The Book of Willow

Chapter Twelve

The rain that began the night of the battle persisted for the weeks that followed. Thick rain clouds shrouded the land in darkness and blanketed the land with sheets of rain without tire. In that time, Willow's grief was immeasurable. 

She kept herself hidden away in a cave just off the palace grounds. And in the gloom of her cave, she wailed in despair. The separation from Legolas had broken something within her. Her sorrowful cries echoed in the halls of Thranduil's mountain fortress, dispiriting every soul that would hear it. 

A sort of gloom fell over the palace stemming from Willow's agony. She turned away all who would attempt comfort her. She refused nourishment and drink. She shut herself away completely and only allowed herself to exist. Exist for the sake of the war, as a deterrent against Morgoth and saving the lives of those she cherished. Gandalf visited her often but just as often she turned him and everyone else away. Galadriel was the only one who hazarded being in her presence.

"Urwendi, you must eat. You must rest and maintain your strength for the trails to come." Galadriel said sternly as she pushed a tray of food towards Willow at the table. Willow's head lay against the table facing away from Galadriel, in an attempt to ignore her presence. She looked as deflated as she felt. She lifted her head and turned only enough to look Galadriel in the eye.

Galadriel gasped as Willow's eyes had become a strange mix of blue and red. Her aura was murky and dark. Her normal radiance was all but gone. The table underneath her was singed black as if pressed against an open flame. Although she did not appear ominous, Willow's affliction made her very dangerous, indeed.

Galadriel knew she needed to resolve this, or Willow's grief would not only destroy her, but take the entire kingdom with her.

"I've asked you not to come Galadriel. Heed my warnings and maintain your distance." Urwendi's voice was hushed and frightening. Galadriel struggled to hide her mounting fear.

"I will take my leave, once I see you've eaten." Galadriel replied straightening her posture and steeling her nerves. 

The tray suddenly levitated and smashed against the wall. The darkness around Urwendi coiled and thickened. It was now visible to the naked eye. Her eyes were a bright red flame, the darkness molded around her. She appeared ghastly and terrifying, an echo of Morgoth.

"Leave, while I still allow it." She whispered in Galadriel's thoughts.

Urwendi's power had grown much since the battle. The opposing forces kept their distance in fear of her strength. Galadriel too feared that her power would consume her. She stood up and made her way out of Willow's lodgings. She would try and entreat the goddess Vána once more to intervene on Urwendi's behalf. In the meantime, she would send for the prince, this rift must be repaired or Willow and Urwendi would be lost. She rushed to the palace to seek out Gandalf.

Legolas' thoughts drifted to Willow as he sat silently. He no longer sought her out but listened intently to any tidings about her that would surface. The most troubling one of late is that Urwendi was dying. 

He did not give much credence to the rumor since he knew her to be a Maiar. Death would not come so easily to one like her, still the thought of it troubled him. As he understood it, she no longer shines but a drape of darkness hovers around her. He contemplated going to her. He shook the thought, remembering her sincere request that they part. He clenched his breast as the ache in his chest grew stronger. His life would be endangered should his anguish overwhelm him.

He placed an arrow at the nocking point along the bowstring and drew back. He fired two rapid shots downing the orc scouts searching the area. The moment Willow decided she would no longer have him, he remained on the borderlands, refusing to return to the palace. He would be far enough away from her to dull the sharp pain of their separation. 

He could not look upon her day after day knowing he would not be able to claim her as his own. Far less, if he had to watch another man or elf claim her in his stead. Angered, he clenched his bow in his fist tightly; the wood cracked in complaint. He shook off his forlorn thoughts as he gracefully descended from his perch atop a lofty tree. When his feet hit the ground, he was immediately greeted by Gimli and Gandalf.

"See anything up their lad?" Gimli started.

"Nothing I couldn't handle." Legolas turned to Gandalf, "Mithrandir, what brings you this far from the palace grounds?"

Gandalf, despite his countless years never appeared to age. Today he seemed old, worn and haggard. He appeared a person under much strife. "It's you I seek Legolas Greenleaf, you must return to Mirkwood, with all haste. Willow is in danger, she needs you." He replied. His voice was filled with desperation as he clenched Legolas' shoulder as if to urge him on.

Legolas entered the tent and dropped his weapons near the bed. "Is Willow in danger, Mithrandir?" Legolas asked as he turned to face Gandalf who had just entered the tent.

Gandalf remained silent, but pensive. He was contemplating a response that would not alarm the young prince and Legolas knew it.

"Mithrandir, I would not have you keep anything from me. I will have the truth as it is. Do not attempt to spare me."

Gandalf strode to the bed and sat. He sighed as he began his explanation of Willow's predicament. At the conclusion of his account, he gazed earnestly at Legolas and said, "Legolas Greenleaf, with all my heart I feel we have done you two a grave injustice. Urwendi's reaction to your separation was extreme, to say the least. If your rift is not repaired, I fear for her. I fear for us all. She is the most powerful of the Maiar. If Morgoth should take advantage of her vulnerability now, I fear we have lost this war altogether. You must return to her. You must bring her out of this sorrow and darkness she has allowed to control her, back to the light. Back to the love and happiness you two once shared. It was never the Silmaril that made Urwendi's light change from red orange to blue. It was you. Your presence in her life changed her. I daresay, your love made her more powerful. But she needs you and I suspect you need her. Do not think I did not notice you clenching at your chest." Gandalf stated as he smiled and raised a quizzical brow. 

His face was downcast again as he said "We were wrong. We were all wrong, despite our long years and vast wisdom. You and Urwendi are two pieces that make one soul. Do not tarry. Ride hard and fast. She has not much time left." Gandalf stood to emphasize the urgency of the matter.

Legolas' eyes widened in surprise. His bright blue eyes darting to his weapons which he retrieved with lightening quick movements that even Gandalf had a hard time seeing. He ran from his tent towards the stables and leapt upon his white mare.

"Just where do you think, you're going, Laddy?" Gimli asked as he sat atop his mount fully suited and packed.

"I go to reclaim my woman. It will be dangerous. I do not ask you to join me."

Gimli gave a hearty laugh before saying, "You've never had to. Lead on, you daft love-sick prince."