Title & Chapter Number: Elencálë (The Light of the Elves) 8/?
Author(s): - Author's Index
Fandom: Middle Earth/Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon
Rating: NC-17 Romance/Adventure
Disclaimer:
Warnings:
Betas:
Cast: Legolas/Shu Lien
Timeline: AU - Post RotK
Spoilers: None
Summary: This story takes place about 100 years after the quest of the One Ring. Even after the fall of Sauron, the foul breath of evil can still be felt on the winds of Middle Earth. Some say it is just the nature of the world, the shadow of the light. Some say it is rising and has once again become sentient. King Elessar rules with a just and even hand, but Men throughout the land are falling into darkness, succumbing to greed, hatred and violence among themselves and against the world. The Light of the Elves departs as the Eldar continue to withdraw to the West, leaving darkness in their wake.
Notes: Elves do not close their eyes during Reverie. While I have updated the sexual culture of the Eldar to reflect more modern values (and indeed the fact that I feel that such sensual and advanced beings would revel in such a pass time and consider it natural and pure), the concept that Elves can tell if other Elves have had sex actually is Tolkien's.
Chapter 8
Shu Lien's horse galloped across the final field approaching the forest of Lothlórien which rose majestically before her. She had spent two days in intensive meditation and training and felt much more at peace and centered, her boundaries once again erected.
Out of an intuitive reverence, she dismounted and brought her palms together in a bow as she reached the edge of the wood, walking her horse into the sacred forest. The ancient trees stood as proud sentinels to kinder days, exuding in the afternoon heat a verdant, thick and heavy scent of plants, flowers, leaves and life. Shu Lien breathed deeply, feeling that the smell was almost the only sustenance that her body would ever need.
Her horse sidestepped nervously, whinnying softly. Shu Lien felt it too, they were being watched. She had expected the Elves to greet her immediately, for none tread in the Golden Wood without their knowing. Whispering soothing Quenyan words softly to her horse, she slowly began moving through the forest, relaxed and simply waiting for the Eldar to appear.
Her eyes took in all around her, an excitement rising in her breast at being amongst the trees of that fabled land. It was truly more breathtaking than even the most deferential of songs she had heard. The sounds of the birds were somehow more musical, the rustle of the leaves like a loving whisper. The trees rose grandly, their trunks smooth and silver, and only small plants and flowers graced the sun-dappled, mossy carpet of the forest floor. All was simply breathtakingly beautiful. This wood exuded a magic, a serenity, a peace that was pure and sublime.
When the Elves finally appeared seamlessly from behind the trees, seeming to step out of the fabric of the forest, Shu Lien was not surprised. The sound of their bows stretching as arrows were notched did not disturb her as four archers sighted her. She was comfortable around Elves. The Mandärin considered them as brethren. She stood patiently, hands coming to rest in front of her peacefully as the leader of the group stepped before her. Shu Lien put her palms together and bowed. She met his unconcealed measuring gaze reading a haughty, mocking patronization.
"What manner of human are you? What is your business in the Golden Wood?" He asked her in the Common Tongue. His nasal voice matched his eyes as they looked down his nose at her. He knew exactly who she was.
"My name is Shu Lien of the Mandärin. I seek shelter on my journey to Rivendell. I travel on Elvish business, bearing a package entrusted to my care by the Elves of the Amaurëa." Shu Lien answered evenly in Sindarin.
"A human who thinks she is an Elf!" He sneered, glancing over to her bare-back horse but switching to Sindarin himself. "*You* are Shu Lien? Surely not!" He laughed deceptively low, mocking. "For Elrohir has spoken of nothing but your battle prowess since his arrival in our fair wood three days ago."
Shu Lien laughed softly, unperturbed, "I am sure you are aware that Elrohir is prone to dramatic exaggeration."
Haldir did not smile. Deliberately appraising her by looking up and down her form, he continued, "I would tend to agree: you look like you could barely lift a sword, let alone wield one. I would take you to be fit for nothing more than a well-cooked meal and a pleasant evening, perhaps." His gaze cut to his companions as he chuckled. Shu Lien acted as though he had commented on the weather and simply continued to hold his gaze, face dispassionate. His eyes displayed his slight fluster at being unable to ruffle her composure as quickly as he had hoped.
Shu Lien smiled a smile that did not reach her eyes. "If you wish to rile me into action with insults, rest assured you will not be successful. My people do not engage our weapons except in physical defense. If you desire a display of my simple craft, you must strike with more than mere words."
