, her eyes fixed upon the horizon. He debated whether he should speak to her or leave her to her thoughts, but though he normally would not have gone to comfort a relative stranger, she seemed so alone. Drawn to her despite his natural reservations, Glorfindel approached her.

"Lady Indil, are you well?" he said softly as he sat beside her on the bench.

Indil tried to smile and dismiss his concerns, but she took one look into his eyes and could not. Lowering her head, her quiet sobs continued. She felt him gently take her hand and she looked at him.

"What is it?" Glorfindel asked gently.

"It is just difficult. I feel so terrible about it all. As we were leaving today, I was so relieved to leave, yet I feel guilty that I was able to and so many were not. I will miss my friends and Lord Círdan. I always thought I would be going to the Undying Lands because the sea called me, not because all elves were being forced to leave Middle-earth. I just feel so selfish and petty because I am feeling sorry for myself while others on board have lived through a nightmare. There are those we have left behind who might not make it to Aman at all and so many who have died before they ever had a chance to leave. I have had the good fortune of leaving early, and here I am, crying and whining to you like a spoilt child. I thought I would feel happy to be away, but I just feel…" Indil drifted off.

"Alone?" Glorfindel asked after a few moments.

Indil nodded sadly. They sat there for a long time in silence. Eventually, she looked up at him with a weak smile and saw the depth of sadness in his eyes. They had slowly gravitated towards each other and were now sitting remarkably close together. Indil felt a rush of warmth course through her body as she realized how little space remained between them. It felt so intimate. Her fingers had intertwined with his and he was lightly stroking the back of her hand with his thumb.

Glorfindel could not explain why it felt as if they had known each other forever when they had spoken only a few times. He felt comfort with her that he had not felt in a while. Yet that comfort confused him as well. He worried that he was just reacting to the situation of leaving Middle-earth, but he felt drawn to her. She had stopped crying and the two of them locked eyes for a few moments. Without even thinking, he leaned towards her and kissed her softly, tasting the salty sea air on her lips.

Indil's heart skipped a beat when he kissed her. It was a light kiss, barely a brush of their lips. His second kiss was longer as his lips danced gracefully against hers, caressing and teasing her lips. She felt herself melting into him as he brought his hand to cradle her head and boldly brought her closer to him. His kiss was as he was: powerful, sensual, erotic. Indil felt as if she was on fire, yet she did not want to move away from the burning heat.

Indil opened her mouth slightly and Glorfindel plunged his tongue into the hot depths of her mouth. Following his lead, she caressed his tongue with her own, her arm wrapping around his waist as their embrace became more heated. He felt passion flooding his whole body as he took possession of her lips.

Suddenly, Glorfindel was aware that they were no longer alone and pulled away from her quickly. Indil looked hurt until she heard the voices as well. Moving slightly apart, they resumed looking out at the ocean while the other elves on the deck walked past and sat nearby. For a long time, they sat holding hands and stealing looks at each other wondering what had just transpired between them. And secretly wishing the other elves would leave so they could continue.

 Daughter of the House of the Golden Flower

24th Day of September

Fourth Age, Year 88

Tirion, Aman

The shadows swelled as Glorfindel struggled to see. His heartbeat loudly and his breathing was shallow. Círdan looked at him and seemed to call out to Glorfindel, pleading with him to end his misery at last. Glorfindel moved to help his friend only to realize he was meant to observe and suffer, not help. Strong unseen fingers clutched his shoulders, holding him back to watch his friend's agony. Círdan looked as though he had been tortured endlessly until his fëa strained to leave his hröa, to let him fade. Defeat was in his eyes. The elf's once fair face was now lined with age until he was almost unrecognizable.

A movement out of the corner of his vision drew Glorfindel's eyes to a white figure standing helplessly to the side. Although the two were steps from each other, some unseen barrier prevented Mithrandir from helping Círdan.

Glorfindel struggled in vain to reach his friends, to help them. Mithrandir looked at him sadly.

"He is coming," was all he said before the shadows concealed them both from view.

Suddenly Glorfindel was released and fell to the ground. He was alone in blackness.

Glorfindel jerked awake and sat up straight in bed. He was drenched in sweat and felt like he could not breathe. As he gasped for breath, Indil sat up and grabbed his arm. He looked at her as if he did not recognize her.

"What is it? What is wrong?" she asked with concern. Glorfindel's horrific nightmares had ceased years ago.

Glorfindel struggled to recover and compose himself. Finally, he smiled weakly and gently touched her face.

"'Tis merely a dream. Rest, it is still early," he said as he kissed her lightly.

She lay back down but watched him as he rose to stand at the window, letting the breeze cool his heated skin. He heard the knock at the door and jerked around. Grabbing clothes and quickly dressing, he ran to the door. He was surprised to see Eönwë when he opened it.

"Glorfindel, you and your wife are needed at the Ring of Doom today at midday."

Glorfindel did not argue, merely nodded. As Eönwë walked down the path, Glorfindel closed the door and leaned against it.

Once again, he would be asked to sacrifice for the lives of others.

xOxOx

Laurëanna opened her eyes and stretched lazily, not wanting to rouse completely yet. Rolling over, she snuggled up against her husband, enjoying the heat of his body. Still sleepy, she unconsciously began to run her fingers through his black mane of hair that draped down his back.

The windows in the bedroom were open and she could hear the birds outside already chirping though the sun had barely risen. The fragrant smell of jasmine was thick in the air, always strongest in the morning. A slight breeze ruffled the billowy curtains making them appear as if dancing. All was peaceful during the morning hours.

Laurëanna lived all her life in the city of Tirion at the base of the Pelori Mountains. It was a beautiful city of white stone and marble: full of terraces, courtyards, and fountains with crystal steps leading to the city. She spent countless hours lost in the lush gardens, trying to memorize all the different varieties of flowers. The buildings had a glittering sheen that reflected the sunlight, making them look like jewels against the sky.

There were always musicians and singers in the well-kept streets and the buildings never looked old or run down, for the elves that lived in Tirion took immense pride in their wondrous city in the heart of Eldamar. Laurëanna loved everything about the city and could not imagine living anywhere else.

She and Elrohir lived in a beautiful cottage with ivy-covered walls. Throughout the house there were arched openings and windows that were open most of the time to allow the soft breeze to flood the house with the fragrant scent of the flora encircling their home. Though it was smaller than the homes of their parents, it was perfect for the younger couple. Furthermore, every aspect of the home was lovingly designed to look like Elrohir's former home in Imladris, as it had been during the days of peace. Laurëanna spent weeks with Celebrían drawing out every detail, from the Silverlode Bridge and the flowers and trees that had surrounded the house to the carved headboards over the beds and the furniture in every room.

Before their home, purple wisteria wrapped the archway of pale wood that framed the steps that led towards Tirion, and just beyond was a bridge above a small stream that bubbled over rocks in a soothing cadence. The covered patio, with its fountain, flowerbeds, and statues, all custom-made, were identical to that found in the gardens of Imladris. Laurëanna wanted Elrohir to have a piece of the beauty of his childhood home as part of their new life together in Valinor, and she had spent hours planting each flower and tree.

Elrohir loved that his wife had taken such care to design their home with his memories in mind. Their small home was like Imladris so much that whenever the former residents of the Last Homely House visited, they felt as though they had for a moment stepped back through time. His parents would often visit their home and sometimes disappear only to be found cuddling like they were newly married in the large domed gazebo that Celebrían had once designed herself in their home on Middle-earth. This one was an exact duplicate of the original, lovingly recalled in every detail.

Elladan spent much of his time at the cottage as well, for though he spent most nights in his father's house to allow the couple plenty of time alone, the twins had not been separated since birth. Laurëanna understood the need for the brothers to spend time together and she loved Elladan dearly, so he had a bedroom there as well and stayed with them two to three nights a week.

As beloved as their private nest was, they still spent countless days along the coast in Alqualondë, where Lady Galadriel had chosen to live. Friends of both Laurëanna's father and husband lived there, though everyone had been surprised that the Lady of the Golden Wood had elected to settle on the coast rather than inland with her family.

Swan Manor, as Galadriel's home was called, had outside walls covered in shells and pearls from the sea. The translucent layers made Swan Manor iridescent and depending on the sun's rays upon it, the manor appeared various shades the soft jewel tones of ruby, opal, jade, and sapphire. Laurëanna marveled at the splendor of the manor. She and Elrohir had spent many hours walking through the courtyards filled with marble statues and fountains overlooking the ocean below or along the white sand in front of the manor.

The Terrace of the Sea, on the back of Swan Manor, was also encrusted with seashells that had washed up on the Bay of Eldamar's shores and had been gathered and painstakingly affixed to the terrace. The terrace had the finest view of the ocean in all of Aman, save that from Oiolossë on Mount Taniquetil. The island of Tol Eressëa did not block the view of the perfect crystal cerulean waters that shimmered in the sun. Its glowing orb appeared to melt into the water each night, and to Laurëanna, it was the most romantic place in Valinor, and she would sit snuggled in Elrohir's embrace in the evening hours watching the sunset. Though Galadriel visited her children and grandchildren in Tirion frequently, Laurëanna and Elrohir traveled to Swan Manor at least once a month, enjoying the long, white, sandy beaches as well as the hidden coves.

Laurëanna smiled in memory of the last time they had been there. They had ridden horses along the pale shores until the sun had melted into the sea, and they had stopped in a very secluded area and made love for hours before falling asleep on the beach. The sounds of the ocean's waves crashing against the shore had made her feel so peaceful she did not want to go back to Galadriel's manor the next morning.

Thoughts of that night made her very aware of her husband's soft skin against hers. He was facing away from her, so she ran her hands over his solid muscular back down to his perfectly sculpted behind. Her husband's body made her burn with desire. Moving his thick hair away, she began to kiss his neck. She wrapped her arm around his chest and then lightly nibbled along his shoulder.

"Laurëanna, you are insatiable," he mumbled, still half asleep.

She giggled. "You have not complained so far. Why would you start now?"

"It was not a complaint, merely an observation." He pulled her hand from his chest and kissed her palm.

Elrohir rolled on his back and rubbed his gray eyes still clouded with sleep. Laurëanna put her head on his shoulder and draped her leg across his. His young wife had more passion in her than he had ever thought possible. He sometimes thought that her calm demeanor and serene quality caused her desire to increase rather than her temper to flare. He was quite happy with this. He had a beautiful, passionate wife who rarely showed anger. While her heart was tender and loving like her mother, she did inherit Glorfindel's stubborn streak and resolve. Elrohir's hot-headed temper had calmed since he came to Valinor and met her. Luckily for them both, they rarely disagreed. It could prove to be disastrous if they had due to his temper and her obstinacy.

All of his life in Middle-earth had been focused on protecting those he loved; this duty had been foremost in his heart and he had become a skilled and valiant warrior. It had taken him time before he had grown accustomed to the peacefulness of Aman. She, on the other hand, had grown up here. She had been born while he was still in Middle-earth trying to survive and she was young and untainted by the darkness that the others had seen. He had been drawn to those qualities, which were a soothing balm on his wounded heart.

Elrohir had never intended to marry, but now he knew that his delay had been fated, for she was the one he truly was destined to be with for the rest of eternity. She had seen past his hard exterior to his fëa and fallen deeply in love with him, much to his surprise and her father's horror.

