Adult-FanFiction.org : Lord of the Rings

Scarred Fate	By : Massanie Category: +Third Age > Slash - Male/Male Views: 2051 -:- Recommendations : 1 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Lord of the Rings, nor the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
- 32
- 33
- 34
CHAPTER 33: Lalaith's son

CHAPTER NOTES

SCRIPTS:

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

Galadriel stood on one of Imladris' balconies, looking towards the mountains in the east behind which her son-in-law was riding north with her cousin, desperately trying to find Erestor in time; and there was nothing she could do for them now.

To add to her worries it seemed that her grandsons where still somewhere out there in the harsh Misty Mountains and Elrond had not heard from them yet.

As if that wasn't enough the fact that both spies had drunken water from the Enchanted River to delay an interrogation for some weeks was greatly troubling Galadriel, for it meant that those depraved ellyn were certain that the elven lords and ladies would then not be able to find Erestor even with the information the spies could provide them and moreover – that Imladris would then no longer be a threat to the culprits.

But Galadriel knew not yet what to do about that threat. She had concentrated Imladris' troops behind the River and watched the lands beyond it constantly but aside from that she could do nothing without her mirror.

Sometimes waiting was the hardest of her she felt another presence entering the area that she protected with her sharp mind. Thoughtfully she tilted her head, trying to establish a connection.

Something mighty, a radiant light had entered. One of the Maiar.

Gandalf.

And the greatest of the great eagles, lord Gwaihir.

**Gandalf. What are the wisest of the Maiar and the lord of birds doing here in Imladris? **

**Probably the same that the lady of the Golden Wood is doing in the Last Homely House: they seek to protect and acquire information, Galadriel. **

** I have no time for these games, Gandalf the grey.** She said calmly, careful to not let him feel her unrest through the mental connection she had established.

** Neither have I, dear friend. **

Galadriel sighed. If she wanted to get anywhere with that old Maia she would have to offer him something first, it seemed.

** Elrond is on his way to Mirkwood to save Erestor. **

** I know. Your grandsons told me as much when I found them in the Misty Mountains, following his tracks. **

** My grandsons? Tell me then: are they well? We are in concern! **

** Do not worry: I sent them back to Imladris, but they will need some days to arrive. I have grave news for you, Galadriel. **

** Then come hither and be fast. **

Only an hour later Galadriel heard gasps and shouts from the Elves in the courtyard as they saw what she had seen long before them: one of the great eagles flying towards them.

Galadriel stood back as Gwaihir landed gracefully on the balcony and she bowed deeply in respect.

"Gwaihir, lord of eagles! Every day I thank Manwë for the protection you have extended on us."

"Greetings to you, daughter of Finarfin."

Galadriel inclined her head before she turned to Gandalf who had somewhat awkwardly dismounted. Why that old wizard always tried to fool everyone with his pretended weakness was beyond her. Surely it had its advantages to be underestimated but Galadriel considered it to be arduous and unnerving to keep up such a façade.

"And welcome to you, old friend. Tell me now what grave news brought you here?"

"My eagles have seen soldiers from Angmar gather in the north and I brought Gandalf." The eagle cried.

Galadriel looked with shock from one to the other. When Gandalf had said that he had grave news for her she had not thought them to be that bad.

Gandalf then proceeded with telling Galadriel what the twins had told him and how they had parted. He described the gathering of the Orcs and how he had decided to come to Imladris to see what Galadriel had found out in the meantime.

Galadriel listened to the old Maia's tale with growing disbelieve. Valar, she had underestimated Erestor. The shock showed clearly on her beautiful face.

The wizard examined her. Galadriel looked weary. She had obviously not slept well for some time. For someone who had seen as much as she had in her long life, that was indeed something remarkable.

"So he somehow persuaded those Orcs to march against Imladris' enemies?"

Gandalf nodded.

"And I thought he had left Imladris defenceless."

She took a steadying breath and looked towards the Misty Mountains.

"And did you find out more about the mastermind?" Gandalf asked as the lady of the Golden Wood fell silent.

"His name is Brandon, an advisor in Thranduil's court. It seems that he is Erestor's uncle on the maternal side."

Though Galadriel was still facing away from her guests she immediately felt that something was wrong and she turned around and saw that Gandalf had paled visibly.

"Mellonen?"

"Go on, please. I ... just didn't know that Brandon had another sister." The old wizard murmured, feeling numb and cold.

Galadriel raised one elegant eyebrow but left it be when Gandalf shook his head slightly, indicating that he wasn't inclined to reveal his reasons. She would never intrude upon the innermost feelings of her long-time friend and so she simply complied with his wish.

"Erestor left a letter that contained his history ... but I should get Lindir as he is the only one having read said letter for it was destroyed." The wizard had always preferred to inspect for himself rather than getting his information by listening to hearsay.

And so Galadriel sent for Lindir and some refreshments for her guests. Soon at least half a dozen servants entered, carrying water for the great eagle lord and meat; a lighter meal of bread, fruits, cheese and wine for Gandalf. And while the two lords ate, Galadriel told them about the happenings in Imladris since she had arrived, the wizard listening in outward calmness. She was just finishing her recount of Lindir's kidnapping when a knock alerted them of the minstrel's arrival.

