The Three Forbidden Stars

Chapter Four- The Cruel Caradhras

Everyone climbed up the rocky mountain heavily, save Legolas and I who walked up it lightly. I found that I could walk on top of snow like an elf, another thing to puzzle me with. No-one had really attempted to talk to me throughout the whole trip for which I was glad. I had a lot to think about. One thing was attempting to relearn proper Elvish for when we came face to face with the Lorien Elves. I used to know it extremely well but other, more important, languages had pushed it out of my mind. In my bag, I had all my elvish language information but I couldn’t let Legolas or Aragorn see it or I would I lot of explaining to do. There were my decisions to make about where I went after Lothlorien. I prayed at every chance I got, to Iluvatar and the Valar. I thought that more appropriate, seeing I was in Middle Earth.
“…are not high yet; we are still far down, where the paths usually open all winter.” Aragorn said, snapping me out of my thoughts, making me more aware of the fast-falling snow.
“I wonder if this is a contrivance of the Enemy,” said Boromir, who seemed glad that I had given his voice back to him. “They say in my land that he can govern the storms in the Mountain of Shadow that stand upon the borders of Mordor. He has strange powers and many allies.”
“His arm has grown long indeed,” said Gimli, “if he can draw snow down from the North to trouble us here three hundred leagues away.”
“His arm has grown long,” said Gandalf sadly. The snow became a full fledged blizzard as we trampled on and it became almost impossible for the hobbits to go on. Mithrandir stopped us and we sheltered away from the storm. Boromir attempted to light a fire unsuccessfully before Mithrandir stepped in and lit it with magic.
As the fire died slowly it was decided that we would retreat but it looked impossible, as a high wall of snow was blocking the way.
“If Gandalf would go before us with a bright flame, he might melt a path for you,” said Legolas.
“If Elves could fly over mountains, they might fetch the Sun to save us,” answered Gandalf. “But I must have something to work on. I cannot burn snow.”
Boromir, shooting self assured looks at me, put in his two cent worth, saying that Aragorn and himself could force a path for everyone else. The two men set off slowly, almost swimming. Legolas, a smile on his lips, watched them plod away before turning to the rest of the Company and declaring that only an elf can run lightly over grass, leaf and snow. He hopped forward lightly and grabbed my arm.
“Farewell!” he called back. “We go to find the sun”. And with that he ran off down the hill leading me after him. We passed the men quickly and carried on around the corner away from all sight. He came to an abrupt stop and stared at me accusingly.
“Where are you really from, Feawen?” he asked, almost angrily. “I have never seen or heard of any maidens that can fight better than a male. You lied to everyone back there and I want you to tell me the truth.” I then realised that he was angry as I weighed up my options. I had left all my weapons back with Gimli, all except a small dagger. If I told him the truth, he might not believe me and attack me. Not his nature but if he thought me to be a hindrance to the quest or evil he wouldn’t hesitate. I hated lying to people but it was necessary in this situation.
“I am from Lothlorien,” I replied finally, biting my lip. “I don’t know my real parents, I think they were killed when I was young. I travel around Middle Earth, I haven’t been to Lothlorien for a long time, which would explain why I have never been heard of. I was taught by many people how to fight, my whole life has relied on how good I can defend myself. The powers are self taught and inherited from my mother, I think. There, your highness, -I bowed sarcastically- are you happy now.” I turned away as tears came to my eyes but before he could say something the two men came into sight. We ran up to them and told them of the path ahead. They agreed to turn around and go back to the Company but Aragorn was not satisfied. He had seen my face, I had not been quick enough to hide my tears from him.
“What is the matter, Feawen?” he asked, concerned. He looked at Legolas almost expectedly until I assured him that it was just the storm that was making me feel a little on edge. I wished them well for on the way back before I ran over the snow, as fast as could, back towards the Fellowship. I had to get away from Legolas and Aragorn who could read me all too well. Legolas arrived not long after and reported to Gandalf what had been found, while avoiding me. ‘Good’ I thought, ‘Stupid elf’, forgetting that at the moment I was an elf as well. The men eventually turned up and after a quick discussion with everyone it was decided that the men would carry the hobbits down. Sam had climbed onto Boromir’s back and Merry onto Aragorn’s and they had started trudging through the snow. I knelt down next to Pippin and offered him a ride on my back. He looked at me with astonishment before eagerly putting his arms around my neck, because he was obviously tired of this mountain. I lifted him up and carried on treading over the snow after Aragorn.