Elrohir smiled, remembering Glorfindel's face when Laurëanna had told him they wished to be bound. He had looked at Elrohir as if he wanted to crush him. That Glorfindel had known him his whole life had not helped Elrohir gain approval to romance his daughter. It was not until he saw how happy his daughter was that he finally accepted Elrohir as her betrothed.

The union delighted his parents, however. Not only did they love Laurëanna; they had also given up on either of their sons finally marrying. Unfortunately for Elladan, they now wished for both sons to be happily married. Celebrían had not ceased to introduce him to every unmarried elleth she knew. Lord Elrond did not concern himself with the matchmaking, but he did wish for Elladan to join his brother in wedded bliss. He wished to see both of his sons happy after the somber life they had lived.

While it had taken Glorfindel time to warm to the idea his daughter was in love with one of the twin terrors, her mother, Indil, had been unreservedly thrilled. She knew her daughter's heart and, much like hers had been drawn to Glorfindel's troubled and tired fëa, Laurëanna was drawn to Elrohir's wounds as well. While both brothers had changed over time, the biggest change was seen in Elrohir since meeting Laurëanna. He had always been the more serious and solitary one, despite his quick temper, and more so since his mother's capture and torture by orcs.

From the second they met, Laurëanna had been drawn to Elrohir. The very day she met him, she had told her mother, away from her father's prying ears, that one day she would win Elrohir’s love. She did not care about how many years separated them. He could have been older than her father and she would not have cared. But Glorfindel would have been quite happy for her to stay away from all males entirely.

Laurëanna could tell the twins apart within hours of knowing them while some that had known them their whole lives could not tell. They were as different as night and day to her. Although he had tried, Elladan had not been able to fool her yet. Whether he was slapped or not for his efforts depended on the way he tested her. He had stopped his many attempts to kiss her in an effort of deception after she bit him on the lip. Luckily for him, Elrohir just shook his head and sighed at his brother's pitiful obsession. After a while, everyone began to tell her just to feign a blunder so Elladan would stop.

"If he wants to continue to make a fool of himself, so be it. I will not look like a fool so that he may stop." Laurëanna flatly refused.

Of course, Elladan's remarks were similar. "She will make a mistake one day and I shall never let her forget it."

Everyone felt that since she had grown up without siblings and he had lost his younger sister, the two of them had become naturally close in a bond as strong as her love for her husband. They teased each other mercilessly, yet everyone knew their genuine fondness for each other. Their relationship had been a blessing to both brothers due to their closeness and need to remain so. Once they were married, everyone was happy with the bond the two families shared.

Elrohir soon noticed that Laurëanna's hand was stroking his chest steadily moving downwards. Chuckling, he waited until she raised her face to him with her deep blue eyes looking so very innocent.

"Why are you chuckling? What do you find so humorous?"

"Your attempts at being subtle are quite humorous." Elrohir smiled as he lowered his lips to hers.

Rolling on his side, Elrohir buried his hands in her golden hair and pulled her close to him as he sought out the warmth of her mouth against his. As always, their kisses ignited a flame of desire that soon raged out of control. As his tongue moved against hers, his hand slipped down her back to her bottom. Her hand came to rest on his hip, lightly pulling him to her.

Fully aroused, Elrohir was intent on making love to his wife when they heard a loud knock on their front door.

"Ignore it. It is Elladan. Only my foolish brother would knock on anyone's door this early in the morning," he whispered as his hands roamed her body.

Once again, the knock came even louder. Laurëanna giggled seeing the look on Elrohir's face. He tried yet again to ignore it, but the third knock seemed loud enough for the neighbors to hear and he rolled on his back while groaning in frustration. Getting off the bed, he grabbed a pair of leggings off the chair and jerked them on. Then he yanked a tunic off a chair on the way out of the bedroom putting it on while storming down the hall.

"If someone is not dead, I am going to kill him," Elrohir seethed. He jerked open the door to see a surprised Eönwë.

"Yes?" Elrohir asked as he quickly tempered his look. His mind could not comprehend any reason why the Maia would be there.

"I bring a message from Manwë that you and Glorfindel's daughter are to be at Máhanaxar at midday today for a council of the Ainur," Eönwë said matter of factly.

"Do you know what this is about?" Elrohir asked, confused. There was no reason why the Ainur would want to see the two of them.

"I was asked to deliver the message to you, but I cannot discuss this matter any further."

"To whom else have you given this message?" Elrohir persisted, trying to gain more information.

"It is not my place to say," Eönwë answered in a tone that did not allow for any more questions. "Will both of you be there at midday?"

"Of course," Elrohir said, respectfully with a nod.

Eönwë turned and walked away leaving a puzzled Elrohir in the doorway. Closing the door, Elrohir's mind raced as to what this summons could be about. Practically running down the hall, he burst into the bedroom causing Laurëanna to sit up quickly.

"What has happened? Is someone hurt?" she asked as she left the bed.

"No. No one is hurt. The Ainur have summoned us to Máhanaxar at midday. You need to dress quickly so we can go to see your father. Perhaps he knows something about this. If not, surely my father would know," Elrohir explained, rushing around the room and gathering his clothes so he could dress as soon as he bathed.

"Elrohir, what are you talking about?" Laurëanna put on a robe as she watched her husband as if he had gone mad.

"Laurëanna, I do not know any more than what I have told you. Eönwë has summoned us to the Ring of Doom at midday to meet with the Ainur. I do not know why. I just know we need to get bathed and dressed quickly so we can go to your father's and then my father's if Glorfindel knows nothing of this meeting," Elrohir replied, shortly as he was walking out of the room.

After he was ready and waiting impatiently for her, she was still trying to decide which gown to wear. Her stomach was in knots and her hands were shaking. She had no idea what she should wear to an event like this. It is not as if the Valar were inviting them over for tea. They were called to the Ring of Doom. She knew of no one besides her father, Lord Elrond, or Lady Galadriel who had been summoned there by the Maiar in the past. The Valar did not send for many elves to attend their councils, certainly not elves like she and Elrohir. She could not imagine what this was about.

Looking up, she saw an exasperated Elrohir in the doorway.

"Laurëanna, perhaps you misunderstood when I said we needed to hurry."

"Elrohir, I do not know what to wear. I do not want to appear improper by wearing the wrong dress."

Rolling his eyes and sighing, Elrohir walked to the closet and moved her clothes around. Jerking a gown out of the closet, he handed it to her.

"Do not argue. We do not have time. Wear this one," Elrohir said. When she opened her mouth, he quickly cut her off. "It will be more improper for us to be late than it would be for you to wear the wrong gown. Now as I said before, hurry."

Gritting her teeth at the fact he was treating her like a child, Laurëanna snatched the gown from his hands.

Elrohir watched to ensure she dressed in the gown he chose without seeking another. He ignored her looks of annoyance. If he were not looking right at it, he would not have remembered the color of the gown. He had merely chosen the one that had the least number of things for her to fiddle with. Laurëanna tended to be restless when she was nervous, and he did not want to give her a gown that gave her hands adornments to toy with.

Hearing a knock at the door, he left her dressing and walked back down the hall. Opening the door less forcefully, he was glad to see Elladan in the doorway this time.

"I think that is the first time you have opened the door without glaring at me," Elladan smirked.

"Did you come to test my abilities at opening doors or just try my patience?" Elrohir cocked his head to the side as he leaned against the doorframe.

"At least with the glares, I am allowed into the house," Elladan replied. Elrohir sighed and moved out of the doorway to permit Elladan to come into the house.

"Elladan, we do not have time to visit right now."

"Perhaps you were going to see Glorfindel or father about Eönwë's summons," Elladan said, no longer smiling.

"You were told to be there as well?" Elrohir asked.

"No, I believe I was the only one not invited. Both Father and Mother, as well as Galadriel, have been invited. She is on her way here already as she was first told. Eönwë also told father that King Thranduil and Tavaril as well as Glorfindel and Indil have all been summoned."

"What could this possibly be about?" Laurëanna asked as she walked into the room. Elladan smiled and hugged her quickly.

"Let us discuss this on the way to your father's," Elrohir said, grabbing her hand as he opened the door.

The three of them walked quickly through the town barely noticing others passing them by on the walkways. Both sets of parents lived on the other side of the city. Elrond had sent Elladan to notify them that he was going to Glorfindel's house and to meet them there.

Upon entering her parent's residence, Laurëanna was met by her visibly concerned mother.

"Oh, I am so glad you are all here now. Your father is wearing a hole in the floor with his pacing," Indil said, kissing her daughter. She gave each of the twins a fond embrace.

Walking into the sitting room, Laurëanna walked to her father.

"Ada, what is this meeting concerning? Do you know?" Glorfindel stopped his pacing long enough to kiss her on the forehead and hug her tightly.

"No one knows what this is about. None of us," he explained, his irritation evident.

Glorfindel hated waiting. He had no patience for standing around waiting for things to happen. The warrior in him preferred being on the offensive rather than sitting on his hands doing nothing. Every minute of waiting was agonizing for him.

Laurëanna and Elrohir each greeted Elrond and Celebrían as well. Glorfindel continued to pace like a caged animal as Laurëanna sat with Celebrían and her mother. Lord Elrond and his sons watched Glorfindel silently, his tension filling the room. Sometime later, Lady Galadriel arrived as well.

As always, Lady Galadriel appeared regal and beautiful and Laurëanna felt plain near the Lady of the Golden Wood. If she were not so welcoming and endearing to Laurëanna then the young elleth would have shied away from Galadriel completely. But Galadriel made Laurëanna feel as if she were the most special person in her life. With those she loved, Galadriel always made them feel like they were the most important person in Arda to her. The way she hung on every word spoken and graced each one with her special smile made those closest to her open their hearts and allowed her aura to enter.

Laurëanna had been timid and afraid near her for so long, much to Elrohir's amusement. He knew his grandmother's ways well. Long had she made him feel like he was more special than his siblings were. It was not until he was older that he realized that she had made each of them feel that way. As predicted, Laurëanna was soon under her spell as well and adored her since that day.

Even though she was feeling unrest, Lady Galadriel still greeted everyone individually, taking a special moment with each of them. Elrohir watched in awe as she calmed Laurëanna with ease, as no one else had been able to do. The two sat side by side with Galadriel holding Laurëanna's hand tenderly as she spoke to her daughter and Indil. All in the room seemed calmed by her presence. Even Glorfindel, who soon walked to an overstuffed chair and dropped into it with a frown.

"Naneth, do you know what this meeting is about?" Celebrían asked quietly. Like her mother, her melodic voice soothed those with whom she spoke.

"Nay, iellen, I do not. Has anyone else been told anything other than to be there at midday?" Galadriel queried as she looked around the room.

Elrond and Glorfindel shook their heads. Elrohir was quiet and lost in thought. He walked over and sat by Laurëanna looking at her for a long time.

"Elrohir?" Indil asked.

"There was one rather odd thing," Elrohir began but did not explain further. Looking down, he took Laurëanna’s other hand in his as he focused on the slender gold band on her index finger.

"Elrohir, perhaps if you share it with us, we could ponder it as well," Elladan retorted only to be glared at by his twin.

Elrohir was quiet for a moment as everyone waited. Looking at Laurëanna, he finally spoke. "It was strange the way Eönwë spoke of Laurëanna. He did not call her by her name nor call her my wife. He called her 'Glorfindel's daughter,' which now seems rather odd."