His posture changed subtly and she knew he was going to take her up on the offer. She turned to her horse and whispered words so that she would trot off out of harm's way. Shu Lien had not completely turned back to face Haldir when his long sword was drawn and striking at her. She easily dodged the blow, jumping lithely into the air as she turned, placing a well aimed blow to his head with her foot, and unsheathed her short butterfly swords in a heartbeat. She landed with the lightness of a cat, touching her blade meditatively to her forehead and awaiting the next strike, body taut.
Haldir had been surprised by the quickness of her movements and strength of the blow to his head. He shook his head briefly to clear it before letting anger overtake him. He struck out again at the female. Shu Lien blocked his blow easily, coming back with several quick twisting blows that he was barely able to deflect. Spinning around she brought her foot in contact with his side again before once again awaiting him to gather himself. He came at her and she brought his sword around with hers using his momentum to throw him to the ground.
Though an excellent archer and swordsman both, he knew he was outmatched immediately and it made him furious. He rose, eyes dangerously dark, covering humiliation with rage. He lunged at her, executing a quick succession of attacks, using his Elvish reflexes to his advantage. Shu Lien's face was set with a severe focus and she parried each blow, divining his next move by his change in posture. Splitting her swords and taking each blade into her hands, she executed her own attack using spins, jumps and dodges to confuse him and continue to pull him off balance so that his defense was weak. Several times she brought the pummel or flat of her blade to blow on his body meaningfully.
Feeling that he probably got the point as he raggedly faced her, when he lunged again, she pulled him off balance as she brought her two swords around his, twisting quickly so that his weapon was pried from his grasp and onto the ground. Shu Lien sheathed her own blades, bowed to him graciously then quietly stepped back to her original position and called softly to her horse, as if nothing had happened.
Haldir stood fuming silently for a few moments while the adrenaline subsided, then bent to pick up his sword, sheathed it with some force and straightened his tunic. Shu Lien's casual professionalism had allowed him to save some face, but he was still feeling humiliated. As he calmed, it would pass however. Haldir was indeed egotistical and elitist - disliking humans as a group - but he was also a seasoned warrior and as such his appreciation of an art well-executed would win out. Especially when Shu Lien demanded no recognition or acclaim for her virtuosity.
She met his eyes with no sign of censure as he spoke flatly, "Lady Shu Lien: I am Haldir of Lothlórien. Lady Galadriel awaits to welcome you to our lands." Shu Lien inclined her head in consent and he turned immediately whistling up into the trees with the voice of a bird. Four other Elves dropped soundlessly down from their hiding places. One of the Elves who was nearby stroked the neck of her horse, asking permission to lead her, and Shu Lien followed Haldir as he briskly set down an invisible path through the forest, the others in the party of Elves taking places both before and aft.
Shu Lien walked in appreciating silence, drinking in the magnificent beauty of the forest. She sensed the curiosity and covert stares of the Elves around her, smiling softly as several changed their position in the group to get a better view of her. She knew she must be a welcomed curiosity. Elves seldom encountered anything new in their long days, and when they did, they devoured it with the hunger of starvation.
Shu Lien instinctively made herself more accessible. "I am surprised to find that the songs of the Amaurëa do not begin to do justice to the magnificence of your wood. And, I might add, the Amaurëa are famous in our country for their flamboyant tendency to embellish a tale." She laughed quietly as she spoke to the back of Haldir's head, making friendly eye contact with a few of the Elves walking near her as she spoke.
Haldir paused, turning, a smile of pride and adoration for his land softening his severe features. "Lothlórien is the fairest forest in all of Middle Earth, it is true. Tell me, what do they say about it?" He resumed walking.
"Well, the full story on that, Lord Haldir, will have to wait until the obligatory evening ballads, will it not? Otherwise I shall have no cards to play!" Shu Lien teased gently. He didn't turn around, but Shu Lien almost thought she heard a chuckle.
She had effectively opened the door, however, and an Elf walking at her side asked her, "So how is it that you speak Sindarin like it is your mother tongue?"
"It is, in effect. Actually Quenya is my native tongue if I have one, as it is what the Mandärin favor. We speak both Quenya and Sindarin from childhood. Most human houses use them as much as our ethnic tongue, Canton, the language of Man in the Romanórë. There are just some things that can only be expressed in Elvish." Shu Lien's casual comment brought a few agreeing nods. The next question was asked by another, as the Elves warmed to the opportunity.
