Adult-FanFiction.org : Lord of the Rings

Love's Redemption	By : mthorsta Category: -Multi-Age > Het - Male/Female Views: 7108 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 1
Disclaimer: I do not own the Lord of the Rings (and associated) book series, nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
- 25
- 26
Author�s note: Hello dear readers! My sincerest apologies for how long it has taken me to post a new chapter. However, it was not without good cause. I experienced a major life-changing event last May when I lost my job of six years. It was a devastating blow. Even now, I am still trying to pick up the pieces. Although I found myself with a lot of time on my hands, the desire to be creative just wasn�t there. I did try a few times, but the ideas, the words did not come. It was if I had lost the ability to write. Consequently, I lost interest in the story and the characters and I stopped writing altogether. It wasn�t until I received a review one day, that my interest was renewed. It was completely unexpected, as it had been many months since I posted the last chapter. Up until then, I had been feeling like I had nothing worthwhile to offer anyone, in any aspect of my life. It reminded me that there are people out there, who value my writing and they are waiting to find out what happens. It gave me just enough confidence to start again. It was slow at first, painfully slow, but eventually it began to take shape. Finally I have what I feel is a worthy addition to the story. However, my confidence in my writing is still a bit shaky and I need your reviews, your input, now more than ever. If there is a part you felt was too short and needed to be expanded on, or too long, or if there is a part that just seemed silly or inconsequential to the plot and could have been left out all together, please let me know. I need a sense of direction.

With that being said, I hope you enjoy the new chapter. It�s been a long time coming. As it is the celebration of Cormar�, there is a lot of music that accompanies it, handpicked by me to fit each scene, so I hope you will take the time to visit my website and listen along. For those of you who are new to the story or perhaps don�t remember, I have a new, completely redesigned website: saoirselochlann dot com. I will have to rebuild my automatic update list on this new website, so if you were on it previously or you wish to sign up, you can send me an email through the site. I am also on Twitter under Saoirse_Lochlan and will be posting regular updates about the progress of the story there, so you are welcome to follow me.

Finally, I want to give a big heart-felt thanks to you, my readers. Thank you for your interest in my story and your patience. You made this possible. So, without further ado....
CHAPTER 4 � In The Days of Small Sorrows

   Jordan knocked on the heavy wooden doors to the Houses of Healing. Legolas had left after breakfast to attend to some matter � he would not say what, only that she should rest in her quarters while he was away. However, the stone walls held no interest for her. She was bored and a little on edge with Legolas gone. Her thoughts kept returning to her friend Mariwen, who had just lost her husband. She decided to slip away for a while to check on her. The doors parted a crack revealing Astrid, the matronly head healer.

   �I am sorry, Jordan. Mariwen is still not taking any visitors.�

   �Oh. Well can you tell me how she is? Is she okay?�

   Astrid looked around to make sure no one was listening and stepped through the threshold of the door, shutting it behind her.

   �The truth is, she is not well,� she said quietly, shaking her head. �Not well at all. I fear for her. She barely eats. I leave a tray by her door and when I come back to retrieve it, it�s hardly been touched, if at all. All day long, she just sits by the window, staring out. I can see her up there from the garden. I don�t think she sleeps neither.�

   Jordan sighed. �You need to get her out of that room, Astrid. She needs to be among people. Have her return to her duties. With nothing to occupy her time, she is just going to continue to dwell on her loss.�

   �I�ve tried. She refuses.�

   �Well, does she have any family? Someone she can stay with that can take care of her?�

   �No. Firindor was all she had.�

   �Let me talk to her. Maybe I can get through to her.�

   Astrid sighed heavily. �You can try, but it won�t do you much good.�

   Astrid led Jordan through the Houses of Healing, out the back, and up the stairs to the rooms above it. When they got near Mariwen�s door, they heard faint crying and whimpers of pain coming from inside.

   �Mariwen!� Jordan pounded on the heavy wooden door. �Open the door! It�s Jordan!�

   �Jordan?� Mariwen�s strained, weak voice could barely be heard through the door. �Oh, Jordan! Help me!�

   Jordan pushed on the door, but it wouldn�t budge. �I can�t. The door is locked. You have to unlock it!�

   There was silence, then a muffled shuffling noise. The bar across the door was lifted and it opened.

   �Oh my God! Mariwen!�

   Mariwen was hunched over clutching herself between her legs, a bright red stain blooming out from underneath her hands.

   �What happened?� Before the words even left her mouth, she knew; Mariwen was miscarrying.

   �My child��

   Jordan shot Astrid a hard glare. �Did you know?�

   �No!�

   �It was too soon,� Mariwen panted. �Ill fortune to speak of it so soon. I never told anyone...except Firindor.�

   Jordan caught her before she collapsed. Jordan briefly wondered how Mariwen�s pregnancy could have been overlooked by herself or any one of the healers, though in their defense, the robes typically worn by the healers would have helped to disguise it.
   With Astrid�s help, they carried her to the bed. The sheets were also stained with blood, so they stripped the bed and spread a clean blanket over the mattress before laying her down. Mariwen writhed in pain, still clutching her stomach and sobbing.

   �Astrid, go get help and get me some water, soap, blankets, and towels, lots of towels! Hurry!�

   �You�re going to deliver the child? Shouldn�t I fetch the midwife instead?�

   Jordan looked sternly at the woman. �I�ve delivered plenty of babies, now go!�
   Jordan helped Mariwen out of her ruined sleeping gown, tossed it aside, and covered her with a fresh blanket.

   �Mariwen, I need you to calm down and breathe. We�ll get through this okay?�

   Mariwen looked at her with wild eyes and clawed at her arm in panic. �This is my fault! Ever since I learned of Firindor�s death, I�ve only eaten but a few morsels, had but a swallow of water; I�ve hardly slept! I�ve killed our child!� Mariwen sobbed.