All eyes turned to look at Laurëanna who instantly felt self-conscious.

"Elrohir, I am sure that was just his way of thinking of me. 'Tis nothing more, I am certain," Laurëanna stammered but all eyes remained on her.

"Perhaps," Galadriel said, squeezing Laurëanna's hand and then turning away.

Glorfindel watched Galadriel closely. He had seen the way Galadriel seemed doubtful in her dismissal of the subject.

"Lady Galadriel, does this have something to do with my daughter?" Glorfindel dared.

The room was quiet for a long time waiting for her to answer. Just as she seemed about to do so there was a knock at the door causing some of them to jump at the sudden sound. Indil rose and quickly went to the door letting Thranduil and Tavaril into the house.

"It is time now. We must leave if we wish to be there by midday," Elrond said, standing. "I am certain all of our questions will be answered soon."

xOxOx

Elrohir looked over at Laurëanna and even though she appeared calm to others, she had already subtly begun fidgeting. She had a lock of her golden hair wrapped around her fingers and had begun twisting it. Pulling her hand out of her hair, he held her hand firmly, yet lovingly, interlacing his strong fingers with her delicate ones. Their eyes met and he could see not only nervousness but fear in them. He tried to look reassuringly at her and squeezed her hand with a small smile. She seemed soothed a little. He, on the other hand, felt only turmoil. He knew, for some reason, this was about her although he could not fathom what it was.

Glancing around subtly, he saw that the Maiar had joined their small group along with all of the Valar save Manwë and Varda. Eönwë was waiting at the top of the podium for their arrival. The eight Aratar, High Ones of Arda, sat in their thrones on a raised section of Máhanaxar. Also, seated with them were Nessa, Vána, and Tulkas. The two Fëanturi or Masters of Spirits, Irmo, and Namo, and their wives, Vairë and Estë sat on the thrones before them as well.

The Maiar sat in the circle to the left and right of them. None of the Ainur looked at him. Some of the Maia had greeted his father, King Thranduil, Glorfindel, and Lady Galadriel. Indil, Celebrían, and Tavaril were also introduced. Whenever anyone would introduce Elrohir and Laurëanna to one of the Maia, he noticed a slight almost unseen hesitance as each of them looked at his wife intently before catching themselves. Yes, he knew somehow this had to do with Laurëanna and his blood ran cold when he thought about what it might mean.

Laurëanna had never been so nervous is her whole life. She felt like she should not even be breathing the same air as those around her. The Valar all shone as if brighter than the sun and were dressed in stately robes of various rich colors.

Aulë and his wife Yavanna sat beside the empty thrones of Manwë and Varda. Aulë wore robes of rich reds that had gems around the collar, and he wore a thick chain of gold. He was tall and slender with golden hair. Yavanna, in her deep green robes and her waist length red hair, was as beautiful as any creation she had wrought. Laurëanna could not look at her without thinking of the gardens throughout Valinor. Growing up, she loved to hear stories of Yavanna from her mother. She felt awed in her presence and blushed when Yavanna looked at her and bestowed her with a smile as if she knew of Laurëanna's fascination with her.

Tulkas and Nessa sat next to them. Tulkas was an imposing figure with golden hair and beard and a ruddy complexion, yet he seemed to smile quite a bit. His wife Nessa sat with her husband and appeared small and light beside him in her colorful robes and a blush on her cheeks.

Sitting beside Manwë's throne was Ulmo, Lord of the Waters. Ulmo, in his silver mail, seemed larger than all others assembled. She could imagine him amongst the waves of the stormy seas. Even now, she could almost see the waves surrounding him. She knew if he was there, this must be especially important indeed. He must have felt her eyes on him for he turned in her direction as she quickly looked away.

The two Fëanturi, Námo and his brother Irmo, sat together with their wives. Laurëanna felt uneasy when she looked at Námo. A chill ran down her back as she observed his stern face surrounded by white hair. He was dressed in somber black robes. She glanced over at her father for a moment thinking of his time in the Halls of Mandos and felt a tightening in her chest. Glorfindel must have sensed her looking at him because he turned in her direction. For a moment, he looked serious then he gave her a slight smile and a quick wink. She smiled despite herself. Looking forward again, she once again resumed her subtle observation of the Valar.

Beside Námo's wife, Vairë, sat his brother Irmo and his wife, Estë. Both had thick dark hair. His robes were a deep azure, almost the same color of his eyes. Estë's raiment, as always, was gray. Dressed in earthly tones were Oromë and Vána, the Ever Young, and beside them sat Nienna. Nienna had a look of sadness to her face that tore at Laurëanna's heart and tears sprung to her eyes. The three of them were having a quiet conversation while the other Valar were silent, patiently awaiting the arrival of Manwë and Varda.

Looking at her family, Laurëanna saw that everyone seemed outwardly calm, even Elrohir. But she felt the clamminess of his hand and knew his calmness was a façade. On one side of her were her parents, and then Thranduil and Tavaril. Beside her husband sat his parents and Lady Galadriel. She had been seated directly in the middle, and she felt like squirming around in her chair like a hyper child forced to sit still. To others, she would appear serene and calm but inside her mind was working constantly.

'Why are we here? Why would Elrohir and I be asked here for any reason?' she thought and grew terrified that it might mean something bad for her husband. She looked over at him and he looked at her. He squeezed her hand, and she smiled faintly. If he were there with her, she had little fear that things would turn out well. She looked at him lovingly and he stroked the back of her hand with his thumb.

Pushing the nagging doubt to the back of her mind, she began to calm her frayed nerves. When Eönwë announced Manwë and Varda, her nervousness came back instantly.

When Manwë and Varda arrived, Laurëanna gasped and dug her nails into Elrohir's hand. She ignored his quick intake of breath as she did so. Manwë looked so powerful and regal in his sapphire robes that were the same color of his eyes, yet he looked kind and compassionate. He smiled warmly at those assembled. He appeared unaware of his power and had a welcoming demeanor to him.

It was Varda that took Laurëanna's breath away. It was widely acknowledged that Elbereth possessed an indescribable beauty. However, it was not until faced with the vision of a face illuminated by the light of Ilúvatar that Laurëanna realized such extraordinary beauty could exist. She could not pull her eyes away from her and when Varda looked directly at her and smiled, Laurëanna's heart pounded in her chest. She felt like the stars had just kissed her themselves. Struggling to compose herself, she looked away for a moment. All those with her seemed to be affected the same way.

After Manwë and Varda had seated themselves, Eönwë sat nearby with Ilmarë. After a brief silence, Varda smiled at Manwë and he addressed the assembly.

"This meeting has come at a time when we are in a most difficult situation. Evil is once again upon us and not since the fall of Númenor, has Sauron's treachery affected Aman so much. Middle-earth is forever lost to his power, but now he seeks to darken Arda completely."

Elrohir felt sickened by the name of the Dark Lord. Flashes of the torment Sauron had caused on Middle-earth tore through his mind and he shut his eyes and took a deep shaky breath. He felt cold and eerie as if words of doom were about to be spoken. Many times, he had looked death in the face and was not afraid. He felt fear now. When he opened his eyes, Manwë was looking directly at him as if he knew his thoughts.

"The pain you have all suffered on Middle-earth will soon be forced onto Aman as well, if we do not act. Sauron has amassed an army and with the aid of our betrayer, Saruman, he is crossing the seas to the Undying Lands."

"He would not be able to sail here without elven ships. Even if he could come here, Ulmo could stop him before he arrived. Besides, how would his forces find the Straight Road?" Salmar questioned.

"He has a fleet of Elven ships. Círdan and the Teleri elves from Mithlond were not killed but enslaved by Sauron. At first, the elves built the ships fearing what Sauron would do to Lord Círdan, who was being held in Minas Morgul by the Witch King. Eventually, they were corrupted and built the boats in the service of the Sauron." Ulmo said in a deep booming voice. "When the hobbit, Frodo, was killed, he had the gift from Galadriel, the phial with the Star of Eärendil. It will be used to guide his way."

Glorfindel felt a pain deep in his heart remembering his dream. It had been a warning of things to come.

"But can you not stop this fleet before it arrives?" Melian asked.

"His ships are unseen by my eyes. Whether by Saruman or The Ring's power, I do not know, but his ships have passed out of sight. I fear I cannot stop them." Ulmo's voice sounded sad to Laurëanna.

'Why was this happening? Everyone is happy now and finally at peace,' Laurëanna thought, tears stinging her eyes.

"Based on when Ossë told Ulmo the elven ships departed, we know that within the next twelve days, Sauron will land on Tol Eressëa with forces large enough to destroy it," Manwë said, solemnly.

The council erupted into gasps and whispered chatter. Laurëanna looked to those with her. Elrohir had an unreadable expression that reminded her of the days that they had first met. Lord Elrond looked pained. Galadriel studied her hands that were on her lap. Never had Laurëanna seen her look this way. Her mother and Tavaril both had silent tears rolling down their faces while Thranduil looked at the ground.

The look on her father's face made her blood run cold. She had never seen him this way. She imagined this is what he looked like in battle for he terrified her now. She bit her lip to keep from crying even as her hands started shaking.

Elrohir felt her hand shaking and was once again aware of her beside him. For a moment he had been back in Middle-earth amidst the horror but feeling her near, he pulled her even closer.

"Laurëanna, it will be all right. Do not worry. You will be safe, meleth i guilen," he whispered in his ear. Laurëanna looked at him surprised.

"It is not myself I am worried about. I do not want to see everyone's peace disrupted or even worse, lives lost. I do not want any more death surrounding those that I love or this evil to come here and destroy all that is good," she whispered back.

Ignoring those around them, Elrohir gave her a quick kiss on the cheek.

"We can fight him and prevent him from coming into Valinor, defend Tol Eressëa as well as Alqualondë. He cannot win this fight," Tulkas said angrily.

"He would not win a war against all of the Valar," Varda agreed. "But at what cost? How many elves along the coast will die? No, this is not a battle that we can win, there would be too many lives lost. All we could do is destroy him not undo the evil he will bring with him. The darkness he brought here would forever linger."

"Then what are we to do?" Yavanna asked, calmly. "Aman has already been taken out of the circles of the world. Middle-earth is devasted. What can we do to stop him from destroying everything beautiful and peaceful in Arda?"

"So desperate are the times that we are forced to seek a way to not only prevent this from happening but also undo some of the damage that has been done in the past century of Middle-earth," Manwë said.

Manwë looked at Varda and she nodded. Her soothing voice calmed those present, as she spoke. "Eru Ilúvatar has shown us a way to prevent Sauron's forces from setting foot in Aman and save Middle-earth so that it might see the days of peace if we are successful."

Everyone assembled brightened at this news. Laurëanna smiled at Elrohir and stroked his hand. In the back of her mind was still the curiosity of why she and Elrohir had been asked to come here. Her questions were soon answered.

"Eru will allow us to send only one back in time to the moment that forever changed the tide. That person will have one chance to right what is wrong by helping to ensure King Elessar walks the Paths of the Dead. The future that had been foretold by both Lord Elrond and seen in the mirror by Lady Galadriel will then come to pass," Varda continued. Looking at Laurëanna she smiled. "Laurëanna, daughter of Lord Glorfindel of the House of the Golden Flower, the one chosen is you."