And so the two day journey through the outer wood passed amiably, Shu Lien answering every eager question with patience and interest, detailing the much-loved life of the Twin Cities that would never be the same again. It was comforting to be back among Elves of any kind, for she missed the gentle ways of home.
~*~*~*~
Finally they entered the city of Caras Galadhon, Shu Lien had to let the answers to the insistent questions die in her throat. The beauty of the place was breathtaking. She could do nothing else but sweep the city with her eyes, trying to take in every ornate detail, trying to commit it to memory so she would remember what true grace was now that she had seen it. Her party watched her awe with small smiles of appreciation and pride stealing across their faces.
All but Haldir silently departed as they began their ascent to the Lady's flet, respecting Shu Lien's trance of admiration. Haldir led her up endless stairs to the upper-most reaches of the majestic Mallorn-trees to a flet that held guards dressed in gray mail with white cloaks hanging down their backs. Here his escort ended. Before he descended again, however, he turned to Shu Lien and caught her eyes.
"Elrohir did not exaggerate." He said simply and ever so quietly, his eyes smiling, though his face held its formal stiffness.
Before she could even smile in response, he had turned and lightly descended out of view. Momentarily distracted she did not see the Lady Galadriel and Lord Celeborn descending the dais before her until they were half-way down the steps. She immediately bowed low, palms together. Respectfully, she did not straighten until her name was spoken.
"Shu Lien of the Mandärin, we welcome you with open arms to the
Realm of Lothlórien. We have never had the privilege of honoring your people in our fair land." Celeborn greeted her in a gentle but powerful voice, speaking to her in Quenya.
Shu Lien looked up at the magnificent beings before her, dropping her hands to her sides, easily. Pausing with the thoughtful deliberateness of her people, she met the eyes of each slowly, taking in their beauty, their dignity, their power. "My Lord and Lady, it is indeed a blessing to behold your fabled lands. The beauty of both yourselves and your wood defy description in any language of Middle Earth." Shu Lien said sincerely relishing speaking the comforting Quenya with the ancient Elves.
"Such sweet words from a weary traveler! We wish to take little of your time before our evening meal, but wanted to welcome you properly." Galadriel said meaningfully in her slow and regal way.
"I hope you have patience with our people." Celeborn added, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth "There is nothing we love more than new stories and songs."
"Then we have much in common!" Shu Lien smiled.
Galadriel returned her smile warmly. "Good, then perhaps we may offer you our hospitality and respite for a month out of your journey?"
Shu Lien sighed ever so slightly. "Lady, I would love nothing more than to remain indefinitely! However, I feel I can not delay my journey as long as this. Perhaps a week will provide time enough to begin to learn the songs that each has to sing?"
"Ah, I understand. However, only with the insistence that upon your return journey you take refuge in our wood again for a longer stay." Galadriel broadened her smile and then her face took on a more serious expression. "I would speak with you about that which you carry. But let us not discuss such matters until after you have rested. Please enjoy our hospitality, and take your quiet at length whenever you need it." Her body language changed as they prepared to ascend the stairs once again. "I would wish that your stay with us in Lothlórien brings you the peace that you seek." Shu Lien bowed low as the two exited the receiving area. An Elf guard stepped forward to escort her down the stairs.
~*~*~*~
She led Shu Lien to the base of one of the majestic trees to a small area with fountains and small white tents set up by the trunk. There lounged Elrohir, as Gimli was recounting some raucous story enthusiastically with his gravelly voice. Shu Lien's eyes swept the area and found Legolas sitting by a nearby pool, his back turned to her as he casually examined each of his arrows, his mind elsewhere. Gimli was the first to see her.
"Ah! Finally you catch up! I was wondering if the Dwarvish pace was too much for you, human!" He said in typical gruff jest, making her feel immediately comfortable and welcomed. Several of the Lothlórien Elves had gathered around the staircases, curiously but discreetly watching the new arrival.
Elrohir stood, smiling a warm greeting. "I trust the road was kind to you?"
"It was indeed, though any hardship suffered would certainly be forgotten in such splendor." Shu Lien met Gimli and Elrohir's eyes with companionable warmth, but only paused briefly. She walked passed them to where Legolas had stood, regarding her with relief and subtle apprehension.