   For the first time, Jordan took note of her overall appearance. It was shocking. Her cheeks were sunken and her skin ashen, a stark contrast to the dark purplish bruising underneath her eyes. Her hair stood up in tangled clumps.

   �Mariwen stop! You did not cause this. A few days without food or drink would not cause you to miscarry your child.�

   Astrid finally returned with supplies and three assistants. The assistants immediately started a fire to heat the water.

   �Here is a bit of fresh water and some clean linens.�

   The hot water would have to wait. Jordan silently cursed her primitive working conditions. She scrubbed her hands the best she could with the soap and a bowl of water. Astrid peered over Jordan�s shoulder with a mixed look of curiosity and suspicion.

   �What are you doing now?� she pried.

   �I�m washing my hands! Don�t you people ever wash your hands before examining a patient?� She shouted in exasperation.

   Astrid shrank back. This woman whom she barely knew certainly had strange ways but her conviction and authoritative manner could only come from experience. Astrid thought it would be best to trust her and said nothing further. Jordan proceeded to examine Mariwen. She groaned in pain and clutched the blanket in her fists.

   �How far along are you?�

   �I have lost count. Perhaps four moon cycles?�

   When Jordan was finished, she stood up and said, �I�m sorry, Mariwen, the baby is coming. I can�t stop it from being born.�

   Mariwen�s sobbing began anew.
   Firindor and Mariwen�s baby boy was born two hours later, severely premature and stillborn. His tiny, nearly formed body was quickly wrapped in linens and handed off to one of the attendants. Mariwen, though her eyes were still glazed with pain, struggled to see past the attendants to get a glimpse of her child, but they had positioned themselves purposely to block her view. When she realized they were leaving with the child, she cried, �Wait! I want to see my baby.�

   Everyone in the room froze, looking at each other with wide-eyed dread.

   �No.� Jordan said firmly. �That�s not a good idea.�

   �Please. I need to see him. I want to say goodbye,� she said. Her voice was small and quivering but behind it was an edge of desperate need.

   The infant was carefully cleaned and wrapped in fresh linens, then handed over to Mariwen.
   As she held him in her arms, her tears fell onto his tiny face. �Brennon,� she whispered. �Your name is Brennon.� She kissed his forehead and delicately wiped the tears away that had fallen on to his wrinkled, papery skin. Her voice wavered and cracked. �You�re going to be with your father now.� She hugged the tiny body to her tighter. �Oh, my little baby boy, I�m so sorry!� she wept.

   Jordan lowered her head, not wanting to bear witness to this painful parting, while the others silently gathered up the supplies and dirty linens and slipped out the door. After Mariwen finished her goodbyes, the tiny body was whisked away to be prepared for burial.
   Astrid waited just outside the door. She had with her a tincture for Mariwen to help her sleep. After the room cleared out, she rejoined Jordan. Mariwen took it with little protest, almost too exhausted to raise her head. When she was asleep, they left the room quietly shutting the door behind them.

   �I am sorry I doubted your skills. You are a gifted healer and midwife,� Astrid said.