All of the color drained from Laurëanna's face.

xOxOx

"That is not possible!" Glorfindel jumped from his seat. "She cannot go back to Middle-earth. She would most certainly die."

"Glorfindel, I know this will be difficult for you to accept. This decision was not made by us, nor do we take it lightly," Manwë explained as Varda sat back down.

"I do not understand why she was chosen. She is not a warrior and has always lived in times of peace. Why not someone else?" Glorfindel looked at Manwë confused.

Indil started crying softly. Laurëanna was too shocked to do or say anything yet vaguely noticed that Elrohir's hand had grown cold.

"A person cannot exist at the same time as their former self. Laurëanna had not even been born when King Elessar failed to take his intended path. Therefore, she is the only one who can do this," Manwë explained calmly.

"If I may." Lord Elrond stood and Manwë nodded. "How would this happen? If she changes the past, would she not change her own future as well?" He paused and looked sharply at Manwë. "Could she change the future so greatly that she would no longer exist?"

"We would alter her life so that she would exist separately from Glorfindel's and Indil's life when she goes back through time, similar to a parallel plane," Manwë explained.

"She would stop being our daughter completely," Indil said, feeling as if her heart was breaking.

Varda looked at Indil for a long time. "She would never stop being your daughter in her heart and mind."

"If she fails to alter the past or if she does and it does not prevent Sauron from coming to power, what will happen then? Would she be allowed to return to this time?" King Thranduil asked.

"No. She would never be allowed to return to this time because once she goes back, everything will be altered for her and everyone else. Her existence in the past will change the future of all of you here," Manwë explained. "Like all of the Eldar, she will return to Valinor when she leaves Middle-earth, but her life will not be the same as it is now."

"Manwë, perhaps you could explain how this can be done," Nienna suggested.

"Laurëanna would be sent back to Helm's Deep after the Rohirrim defeated Saruman's forces. Once she is there, she will need to convince King Elessar to go to Isengard with Mithrandir rather than riding to Gondor. This will place him in Rohan when Grey Company arrives and, therefore, would allow him to receive the message from Elrond in time to walk the Paths of the Dead. The only thing that changed from both Elrond and Galadriel's visions was Elessar's location when he received the message from Elrohir and Elladan," Manwë explained.

Aulë leaned forward and asked, "Would this one change alter history enough that we will not see Sauron come to power or the destruction of Middle-earth? It seems like a small thing to change so much."

"Yes, it is a small change in history. Perhaps other changes could prevent more suffering, but Eru has shown us that this is what changed it from what had been foretold. No one could have known how this one decision made by Elessar would affect everything. We have been given one chance to solve this problem. Laurëanna would ensure that this decision was not made incorrectly the second time," Manwë replied looking to the other Vala.

"One thing must be understood though," Varda warned. "Laurëanna can never tell anyone directly what happened when King Elessar failed to take the Paths of the Dead. Also, she would not be allowed to tell her family or her friends who she is in their life now. Doing so might alter someone's true path, causing more changes and possibly more damage that has already been done."

Elrohir felt like he had been punched in the stomach.

"So, we are to let her go back in time to a place where she will most likely die with the small chance that she might be able to stop what has happened? And if she fails, she is doomed to live through what we have all lived through, yet with the knowledge that she had failed to prevent it all from happening," Elrohir said, harshly. Elrond put his hand on his son's arm to remind him to whom he was speaking to no avail. "Yet she is not allowed to tell anyone who she is. Why would Aragorn change his path and go against what he believed to be right at the wish of an unknown elleth?"

"You are right to question this, Elrohir. There is one person's help she might seek because his life ended shortly after the war. She would not alter his life's path accept to save him," Varda explained.

"Legolas," King Thranduil said, solemnly.

"Yes, Thranduil. Legolas. He was a trusted friend to Elessar and would be able to assist Laurëanna in this task." Varda nodded.

"Why would Legolas believe her?" Vana asked.

"She will take something with her or be told something that only Legolas would know to persuade him she was sent by us. I am certain that Thranduil and Tavaril know of something that would ensure that he believed her," Manwë looked at the couple, who both nodded.

Glorfindel watched silently as all of the details were discussed. Finally, looking toward Indil, he said, "And if she dies?"

Everyone was quiet for what seemed like an eternity. Finally, Varda said, "There is nothing we can do to prevent her death. Legolas will protect her as will those with him and that is what we must rely on."

"Laurëanna can choose not to do this. If she does, it will be understood and no one will fault her for her decision," Manwë said looking from Glorfindel to Laurëanna.

"Laurëanna, do you have any questions?" Varda asked.

Tears had already started filling her eyes, so Laurëanna had been biting her lip to hold them back.

"Do I need to make my decision now? When would I leave if I do go?" Laurëanna struggled to make her voice loud enough to be heard.

"Eönwë will stay here until nightfall tonight. If you have not decided by nightfall, he will return tomorrow at midday. By nightfall tomorrow we need to know your decision. You would need to leave ten days from now. It will allow you time with your family and you will need to learn some things about Middle-earth that you would have known if you had lived there during that time. We cannot give you any more time than that I am afraid. There will only be a window of two days between when you leave and when Sauron is to arrive. We will begin to prepare our defense in the meantime in case you fail or are unwilling to accept this task," Manwë answered.

Laurëanna nodded and he continued, "Laurëanna, I understand we are asking you to do something dangerous and if you fail it will be even more dangerous. You will have to give up your life and your relationships here as well. No one will fault you if you feel you cannot do this. But Eru has put faith in you. We shall do the same."

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A/N Thanks once again to my lovely beta Ellisk and to Viv and Maram for their advice on this chapter. Thanks to Tolkien for letting me play in his world and I am making no money doing so.

Elvish sayings:
Melethen - My love
Melethrilen - my beloved -feminine
Melethronen - my beloved -masculine
Meleth i guilen - love of my life
Laurëanna – Golden Gift
Indil – Iris

28th Day of May
Fourth Age, Year 24
Ship to Aman/Tirion, Aman

Indil and Glorfindel had spent their whole time on the ship together. As the elves that knew Glorfindel smiled at the change in the serious and distant lord, Indil enjoyed every moment she was with him. Her heart ached with the pain she saw in his eyes, and she tried to overcome that sadness rather than discuss it with him. She knew he would not open up to her until he was ready. Until then, she made it her mission to make him smile as often as possible.0

"You are not telling the truth, Indil. I refuse to believe you," Glorfindel shook his head. They were sitting on the deck near the bow of the ship late one afternoon.

"I am telling the complete truth. Lord Círdan taught me how to swim by throwing me into the ocean," Indil laughed.

"I find that hard to believe. And why would your parents allow such a thing to occur?" Glorfindel smirked.

"Apparently, Lord Círdan taught my father the same way and his father before him. He believes that is the only way to teach a child to swim," Indil laughed, as she brushed a lock of hair behind her ear.

Glorfindel studied her for a moment.

"What is it?" she asked with a smile.

"I was just thinking I am glad he was right," Glorfindel grinned, running a finger lightly down her arm. "For if it had not worked, you would not be here to tell me this story."

Indil laughed for a moment.

"Well, it did not actually work. He and my father had to come in after me. After that, my mother decided to find another way to teach me how to swim," Indil shook her head. "Which is why Lord Círdan had to throw me in the water again years later. I still had not learned. Luckily for you, I learned by the second time, because my father had already told me he would not come in after me. He said it was too humiliating for him to have a daughter living in Mithlond that could not swim."

Glorfindel chuckled. She had the most cheerful and warm personality he had ever known. Even when he felt like withdrawing back into his shell, she managed to pull him back out. She had a stubborn streak as well and refused to let him shut her out.

"Indil, you know we will arrive in Valinor tomorrow evening," Glorfindel began. He could not believe how nervous he felt.

"Yes, I know. I must be honest. I am so relieved. This boat has gotten smaller on the way, or the people have gotten bigger," Indil giggled.

"Indil," Glorfindel said, and her eyes flew to his. Her smile faded seeing how serious he was.

"What is it?" she asked softly.

Glorfindel cleared his throat and looked away for a moment. Finally, he looked back at her and smiled lightly at her concerned eyes.

"There is nothing wrong. At least I hope you do not think of it that way," Glorfindel reached down and took her hand. "Indil, I have enjoyed spending this time with you and have grown to care for you deeply."

Indil's eyes brightened as she smiled at him. Leaning forward, she kissed him lightly.

"Stop trying to distract me," he grinned.

"I am trying to make this easier for you," Indil smiled as she lightly tugged on a lock of his hair.

"Make what easier for me?" he asked with one eyebrow raised. "What is it you think I am about to say?"

"I think…" She leaned closer. "No, I am quite certain that you are going to tell me you have finally fallen in love with me as I did with you, the first day I saw you."

Glorfindel smiled and kissed her. "Yes and?"

"And you are going to tell me how you cannot live without me and as soon as we reach Aman, you want me to bind myself to you forever," she finished nervously.

"No. That is not what I was going to say at all," he smiled mischievously and shook his head.

"Oh," Indil said sadly.

"I was going to say that you cannot live without me so I might as well bind myself to you or you will be miserable and lost without me," Glorfindel smirked.

"You are so arrogant, do you know that?" she asked playfully slapping him on the arm.

"I have been told that before. Is that a yes?"

"No. It most certainly is not a yes," she responded. "You, Lord Glorfindel, must tell me your true feelings or the answer is no."

"Fine. Forget I mentioned it," Glorfindel said lazily looking away.

He tried not to smile at her indignant gasp. When she jumped up to leave, he grabbed her around the waist and pulled her back to sit on his lap. He chuckled at her angry face. He had never seen her angry and it was most unbecoming on her sweet face.

"If you insist Lady Indil, I will tell you," Glorfindel smiled. Turning serious, he looked deep into her eyes as her anger visibly melted away.

"I had thought I was too old and too solitary to ever find someone to make me happy. I thought I did not need to be loved or love anyone else because I was a warrior not a minstrel in need of love songs. It was not until I met you that I realized the part of me that needed love was not dead, it just waited for the right time and the right person. During our time on the ship, my hardened heart began to lighten," Glorfindel's voice had dropped to a sultry depth that made her heart flutter. "After all that we have been through in Middle-earth, I do not want to let go of something that brings me true happiness for the first time in many years. Indil, I love you and I do not want to live a day without you."

As soon as the words crossed his lips, she threw her arms around him and kissed him happily. She had loved him for so long, she had only dreamed that he would someday return her love. Ignoring others nearby, she kissed him passionately burying her hands in his long golden hair. He returned her kiss with equal passion. After many moments and kisses, they reluctantly pulled apart.

Glorfindel looked at her as the setting sun glinted on her pale hair, appearing to give her an extra glow of happiness. She was happier than he had ever seen her, and he smiled knowing how much she loved him. Becoming suddenly serious, he looked away for a moment.

"Indil, I need to be honest with you before you commit yourself to me," Glorfindel looked at her solemnly.

"It is too late for that," Indil said tenderly. "Whatever you say will not change my love for you."

"Perhaps not, but I feel it is only right that I tell you," Glorfindel replied looking into her green eyes. "I have experienced and seen many things that have caused me to be who I am now. What I mean is, although I am happy now, there will be difficult times, and I am not always the easiest person. I am arrogant and stubborn. And I can sometimes be withdrawn, and I have a temper if provoked. I would never hurt you intentionally, but sometimes I say things rather harshly without any thought to who I might hurt. You are so tender-hearted, and I worry how my darker times will affect you."