Shu Lien stood before him, quelling the strange feelings reeling inside her chest at seeing him again. Without a word she bowed low then got to her knees, bringing her palms to the ground before her to bow again so that her forehead was inches off the ground. It was a gesture of extreme respect and humility for her people. Having completed the prostration she stood once again and met his eyes.
"Please accept my apology. I am not worthy of the patience and grace that you have extended to me. You are an admirable shield mate and your friendship has been invaluable to me on this journey. Your gentle ears heard words from the dark corners of my mind: from my fear, from my weakness. I am disgraced. I humbly ask you for compassion, for my behavior cannot be forgiven." Shu Lien naturally spoke the formal words in Quenya.
Legolas said nothing but inclined his head, touching his forehead and then his heart. He met her eyes once more, reading the boundaries that had been placed there. He spoke with matching restraint. "We welcome you to the fair Lothlórien. We traveled with the fear that your path may have taken you down dark roads."
As their eyes locked, each faltered, the edges of unease rising unbidden. They did not know what else to say, the tried and true simplicity of duty having been exhausted.
Gimli strode up at that moment and put a heavy hand on Shu Lien's shoulder. "Well now, lass, you look as if you have not eaten in three days. Lets see if these Elves can conjure up an early snack before you are shown your room, if you can call it that." He chuckled good-naturedly. Gimli refused to sleep in the trees and therefore was given tents at their trunks. Legolas and Elrohir stayed with him to keep him company. "You must conserve your strength so that you will be able to sing all night."
Snorting in mock disdain, he turned her to where some of her hosts were regarding the scene curiously. Several escorts eagerly presented themselves and led her to a flet high above the nagging worries of her heart.
~*~*~*~
Legolas' eyes followed as Shu Lien was led away and then he sat back on the ground where he had been checking his weapons for the third time since he had arrived in Lothlórien. Resting his elbows on his knees, he let his eyes unfocus and let out a slow breath as his emotions tumbled over him. He felt immensely better just knowing she was safe. Her eyes told of her decision. Her emotions had all been pushed far below the surface. She wanted to continue on with their relationship as friends, of this he was glad, but there was a barrier being erected around her that must not be crossed: she would keep her distance.
Legolas sighed almost in relief. Knowing what was expected of him was comforting. He was used to guarded restraint and suppression. It was how he survived. It would be an easy role to fill.
With the resolve that came with having sorted out these thoughts Legolas stood, stretching physically as his mind settled comfortably.
Immediately Gimli, who had been surreptitiously watching him, noticed the difference in body language and drew him in, trying to dispel the discomfort over the whole situation.
"So I will not be the only one in the dark in Lothlórien just because I don't speak this blasted Elvish tongue... what was that about?" He said with mock impatience.
Elrohir chuckled and summarized what she had said.
Gimli laughed boisterously. "She has a tongue as sharp as her swords? Though it be none of my business, I want to know what she said to insult an Elf!" His eyes were glowing with mischief.
Legolas cut his eyes over to the Dwarf. "Actually she said - strangely enough - what my other mortal friend said to me years ago..." Legolas turned to face him straight on with a menacing expression. "That you should never trust an Elf."
Gimli laughed so suddenly and hard that he doubled over. "I knew I liked that girl!" he bellowed.
~*~*~*~
Shu Lien had spent the late afternoon bathing, brushing and rebraiding her hair, meditating, and just lying on her pallet looking up at the trees. An Elf had come up to bring her some fresh clothes. She had been instructed to get specifications for Shu Lien's home garb so that some could be constructed for her. Shu Lien described the style and allowed herself to be measured, thanking the Elf and asking her to convey her deep appreciation to the Lady for her thoughtfulness. Though she was very comfortable in Elvish garb, she felt more herself in the clothes of her people. It gave her a sense of comfort and identity.
As evening settled, a whispering glow hung over Caras Galadhon, making it look like the moon itself spent its evenings under the majestic Mallorn-trees. Shu Lien had dressed in the silvery white archer's tunic that had been brought to her which was delicately embroidered at the collar, hem and wrists. The leggings were of a natural creme that just brought out the embroidery. She pulled on her soft boots over them.
An Elfling hopped onto her flet and looked at her with an energetic smile. Shu Lien laughed lightly at the joy and gaiety in her eyes. "My lady, I am Aiwëhina <little bird>. I have come to escort you to dinner."