“I hope I’m not too much of a burden for you, Lady Feawen,” asked Pippin, in his small voice.
“Don’t be silly,” I replied, “I can hardly feel you on my back. But I must ask that you do not call me Lady, just Feawen. I know how hard this quest is going to be for you, Periannath [Halfling]. Cormlle naa tanya tel’raa, mellonamin.”[Your heart is that of a lion’s, my friend]
“I do not understand your language although it is beautiful,” he said. “What did you say?”.
“She said that your heart is that of a lion’s,” called back Aragorn, who was ahead of us. “She also called you her friend”. He stopped for us to catch up to him, which was not hard. “Lady Feawen is correct, you are brave hobbit”. We walked in silence, Aragorn wading through the snow and myself gliding along the top of it.
“Mani marte?”[What happened], Aragorn asked. I didn’t understand what he was referring to and he must have seen the puzzled look on my face. “Legolas”.
“Ai, Legolas. Mankoi lle Irma sint ?”, [Ah, Legolas. Why do you want to know?] I replied, trying to get out of it.
“Amin dele ten’lle ar ho”, [I am worried about you and him] He said, smirking.
“Amin n’ruwa ta”, [I don’t doubt it] I said, smiling as well. “Ale’ lye tela sinome, Heruamin”.[After we finish here, my Lord]
“Do not call me that,” he said, his smile fading. “I do not wish to take that path”.
“You will, Estel, you must,” I replied, sombrely. “Lle mela Arwen, amin sinta [You love Arwen, I know]. Elrond will demand it of you.” He laughed then because he knew that. We walked on but he walked different now, like he had a powerful reason to go on. When we got to the end of the path he put Merry down onto the ground, removed Pippin from my back and put him on the ground next to him. He strode off to help Mithrandir and Gimli. Legolas was here already waiting for us but he was still avoiding my eyes. Pippin noticed the way Legolas was ignoring me but he said nothing. I knelt down to his level and put my face closer to his ear.
“I don’t think he is that happy with me,” I whispered, even through I knew Legolas could hear me. “He looks really grumpy”. Pippin glanced at him and started giggling quietly. “He should pour water over him to cool him off”.
“I have a better idea”, he whispered back. He pointed at the snow and pretended to roll some in his hands. Legolas had his back to us while we rolled lots of snowballs, but Merry saw and came over to help. I grabbed the top snowball, the biggest one, and chucked it at Legolas’s head. He turned around quickly with a menacing look on his face just in time to see the three of us deal the rest of the snowballs to his face and chest.
“Tampa tanya!” [Stop that!] he said, desperately. “Tanya awra!”[That hurts!] Just then Aragorn came around the corner to see the hobbits and I throwing snow at Legolas.
“Lle anta amin tu, Legolas?”[Do you need help?], said Aragorn, grinning.
“Aye, tua amin!” [Yes, help me!] he cried. Aragorn nodded and came up behind me and grabbed me around the waist. He pulled me over his shoulder and carried me over to Legolas.
“Kela, wethrinaer”, [Go away, deceitful one] I screamed, in jest. “Help me, hobbits”. All the hobbits stood there, shaking their heads, except Pippin who ran after Aragorn and pulled on his leg. Aragorn lost his balance and fell over bring me down with him. Pippin jumped on top of Aragorn and began punching him, not hard but still hitting him.
“Tua amin, Legolas!”, [Help me, Legolas!] Aragorn yelled to the Elf.
“Nay, I will not mess with an angry hobbit”, Legolas replied, grinning. Gandalf came around the hill and saw Pippin punching Aragorn, who was lying on top of me still.
“What is going on here?”, he bellowed, startling us all. We jumped up and stood there like naughty school kids caught pulling the legs off a small bug.
“Mithrandir, if you look to find the culprits, you should look to Legolas and Aragorn,” I said, innocently. “I have done no harm to anyone and am only a victim in their childish fight”. Legolas looked at me with distaste but Aragorn laughed and picked me up again.
“Innocent and victim are not the correct words to describe you, my Lady”, he said, as he buried me headfirst into the snow. Gandalf chuckled beneath his beard as did Boromir and Gimli.
“Come you scoundrels,” said the Wizard. “We should decide our new path”. We became serious again and sat down and held a council. I let my mind wander because I did not think they would ask me opinion.
“… your opinion, Lady Feawen,” Gimli asked. Oh, maybe I should have been listening.