When she started to respond, he placed his finger lightly on her lip. "When we arrive in Aman, I must meet with the Valar to discuss Middle-earth. This will be difficult and may make me seem more distant."

"Glorfindel, perhaps you do not know this, but I love all of you, both good and bad. I shall enjoy reminding you how very much you are loved. I know you have your darker side. We all do to some degree. I can see past that. I see your heart and your fëa and I love you," Indil said as she traced the outline of his lips with her pinkie finger before kissing him again. "You cannot scare me away, Glorfindel. And I always knew you were stubborn and arrogant."

Glorfindel chuckled. "I am sorry I do not have a ring to give you. I will remedy that as soon as I can."

"That does not matter as much to me. Just knowing that you love me is all that matters," Indil said kissing him lightly. "I suppose I better remove myself from your lap and withhold my passionate embraces. I think Rumil almost fell overboard because of that last kiss."

Glorfindel looked to see Rumil of Lórien standing with other ellyn trying not to stare but failing miserably. Rumil gave Glorfindel a weak smile then looked quickly away when Glorfindel glowered at him.

"Ah, now I see why everyone is scared of you. Perhaps you should not assault people with that glare so often and your reputation might change," she teased.

"I worked very hard to get my reputation and I have no intention of changing it," Glorfindel replied.

xOxOx

When they arrived in Valinor, after a couple of days to get settled, Glorfindel and Thranduil spent three days with the Ainur discussing the events that took place in Middle-earth. Both Indil and Glorfindel were staying at an inn in Tirion. It catered to elves arriving in Valinor with no family to live with, providing them with a place to stay until they found their own homes. Indil's father and mother had been killed during an orc raid traveling with a small party from Rivendell to Mithlond. Indil had lived alone for many years and was quite used to it. Lord Círdan and her friends in Mithlond had been her family after she lost her parents. With Glorfindel close by, she was still able to spend time with him once he was through with the conferences with the Ainur.

During the day, Indil spent time in the library making sure the records that Círdan had sent were properly cataloged and archived. Often, she walked through the city and the gardens surrounding it just soaking in the splendor of Aman. She knew it would be beautiful, but nothing had prepared her for the magnificence of the Undying Lands. It seemed as if everything was perfect. She saw many of the Lórien elves in the city and they seemed to be awestruck as well. It was as if Middle-earth was just a bad dream. She wished it could be that way.

One day when she was walking, she saw King Thranduil’s wife, Tavaril. She had met her once the first day they arrived but had not seen her since then. She knew that Thranduil told her about Legolas, and she would be mourning her son.

Indil watched her for a moment. She seemed to be completely unaware of anything around her. She looked so sad and Indil felt unable to walk away from her. Taking a deep breath, Indil walked to her.

"Lady Tavaril?" Indil said softly. Tavaril looked at her surprised. She did not appear to recognize her. "I am Indil. We met the first day we arrived from Middle-earth. I sailed here with your husband."

"Oh yes, I am sorry Indil," Tavaril said quietly.

"No, I understand," Indil smiled. She paused before continuing. "Lady Tavaril, forgive me for intruding but I just wanted to tell you how sorry I am about your son. I know it must be very difficult for you and, if there is anything you need, well… I know I am a stranger to you, but I just could not walk away seeing you so sad without at least offering assistance if you need something," Indil stammered feeling awkward for intruding.

"I appreciate that Indil. You are very kind to offer comfort," Tavaril said softly. "I was thinking about Legolas. My husband has not been with me for the last three days, so it has added to my sadness."

"I am certain it has. Facing this loss alone must be very hard. Perhaps you would like a friend to share some of your thoughts with, if you feel comfortable doing so, of course. Or if you would prefer, I could just sit here with you, so you do not feel alone," Indil smiled sympathetically.

Tears filled Tavaril's eyes. "Did you know my son?"

"No, I did not. I have heard much of him. He sounds like someone that I would have liked to have met though."

"Legolas was… special. He was very unique. He was terribly brave and honorable, yet he had such a gentle heart. He loved all living things: plants, trees, and animals. He would often disappear for hours into the woods and hated to be inside. He was a child of nature. He would always do his duty but that is not where his heart lay…" Tavaril drifted off. Indil waited until she continued.

"Legolas was one of the best archers in Mirkwood, perhaps the best. But it was only because it came naturally to him, for he rarely wished to practice. If he had not been such a great warrior, Thranduil would have been stricter with him, but Legolas just naturally excelled."

"I have heard how brave and honorable he was. He died trying to protect a friend," Indil said tenderly.

"Yes. A dwarf," Tavaril laughed slightly. "Only my son would become such good friends with a dwarf. He was never one to judge others and he truly cared for his friends. It does not surprise me that he died that way. It was his nature."

"Thranduil will never forgive himself. He blames himself for Legolas going to Imladris for the council," Tavaril sighed. "I never thought that he would not come here. Perhaps I would have said more when I left. Or maybe I should have stayed."

"You could not know what would happen. No one did. Your son was brave and honorable. A son you can be proud of. I can imagine how hard this must be for you," Indil said taking Tavaril's hand in her own "And I am sure your son knew how much you loved him."

Indil sat with Tavaril for most of the day talking about Legolas. Indil felt as if she knew him and was sad that he was not there for her to meet. She hated seeing Tavaril and Thranduil so hurt.

xOxOx

Coming back to the inn hours later, Indil knew that Glorfindel would have returned from the council with the Ainur. She knocked on his door but there was no answer. She decided to look for him, feeling he was likely nearby. He had not left the inn other than to go to the Ring of Doom and did not appear ready to venture out into the city. She found him in the courtyard of fountains behind the inn. She could see the tension in his body and knew he was suffering. Walking up behind him, she wrapped her arms around him and kissed him on the ear.

"I have missed you," she said softly. "Will you meet with them again tomorrow?"

"No. I have finished," he said, absentmindedly. Once again, he was silent and withdrawn.

Indil was quiet as she continued to stand with her arms around his neck and her head resting on his shoulder. She lightly stroked his hair.

"Glorfindel, the horror is over now. All that remains are our memories of it. Once all of the elves have returned from Middle-earth, our nightmares will begin to fade even as we mourn what was lost and those who died. For now, we have each other to lean on. You do not always have to be so strong and hold it in. You are allowed to have a moment of weakness."

"No, I am not. If I allow myself to try and be free of it, it will destroy me and rip me apart," he said sadly.

"Holding it in is destroying you," she whispered. "I know you are not ready to discuss this yet, but I will always be here when you are ready. One day you will stop excluding me by shutting me out of that part of your heart. I will be beside you when you do. But now, I am here to love and comfort you."

Glorfindel reached up and held her hand and they sat there for a while in silence.

"I have something for you," he said finally.

"You do?"

She came around to stand in from of him. Reaching into his pocket, he pulled a small silver ring out and placed it on her finger. Tears filled her eyes as she looked at it. He looked up at her with a slight smile, but his eyes were sad.

"Glorfindel… I would prefer you to give this to me when you are not so sad. Even if I have to wait," she said softly touching his face gently.

"I do not know when that might be, but I want you to know I am committed to you."

"I do know that," Leaning down, she kissed him softly.

Reaching up, she pulled a chain off her neck. Removing a silver ring and holding it out to him. She had been waiting for this moment. It saddened her that it was not the happy moment she had wished for.

"Indil, those are not tears of joy," Glorfindel looked at her intently not taking the ring from her hand.

"I just wish it was a time of happiness for us. I do not wish us to exchange these rings while you are filled with such…" Indil paused. "Sorrow."

"My sorrow is lightened by you," Glorfindel took the ring and pulled her to him. She sat beside him, and they spent hours holding onto each other silently.

xOxOx

Indil went with Glorfindel the next day to visit an old friend. She knew how difficult it would be to make this visit. He had half-heartedly tried to persuade her to stay behind for he knew this would be difficult, but she knew he needed her. Also, he would not be able to provide the comfort to Lady Celebrían that she would need when she learned the news of her daughter.

Sacrifices

24th Day of September
Fourth Age, Year 88
Tirion, Aman

Laurëanna did not remember the return journey from the Máhanaxar to her parent's home. Everyone had updated Elladan as to what had happened as she sat by quietly. She had twisted a lock of her hair into knots and was now trying to untangle it. Her thoughts were so frantic, she could not even focus on one thought long enough to remember what she was thinking. When the room went completely silent, she looked up and all eyes were on her.

"Laurëanna, I know you are scared but we will find a solution," Indil said, patting her hand.

"I am not scared. I am not … anything, right now. I do not know what I am, I mean," Laurëanna stammered.

A flood of emotions washed over her. She was panicky because of what might happen and sad because this was causing everyone, she loved such grief after all they had suffered already. She was angry that evil could exist and could continue to exist. Shame overwhelmed her because she was frightened to do what the Valar had asked her to do. She was a coward because she was not honored to be making these sacrifices for the elves who had suffered enough. In her life, she had not suffered, and she felt guilty for her own selfishness to not want to.

Finally, she could not stand their eyes on her anymore. Jumping up, she fled to the balcony where she took deep gulps of air. She stood in the most beautiful land in Arda, and she did not have the strength to protect it.

Glorfindel started to follow her, but Elrohir stopped him. Stepping out on the balcony with her, he closed the doors behind him. The breeze was blowing through her hair, and he was reminded of the day that he had first seen her on this very same balcony. Coming up behind her, he wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her close. They were both silent, but he could feel the tension in her body. He rested his chin on her head and sighed.

"Laurëanna…" he began.

"Please do not say anything. Just hold me for a while without speaking about it. I need to forget for a few moments." She turned in his embrace and wrapped her arms around his waist, burying her head in his shoulder. In his arms, she could almost forget all.

"Elladan broke one of your favorite glasses the other day," he murmured. She giggled. "He told me not to tell you and perhaps something much worse would happen that would make you forget."

"Is this all Elladan's doing then?" She smiled as she looked up at him.

"Did you expect anything less?" He smirked. Looking at her for a long time, he grew serious again. "No matter what happens, Laurëanna, I love you. I have loved you since the day I first saw you on this balcony."

Lowering his lips to hers, he kissed her softly. Moving his hands behind her neck, he rubbed her jawline with his thumbs as he kissed her again lingering longer. He lightly sucked her bottom lip in between his then tilted his head slightly; he covered her open mouth with his own. Teasing her tongue, he savored the sweetness and heat of her mouth.

She always reminded him of strawberries. He could never explain but since the first time he kissed her, he had thought she tasted like strawberries. No one kissed her as he had. Never had another ellon's passionate kiss touched her lips nor had they held her this way. He had taught her all that she knew about kissing and passion, and she had taught him all he knew about love. She was his, and his alone. He would not lose her.

When he kissed her, she felt like her fëa was being spread across the ocean's breeze. It was such an exhilarating experience for her; it was like falling yet knowing she would land safely. His kisses created such emotional and physical reactions for her, she could not think rationally when his lips touched hers. She allowed herself to escape from all the sadness and the shock of the day to the place she felt secure, in his heart.

Hearing raised voices from inside the house, they finally released each other's lips. Resting his forehead against hers, he sighed. They could no longer hide in their own little world. The reality of this one was crashing into it. Hearing her father's raised voice, he looked at her pointedly.