"My lady, I apologize for my tardiness. I was in the gardens and not easily to be found, I'm afraid." The white haired young ellon blushed slightly at being caught hiding in the rose-bushes once again.

"Lord Mithrandir, lord Gwaihir." He bowed deeply in front of the ancient beings.

"Rise, pen neth, and enter! Gandalf needs to ask some questions about Erestor's letters." Galadriel smiled at him encouragingly.

Slowly approaching the balcony Lindir became more than uncomfortable for reasons he could not really name. Maybe it was the age, wisdom and power of the three waiting there, maybe he didn't want them all to know about Erestor's innermost thoughts. The two letters in question – the one for Thalion and the one for himself – were highly private.

But it seemed that Gandalf was more than impatient. "Lindir, might I have a look at the remaining letter?"

The minstrel bit his lip but nodded as he took out the parchment. "Of course, master Olórin. Though I don't know what news you expect to find. We already know who is behind it. And there is no name in it but the one of Erestor's mother."

Lindir frowned in confusion. There was something in Gandalf's eyes, a shocked ... disbelief and he somehow had the feeling that the wizard was not searching for news exactly but for something else, a confirmation or a counter evidence of some unspecific, nameless fear.

"Give it to me, please."

And Lindir held the letter out for Gandalf to take who all but snatched it out of his hand and unfolded it with swift movements. A confused look was exchanged between Galadriel and Lindir and even Gwaihir didn't seem to know what drove the old wizard.

After only some moments of quiet reading all colour seemed to drain from Gandalf's countenance and his wrinkled face became stone. His eyes flew over the lines and his breathing seemed laboured somehow. As she observed her friend, Galadriel wondered what exactly had shocked the old wizard like that.

Finally the Maia folded the letter and turned to Galadriel, for one moment he seemed close to fainting. "Just how old exactly is Erestor?"

Galadriel was confused at the strange question and she turned to Lindir for help.

The young ellon stepped forward. "No one knows how old he is *exactly*. He never told anyone. This year he celebrated his 405 birthday but that is not his real age."

Gandalf narrowed his eyes. "Then guess, how old is he?"

Galadriel looked at her friend in disbelief. Since when did that wizard settle for guesses?

Lindir nervously looked to Galadriel, wishing to know what went on in the suddenly single-minded Maia. What had Erestor's exact age to do with solving their current problems?

"He must be between ... 445 and 452 ... or 453 years old. He celebrates the day that he was found by captain Thalion of Mirkwood ..."

Galadriel frowned. Gandalf seemed to be frozen in time, his grey, watery eyes looking down to the letter in his hand, ghosting over the words.

"What does this mean, Mithrandir?"

"Erestor's mother ... Lalaith."

Gandalf spoke the name so softly, so full of regret ...

Suddenly Galadriel's eyes widened in realisation. "You knew her."

The mirthless laugh made her frown even harder. "Oh I knew Lalaith alright ... and as she died 446 years ago Erestor must be around that age.

I left her a year before she died and she had no child then ..." Crumpling the paper in his hands Gandalf looked to the blond elleth in front of him, his eyes filled with tears. Galadriel shook her head in denial, somehow knowing what Gandalf was about to tell her.

"You must be mistaken!"

"We were lovers, Galadriel! I left her to travel ... I had things to take care off. I wanted to come back and take her with me then, take her to Imladris, away from her family ... they were rather ... taxing ... sometimes. But when I returned, they told me that she had drowned in the Enchanted River."

He frowned to keep his tears at bay. Lalaith had been such a special elleth. Beautiful in her own way, charming, loving ... in thousands of years that he had spent on Arda nothing had hurt this much. No pain had been this hard to bear.

He had been tempted to return to Aman then, only to be able to see her, talk to her fae in Námo's halls, even if he could not touch her ever again. But he had stayed, for his tasks on Middle Earth were far from being fulfilled.

To know that she had left a bit of her in this world, in the shape of a small elfling ... that this one had suffered alone, never knowing who he was ... that he could have prevented it ...

Lindir watched from Gandalf to Galadriel, mouth and eyes wide open in shock. The old wizard had to be kidding, that just could not be true.

"He is your son then? You want to tell me that you sired Erestor?" Galadriel exclaimed flabbergasted.

Gandalf cocked his head, his eyes roaming the room, his mouth searching for the answer. "She would not have betrayed me."

"Sweet Elbereth!"

Standing suddenly, Gandalf spoke up with a voice like thunder, the crumbled letter in his fist "I will take this, Galadriel. Brandon will wish he had never meddled in the affairs of a Maiar!"

He turned to the great eagle standing on the balcony. "Gwaihir, if you are willing to bear my weight a while longer, we should find your brother, see if he has found Erestor and then immediately fly to Mirkwood in case he has not."

The great eagle fluttered a little bit. Truth be told his wings were weary and he longed to rest but he could see the urgency in Gandalf's bearing. The wizard was wise and knew what needed to be done and the lord of eagles trusted him.

"I will carry you, Olórin. To Mirkwood and beyond, if you think it necessary."

"Thank you, my friend."

CHAPTER END NOTES

elleth ~ female elf

ellon ~ male elf

ellyn ~ male elves

mellonen ~ my friend

pen neth ~ little one
- 32
- 33
- 34
You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.
Report Story

Scarred Fate