   Jordan nodded in acknowledgment. �Keep watch over her. She will need encouragement and support now more than ever...and of course time. Her wounds will heal quickly but her heart will not.�
~~~~~
   With heavy feet and an even heavier heart, Jordan left the Houses of Healing to return to her quarters. The festival had already begun for the day and the markets were open. The streets were quickly filling with city-folk, peddlers, and livestock. The roar of talking and laughter grated on her nerves as she wove her way through the crowds. The world does not stop for the pain of others. It carries on as it always has and always will.
   When she finally made it back to the sanctuary of her quarters, Legolas was waiting for her, sitting calmly in a chair by the door to the balcony.

   �You were supposed to be resting, my love,� he chided but when he felt her pain through their bond, he sprang silently to his feet and crossed the room quick as lightning. His worried eyes searched hers. �What is it? What has happened meleth-nin?�

   Jordan moved past him and flopped down on the bed on her back with a heavy sigh. Legolas followed and reclined on his side next to her. He took her hand and kissed it, waiting for her to speak.

   �You know Mariwen, Firindor�s wife?�

   �Yes. I remember her.�

   She proceeded to tell him all that had transpired that morning. A shadow fell across Legolas� face and he too let out a sigh. It was a perfect reminder of how fragile the lives of mortals really were.

   �Had this happened at home, had she been a patient of mine in the hospital, I could have helped her. But here? Without any of the tools of modern medicine?� She pounded her fists into the bed in frustration. �Here I am helpless! There was nothing I could do!�

   �I do not pretend to know what you were capable of in your world but I am certain you did all that you could and that is all anyone can ask of you.�

   �First her husband and now her baby. How much can one person bear? Why does there have to be so much pain in life?� It was a question she already knew there was no answer for but felt compelled to ask it anyway.

   �I do not know. One could no sooner know the number of stars that fills the firmament than the answer to that,� he replied softly. �Is there anything I can do for you? Anything I can get you?�

   �Just hold me,� she said defeatedly. �I just want to feel your arms around me.�

   Legolas curled himself around her and draped his arm over her side, whispering words of comfort to her in his native tongue. Though she did not understand them, she listened to their soothing tones and they lay quietly for a long while.
   �Come,� he said finally, patting her arm as he sat up, �we must get ready for the celebration.�

   She shook her head. �I don�t want to go. You go on ahead.�

   �Jordan, you cannot spend the evening sulking in your quarters.�

   �Why not? How can I celebrate after what happened today?�

   �What happened to Mariwen was a tragedy, but it is over and done. Dwelling on it accomplishes nothing.�

   Jordan sat up with a start. �What? Are you saying I shouldn�t grieve for my friend?�

   �No. You can, and should, grieve for her but it does not mean you have to put all else aside.�

   �I�m not!� she insisted. �I just feel guilty for going out and having a good time while she is in pain.�

   �Your guilt will not heal her wounds nor will you inflict any by attending the celebration. Would Mariwen expect you to deny yourself enjoyment because of what happened to her?�

   �No.�

   �Would you rather spend the evening comforting her instead? I would not be opposed to it.�

   �No,� she said with a heavy sigh. �Astrid gave her something to help her sleep. She will most likely sleep until tomorrow morning.�

   �Then you have done all that you can for her. Come with me to the celebration. It will do you good to be out amongst friends. Besides,� he added, �who will I dance with in your absence?�

   Jordan grimaced. �Ugh. That. I almost forgot.�

   Legolas smiled and lifted her chin with the tip of his finger. �Yes, that.� He kissed her softly, his lips lingering on hers for a moment before he pulled away.

   She made a noise somewhere between a moan and a growl. �How can I resist you when you do that...when you look at me like that?� she complained.

   �A good question. How?�

   Legolas cupped her face in his hands and kissed her again.

   �You know there will be the finest musicians from regions near and far. You are always saying how music is hard to come by in Middle-earth. This is your chance to hear some.�
   She paused for a moment, looking into his eyes. She could feel the ebb and flow of their love through their bond. It was like a life force unto its own. She spent her whole life knowing nothing of it and now she knew with absolute certainty she could not live without it. It overcame her with the fiercest of emotions. The gift of his love was like a sacred treasure to her because she knew all too well its hefty price. His sacrifice was not that he would have to give up his life for her, but that he could not give up his life for her. His sacrifice was that he would endure�alone. She was taken by the overwhelming urge to protect him, to prevent any suffering no matter how great or small, and to ensure his happiness while she still lived. Their time was too short to waste for any reason.
   She stretched out her hand and stroked the top of his head, running her hand down the length of his hair.

   �It would make you happy if I went.�

   �Aye, it would very much,� he said softly.

   �Okay, I will go. I want nothing more in this life than to make you happy. I will do whatever you want, go wherever you want; I will deny you nothing�� She stopped abruptly and sighed in frustration. Words would never convey the surge of emotion she felt.
   He was struck with the intensity of her sudden outpouring, and a little confused as well. He had to stop and think. Had he given her the impression that he would be angry if she did not attend the celebration? Disappointed, yes, but not angry.

   �Where did all this come from?�

   �I don�t know. I was just thinking and...I just...I love you so much. I don�t want anything to stand in the way of our time together when we have so little of it.�

   Legolas frowned. �I love you as well, but I do not wish for you to sacrifice your own needs for the sake of my happiness. If you really do not want to go��

   She stopped him. �No. I want to go. I want to be where you are. You are right. I can go to the celebration as well as keep Mariwen in my heart and in my thoughts.�

   He smiled again and kissed her forehead. �Alright then. Shall I have a bath drawn for you?�

   Jordan looked down at herself. Though her dress was surprising unsoiled, she felt tainted. �Please.�

   �Alright. Will one hour be sufficient for you to bathe and dress?�

   �It should be.�

   �Very well. One hour then.�

   Legolas left and the shortly thereafter the servants arrived to draw her bath.
   She bathed as quickly as she could, focusing on the tasks at hand so her thoughts would not drift to the events of that morning. Just as the water evaporated from her skin, so did lessen the ache in her heart. She thumbed through the contents of the wardrobe with mild contempt. Her choices were few; a handful of plain, dull gowns. The problem was she didn�t know what to expect of a celebration such as this. She imagined beautiful women twirling gracefully in extravagant ball gowns, and she would look like the hired help in comparison. She reluctantly settled on the claret-colored gown she had purchased at the market.
   She was sitting at the vanity, brushing her hair when Legolas returned. He walked up behind her and placed a kiss at her neck.

   �You look beautiful.�

   �Pfff,� she scoffed.

   �What?�

   Jordan stood up and held out the sides of her skirt. �I look like a peasant,� she said sullenly.

   Legolas threw his head back and laughed. �Hardly. I like that dress.� He looked her figure up and down. �It accentuates your...uh...� He made a motion across his chest, an awkward grin on his face. She raised an eyebrow at him, then turned to study herself in the mirror.

   �Hmph.�

   Legolas wrapped his arms around her waist from behind and spoke to her reflection in the mirror. �So self-conscious you are my dear one. You do not see yourself as I see you. I see a beautiful woman. She is intelligent. She fascinates me. She makes me laugh and she makes me feel things I have never felt before: desire...passion. She is whom my heart has chosen, so you see, there is no need to be anything more than you already are to make me love you.�
   She gazed at their reflections. Her eyes wandered back and forth between the two figures in the mirror. One tall and beautiful with eyes the color of glacier ice and long shimmering silver-blond hair; the other, shorter and rather plain. There was nothing striking about her features. Her hair hung limply on either side of her face, two-tone in color as the highlights had grown out considerably since her arrival to Middle-earth. She felt a surge of comfort through their bond and knew Legolas conjured it purposely. His words, however, were not spoken simply to pacify her; she knew he truly believed them. Still, it was hard to undo years of self-doubt. She wondered if there would ever come of time when she felt worthy of his love. With a sigh, she forced herself to push aside her misgivings for the time being.

   �Are you ready?� he asked.

   �I just have to figure out what I�m going to do with my hair.�

   �Let me help.�

   She sat back down at the vanity. He took a small section of hair on each side, twisted them loosely, and pinned them together behind her head.

   �There,� he said as pushed the last pin into place. �Is it to your liking?�

   Jordan nodded in approval. �It�s fine. Thank you.�

   He offered his arm to her. �Well, then, shall we?�
~~~~~
   Jordan heard the roar of the crowd before they even reached the seventh level. As they emerged on the green of the courtyard, through the purple-gray filter of dusk, Jordan saw more people filling the courtyard that she had ever seen. The open-air kitchens and ale tents were still serving and the smell of roasting meat and wood smoke hung in the air. Colorful flags and banners strung up between tall posts billowed in the breeze. The cacophony of voices and laughter was deafening. Jordan clutched Legolas� hand tightly as they plunged into the crowd and wound their way through the multitude of people. Drawing nearer to the Hall of Kings, Jordan began to hear the faint sound of music drifting through the air. Drums. Strings. A flute. Simple instruments weaving an ancient melody no less beautifully than their modern counterparts.
(To listen along go to saoirselochlann dot com/chapter24 dot html)
   The Hall of Kings was only slightly less crowded than the courtyard. As Jordan peered across the sea of people, the first thing that caught her eye was Aragorn and Arwen seated on their raised thrones at the far end of the massive room. Both dressed in shades of gold and sapphire and adorned with crowns, they looked like statues of a god and goddess hovering above the masses. Jordan heard the musicians somewhere to her left, but could not see them through the throng of people. Along the outer edges of the room, people gathered in groups watching and talking as those in the center danced. Jordan stood on her tiptoes, leaning this way and that, trying to get a better view of the people dancing. To her relief, they were not collectively performing a choreographed dance as had she envisioned in her head. To Jordan, the style was more reminiscent of an Irish jig, and some weren�t even dancing at all, just jumping and spinning about. Legolas gave her hand a tug.