"I loved you even though I knew you were Glorfindel's daughter." Despite the seriousness of it all, she giggled again and kissed him quickly before going back inside.

Where she had left a quiet room, it was now in an uproar. Her father was furious, more furious than she had ever seen him.

"This is madness. They expect me to allow my daughter to do this. It would be just as easy to toss her into Mount Doom myself. I absolutely forbid this," Glorfindel raged to no one in particular.

Laurëanna looked around the room and saw those that she loved more than her own life and realized her fate had already been decided. She must do this. No one in this room would reject this task if it fell upon them. She must do it for them and for those in Aman. She owed this to her people.

"Ada."

"No, Laurëanna, understand me when I say this. I will not allow you to do this," Glorfindel held her arms making her look at him.

"Ada. You cannot forbid it. This is not about you. It is not even about me. It is about what happens in twelve days if I do not do this," Laurëanna said softly to him. "Ada, please calm down. You are not making this easier for anyone here. This is not something you can destroy with your anger nor conquer with your will."

"You do not know what it is like there. You cannot do this. It is worse in Middle-earth during that time than your worst nightmares. You cannot even imagine. Do not be a fool. It is complete madness for them to even suggest such a thing," Glorfindel said dismissively as he turned away from her.

"Is it madness because it is dangerous? Or because I am too foolish and weak to do this?" Laurëanna replied with a hurt tone. Glorfindel turned around and looked torn between his anger and his desire to comfort her.

"Or is it just madness that it was asked of me and not you? Why send the daughter of a great hero when you could instead send the hero himself?" Laurëanna's eyes were darkened by anger.

"Laurëanna!" Indil gasped.

"That is why you are so shocked, is it not Ada, that they would choose me rather than you? Trust me, Adar, it is not an honor by any means, but just because I am only your daughter does not mean this is any less duty than you did when you returned to Middle-earth. Maybe I'm just a messenger, not a warrior; it doesn't matter to me. The Ainur have more faith in me than my own father," Laurëanna replied.

The room was completely silent as the two faced off. Laurëanna had never spoken to Glorfindel this way and it was obvious it was hurting them both. Glorfindel had a look of shocked rage on his face, but his eyes showed he was hurt. Laurëanna's eyes reflected her hurt, and her face showed uncommon anger.

Finally, Elrohir said, "There is no one doubting you, Laurëanna…"

"This does not concern you, Elrohir," Glorfindel interrupted.

"Does not concern me?" Elrohir looked at him incredulously. "She may be your daughter, but she is my wife. How could you say it does not concern me? I have always treated you with the utmost respect as was befitting your position, Lord Glorfindel, but do not dare tell me that my wife's future, my own future, does not concern me."

Laurëanna instantly panicked. They both looked as if they wanted to kill each other.

"Elrohir. Lord Glorfindel," Elladan started, but Glorfindel and Elrohir interrupted together, "Be quiet, Elladan."

"Elrohir. Ada. Do not let your tempers get out of control. We are all upset and saying things we do not mean. Please do not argue," Laurëanna slid in between her husband and her father. "Ada, forgive me for speaking to you so hatefully. And Elrohir is just concerned."

"Laurëanna, are you forever going to allow your father to control your actions? I grow weary of his constant need to remind me that he was a renowned hero long before I was even born and I am even more weary of his desire to prove to me that in your eyes, he is the stronger, the better of the two of us. I will not let his need for control force you into a stubborn decision just to defy him," Elrohir whispered.

Lord Elrond rose quickly and took Elrohir by the arm.

"Elrohir, let us go outside so you may calm yourself before you say something we will all regret," Elrond said, cutting his eyes at Galadriel as he pulled a reluctant Elrohir onto the balcony.

"Glorfindel, please calm down," Indil said quietly. "You are just upsetting everyone."

"That child has the nerve to speak to me that way in my own house? Is he a fool? I should have taught him some humility when he was younger. If I had, I might not have the strong need to do so now," Glorfindel began towards the balcony only to be stopped once again by Laurëanna coming in between her father and her husband. Her eyes pleaded with him to be calm.

"Glorfindel, you and Elrohir are both upset out of concern for Laurëanna. Do not let fighting between the two of you hurt her. Laurëanna is your daughter, but she is his wife. You both love her," Lady Galadriel said soothingly as she stood and put her arm around Laurëanna's shoulders while facing Glorfindel. "It is hard for you to realize, I know, but Elrohir has as much say in Laurëanna's decision. That does not mean that you have less say either. Perhaps everyone is forgetting that it is Laurëanna who must make the final decision for herself."

Her words barely calmed Glorfindel. Normally she would sound wise and rational but now they did not. Looking at Laurëanna made him feel horrible though. He had hurt her with his anger and pain. He looked at her silently for a few moments.

"Laurëanna, forgive me. I cannot lose you," Glorfindel said quietly.

Laurëanna's eyes filled with tears as she rushed into his embrace. For a brief time, she could pretend that she was a child again and let Ada make everything better. Until she had married Elrohir, he had protected her from everything.

As a child, if she was scared or had nightmares, it was Ada who brought his sword into her bedroom and looked under the furniture and in the closets then sat beside her bed, sword drawn, protecting her until she fell asleep again. She ran to him when her mother was cross with her and he would end up making her laugh instead. While her mother taught her to always be proper and clean, it was her father who would chase her down the beach in her best dress and, when he caught her, he would throw her into the waves. He knew Indil would just shake her head if he did it. It was her father who taught her how to swim, ride horses, and shoot a bow. Even though she almost stabbed him a half dozen times, he taught her how to wield a sword.

When she married Elrohir, it was a constant battle between the two of them for dominance. It took Laurëanna a long time to learn not to run to her father for protection from the smallest slight. It took even longer for him to let her grow up.

Luckily, they had Indil, who was their voice of reason. She could calm Glorfindel as well as remind him to let his daughter grow up. She reminded Elrohir often that he was a welcome part of the family, despite whatever Glorfindel had threatened him with that day. It had been a long bumpy road between the three of them, but Indil smoothed feathers and frayed nerves the whole time. As Laurëanna grew up, she matured greatly, and her nature reminded everyone of her mother.

Watching them now, Indil lost her composure completely. She knew that Laurëanna would do as she was asked. Everything they had now would be gone. She did not even know if she would meet and marry Glorfindel. She would lose her daughter without a doubt.

Laurëanna saw her mother dissolve into tears and pulled away from her father quickly. He followed her gaze, then came to his wife. His wife was strong, a pillar of strength. She seldom cried, and even less so in the presence of others. He gathered her in his arms and held her as she wept. Everyone else was silent. Elrohir and Elrond returned from outside and Elrohir stood with his arms around Laurëanna.

When she finally gathered her senses, Elrond looked around the room and said, "This has been a trying day for everyone. Unfortunately, it will not get any easier. Either Laurëanna goes back, and we must face the trauma of her departure, or she does not, and we face the trauma of an upcoming war. Peaceful days are limited now. We have at most twelve days. We cannot be fighting each other."

"I agree. We just need to prepare Laurëanna for what she is about to do," Thranduil added.

"You are assuming she is going," Glorfindel said.

"Yes, I see there is no option other than that," Thranduil replied.

"If it were Legolas being sent back to save my daughter instead of the other way around, would you accept that?" Glorfindel responded darkly.

"This is not about saving Legolas. This is about saving Middle-earth as well as Aman. But yes, if it were Legolas, I would do so. And he would not question my decision or his duty," Thranduil said.

"And if I recall, it was his duty that got him killed. I am glad you are so willing to sacrifice my daughter as well," Glorfindel rose, as did Thranduil.

"Cease this, both of you," Lady Galadriel said.

"Why should your daughter be more important than my son? Why should she not make a sacrifice for the good of Arda? She will most likely live through her sacrifice. It will be my son trying to keep your daughter alive so I would not so lightly…" Thranduil began.

"Stop!" Lord Elrond said and moved between the two who were glaring at each other. "This is not helping anyone. It is making things worse."

"It is easy for everyone to say that Laurëanna should go because she will only be a messenger, but she is not delivering this message in a time or place of safety. There is a possibility that she may die before the message is delivered. Then we would have to battle Sauron here in Aman while knowing that our sacrifice of our daughter was for nothing," Indil said angrily.

Celebrían came and sat with her. Taking Indil's hands in her own, she said, "Indil, it is not easy for us to even think of saying Laurëanna should go. We love her as well. She is not merely Elrohir’s wife, but I watched her born, as did Taravil. I do not know what the best decision is, but we will all suffer for it. And we will suffer together, not apart," Celebrían hugged Indil for a long time.

"I simply do not think there are a lot of reasons to think she should go. We do not know if anything will change, and the Valar can defeat Sauron here. Bring the elves of Tol Eressëa off the island into Tirion and defend the beaches at Alqualondë. We will have the advantage plus they might not be aware that we are expecting them. Between that and the Valar's assistance, Sauron never has to set foot on these lands," Elladan said confidently.

"Elladan, if it were that easy, they would not have suggested this drastic measure in the first place." Lord Elrond shook his head. "No, I fear this will not be an easy time. I do not yet know how I feel about Laurëanna returning to Middle-earth but if Sauron is to come to Aman, it will be devastating."

"Then I must do it. There is no other choice. At least this way we have a chance. If I stay here, I can do nothing to make this any better," Laurëanna replied.

"That is madness, Laurëanna. You will not be returning to Middle-earth under any circumstances. This is one thing I completely agree with your father on," Elrohir warned her.

"You are forbidding me not to go?" Laurëanna turned around quickly to face him.

"It appears that at last Elrohir and I are of the same mind when it comes to what is best for you Laurëanna." Glorfindel watched the couple.

"This is her decision and hers alone," Lady Galadriel reminded them.

"And she has already made her decision," Thranduil said.

"Thranduil, will you be departing now or will you be departing now?" Glorfindel said darkly.

Thranduil smirked at the insult, seeing the rage in Glorfindel's eyes. "How subtle, Glorfindel, not unlike your negotiating skills. If memory serves, you were always more at home planning battle strategies than seeking resolutions. We should send a band of heavily armed elven warriors to Rohan to walk Aragorn along the Paths of the Dead at sword point," Thranduil continued as Tavaril looked at her husband in shock.

"We could use one of your methods and lock in him a dungeon," Glorfindel responded dryly. "But in times such as these, we do not have time to lock him up just so he can escape and save Middle-earth to spite you."

"This bickering gains us nothing," Lady Galadriel said loudly, looking like she wished to knock their heads together.

Thranduil and Glorfindel continued to glare at each other.

Elrond, still trying desperately to keep the peace, took a deep breath before saying. "Galadriel is right. This issue cannot be resolved through conflict between the two of you, nor is it necessary to replicate the kinslayings to find the best solution. Everyone understands you are upset Glorfindel, and rightfully so. Thranduil, you should be more understanding to his pain as you and I both lost children during the dark years. It is still painful, and it would be wonderful to fix it simply. But this is not simple," Elrond said looking between Glorfindel and Thranduil. "If I knew for certain that she could change the past and undo all the evil that was done, I might be of a different mind. But there is no guarantee. Even if there were, it would be difficult to encourage her to do this. She is part of my life now and my son's wife. She is the daughter of a very dear friend as well. Unfortunately, there are no guarantees and, while I do not want to be the one to encourage her to go, it needs to be carefully thought through Glorfindel and not just to save Arwen or Legolas. Because if she is successful, it could possibly prevent the loss of countless lives both here and in Middle-earth. We cannot lightly say that it is not worth it to consider it," Elrond said looking sympathetically at Glorfindel and Indil.

