Saving the Sons of Durin

Thand Yuquain-Tád

~ Part Twenty-Two ~

"It is time to wake up, Ellía..."

A soft voice floated through the girl's mind as her eyes fluttered open. The first thing that registered in her mind was a familiar earthy smell. As she slowly sat up and looked around, the elf didn't recognize her surroundings. "H-hello?", Ellía called out into the forest, but was only met with silence. The only sounds that could be heard were that of birds and small animals rustling in the brush.

Ellía pushed herself onto her feet and brushed off the grass and twigs from her simple gown. "I was at Raven Hill... What happened?", she whispered to herself as she took a few steps forward, but stopped when she heard the same voice again. "Come to us, young elleth.", the voice called lightly. Ellía felt a soft breeze wrap around her and gently nudge her in the opposite direction she had been walking.

She followed the breeze and came to what looked like a natural path in the forest. The trees had grown to form an arch over the path that was covered in flowers. Ellía smiled as she noticed a familiar silhouette standing in the distance on the path. "Haruni?", Ellía called out and the glowing elf turned around and opened her arms up for her kin.

Ellía hurried towards Galadriel and welcomed her warm embrace. "I am very proud of you, child." The Lady of Light said gently as they pulled apart. "What is this place, Haruni?", Ellía asked as she looked around the thriving forest. "This is the Forest of Valinor." Galadriel replied lightly. "Valinor... D-does that mean I died in the battle?" Ellía asked after she realized where she was. "In a way, yes. Think back to the last thing you remember." Galadriel prompted and placed a comforting hand on the girl's shoulder.

"I was at Raven Hill... we were fighting goblins. I saw Fili and Kili run off... And then I followed. I saw Fili- oh gods. Fili was killed by Azog!", Ellía exclaimed as her eyes widened. Galadriel took her hands in hers as she calmly said, "He did, but do you remember what happened next, nin hén?". Ellía closed her eyes as she scavenged her mind for more memories.

Suddenly, an image flashed in her mind and her eyes snapped open. "You stayed with him while I aided Kili. When I returned you were gone but had left me an Eleanor. I used it to perform the Trading of Breath... That's why I'm here, isn't it? Even with the pendant, I'm too young to survive the ritual." Ellía said quietly and looked down at the forest floor. The older elf only smiled at her sadly and brushed a lock of hair behind the girl's scarred ear.

After a moment of silence Galadriel gently said, "Look up, nin hén ." Ellía slowly raised her gaze and saw quite a few glowing figures emerging from the woods around them. "Haruni?", Ellía said nervously as she took a step closer to her kin. "Be at peace, My light. Take a closer look." Galadriel whispered and nudged the elf forward. Ellía sucked in a sharp breath when she realized she was in the presence of the fifteen Lords and Ladies of the Valar.

"Díhen-nin.", Ellía forced out as she did a low curtsy before returning to Galadriel's side. The ethereal figures were silent for a fews seconds before one glided forward and their appearance became more visible. It was Nienna, the Lady of Mercy and the Weeper. Both Galadriel and Ellía curtsied to the Valar Lady as she approached them. "Please, stand." Her soft voice called.

The two elleths straitened and took in the beauty of Lady Nienna. "Galadriel. It is good to see you again." The Valar said gently. Galadriel returned the smile and gave her a small nod in return before Nienna turned her gaze to the younger elf. "Ellía, I am pleased to finally meet you face-to-face. I have been watching over you for some time now." Nienna told her.

Ellía waist awe and unable to form any words. Galadriel noticed this a hummed, "Her mind is still a bit clouded." Nienna nodded and even let out a small laugh and said, "That is understandable after what you have been through, child. You have impressed us, my dear. Not only did you accept the path we laid for you, but you were able to follow it without starting." Upon hearing her words, Ellía's heart leapt with hope.