She grinned, holding out a delicate flower whose silvery petals seemed to glow with the light of the moon. Shu Lien bowed and took the flower, tucking it behind her ear.
The Elfling cocked her head and nodded. "It becomes you. Legolas sent it. He said to tell you that it is called Sérëlot <flower of peace>. With that she leapt to the ladder leading down. "C'mon!" Shu Lien followed smiling at the endless energy. She moved as if she were struggling to keep her feet on the ground, bounding lightly down the path, chattering happily and pointing out the plants and places that they passed.
Shu Lien was led to a huge platform high in the trees where many Elves had gathered around tables and were already beginning to eat, their soft conversations in the flowing, melodic Sindarin blended together to sound like a running stream.
As she was led onto the platform, many of the near Elves turned to look at her in a curious but friendly way. She smiled openly as several of the archers who had escorted her through the woods rose to greet her with gentle words. Asking her if she was being well tended, commenting on the warmth of the evening breeze, they engaged her in polite, friendly conversation. The Elfling scampered off to her friends, her duty having been fulfilled.
Legolas had seen Shu Lien the moment she had entered the area and now elbowed Elrohir in the ribs, nodding his head at the small group of Elves chatting softly with her. Elrohir surveyed the scene, then grinned wryly as he dutifully got up to go and rescue her.
"Shu Lien, it is as if a star has fallen through the leaves of the Mallorn. You look lovely." He greeted her in Quenya with a mischievous smile as he swept into the group and bowed slightly to her. Shu Lien grinned as she bowed, palms together, then took the arm he offered her. To the other Elves he apologized back in Sindarin, "You shall have her soon enough. I expect that she will be practicing with you tomorrow." They smiled good-naturedly as they returned to their seats. Elrohir led her towards their own table. "It seems you have already made quite a few friends. They are all anxiously anticipating an evening of ballads." He smiled with a good-natured wink.
Shu Lien returned with a small smile of her own. Across the room she met Legolas' eyes, and dropped hers to the floor as her chest tightened, unbidden. "I am looking forward to hearing the evening's songs as well." She looked up into Elrohir's kind face.
"Like hearing yourself sing, do you?" He chuckled, teasing her. She sniffed a laugh, squeezing his arm.
~*~*~*~
Legolas watched as Shu Lien walked with feline grace beside the flowing Elrohir. Their black hair stood out against the white blond of the Galadhrim. They made a striking pair. Shu Lien was wearing one of the formal outfits of the Lothlórien archers, the white and simple embroidery accentuated her natural elegance and presence. The flower he had sent to her was tucked behind her ear and was all the jewelry she needed, it somehow brought out her dark almond eyes. Elrohir and Shu Lien laughed easily, looking very comfortable in each other's presence. Legolas suddenly felt an angry heat rise up in his throat and he blinked in surprise. Was he feeling jealous? Shaking his head at himself he ripped his gaze from the two and turned his attention to Gimli, who was all too eager to provide a distraction, and began to make comments about the food and how it was delicious, but could not compare to the feasts laid out in his cousins' mine to the north.
As Elrohir led Shu Lien to their table - and Legolas - he felt her tense almost imperceptibly. Without even thinking about it, he put a comforting hand over her hand on his arm. Shu Lien relaxed slightly and Elrohir wondered if the exchange between them had even reached her consciousness, she seemed so distracted.
Gimli, Legolas and the other Galadhrim seated at the table rose respectfully as they approached. Shu Lien's eyes swept the group meeting each of their eyes with a smile until she reached Legolas. Her eyes slid over his face, not meeting his gaze. She couldn't.
Taking her hand from Elrohir's arm, she bowed pressing palms together to all. As she straightened her throat tightened. She could feel Legolas' eyes on her, but she almost obviously avoided looking at him. She felt embarrassed by her lack of composure, she hadn't expected this to be so hard. Why had she laid her heart bare before him? Having spoken of her feelings out loud not only made her feel vulnerable, but made her feelings painfully undeniable to herself. She wished she could pretend they didn't exist. She found herself wondering what Legolas thought of her. She knew he must think her a childish mortal fool, if nothing else. A soft blush of shame dusted her cheeks.
Gimli was saying something about Lothlórien archers and their singing voices that brought a chuckle to the Elves in the group and Shu Lien smiled, playing along, though she had not heard what he'd said due to the pounding blood in her ears.