   �Come my love. I have found Gimli.�
   Gimli was standing against the wall near the entrance talking with a group of Dwarf men, each holding a mug of ale. Their animated gestures as they spoke sent waves of foamy ale flying through the air, though none of them seemed to mind. Gandalf was there as well, standing between two large pillars, a safe distance away from the spray.

   �Legolas, my lad!� Gimli yelled and slapped Legolas� shoulder, sending more ale sloshing to the floor.

   �Hello again, Gimli,� Jordan said.

   Gimli took her hand. �My lady, you look as pretty as a jewel.�

   �Thank you, Gimli.�

   Gimli introduced his companions as Bur, Othin, and Nithi, who also resided in the Glittering Caves.

   �Hammer and tongs!� Gimli cursed, looking down into his mug. �My ale is all but gone!�

   Jordan giggled. �No wonder. Half of it is on the floor.�

   �Aye, but the other half is in my belly, and that�s more important.� Jordan giggled again and Legolas grinned. �Me thinks another journey to the ale tent is in order! I will return. But if I should not, you will find me somewhere between here and there.� Gimli exclaimed, pointing to himself and the door to the courtyard.

   �Just look on the ground �neath the ale spigot!� Othin bellowed. All the Dwarves broke out in raucous laughter sending more ale flying and they disappeared into the crowd, still laughing as they went.

   �My goodness! Are all Dwarves that rowdy?� Jordan shouted to Legolas over the noise of the crowd.

   �Only after ten pints.� Legolas replied as they made their way over to where Gandalf was.

   �Good evening, Gandalf.� Legolas greeted him.

   �Ah, Legolas and the lady Jordan. So good to see you. This is a fine faire befitting a Hobbit, is it not?� Gandalf mused solemnly as he took a long drag from his pipe and blew lazy smoke rings into the air.

   �Aye, it is,� Legolas agreed, though his voice too had lost its enthusiasm. �It is a shame they could not be here.�

   �Indeed,� Gandalf said and went back to gazing out over the crowd, chewing on the stem of his pipe absentmindedly.

   Jordan thought it odd that the old wizard�s mood was rather subdued in the midst of a celebration in honor of one she thought was his friend. Legolas� mood seemed to dim slightly as well for a moment and she wondered if there was more to the story than she had been told.

   �Have you seen Faramir or �owyn? I have yet to find them.� Legolas asked of the wizard.

   �Hmm? Oh, yes. They are out there,� he said, pointing to the middle of the crowd, �dancing.�

   Legolas turned to Jordan. �Shall we join them?�

   �Ehh...�

   �You promised,� Legolas reminded her.

   �I know.�

   Legolas led her through the crowd towards the center of the hall. He quickly turned, slipped one arm around Jordan�s waist and grasped her hand with his free one, bringing it up to shoulder height as if they were ready to dance a waltz.

   �Wait!� she said, panicking.

   �What is it?�

   �I thought we were going to look for �owyn and Faramir.�

   His eyes twinkled with amusement and he smiled. �We will.�
(To listen along go to saoirselochlann dot com/chapter24 dot html)
   The musicians started to play a slow and gentle melody.

   �Just relax and follow my lead.�

   Legolas� beginning steps were slow and deliberate as he glided to the side, forward and back. Jordan still managed to step on his toes a few times, but he remained unfazed.

   �Sorry,� she mumbled.

   �You are doing well. Your posture is still rigid, though.� He pulled her body against his and rested their clasped hands against his shoulder. �Relax into me. Feel where I am leading you and step in that direction.� They continued to glide and turn slowly across the dance floor. Jordan did better once she could feel the motion of his body.

   �I think I�m catching on.�

   �You are doing splendidly.� The tempo of the music increased a step. Jordan laughed as he twirled her in circles.

   �This is kind of fun,� she admitted. The music began to build, increasing in tempo. Faster they went, gliding and turning. Legolas lifted her up easily about a foot off the floor, holding her tightly against him. She laughed again as he spun her around and around. Everything seemed to fall away as she looked down into his eyes and nothing existed but them and the music for a moment. He let her down gently as the music slowed, her body sliding down against his. As the last few notes drifted away, they clung to each other, their eyes still locked. Jordan was smiling, the exhilaration of it all leaving her tingling and breathless.

   �Our first dance.�

   �I shall cherish it always,� he said contentedly.

   �owyn and Faramir came up to them from amongst the crowd.

   �Good evening Legolas, Lady Jordan,� Faramir said with a polite nod.

   Jordan grinned sheepishly, embarrassed by the thought that someone she knew might have seen her dance but neither of them made any remarks.

   �Are you enjoying the festival?� �owyn asked Jordan.

   �Oh, yes. Very much.�

   �We have spoken with Aragorn and Arwen and they wish us to join them at their home in one hour for a private gathering.� Faramir informed them.