“I beg your pardon, Gimli, what did you say?” I replied, a little embarrassed.
“What path do you think we should take now,” he said. “Our main choice is to go in the mines of Moria, it seems, all though the hobbits, Boromir and Legolas have no mind to. I was wondering your opinion, do you think it wise to look on the doors on Durin.” He looked at me hopefully, wanted me to agree with him. I knew we would have to and I did not fear the dark, all though I knew as an elf I should.
“We will walk over the bridge of Khazad Dum, whether or not I voice my opinion,” I said, addressing the whole fellowship. “But this I do say, your weapons will help you for all but a while. There are deep and dangerous things that dwell deep past the Doors of Durin but I will go on with the Company without fear.” We sat silently listening to the winds and deciding our thoughts.
“How the wind howls,” cried Aragorn, leaping to his feet. “It is howling with wolf-voices. The Wargs have come west of the Mountains!”. Gandalf commented that it was not wise to wait to the morning, so we moved to the top of the small hill. We sat around the fire, some dozing uneasily. The wolves circled around us and the captain strode forward, like he was commanding his pack to come.

Gandalf stomped up to him, holding his staff. “Listen, Hound of Sauron!” he called. “Gandalf is here. Fly, if you value your foul skin! I will shrivel you from tail to snout, if you come within this ring.” The wolf jumped forward but before he could attack, Legolas loosened his bow and the wolf lay dead with an arrow through his throat. The Wargs came closer and Gandalf ordered us all to draw our blades. I pulled ‘Mizutohi’ out of her sheath and lit the blade with a blazing orange flame. I charged for the wolf nearest to me and sliced its head off. All around me, the Fellowship were doing the same, all except Pippin who seemed to be having some trouble with the Warg he was fighting. I grabbed a handful of the fire on my blade and chucked it at the Wolf, who howled in pain as it singed his fur. Pippin brought his blade back and, with a lot of power for a small hobbit, sliced its head off. Suddenly a terrible voice rang through the deep air.
“Naur an edraith ammen! Naur dan i ngaurhoth!” Gandalf cried, as he threw a burning branch into the air. It flared like lightning and the tops of the trees burst into flames. Legolas shot his last arrow and the rest of the Wolves fled. The fire died down and dawn came into view slowly. We resolved to carry on to the doors hoping to reach them by sunset. Everyone was tired so there was not much talking. I often carried Pippin or Merry on my back, but both Sam and Frodo refused the lift no matter what I said. We found the Stair Falls and climbed them, all of us with a different heart. Gandalf pointed the Walls of Moria out to us but it was not heartening for any save Gimli and I. Curiosity had caught hold of me, I wanted to see the walls close up. As we walked closer everyone talked among themselves about different things. After Merry inquired where the doors where, Gandalf revealed the doors using the moonlight and a quick spell. Gandalf gave a quick explanation of the doors and the writing, while I rolled my eyes. I knew the password but I wasn’t going to say anything. Gimli was telling all about the history and Boromir was saying foolish things that he had no idea about. He was getting on my nerves, and no matter how mean it was, I was almost glad that he was to die. After a time Gandalf stood before the doors and said the spell he thought to be correct. After that didn’t work he repeated many other spells in different tongues. Then he threw his staff down in frustration and drew his hat over this face. I beckoned for Pippin to come over to me which he did fearlessly, although the other hobbits looked worried, they were still fearful of me.