Her discomfort was mercifully relieved as one of the tall female archers at the table came to her side. "So tell us, how do you find Lothlórien hospitality?" She said by way of invitation guiding her to sit amidst her group at the table. Shu Lien was quickly drawn in to speaking of home, of ballads, of the Amaurëa, and listening with delight to the answering stories from their realm.
Shu Lien's upset had not been visible to the group as she had feared. Though her insides had been roiling, her surface had remained serene. Legolas had noticed that she would not look at him, however, and it made him feel surprisingly empty and alone. He had pushed his feelings way below the point of retrieval, but his body still reverberated with a soft tremble. This was going to be harder than he had thought.
The rest of the evening Legolas allowed himself to be distracted by his two friends on either side. This was the first evening Legolas had joined the Lothlórien meals, having kept to himself before Shu Lien`s arrival, therefore there was a stream of archers who visited their table to greet him as well. He usually trained with them in his Lothlórien stays and he was well-known and respected for his unrivaled accuracy with the bow.
Legolas had a reputation of being somewhat unapproachable in general, but still several female Elves had themselves introduced by friends and tried their hand at ensnaring his attention with velvet words and coy looks. Elrohir, who had endured such displays the nights previous, would knee him under the table and whisper teases after the ladies had departed.
Legolas sometimes enjoyed the attention. The Galadhrim were renowned for their looks, and Legolas, as all Elves, appreciated beauty, but he never entertained such advances past amusement and diversion. Truthfully Legolas had little patience with the simpering frailty that was cultivated by Elvish ladies of status. He was always polite and gracious, but when Legolas took a lover, it was usually from the practice field.
Tonight he found them neither amusing nor diverting except for the fact that he would catch Shu Lien regarding him surreptitiously now and again as he doled out pleasantries, and he found, to his chagrin, that he reveled in her attention, no matter how it was won.
Evening ballads were soon begun and the Lothlórien Elves paid polite attention to several of their own ballads before eyes began glancing toward Shu Lien.
At the conclusion of a song, amidst the soft applause for the ballad, Shu Lien rose, giving Elrohir a knowing smile. She walked unhurried to the front of the flet and climbed the small dais as conversations stilled in anticipation. She turned toward the High Table and bowed low to the Lord and Lady of the Wood.
There was complete silence for the first time that night. The soft whisper of the wind, the call of a night bird, the creaking of the ancient Mallorns wove a tapestry of serene expectation. Elves loved ballads, Galadhrim in particular, but the opportunity to hear unfamiliar foreign Elvish ballads was a pleasure few had dreamed of.
Shu Lien displayed her difference from the humans of the west in her complete ease. The Elvish culture was obviously natural and native. She felt no nervousness being the focus of so many eager eyes for she knew, as always, that it was the ballad, not the singer who was performing. The art, the story, the song was everything - she was merely the vehicle for its showcase.
She took a long moment stilling her mind, closing her eyes and going deep within. Letting go of all the tension, confusion and pain she had been experiencing, she breathed in an empty focused mindscape. Reaching deep within, she coaxed the music from her soul. The song rose slowly until it spilled forth from her lips and bathed all the audience in its haunting corporeality.
Shu Lien's voice was far too breathy and thin to be called beautiful, but it was tuneful. What completely captivated her audience was the soulfulness of her delivery. It was as if the song had a life of its own and it rose, shimmering from her body, wrapping all who it touched in its quiet insistent warmth. At some point all were unaware that the ballad was being sung, and it was as if her audience were caught in a dream, remembering the images vividly in their mind's eye.
Shu Lien had begun with a Quenyan ballad so ancient that only Celeborn and Galadriel had ever heard it. When the last words of the song had risen among the silvery leaves overhead, there was silence in the room. The supreme compliment to an Elvish ballad.
Shu Lien barely gave her audience a chance to emerge from the images and take a breath before she again drowned them in a favorite ballad of the Amaurëa. She sang several of the Quenyan ballads of her lands and then sang one of her own people, in the bell-like tonal human language. That they didn't understand the words was irrelevant, the sounds created a visual feast, weaving patterns in bright colors in their minds. She then sang a more casual Sindarin love song which was popular among the youth of the Twin Cities.