   Legolas nodded his head. �Then we will be there.�

   �Relay the message to the others for me? It seems �omer has yet to make his appearance and I can no longer locate Gimli.�

   Jordan pointed her thumb towards the doors and said with a grin, �Ale tent.�

   Faramir laughed. �I should have known.� The musicians had already begun playing another tune and Faramir grabbed �owyn�s hand and twirled her around. �Begging your pardon, but the music is right and I must dance with my lovely wife.�
(To listen along go to saoirselochlann dot com/chapter24 dot html)

   Legolas turned to Jordan. �And what of you, my love? Might I entice you to one more dance?�

   Jordan looked around. �Shouldn�t we go find Gimli and tell him about the gathering?�

   �There will be time for that. Come now. Just one more and then I shan�t ask again.�

   Before she could find another reason to decline, she found herself being whisked across the floor.
   One dance turned into two, then three. The crowd around them seemed to fade into the background. All Jordan knew was the face of her love smiling down at her and his arms around her. As she smiled back, she could not recall a happier time. Suddenly, a painful jolt down her leg brought the world rushing back in, and she cried out, her hands flying to grasp the offending limb. She would have fallen had Legolas not been there to catch her.

   �Jordan! Are you alright?� Legolas� eyes were wide with concern. �What happened?�

   Jordan shook her head. �I don�t know.�

   �It is your injured leg, is it not?�

   �Yes.�

   �Perhaps you have overused it?�

   �Yeah, maybe,� she agreed.

   �Let us find you a place to sit down.�

   He helped her over to the far wall where Gandalf still stood and found an empty bench.

   �Is everything alright?� Gandalf asked.

   �Yes, its fine. My leg is just bothering me a bit.�

   �Shall I fetch a healer?�

   �No, no, that�s not necessary. Thank you. I just need to rest for a moment.�

   She dismissed their concern, not allowing her thoughts to explore other, darker possibilities but she could not stop the sinking feeling in her heart. She tried her best to keep her feelings hidden so Legolas could not sense them. She smiled at him and tucked a loose strand of hair behind his ear.

   �Don�t worry�� Before she could finish her sentence, she was interrupted by the arrival of Gimli and his Dwarven friends.

   �Did we miss anything?� Gimli asked.

   Jordan breathed a sigh of relief, grateful for the distraction.
   Suddenly, cheering erupted from the crowd. Legolas stood up to see what was happening.

   �What�s going on?� Jordan asked.

   �Aragorn is about to speak.�

   Scanning the backs of the crowd, Jordan noticed �omer standing a few feet away, Faramir and �owyn as well, with their attention turned towards Aragorn.

    �Fellow Gondorians. Friends. Today we celebrate the birth of a great hero to these lands and all of Middle-earth!� The crowd erupted in applause and cheering. �Frodo Baggins did not consider himself a hero. He was not a soldier, nor did he have any training in combat. He accepted the task of destroying the Ring of Power not to prove his valor but simply because in his heart, he knew it was right. It takes courage to do the right thing, knowing there will be dangerous consequences...to put yourself in harms way for the greater good. So if we take away anything on this day, let it be this: always strive to do the right thing...however great or small the task, no matter the risk. Do that, and there is nothing we as a people cannot achieve.� He raised his gleaming pewter tankard in the air. �To Frodo!�

   �To Frodo!� The crowd echoed.

   Aragorn raised his hands to silence the crowd. �Tonight, we have in attendance some special guests. They have traveled far from the North-kingdom. Welcome them.�

   There were quiet gasps and murmurs from the crowd. Jordan craned her neck trying to see above the heads of the people, but to no avail. She stood up balancing most of her weight carefully on her good leg. On the stage, she saw four of the most beautiful women she had ever seen. They wore flowing white dresses. Each had the same shade of golden hair that cascaded to their waist in curls and on top of each of their heads sat a crown of vines and green leaves.
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   They began to sing an eerie, haunting melody. No one spoke; no one moved. It was if the entire crowd had been rendered immobile by their siren�s song. Jordan stilled too, staring, unable to take her eyes off the women. Their voices seemed to rise up and drift through the crowd like a mist, seeping into the empty spaces. Jordan felt the music pass through her like a ghost and she shivered.
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   Before the crowd could awaken from their enchantment, the four women began another song. Jordan, so entranced by the music, was barely aware of Legolas taking hold of her arm and leading her to stand in front of him. He wrapped his arms around her, rocking her gently to the beat of the drums.
   The applause sounded like an explosion making Jordan jump. When the applause died away Aragorn and Arwen descended their thrones and left the Hall of Kings. �omer, �owyn and Faramir walked up, joining the rest of the group.

   �It is time.� �omer stated.

   With the entire company now assembled, they made their way through the crowd outside to the courtyard. Gimli�s Dwarven friends departed and the rest continued on to the home of Aragorn and Arwen for the private gathering.
~~~~~
   They were quickly ushered in to the large, ornate dining hall where the Aragorn and Arwen were waiting to greet them. A large fire roared in the oversized hearth. There was enough food and drink to feed a small army. The king and queen never did anything in moderation. Everyone was in high spirits as they ate and talked and drank and laughed. Even Gandalf seemed to be enjoying himself despite his earlier solemnity. Jordan didn�t mind not having much to say when the topic of conversation was of something she knew little about. In these moments, she watched and listened, taking everything in, recording every little detail to memory: the way Gandalf�s eyes twinkled as he spoke; �omer�s wide smile and infectious laugh; the little curve of �owyn�s pregnant belly starting to show through her dress; the way Faramir looked longingly at his wife when he thought she wasn�t looking; Aragorn�s openness and wit; Arwen�s quiet gracefulness; Gimli�s animated gestures. Then, of course, there was Legolas: the musical tone to his laughter, the way his hair swayed against his back as he moved, the way he would stretch out his hand for her to grasp knowing she was near without looking. As she looked around the room, she marveled at the fact that these were her friends. Any one of them would come to her aid and it had been a long time since she could say that. She would wrap these moments up and tuck them away, so that they may be relived in a time when happiness was harder to come by.
~~~~~
   Gandalf made his way to the head of the table and cleared his throat gaining everyone�s attention.