Everyone was quiet for a long time. Glorfindel and Thranduil relaxed and stopped glaring at each other.

"Glorfindel, forgive me for what I have said here today. I do know the pain of losing a child, so I cannot imagine why I would think it would be easier for you. If I had known Legolas would die, I would have kept him out of the fellowship to prevent it. It is always difficult when you are torn between your duty to your people and your own family. As I have said, forgive me for the thoughtlessness I have shown you here today," Thranduil said softly.

Glorfindel nodded. "Forgive me for being so disrespectful to your position as well as to our friendship."

He wanted to be strong and honorable but inside he was dying. He wanted to protect her. Everything in him screamed out to protect her. If he let her do this, it would kill him even if it saved Middle-earth. Sadly, he realized if she did this, he would no longer have a daughter or possibly a wife. The peace that he had finally reached was beyond shattered. Sauron had already done his damage to him.

xOxOx

"I need to take a walk. The fresh air will help me think and perhaps calm me," Laurëanna said as she walked towards the door.

"I will come with you," Elrohir followed.

"No. Please. I need a few moments to myself." She kissed him quickly and then left the room.

"Lord Elrond, I have done all that has been asked of me as was my duty. I even returned to Middle-earth to fulfill my duty. Have I not done enough that the Valar would ask this of me?" Glorfindel asked painfully. "To ask me to willingly give up my wife and my one and only child; to say goodbye to my daughter forever. You were all married before the fellowship failed so you will still have each other at least. Indil and I may not. There must be another way."

"If there was another way, it would never have been asked of her. You know this, Glorfindel," Galadriel said softly.

"And if she refuses?" Elrohir asked quietly.

"Then we all must prepare for the invasion of Valinor by Sauron's forces. We must accept the loss of all that once lived on Middle-earth," Lord Elrond said looking grimly at his son. "Elrohir, I know you do not wish for her to go, but there is no other way."

"What if she fails? She will have to live through what we have all done while abandoning Middle-earth, but she will go with the knowledge that she failed. Could you live with that knowledge?" Glorfindel replied angrily. "For I could not. Nor can she. They ask too much of her."

"I was there. If she cannot change Aragorn's mind about going to Isengard rather than Minas Tirith, then history will repeat itself. She has never set foot outside Valinor and you expect her to go back at a time so close to the fall of Men, the same day as a battle at Helm's Deep. You expect her to walk along the ruins of the Deepening Wall after living her whole life in peace and beauty. She is to do this, and we do not even know if it would change anything," Elrohir said disgusted. Elladan squeezed his twin's shoulder in a show of support.

"I saw in the mirror before the battle in Rohan. If he traveled the Paths of the Dead, Aragorn would have been able to summon the army needed to win the battle at Pelennor Fields. Had that battle been won, our visions would have proved correct. Sauron would have been defeated, and the One Ring destroyed," stated Lady Galadriel. "Your father's visions have also shown this to be true. Eru has shown the Valar that this is true. Aragorn not going to Isengard brought disastrous results to himself and all of us."

"He paid a price for that as well. One man, no matter how honorable or noble he is, should not be responsible for saving all of mankind," Elladan argued.

"We are not saying that he is to blame for the loss of Middle-earth. Many things could have changed the course of history, yet we know without a doubt this one thing is a defining moment that was not supposed to happen as it did. We all have our regrets regarding the loss of Middle-earth and the rise of Sauron. Just as Isildur should have destroyed the Ring when it was cut from Sauron's hand, Aragorn's choice, although not evil or weak, was enough to change the future forever," Elrond said.

"Then send someone else. Send me," Glorfindel said.

"As the Valar has explained, none of us can go without creating a paradox. We were all there at that time. She is the only one who has been born in Valinor since Middle-earth's destruction, so she is the only one who can go back. If she chooses not to go, there is no other who can." Sighing, Galadriel sat down beside Glorfindel and took his hand. "I know what we ask of you is unfair. We have burdened her with much and we ask you and Indil to sacrifice for her to go. This is affecting all of us deeply. But there is no other solution."

"If she goes back, I will lose her forever. Even if I have another child, another daughter, she will not be Laurëanna. And they will not allow her to tell me when she goes back who she is. So, she will lose me and her mother as well," Glorfindel said adamantly. "She could be killed walking the Paths of the Dead or before the walls of Minas Tirith. Many died doing so. Her proficiency with a sword is fair at best, considering she was trained during a period of peace. Her life has never depended on her ability."

Lord Elrond looked at his old friend wrapped in grief. He knew the pain of losing his daughter and understood what Glorfindel was going through now.

"We must depend on Legolas' ability to keep her safe. Once he knows who she is and why she has come, he will protect her with his life. And the others with him will protect her as well, knowing she is special to him," Elrond said assuredly. "There is great risk involved in doing this, no one has said otherwise. If she chooses not to go, there will be more risk for us all including her."

Indil's soft cries were the only sound in the room. She held on to Glorfindel's hand tightly. Thranduil and Tavaril stood by the windows, gazing over the garden, both deeply immersed in their thoughts. Watching her son's inner turmoil, Celebrían came and sat beside him. Taking his hand in hers, she watched Elrohir with concerned and saddened eyes.

"Elrohir, no one wants to lose Laurëanna. No one here wishes this for her even if it brings back all our loved ones: no one wants her to suffer. This is more than just our loved ones. It is many races in Middle-earth that would be spared as well as those here. The Valar thinks it must be done. We must prepare her if she decides to agree to it. And we must bear the suffering of losing her," Elrond said in soothing tones.

"But we will not remember her for long," Elladan said thoughtfully.

"What?" Elrohir jumped up and faced his brother. "Explain yourself, Elladan."

"As soon as she changes one thing in the past, we will no longer remember her at all for our pasts will all change. She will not even be a memory to us. It would be if she never existed," Elladan said, sadly watching as Elrohir realized what he said was true.

xOxOx

Elladan had gone to check on Laurëanna. The debate continued and seemed no closer to a resolution than before she had left. Finally, there was a pause in the conflict as everyone collected their thoughts.

Before anything more could be said, Elladan returned. Observing the sadness and shock in everyone's eyes, he wished he did not have to say what he must. He had seen Laurëanna in the gardens and she had left him moments ago.

"She went to speak with Eönwë," Elladan said.

"She has made her decision without talking to us first?” Glorfindel stood up and walked towards the door, but Indil stopped him. He glanced at her and was stunned to see her so calm.

"This decision was hers to make, and she has made it. We must trust her to do the right thing by what she feels in her heart to be true," Indil stood beside Glorfindel and kept her hand on his arm until he relaxed. His look of devastation hurt her deeply. She had never seen him look so defeated.

Elrohir got up and stormed out of the room with Elladan close behind him. Lord Elrond sighed and reached for Celebrían's hand. Once again, the room was quiet, each wrapped in their own thoughts and feelings. Eventually, everyone drifted out of the room to their own home leaving Glorfindel and Indil to cope with their pain.

xOxOx

Elladan was having a tough time keeping up with Elrohir and an even worse time trying to stop him.

"Elrohir, stop! It is too late. You cannot change her mind now and you should not go against her in this. We must be there for her, to support her through this, not question her decision," Elladan said, desperately grabbing Elrohir's arm.

Elrohir whirled around and jerked his arm away from Elladan so forcefully that he almost unbalanced him. In all their years, they had never come to blows but Elladan felt that if they were to resort to that, this would be one of those few times Elrohir would have chosen to do so.

"How dare you try to stop me? How can you even begin to understand how I feel? Can you envision her there in Middle-earth? See her there at Pelennor Fields? Imagine her dying, as many warriors did before her. But they had a chance, for they knew how to fight. She does not. She has not had to fight for her survival. Her life has been full of beauty and love," Elrohir paused for a deep breath. "She will die, defenseless and alone."

" She has decided. You must accept it whether you wish to or not," Elladan replied softly.

Elrohir looked away from him and Elladan could feel the rage and pain flowing from him as if it were tangible. Finally, Elrohir walked away towards his home rather than towards the Ring of Doom. Elladan let go of the breath he had been holding. He did not want to imagine what Elrohir would have said if he were before the Maia now. His temper was completely out of control, and he might have shown the full force of his wrath to Eönwë, which would only end poorly for Elrohir and Laurëanna as well.

xOxOx

Laurëanna walked slowly to the Ring of Doom to see Eönwë, needing the peace and serenity of the gardens and beautiful fountains along the path. She barely noticed anyone else passing her as she walked in a daze. When Máhanaxar came into view, she stopped, trying to gather her courage. She felt sickened by the fear of what she was doing and felt guilty for not seeing her parents or her husband before coming here. She understood that when confronted with her father’s or husband’s anger, she would be unable to do this. She did not wish any of this to be true. Yet even now, the skies were darkening as evil grew and the threat came closer to Valinor.

A chill ran down her spine and she wrapped her arms around herself. The thought of Sauron coming here to destroy all that was beautiful in Aman made her sick with worry and dread. She knew that if Sauron came here that Elrohir and her father along with the rest of her family and friends would be forced to fight and possibly die. The thought of orcs in Swan Haven made her ill. She could not imagine the beautiful white beach overrun with foul creatures and the blood of elves covering the sand. If she could in any way prevent that, she would be horrible and weak for not trying to do something. Her worst fear was failure.

Laurëanna was not her father. The Witch King and the Nazgul would not cower in the face of her wrath. She could not slay a Balrog to save others. Their blood was the same, but their lives were not. He is one of the mighty Firstborn elves, an elf lord of a House of Princes. She was merely his daughter. She was a descendant of the House of the Golden Flower. A descendant of power but not powerful herself.

After some time, she realized she needed to go to speak with Eönwë. If she were not brave enough to face the Maia, she would not be brave enough to face her task.

As she walked towards Máhanaxar, she saw Eönwë sitting nearby in the courtyard with a fountain. He was watching her, and she wondered if he had seen her struggle with indecision while on the path. He smiled and she walked to him.

"Please sit, Laurëanna. Have you made your decision and wish me to relay your message to Manwë and Varda?" As he spoke, he gestured to a chair nearby.

When she sat down, Laurëanna looked at her hands for a moment before looking at him. His face was full of kindness, and she felt comforted at once.

"I wish to ask one thing about the Valar," she explained.

"Will this affect your decision?"

Laurëanna hesitated for a moment before saying, "No. But it would make my decision easier to accept for those who love me."

"What is your decision, my child?" Eönwë asked looking at her intently.

When she drew in a deep shaky breath, he reached out and squeezed her hand reassuringly.

"It is my duty to do as the Valar asks and I will do it, of course. Plus, if I can spare lives, then it will be an honor to do so," she said. "Yet, I wish to ask for one thing. I understand that I cannot tell my family when I met them in the past who I am. I would like them to know when they come to Valinor that they will remember our history before now. If I can never tell my parents or my husband in Middle-earth who I am, it would comfort them to know that they would remember me eventually. And if they do not know until they reach Valinor, then it will not affect the future of Middle-earth."