“I know the password,” I whispered into his ear. “But I’ll let you say it. Go in front of the walls and say mellon”. He nodded and walked over to the walls. Everyone watched in amazement as Pippin said, in the strongest voice he could conjure, “Mellon”. The doors creaked open and we strode in. But then a tentacle came forward, which frightened our pony away, and grabbed Frodo around the ankle. Sam sliced away at the arm with his sword as many more tentacles flew out of the water. Gandalf yelled for them to run, which they did just in time. The doors slammed shut and we were left in darkness. I grabbed the nearest torch and blew on to it. I handed the lit flame to Aragorn who nodded his thanks. We sat down for food but I knew of the impending fight so I decided to prepare my weapons. I had a roll of material, which I unrolled to reveal the full extent of my weapons. I had a bow, a quiver of fifteen arrows and a dagger which were a set given to me by a friend when I was travelling. They were blue and green with silver edgings. I also had a place for my sword and my twin knives that were, at present, on my waist belt. The last item that I unwrapped was another knife, the same shape as my twin knives but with a lot more meaning to me. My parents, my adopting parents, gave it to me before I left home. The handle was exactly the same colour as my eyes and the blade was silver. Not just the colour, it was made of pure silver. There were many different coloured amethysts laced with silver set on the top of the handle. I picked it up fighting back the tears in my eyes. Suddenly I missed home, I missed my parents. Pulling myself together I grabbed the quiver of arrows and tied it to my back. The dagger I strapped around my thigh where it was made to go. I left my sword and twin knives where they were but added my single amethyst and silver knife. The less I had to carry in my hands the better. I levitated my luggage so it would follow me, a strange sight but necessary. We travelled for such a long time, I actually lost count of how long we had been there for. We did have near misses because the hobbits often went forward without thoughts of what could be ahead. We stopped for a rest but Pippin, being the curious hobbit he was, dropped a stone down the well next to us. Gandalf was extremely annoyed at this and punished him by making him take the first watch. While the rest settled down to sleep I stayed up watching with Pippin. We had formed a close friendship, despite our different races. He told me about The Shire, about its beautiful trees and fields. I was reminded of the forest near the Ngamawahine River where I was found…

~~“The two she-elves are terrified but at least the orcs are gone. One of the elves, the noble one, cradles her child to her as it cries. “Manke naa lye? [Where are we?]” asks her handmaiden, alarmed. “Lle merna aut? [Should we go]”. The noble elf places her child, a beautiful elven girl, next to the river and puts the ring and crown in the blanket with her. The handmaiden puts a roll of parchment in as well. “Lissenen ar’ maska’ lalaith tenna lye omentuva”, [Sweet laughter and light water till next we meet] says the beautiful noble elf-maiden. “Amin mela lle” [I love you]. She walks away crying. The handmaiden turns to follow the lady, just after a quick goodbye to me. “Namaarie, Elothwen. [Farewell, Star-flower maiden]*”~~

I was being shaken by two people now, hard. “Feawen, can you hear us?” I didn’t know who was speaking as I gasped for air. I could hear a deep voice asking for Aragorn and I was almost instantly joined by two more soothing presences. I felt a pair of hands on my shoulders, which relaxed me.
“Lady Feawen, can you hear me?” asked Aragorn, the owner of the hands.
“Aye, what happened?” I gasped, confused. He raised his eyebrows at Gandalf.
“You fainted and stopped breathing”, the Wizard said. “What do you remember?”
“I had a vision, but not of the future. It was of my past, my real mother.” I knew I had said too much. My past had to stay a secret until I worked it out. Aragorn and Legolas, who had come over when Pippin called for the Ranger, led me over to a bed and made me lie down. The ranger pulled some herbs out of his pouch and crushed it in between his fingers. He opened my mouth and dropped the herbs to the back of my throat Almost instantly I fell asleep.
When I awoke, Gandalf had already decided which way we were going to continue. My strength had renewed so much that I offered to carry the hobbits packs. After much persuasion they agreed, which I found amusing. Gimli sang a song about Moria in its past days and Gandalf explained about the history of mithril and Bilbo’s corslet. I saw Frodo fidgeted with something beneath his shirt.
“That will become useful tomorrow, Master Baggins,” I whispered. His eyes widened at my knowledge but he said nothing. We stopped for a rest, our feet were sore from much walking. One by one everyone fell asleep except for the one on guard. We woke up to a faint light pouring in from the east, a welcoming sight to everyone. After breakfast we walked on and on until we came to a room which had a tomb in it. On the tomb was written ‘Balin son of Fundin, Lord of Moria’.
“He is dead then,” said Frodo. “I feared it was so”. Gimli bowed his head. As we stood in quiet respect, Mithrandir found a book of Balin’s folk, their records of the past. As he read it out I felt prickling down my back, but I knew why. Suddenly ‘Boom’ came rolling through the hall. We ran at the same time as drawing our swords, to close the doors. A foot appeared from under the door and Boromir stabbed at it but his blade was thrown away. Frodo ran forward and took Boromir’s place in attacking. The doors broke and in poured many orcs. Legolas and I stayed back as our bows were our weapons while Aragorn, Boromir and the hobbits used their swords.
“Now is the time!” cried Mithrandir, as the orc numbers dwindled. “Let us go, before the troll returns!”


*This is actually a name, which all shall be revealed later on. But you will have to wait *evil laugh*.