   �I have some news to share with all of you disheartening as it may be. I regret that my timing is ill conceived, but sadly, time is a luxury I no longer have. I will be departing for Lothl�rien tomorrow at first light.�

   Jordan felt a pang of anguish coming from Legolas through their bond as sharp as a knife. She had to stifle a gasp.

   �Frodo is not well. While his companions have returned to their former lives, Frodo has not been able to find peace in the Shire nor acceptance from his fellow Hobbits. The wounds he received from the Witch-king and Shelob have never fully healed. But a greater burden still is the guilt he feels for not being able to destroy the ring and the desire he still has for it. Eventually, it will drive him mad. It has already begun. The Ring has changed Frodo. He is no longer the Hobbit we once knew.�
   There were looks of shock and concern on everyone�s faces; everyone�s that is, except for Legolas�.

   �He already knew,� Jordan thought to herself. This would explain both Legolas and Gandalf�s melancholy disposition earlier.

   �Just like it changed Gollum.� Faramir said darkly.

   �No, not like Gollum. Frodo was never fully seduced by its power, but it will destroy him nonetheless, one way or another.�

   �And here we are celebrating the one thing that has become his undoing!� Aragorn said loathingly.

   �We all bear the scars of war, Aragorn. Frodo is no different. The fact that he carried the ring as far as he did is a testament to his resilience and strength and should never be forgotten.�

   �Is he going to die?� �owyn asked.

   �Physically, no, but his spirit will waste away until he is nothing more than a shell of his former self.�

   �There must be something we can do for the lad,� Gimli said.

   �Neither the passage of time or the most skilled of healers can help Frodo now. But all is not lost. It has been decided that Frodo will pass into the West and it is hoped that there in the Undying Lands, he will find the peace and healing he seeks.�

   �The Undying Lands? How can that be?� Faramir asked. �I thought the Undying Lands were a place reserved only for the immortal.�

   �Indeed it has never been done before. As an emissary of the Valar, I beseeched them on Frodo�s behalf. Because of the great burden that Frodo had borne, they granted him permission to enter the Blessed Realm; Bilbo as well, for he was also a Ring-bearer for a time.�

   �What will become of them? Will they become immortal too?� Gimli asked.

   �No. The Valar have neither the power nor the right to confer immortality. Their sojourn will merely be a purgatory of sorts but one of healing and reflection until the time comes when they must pass away as all mortals do.�

   Those last words stung Jordan and she dropped her gaze to the floor.

   �When will this come to pass?� Aragorn asked.

   �We shall depart next spring. It is too late in the season now to make it through the mountain passes.�

   �Though your words might imply you are merely accompanying Frodo and Bilbo to the Gray Havens, I know it in my heart to be something more.� Faramir said sadly.

   �Yes, Faramir, your heart speaks the truth. Galadriel, Elrond, and I � the bearers of the three Elven Rings - will depart Middle-earth as well, never to return. And so it shall be: The Last Journey of the Ring-Bearers.�

   �Why, Gandalf? Why must you leave?� Aragorn asked.

   �I have accomplished what I set out to do. My mission is complete and now my time here is finished.�

   �Who will we call on for aid if evil should arise again?� �omer asked.

   �It is up to you now, the free peoples of Middle-earth, to handle your own affairs. It is no longer my task to set things right nor to help you to do so. Though I do not think you will need any help. I have seen all of you grow in wisdom and strength. You have plunged into the darkness and come out the other side, forging a new destiny for Middle-earth and I no longer fear for any of you.�

   The entire company stood silent and still, eyes unblinking, with their faces downcast, though no one had more cause to grieve than Aragorn and Faramir, as they had known Gandalf the longest of any of them.
   �Do not despair my dear friends. For every ending, there is a new beginning. You are coming into another chapter of your lives. One of peace and contentment. Enjoy it, relish every moment, for you have earned it.� After a pause, he said, �With the festival coming to an end, I suspect - with the exception of our gracious hosts - all of us will be bidding the city and each other farewell, is this not so?�

   �Yes. Tomorrow will be a day of preparation, the next day we ride.� Faramir answered.

   �I will be leaving in all haste for Dol Amroth at first light tomorrow. Perhaps I will not even wait for the sun to awake from its slumber. I have tarried here too long. I can only hope my letter has found its way to Lothiriel before I do,� �omer said.

   �Well then, is this the way we want to spend our last moments together? Brooding and with heavy hearts?�

   A chorus of half-hearted no�s echoed the room and the celebration resumed though not with quite the same vigor it started out with.
~~~~~
   The friends lingered long into the night, telling tales of old and drinking wine, reluctant to part. It was Gandalf, whose departure finally brought about the end of the celebration.

   �Well, the time has come when I must say goodbye. A wizard I may be,� he stood up slowly, bones creaking, with hat and staff in hand, �but an old one, and I still need my rest. I consider myself fortunate to have kept company with some of the finest people in Middle-earth. You will forever be in my thoughts...and in my heart. Farewell dear friends.�

   Gandalf turned and walked towards the door, robes billowing out behind him. Just before he stepped through the threshold, he glanced back and gave one last solemn nod, then he was gone.
   Jordan and Legolas were the last to bid Aragorn and Arwen goodnight and fell in a ways behind the straggled group as they made their way back to the courtyard. She felt an ache in her heart, a strange and lingering melancholy like from a distant memory. It was Legolas� emotions coming through their bond. She glanced up at his face. He wore a blank expression, staring straight ahead, as he walked. She wrapped her arm around his waist and pulled him closer. He looked down at her and smiled but it did not quite reach his eyes. Her leg was still bothering her, but she hid it from Legolas; the discomfort was manageable. He had enough to worry about.
   Up ahead of her, �omer walked alone. She didn�t know if it was from the emotions coming from Legolas affecting her, but it made her sad to think she might never see him again. She could not let him leave without saying goodbye.

   �I would like to say goodbye to �omer, if you don�t mind. I may not get another chance,� she said to Legolas.

   �Of course, my love. I need to speak with Faramir, anyway, before he retires for the evening. �omer!� he called out.

   �omer halted for a moment and allowed them to catch up.

   �Yes?�

   �Walk with Jordan a moment? I need to go on ahead and speak with Faramir.�

   �omer smiled. �Of course.� It pleased him that, after what passed between them, Legolas trusted him enough to walk alone with his lady.

   �Thank you,� Legolas said to �omer. He gave Jordan a quick kiss on the cheek. �I will meet you in the courtyard.� He jogged off to catch up to Faramir who was at the head of the group.

   �omer dipped his head politely and offered his arm. �Lady Jordan.�

   �Hello �omer,� she said, intertwining her arm with his. They continued walking at a slow pace towards the courtyard.

   �So you�re leaving tomorrow, huh?�

   �Yes, that is the plan.�

   �How far away is Dol Amroth?�

   �Two days� journey on horseback...if the weather holds.�

   �That�s quite far.�

   �omer shrugged. �I have traveled much further for much less.�

   �You love her a lot, don�t you.�

   He smiled. �More than anything. But we are stubborn, her and I. It took trying to envision a life with someone else to make me see there can be no other. I just hope it is not too late.�

   �If you love each other, nothing else matters. Time does not matter.� After a pause, she said, �I should know.�

   �omer stopped and gave her a meaningful look. There was a hint of sadness in his eyes.

   �Yes, I suppose you would, wouldn�t you? I am sorry. I do not envy the path you have chosen and the pain it will bring you both.�

   Jordan took a deep breath and smiled stoically. �Don�t be. We were brought together by fate. I can only believe there is some kind of plan for us. I have no regrets.�
   As they rounded the corner of the Hall of Kings, Jordan saw Legolas waiting for her in the now empty courtyard by the White Tree.

   �I have enjoyed getting to know you, Lady Jordan.�

   �Me too, �omer.� She patted his arm. �I�m sure everything will work out just fine. You�ll see.�

   He laughed once. �I wish I shared your confidence, Lady Jordan.�

   �After all,� she gave him a playful shove with her shoulder, �who could resist a handsome king?�

   He nudged her back. �You did.� They both shared a laugh.

   �You think we�ll see each other again some day?�

   �I truly hope so, Lady Jordan,� he said with a grin.
~~~~~
   Legolas remained silent on the walk back to the guest quarters. Instead of going to his own, he followed Jordan into hers as he often did, staying with her until she was sleeping. Inside, a fire burned low to ward off the evening chill. He moved the two chairs in front of the hearth and motioned for her to sit.

   �How is your leg feeling?�

   She rubbed it absentmindedly. �It aches some but I�m sure it will be fine tomorrow.�

   �Would you like me to heat some water for tea?�

   �No. Don�t trouble yourself. Come sit down.�

   He did not sit in the chair beside her, but on the floor at her feet with his back against her legs. He rested his head on her knee and closed his eyes. Jordan stroked his hair as she bent down to place a soft kiss on his ear.

   �I�m sorry about your friend,� she whispered. �I am certain he will find healing in the Undying Lands.�

   He nodded without opening his eyes. �I will always wonder if we could have done things differently...that perhaps if we had, Frodo could be living out his life in the Shire,� after a pause he said, �but five months or fifty years, it makes no difference. It is but a short time for me and one by one,� his voice cracked and grew quiet, �everyone I love will pass on.�
   Jordan squeezed her eyes shut from the pain he felt; the pain she felt from him through their bond. She bent down and hugged him tightly. �I�m so sorry, my love. I wish there was something I could do or say to ease your pain.�

   �You�re here and that is enough,� he whispered.

   �For now,� she thought. She sat up and began to stroke his hair again. �Can I undo your braids?� she asked.

   Legolas raised his head. �Why?�

   �Well you don�t sleep with them in, right?�

   �No.�

   �I like when you brush my hair and put it up. I find it soothing. I thought maybe I could do the same for you.�

   He nodded. �If you wish.�
   Untying the little leather thong that held it, she gently began to separate the strands of the small braid on the side, combing it through with her fingers, and then moved to the other side. Legolas sighed and closed his eyes. She worked slowly, as it was more about the process than the result. Once she had the intricate weave of the top braid undone, she shook out his hair and let it fall around his face. Curiously, his hair did not retain the shape of the braids; it remained straight. She didn�t want to get up to get her brush, so she combed through his hair repeatedly with her fingers, letting her nails graze lightly across his scalp.

   �Mmm. That is nice.�

   With her fingers buried in his hair, she started to massage his head, working from front to back, then down to his neck and shoulders. She felt his body relax against her legs. She slid her hands down his chest as she leaned over him. Putting her mouth to his ear, she whispered, �Stay with me tonight.�

   He shook his head. �You know we cannot.�

   �Please.�

   He removed her hands and turned around. �Jordan, as much as I want to, we would not be able to control ourselves.�

   �I could control myself,� she said in a tiny voice.

   �Perhaps you could, but I could not.�

   �Couldn�t we at least try? I just want to be near you. You can return to your quarters if our...passion gets out of hand.�

   �What if we cannot stop ourselves?�

   �Would that be so terrible?�

   His brows furrowed in disbelief. �You know what that would mean, then.�

   She shook her head. �I don�t care.�

   �That is just the desire of the bond speaking. We have been too close for too long today. You are not being rational.�

   �Not being rational?� she said indignantly. She opened her mouth to say something else, but then closed it. She huffed and flopped against the back of the chair. There was some truth to what he said.

   Rising up on his knees, he stroked her cheek, and then kissed her deeply. She groaned as he pulled away too soon for her liking.