Finally, feeling her energy being drained, she ended with the last ballad written by the Amaurëa in her realm. It was the mournful story of their departure. It was told both forthright and in allegory. The metaphor described a pair of lovers, Elvish and human, who had shared many joyous days, but were now whispering goodbyes to each other throughout the long night. At dawn the Elf stepped into his ship to sail away to the Undying Lands. His lover stood on the docks, her tears joining the salty sea, as he softly sang his farewell through tears of his own:
If the sky opened up for me,
And the mountains disappeared.
If the seas ran dry, turned to dust
And the sun refused to rise
I would still find my way,
By the light I see in your eyes.
The world I know fades away,
But you stay.As the earth reclaims its due,
And the cycle starts anew,
We'll stay, always
In the love that we have
Shared before time.If the years take away
Every memory that I have
I would still know the way
That would lead me back to your side.
The North star may die
But the light that I see in your eyes
Will burn there always
Lit by the love that we have shared before timeWhen the forest turns to jade,
And the stories that we've made
Dissolve away
One shining light will still remain.When we shed our earthly skin
And when our real life begins,
There'll be no pain
Just the love that we have shared before time.Grief and sorrow stole the last note of the ballad from Shu Lien's throat. Tears made cool paths down her neck. Closing her eyes tightly, Shu Lien tried to breathe the present back into her hollow body. She was exhausted. She looked up, blinking slowly at the Galadhrim who were regarding her with sorrowful eyes and tear-streaked cheeks of their own. Finally these Western Elves glimpsed the beauty and pain that was present in the unity of Elves and Man. Where immortality was a burden as well as a gift.
Disoriented, she began to step down and Elrohir was suddenly at her side. Putting a grateful hand on his offered arm, she walked with him back to their table. She tried to regain her center. Elrohir looked down at her as they walked and the room began to hum with soft exclamations of pleasure at the evening's entertainment. They had not been disappointed.
"Thank you." Elrohir whispered simply. Shu Lien met his soft eyes and smiled sadly.
"I didn't realize that singing of home would make it seem so far away.. . and so irretrievable." She lamented quietly. She felt so alone. The last song had brought up her feelings for Legolas painfully vividly. She could only see his face as she sung of the Elf sailing to Valinor. She knew she wouldn't be able to leave him until she had to. It would be good when she did... perhaps it would put an end to all of this nonsense. Mirkwood was but a little over two weeks' journey from Lothlórien.
~*~*~*~
Legolas was captivated by the new songs as all in the room had been. However, the last ballad tore his soul from him. He felt that she was singing it directly to him, though he knew better, and he wanted to bolt from the flet, leaving the pain behind. His mind was not entirely convinced that he wouldn't have done just that were it not for the eyes of Lady Galadriel which swept over him intermittently throughout the night. Legolas was distressed by her subtle scrutiny. He knew all was transparent to her and was never bothered before by this. But this night he knew he would not be able to meet her eyes.
When grief had finally stolen her voice, Shu Lien looked like she would collapse, having poured out her soul for her hosts. Legolas' concern was focused solely on her as he stood automatically to move to her side. However he was awakened by the staying hand of Elrohir who had stood simultaneously. Quickly reality returned to him and he sat back down as his friend went to escort Shu Lien to their table.
~*~*~*~
Shu Lien sipped the sweet wine provided her amidst the gentle appreciative murmurs of her companions. No more music would be offered this night. It seemed to all a kind of sacrilege to erase the reverberations of the songs of the Romanórë that had been offered to the western evening sky. The Galadhrim began to dissipate in soft conversations.
Those of her group silenced suddenly and several Elves parted to accommodate Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel as they swept toward them. Celeborn walked up to Shu Lien who had stood and bowed low, waiting until she was addressed to again straighten and meet his eyes.
"Shu Lien, the ballads you have shared with us will echo in our hearts for our eternity. We extend our gratitude for the skill and presence with which you have lent us your music and soul this evening. Even the stars did not blink in their rapt attention." He spoke in Quenya.
Shu Lien smiled falling into Quenya happily, "You honor me with such kind words, however you know that there can be no thanks for that which is my duty and pleasure. I hope that you may learn what songs I have to offer so that you may sing them joyously with the Amaurëa in the Undying Lands. I also anticipate the delight of experiencing more of Lothlórien`s offerings, for, though my days may not be as long, my appetite for new songs is perhaps only slightly less voracious." Celeborn nodded to her with a twinkle in his eye at her gentle words.
Galadriel had followed Celeborn slowly, regarding all she passed with leisurely thoughtfulness. When she came upon Legolas, she paused. He bowed his head, touching his heart. He had been right in thinking that he would be unable to meet her eyes; his humiliation stung his cheeks.
