Building Ithilien [Legolas] LOTR

Different Paths You Might Take

Author's note: Again, thank you for the votes and comments. I am glad that you are enjoying the story. I promise Legolas and gang will leave Lothlorien one of these days! (but right now, they're having way too much fun there.)

The day was still early, and Legolas had promised to meet Celeborn and some of the other elves for council. Nearing Celeborn's chamber, he could already see a great many elves gathered through the open doors. Some he recognized; many he did not. Celeborn called the meeting to order, and Legolas let his eyes roam. Gilgafier and Gilfier sat next to Celeborn near the center of the room under a trio of arched windows. Lady Galadriel illuminated Celeborn's left side. Even in the warm afternoon sun, she seemed to emit light completely unto herself. Legolas could not help but get lost in her eyes, a darker blue than his own, deepened by the tonnage of years. Haldir stood protectively off to the left, behind the Lord and Lady. Farothin was there as well as the brothers Belegil and Sulindal. Legolas spied Eledhel who lifted his hand from his lap in a subtle 'what happened?' gesture.

'We'll talk later,' Legolas mouthed silently but smiled to assure him everything was all right.

Celeborn began the meeting and stood before the elves. "We have gathered here to discuss the fate of our people. No longer does our fair wood have the protection of the Lady's ring. Its ability to protect and sustain our city diminishes since the destruction of the One Ring." Many of his people exchanged worried glances or murmured softly with their neighbors. Celeborn wearily sat back down and reached for Galadriel's hand.

"Fear not, my children," she said, "for even this moment in our history has been appointed by the Valar." Her voice, low and resonant, soothed the council, dispelling insecurities. "You have a choice before you now," she continued. "There lies before you three paths you might choose. The first is to take passage to the Havens and sail to Valinor. This is the road of my choosing." She turned toward her husband.

"I have chosen to stay here," said Celeborn. "If your heart is not yet weary of Middle Earth, then you may elect to stay in the Golden Wood with me; alas, that its beauty should lessen in our absence."

"There is one more path open to all," said the Lady. "Beware, it is not for the weary or timid. Much peril lies in store for those who would travel the roads to Ithilien. I have foreseen it." She looked in Legolas' direction and bade him to stand.

"Members of the council," Legolas addressed the crowd, "I have traveled these roads to Ithilien. Even though Sauron has been destroyed, the threat of his minions still darkens fair lands. I cannot guarantee your safety in good faith, nor I do know what dangers we might encounter. I can only call upon you now, the strongest and bravest of hearts, to join me in forging a new beginning."

"We will not advise any to go or to stay. I will only say to trust in your heart's desire as you meet your fates," Galadriel said and rose from her seat. "All are here as representatives of their houses and loved ones. Go to them, and lay open the knowledge of this council so they might choose as well."