   �Jordan,� he implored, �I will marry you, and we will be together, but we must do it properly. Because we are not in a time of war, there is no need for haste. We must adhere to tradition. My father, everyone, would expect no less.�

   She studied his face thinking about what he had said. She sighed and nodded in resignation. Legolas took her hands and kissed them. �Patience, my love.� He got up from the floor and sat in the chair next to her.
   The thought of his father made her uneasy. He was a king; his son, a prince. She was essentially a commoner and a mortal besides.

   �How will your father feel about you marrying a mortal?�

   �I honestly do not know.�

   �What if he does not approve?�

   He stared into the fire. �It matters not. My life is my own.� After a moment, he gave her a sidelong glance. �You should get some rest. We have a busy day tomorrow. I will stay until you are sleeping.�
~~~~~
   The morning sun shone dimly through the heavy fog that shrouded the city casting gloomy shadows. It seemed fitting, as the last day of Cormar� was to honor the dead. Among them, was Firindor, Mariwen�s husband. Jordan was somewhat glad they were not going to the ceremony. She had had her share of sorrow for the last few days. The majority of the day was to be spent preparing for their return to Emyn Arnen. They would depart Minas Tirith at first light tomorrow. Gimli and his three Dwarven companions would be accompanying them to deliver the consignment of ithildin-etched stones for Legolas� garden.
   As Jordan packed, she was filled with mixed emotions. The city had been her home for months. She had become accustomed to the hustle and bustle. In contrast, Emyn Arnen seemed so...isolated. Also, she would be leaving behind the friends she had made. She would miss Mariwen and even the ancient motherly Astrid who talked too much for her own good. She would miss Aragorn and Arwen. She knew Legolas would too. Even though he lived alongside Faramir, he was not as close to Faramir as he was Aragorn. Perhaps it was that Aragorn was closer to Legolas� kin than any man or that Aragorn�s marriage to Arwen mirrored his own relationship. Whatever it was, she enjoyed the way they interacted, jesting with each other like overgrown children. It made Legolas smile. She liked it when he smiled. But there was pain here too: in the Houses of Healing where she found Turgon, her tutor and friend, dead on the floor; his throat slashed by an Orc blade; in the garden where she wept after breaking Legolas� heart; in the archives overwhelmed with despair; in the eyes of her friend who lost her husband and baby. The pain she was eager to leave behind. Her thoughts turned to Mariwen again. She worried for her � worried what would become of her if not properly cared for mentally as well as physically.
   It was late in the afternoon when Legolas came in and plopped himself in a chair. He looked around at the bags she had packed.

   �We have secured two carts and the horses are ready and�� He looked up at her face and saw the distress there. ��what is wrong meleth-nin? He stood up and wrapped his arms around her. She rested her cheek against his shoulder.

   �Oh, nothing,� she sighed. �Its just hard leaving, you know? I was only in Emyn Arnen for a short while before we came here. I never felt at home there. I�ve finally gotten used to it here. I like it here.�

   There was the tiniest hint of sadness in his voice. �I am certain Aragorn would give you more permanent quarters if you so desired...but as for me, I have no other choice but to return to the colony that I am founder of and lord over.�

   �Legolas, I know you can�t stay here and I would never want to live apart from you. I only like it here because of the people around me, not for the city itself. Everyone I�ve come to care about was all right here. Now everyone will be going their separate ways. I don�t do well with change and that seems to be the only constant around here.�

   He guided her over to the chair and sat her down. Kneeling in front of her, he took her hands in his.

   �I am sorry my love. It is easy to see why you would identify with a group of people instead of the land, as you have no homeland of your own. Once you decide on where you would like to establish yourself, the sense of belonging you are looking for will come, but you must be patient. It takes time to settle into a new home.�

   �But where? Minas Tirith? Emyn Arnen? I don�t feel like I belong in either place,� she said with a tone of frustration.

   He searched her eyes. �You said you did not want to live where I am not, so I should think that would be plainly obvious.�

   �The Elf colony? Can I do that?�

   �Of course. I am lord and master of the colony. I say who stays or goes.�

   �But what if the other Elves don�t want an outsider coming into their home?�

   �Some will not, but I think you will find most of the Elves to be accommodating. Is that not the way it is in your world as well?�

   �Yes, I suppose it is.�

   She looked at him for a long while. In his eyes, she could see all of the possibilities of the new beginning she had hope to find in Middle-earth and she knew then it was the right decision.

   She nodded her acceptance. �Will I like it?�

   He kissed her hands and smiled. �I am certain you will be far from disappointed.�

   �What about �owyn and Faramir? I feel bad just leaving them after they were kind enough to take me in and care for me.�

   �I would not worry. I am certain they will understand. The colony is only a half-day�s ride from Emyn Arnen. You can visit them anytime you wish.�

   �Can I have my own house? Not just a room in someone else�s house?�

   Legolas laughed softly. �Yes, there are several dwellings to choose from. Some of the Elves have already moved on to the Undying Lands, since settling in the colony. There is also an assortment of furniture that has been left behind. You may have your pick of it. Whatever you need, I will see to it.�

   Jordan tingled with excitement. She felt like a kid making out her Christmas list.

   �Can I have a garden as well to grow vegetables? I have never had one before.�

   I can help you plant a small one if you wish, but it is not necessary to grown your own food. The kitchens have large gardens where all of the food for the colony is grown, and cooks there are too. Mealtimes are thrice a day served in the hall of the Great House. There is a library there, many sitting rooms and a healing wing also; which should please you.�
   Legolas was still on his knees looking up at her, a wide smile on his face. She was smiling back at him. She blinked a few times as a rush of heat swept into her cheeks. She felt lightheaded and giddy as if she were coming out of her skin, but it was not a wholly unpleasant feeling. The slight tingling she had felt grew and now spread throughout her arms and legs. This must be what it felt like when their two emotions combined into one. Jordan put her hands on either side of Legolas� face and kissed him, long and deep.

   �Then I am ready to go home.�
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Love's Redemption