Galadriel placed a whisper of a touch on his chin, lifting it to her and capturing his eyes with her penetrating gaze. She spoke softly in his mind. "There is nothing that should cause you to feel shame, Legolas. Be patient with yourself, be patient with her. As you cannot meet my eyes, neither can she meet yours. Offer her the same message." And without another breath she turned and moved on towards Shu Lien.
Shu Lien bowed in Mandärin manner to the Lady who spoke her name quietly, by way of entreating her to rise. Shu Lien met the Lady's knowing eyes, the mask of formality and pleasantries falling instinctively from her. Galadriel simply gave her a wisp of a smile and spoke almost as softly. "You will find your home again, child." She inclined her head ever so slightly and turned to Celeborn, placing her hand over his as they withdrew.
~*~*~*~
Shu Lien dipped her foot in the small, placid pool that was fed by a tinkling rivulet of water. Slightly pulling up the white night shift she swung her legs over the edge so that both feet could luxuriate in the cool water.
She sat in the clearing below her flet, her mind alternately wandering and racing, knowing that she should be asleep above on her pallet. She was exhausted from the night's singing, but her mind would not behave. Even after sitting in meditation, she was unable to keep her eyes from snapping open as she tried to sleep, so finally she just gave up and came down to soak up the tangible peace that was Lothlórien.
The breath of the light wind sighed gently through the trees and plants intermittently; the whispering water lent the strength of consistency to the ethereal glow that permeated the wood; the soft songs of insects rose light and staccato as a stitched hem in the fabric of the night. All was at peace, except for Shu Lien.
And also, it seemed, for Legolas. He stood watching her a moment as she kicked her feet slowly and gently in the pool, watching the ripples race to the edges and back again. Her profile was soft and delicate as it looked down into the water and then absently into her palms again. She was wearing a loose night dress whose white gossamer fabric brought out the light brown of her skin and shining black of her braid. She was so beautiful. Even with the resolve he had been accumulating all evening he was unable to keep a tender smile from gracing his lips.
He stepped forward into the clearing, feeling like he was made of lead and stood a moment again before gathering himself to softly call out her name. Shu Lien turned immediately.
"Legolas." She said simply, the surprise and anxiety in her eyes was quickly replaced with a serene, shallow smile. Legolas swallowed and stepped forward another pace or two. He meant to speak then, but his throat wouldn't open, he looked down to gather himself while Shu Lien waited patiently, her mind steeling itself.
"Shu Lien... I... enjoyed the music you offered us tonight. You sing from your soul." He said trying to warm to speaking. Shu Lien nodded slightly but said nothing. Legolas shifted uncomfortably.
Finally, eyes locked on the ground between them, he just let go the emotions that were holding him back and said simply, "Shu Lien, I want you to know... that what has happened in the past is behind us now. It was a difficult day... for us both. I would not speak of what has passed nor think of it again."
He looked up at her searchingly, but she had dropped her eyes back to her lap. He waited a moment, listening to the silence, his heart somehow at ease having done what he set out to do, albeit a bit awkwardly. When she didn't speak, he tightly pressed his lips together, letting his eyes fall and turned to leave.
"Legolas..." Shu Lien looked up again suddenly. He turned. "Legolas, will you be joining the training with the guard tomorrow?" She asked standing and walking a step closer. He nodded with a slight smile, glad she had wordlessly accepted his own cryptic offer. She smiled, looking down briefly before again meeting his eyes. "I look forward to watching the archery practice. The Galadhrim archers talk of little else.."
Legolas smiled broadly now. "So they have won you over?"
Shu Lien shrugged. "They speak with passion and persuasion. I am sure had you tried similarly to sell your practice, I would have been just as intrigued." Legolas didn't ever try to force anyone to his perspective, she had expressed her people's view of such weapons, and he had simply accepted it. "Though I have seen what a formidable warrior you are in battle I have not yet glimpsed a true showcasing of your art...they were all in enthusiastic agreement that you are the best shot in the realm." Shu Lien gave him a small tight-lipped smile of pride, offering the compliment up almost as a peace offering.
Legolas looked down, embarrassed. After a moment he returned her gaze, "Tomorrow then?"
She nodded and he grinned leaving the clearing feeling quite a bit lighter than when he had entered it.
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