Eönwë sat quietly for a moment. Looking at the girl before him, so young yet entrusted with so much, he felt pity for her and her loved ones. They are in turmoil, and she wishes to spare them a bit of it.

"Laurëanna, I will go to Manwë and Varda now and request this be granted for you and will return with their answer," She nodded and left him.

Laurëanna worried as she began the walk home. What would she do if Manwë would not grant her this request? It would not change her decision, but she would like to be able to offer her loved ones a small comfort.

xOxOx

When Laurëanna came into the dark house, she thought perhaps Elrohir had not come back from her father's yet. Knowing he would be angry with her; she was secretly glad.

"Laurëanna." The very way he said her name made her cringe. She turned and he was sitting in a chair near the patio doors.

"Elrohir, I was going to look for you. I went..." she began.

"I am surprised you remembered that you had a husband at all. You do not consult me about decisions that affect both of our lives. I thought perhaps you had forgotten our vows," he interrupted her before she could say more.

"Elrohir, I know you are angry and upset but I had no choice. Would you have preferred me to be a coward and let everyone down, give up on Middle-earth completely? Allow Sauron to kill even more elves to destroy Aman as well?"

"I would have preferred to have some say in my future. I would have preferred to discuss this with you before you made a rash decision," Elrohir stood and walked towards her.

"But..." she tried to explain.

"Laurëanna, my sweet wife, you have no understanding of what you will be going back to. You have never set foot outside Valinor nor seen the evil of Middle-earth. Glorfindel does not even want me to speak of these things with you. He has told me since we met that he wants you spared what we suffered. Now I see what sparing you have cost us all. You have no concept of what we went through on Middle-earth."

"Elrohir. I am not a child. I will not be treated in this manner," Laurëanna stated.

"You are acting like a child to me. A sweet, naïve, and foolish child who has not given one thought to what this will mean to you. To us," Elrohir fumed.

Furious, Laurëanna turned and walked towards their bedroom. Before she took two steps, he grabbed her arm and turned her around. He held both arms tightly as he looked into her eyes.

"Did you think I would be proud you have chosen to do this? For once, I wish that stubborn streak in you had lost to the gentleness of your heart, but I see it has not," Elrohir said in a low voice and a tone he had never used before with her.

"Do you know what it is like in Middle-earth? Would you like me to tell you what we have all been through? Not just the version of the truth your father has allowed you to hear but the gory details."

"Elrohir, you are hurting me," Laurëanna tried to squirm away from him. He loosened his grip immediately but did not release her.

"Would you like to know what it is like to have to fight for your life? Or for the lives of those you love? I could tell you what it is like to kill orcs. Or, if you prefer, I could tell you about the stench of their filthy bodies and their blood permeating the air, no matter how many times you try, you cannot get their blood out of your clothing. The way they kill and torture innocents. Would you like the details of that, Laurëanna?"

"Perhaps you should ask my mother what she suffered at the hands of the orcs. I am sure she could give you vivid details that would cause nightmares for months." His eyes were ablaze with anger.

"No. Elrohir, I am not trying to upset you. Please stop," she whispered.

"If you prefer, I could tell you about the Nazgul, the Ringwraiths, the Nine. What I saw them do to the warriors of Middle-earth, as well as innocent victims. I could describe the sight of what they did to my sister and her escorts, how her beautiful face was covered in blood, both hers and her companions. I can tell you how the sight of her body made Elladan, and I weep like we were children. Perhaps you would prefer I told you of the sorrow my father and mother feel about her death to this day. My father feels he failed her. Galadriel did not look into her mirror one time after she saw the vision of my sister being butchered. Perhaps if she had, she would have known about the upcoming attack on Lothlórien."

"Let me tell you about the elves that were slaughtered in Lothlórien. One of the most beautiful places in all of Middle-earth burned to the ground with the elves who lived there still within the trees that were ablaze. Dying, Laurëanna. They did not die painlessly. Their immortality was ripped from them in the cruelest of fashion. The orcs did not just kill them; everything and everyone they ever loved was destroyed. My grandfather was slain, and his body was proudly put on display by the orcs so that the Lórien elves would know that hope was lost. If it were not for my grandmother leading a handful of survivors out of there, no one would have lived from Lothlórien; all the elves of the Golden Wood would have been merely a memory. Even now, they still have the haunted look in their eyes from what they saw and heard during those attacks. Do you think they will ever forget? Nay, they will not. Ask our friends Rumil or Airemír what they remember of that time, Rumil watching both of his brothers hacked down as if they were nothing. Airemír seeing her family and friends slaughtered."

"Elrohir, I am trying to stop this. I need to do this. I need to help."

"Laurëanna, you need to understand how you will be living when you go back. I am trying to educate you about the facts, and the details. King Thranduil's son, Legolas, a simple but honorable wood elf, went from his home in Mirkwood to Rivendell for the council meeting. Then he left with eight companions to destroy The One Ring. He survived a Balrog in Moria, and countless attacks by orcs, goblins, trolls, and Uruk-Hai. He survived Helm's Deep and Pelennor Fields. Yet, on his way to Imladris to take news of my sister's death to my father, he was with a small band of various others including Elladan and I. We were surrounded by orcs just one day from the safety of our realm. He was wounded protecting his friends, a dwarf and two small hobbits. Elladan was also wounded in that attack. I had to fight while protecting my brother who was too wounded to stand and defend himself."

"When your father came to aid us in the attack, we fled to Rivendell with Legolas and Elladan, hoping to save them. But when we arrived at my father's home, he was able to save Elladan, but it was too late for Legolas. While my father thanked the Valar for not losing yet another child, he had to comfort his friend. Ask King Thranduil to tell you of his sorrow; how he wept for Legolas and begged the Valar to spare his son, his only child, from death to no avail. Ask Taravil how she felt when she learned Legolas would never come to Aman."

Tears began to roll down Laurëanna's face and she attempted to look away from his gray eyes, so full of both anger and sorrow. When she tried to turn her head, he pulled her face gently back to look at him.

"The dwarves died, slain as their caves were overrun with orcs and goblins. The hobbits, a peaceful race much like innocent children, were destroyed. Men died. All women, men, and children eventually died: not natural deaths but horrible ones full of pain, fear, and sorrow. Feelings you cannot begin to understand for you have never felt them. You have never lived outside of Valinor as I have. You have not seen anything but the beautiful wonders of this land. You have not lost someone you cared about to a brutal death or a friend who was crushed with his kingdom after he defended it for many years. You do not know the sense of failure we all felt when the Ring was not destroyed."

"You expect to go there and warn Legolas. After that, all will be well. But it will not, Laurëanna. You will still have to face the fear of the Paths of the Dead. Fear has kept those paths untouched for generations of Men. Then you will still have to witness the battle for the Corsair ships foreseen by my father. If we survive, of which there is no certainty, you will still have to go to Minas Tirith, a city under siege by the Dark Lord's forces. You will come face to face with orcs or a troll or worse yet, a Nazgul. You will have to hear their piercing cries that bring your doom upon you."

"If you make it into the city alive, you will see the wounded men in the streets, the dead men brought in from the battle. You have never seen death: you do not know how horrifying it is. The blood, the gore, the sickening smell, the cries of the dying, the light fading from their eyes even as you promise them that they will survive." The look on his face was one of horror and it made her take a step back.

"Elrohir, stop. You are frightening me." Once again, Laurëanna tried to escape his grasp.

"You need to be frightened, Laurëanna. You need to be terrified!" Elrohir shouted at her, enraged. Letting her go, he turned his back on her and walked to the window.

The tears started and she could do little to stop them. She had never felt such pain in her life, and she wept. She was losing her parents to do this. She was losing all she had. She was losing him.

Once she was able, she spoke softly, "I thought you would understand why I must do this. I would not have been asked if the Valar thought that I could not do this. Yet you are angry and doubting me. You condemned me to fail before I even began. Perhaps it does not matter that I will be leaving, and you wish for our last words to be words of anger."

"What words do you want from me? Words of comfort I cannot give. What is it you wish for me to say to you?" Elrohir replied without facing her.

"I need you to tell me when I go back, you will be there, and you will love me. That I will not lose you as well," she whispered.

Elrohir turned to look at her for a long time. He saw her tear-filled eyes pleading with him for solace. Walking over, he took both of her hands and looked at her gently.

"Laurëanna, I cannot tell you that. I cannot promise that you will be nothing more than a distraction and a hindrance to me and all those with me. I am different from who I was then. The beautiful qualities I see in you now will just be considered a weakness to me then. I cannot even promise to protect you. I remember my thoughts of those days. Your death would be seen as just another casualty of the battle, nothing more. It would sadden me to lose a companion, any companion, but would I weep for you? I do not think I would," he said.

Though his tone was soft, his words were harsh. Laurëanna jerked her hands from his, her eyes full of anger and disgust. Gently, he ran his hand along the side of her face and moved closer to her.

"Laurëanna, if you go back, you will most likely lose me as well," Elrohir said in a shaky voice. Kissing her gently, he then turned and walked quietly into their bedroom.

The horror of what he had told her, combined with the shock of what she must do, caused her to sink to the floor. Covering her face with her hands, she wept in huge sobs. It was all a mistake. Tomorrow she would wake up and this will have only been a nightmare. Why had the Valar asked her to do this? She was not strong enough to do this on her own, but she would be alone. Her companions would be those long dead and a husband and his brother who knew nothing of her, nor cared for her. She was not a warrior; she was only the messenger to those capable of fighting this battle.

Everyone she loved would no longer know she existed. Everything she had in her life would be gone. She would be completely and utterly alone.

Elrohir could hear her sobs from their bedroom and guilt filled him. He hoped to scare her into changing her mind, but all he had succeeded in doing was hurting her. She was Glorfindel's daughter. It was in her very blood to honor her duty. She would not turn her back on that. Like her father before her, she would lose everything to help others. Even without a guarantee that she could.

He could bear the sounds of her heartbreak no more. Walking into the other room, he bent down and picked her up in his arms. As he was carrying her to the bedroom, she put her arms around his neck and buried her face in his shoulder, still sobbing. He gently undressed her and smoothed back the blankets on the bed. Then he lay beside her and wrapped her in his embrace.

"Laurëanna, I am sorry I hurt you. I do not wish to have our last days together full of arguing," Elrohir said kissing her softly. Tenderly, he wiped the tears from her face and tilted her chin up, so she was looking at him.

"I love you so much Laurëanna. I do not want to lose you. I know you will not change your mind so I must accept that. But you will go back prepared for the challenges you will face."

"What do you mean?" she sniffled.

"You will be taught to protect yourself better and everything you need to know for you to live through this," he whispered looking into her eyes as he stroked her fine hair.

"What is the point if you will not love me? I will have lost everything. "Once the Ring is destroyed, I will have no purpose," she whispered, gently placing her hand on his face.

"You will live for me. You will live for your father and your mother. Find a way to make me love you no matter how I try to push you away. We belong together. We both know that now. Make me realize that in the past. No one can do that but you. Soon I will know as I know now that we were meant to be together," Elrohir said before kissing her passionately.

"You must promise me, Laurëanna. No matter what happens, you will go to Imladris if you can. It is safer and my father will protect you even if your father and I are not there to do so."

"But…" she began.

"Laurëanna, promise me," Elrohir said, firmly.

"I promise."

The thought that they would soon be separated made them cling to each other desperately as they kissed and held each other through the night.

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