The Edge of Night

Secrets Told

Elfwyn walks back to their camp in a daze. The mirror had confused her, as had the Lady's words. And without Gandalf to maybe shed some light on the subject, she had to be content with suffering in silence.

Flopping down on her bedroll, rather unladylike, she wasn't aware that Legolas was approaching until he sits down beside her. "What has you troubled so?"

"Nothing."

"Well that is simply not true. I have not seen you like this."

"Just a confusing conversation with Lady Galadriel... The future has me concerned and confused."

"I have found most conversations with the lady end with more questions than answers."

She doesn't respond, just nods absentmindedly, before turning to him quickly and catching him off guard. "Have you ever believed something with your entire being while also having no possible way of knowing how it could ever be?"

He looks confused. "I am not sure I understand what you mean."

She signs, running her fingers through her golden hair. "This is going to sound crazy and impossible but... I had a dream our first night in Lothlorien, up in the flets. There was an elleth, walking through the golden wood and I was following behind her. An elfling breaks through the trees and the elleth turns around and she's wearing my circlet from home. And Haldir is there, with the biggest smile on his face."

The expression on Legolas's face is unreadable. "What did the lady say of this dream?"

"Nothing. Just that even she is not all-knowing. And then she offered to let me look into her mirror... I am certain I will die before this journey comes to an end."

His eyes go wide. "The mirror only shows one possible future Elfwyn."

She shakes her head again. "I know some of the events that lead to it. If my death causes him to live, my sacrifice will have been worth it."

"Him? Him who?" When she doesn't reply Legolas is able to put the unspoken parts together. "You would sacrifice yourself for him? He will not like that. He took an oath to give his life if necessary for the people of Lothlorien."

"And if it comes to pass as I have seen, it won't be in defense of Lothlorien, or her people. It will be because of my people. My people, Legolas. How can I let him sacrifice himself when his people, your people by extension, will need him before this is over? Lothlorien will need him."

"And what of your people? Will you not protect your legacy for them?"

"My brother protects Rohan's legacy. My cousin, who will take the throne should anything happen to my brother, protects Rohan's legacy."

"So you're going to die? You're not going to give Haldir a chance to decide for himself?"

"You and I both know he would not let me do this. You must not saying Legolas. Swear to me." He doesn't respond, just gets up angrily and storms off.

Elfwyn scrambles to follow him but is stopped by Aragorn. "Let him go. He needs time."

...

Legolas stormed down one of the many paths along the forest floor. He was unsure of where he was going until he came upon the training field. He was about to take out his bow and quiver when he notices Haldir off to the side, instructing a group of young ellens in a basic archery class. He huffs and moves to leave.

Haldir looks over, confused. In the many, many years he had known the prince of Mirkwood, he had never known him to be quick to anger. Handing off the lesson to another warden, Haldir takes off after Legolas. "What is wrong my friend?" he asks when he catches up with Legolas.

"You need to make some distance from Elfwyn."

Haldir is shocked. "There is nothing untoward going on between Elfwyn and I."

"That is not what I'm worried about. She's been having dreams. Dreams that under any other circumstances I wouldn't be concerned with. And if the blood draining from your face means anything, she is not the only who has been having dreams, is she?"

"My dreams, and their meanings, are of no concern of yours Legolas." Haldir moves to head back to his talan.

"She means to sacrifice herself for you!" Legolas calls after him, causing Haldir to stop in his tracks.

"What?"

"She has looked into the mirror and has foreseen your death. She has already told me she will do whatever it takes to keep the events she saw come to pass. She will die for you."

...

Meanwhile, Elfwyn was pacing the length of their camp. After what had to be here fifteenth pass, Aragorn pulls her aside. "You're worrying the hobbits. What is troubling you?"

"Legolas, and the fact that he's speaking with Haldir on things that are not his place to."

"Legolas has grown to care for you, much like his younger sister. And he's been a friend to Haldir for many, many years. He's worried what this friendship will do to the both of you."

She lets out a deep sigh. "It really isn't his concern. I'm not certain what exactly the future holds for Haldir, but at least he will have one."

"What do you mean by that?"

"We will face many battles, before this war is over."

"Of that I have little doubt."

"If what I was shown comes to pass, our journey will had me home, to Rohan... and it will lead Haldir to his death."

Aragorn looked down, a pained expression on his face. "You've grown to care for him." She looks at him with wild, scared eyes, not dissimilar to the horses he knew roamed the plains of her homeland. "You know how this will end, even if you both live."

"Not all of us can be as fortunate as you and Lady Arwen."

He smiles, but there's no humor in it. "Arwen is sailing to the Undying Lands. She will not remain in Middle Earth for long." At this Elfwyn full out laughed, startling both Aragorn and the others.

"If you think Arwen is going to let anyone make her decisions for her, you are foolish. I may not have known her long but from our brief conversations, even I could tell she's as stubborn as I am. She will not go easily or quietly."

This doesn't seem to please him. "Enough on me. What of you and Haldir?"

"Nothing. I have kept my feelings, and the future I have foreseen, to myself."

"It appears, though, that someone else has not." Aragorn informs her as he points towards the entrance to the clearing where Legolas is standing with Haldir.

"I am going to kill him." She mutters under her breath as Aragorn leads her over.

"You and I need to talk." Haldir says, offering her his arm.

"Yes, I believe we do."