Hope for the Suffering

Author note: Winner of J&F Holiday Writing Challenge. It Is Well is a hymn by Haratio Gates Spafford. Only two words had been replaced to fit middle earth. Those words are Christ and Satan, which is replaced with Manwe (who represents Christ to me) and Morgorth who represents Satan.



For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. (Luke 1:48, Bible).




Celestial voices filled the air of the Golden Wood, singing about the gift of giving during the Christmas Celebration. “Soon it would be time to join the others for the midnight mass service,” Rachel thought to herself. She was seated with her two-year-old son and four-year-old daughter at the table, eating their evening meal.

Elves from Mirkwood and Rivendell were invited by Lord Celeborn to attend the special gathering and a request was made by lady Galadriel for Rachel to sing. “Mama, can I have some more chicken?” her daughter, Ashanti asked. Rachel shuddered and then smiled at her daughter. Taking the chicken off her plate, she gave it to Ashanti. “Here you go baby,” Rachel said softly.

Her son, Jamiel looked up with a frown as he stuffed the last spoonful of his food into his mouth. When asked did he want any more potatoes, he declined with a shake of his head. “I am full,” he said wiggling out of his chair. Rachel grabbed the wet cloth that was on the table and wiped his face, mouth, and hands, which was greeted by a scowl from the half-elfling.

Rachel smiled again. He looked so much like his father, including her daughter too. Both had his dark hair, golden skin tone and golden-green eyes. She sighed, blinking back the tears that threaten to spill. She missed her husband and wished that he was here with her. This would be their first Christmas without him, it would be hard, but she would try to make the most out of it and hopes that something good would come out of it.

Finally, the time had come for everyone to gather for the mass in the large hall. Rachel along with her two children walked quietly, contemplating on what song she would sing. After they made it to the hall, she looked around in awe at all that were gathered there. Dressed in white and silver, ethereal beings they were, even more so, as light illuminated them.

A horn sounded, signifying the processional entrance of Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel with their special guests; King Thranduil and his son, Legolas from Mirkwood, Lord Elrond with his sons, Elladan and Elrohir, and daughter, Arwen, Seneschal Glorfindel and Advisor, Erestor from Rivendell. The children, wide-eyed filled with wonder, watched as each powerful being walked gracefully to their assigned seats, which were at the high table. Jamiel eyes never left the blond haired elf who carried a powerful air about him that walked along side of the raven haired one. Jamiel snuggled closer to his mother in her lap. Ashanti laid her head on her mother’s breast.

Rachel’s arm wrapped around her daughter comfortingly. After the processional, the service began with Rachel’s solo. The atmosphere was quiet as she stood, took a deep breath and exhaled, and then walked to the platform where the musicians and back up singers patiently waited. Lurien, who was the pianist smiled at her warmly. He had encountered her at the border of Lorien when she first came to the Golden Wood.

Rachel returned his smile with a shaky one of her own. Then she whispered to him the song that she would render. He nodded and then began to play a slow melody, followed by Rachel’s soft melodious voice.

When peace, like a river
attendeth my way

It had been a blissful moment when Rachel met her husband, Ingwe upon his visit to Harad. The kingdoms of Harad and Rhun were in negotiations of a peace treaty with Gondor to the horror of his father, Haldamir, who was Lord of Rhun. She had served Ingwe food and wine, and he had taken an interest in her as well as she had taken an interest in him. It did not take a lot of effort to woo her for she was already smitten with him. The night of their bonding, Ingwe told her how she had captured his heart. “It was your dazzling smile that won my heart,” he said with a twinkle in his golden-green eyes. Rachel responded with a laugh and then told him how he captured her heart in return. “It was your eyes,” she finally said. He frowned slightly in question. “They say, your eyes are like a window to one’s soul, Ingwe.” She drew lazy circles around his chiseled chest with her index finger, while they lay together in bed. “Is that all?” He asked. “No. Your soul also drew me,” she replied with a yawn.

When sorrow like sea billows roll
Whatever my lot, thou has taught
me to say, it is well
It is well, with my soul

Ingwe had awaken Rachel from her sleep one night. “Get the children and lets go,” he said urgently. She frowned still disoriented from sleep. “What is wrong, Ingwe?”
“No time. I will explain later, but right now I am taking you and the children some where safe.” Somewhere safe? Rachel mused. What was he talking about? Not one to argue with her husband, she obediently acquiesced to his command even though she knew not where they were going.

Though Morgorth should buffet
though trails should come

As Ingwe gathered a horse to move his family out of Rhun. He was about to place his wife and children atop of the Stallion, but she stopped him. “Why is there only one horse and not two?” She queried suspiciously. She had suspected her husband to accompany them wherever they were going. He looked at her with sad eyes and then drew her closer to him. “There are things that I can not explain right now, but know that I love you with all my heart and I will see you again if not in this life time.”

She frowned in confusion. “Ingwe, I am not leaving until you tell me what is going on.” Rachel tilted her chin in defiance. Ingwe sighed, knowing that his wife would not leave without an explanation. He told her the whole ordeal about his father being a tyrant, which she already knew, but she was unaware of the other deplorable acts that Haldamir committed against humans and elves alike. Upon hearing this heart wrenching news, Rachel gasped as tears ran down her cheeks. “Let us flee this place, husband!” She cried. “I must stay in help my brethren to conquer this evil,” he said. “No!” She screamed. He kissed her passionately to quiet her anguish. “I love you, please,” she begged him as sobs wrecked her body. “I want you to flee to Lorien. I have sent a latter ahead two weeks ago, explaining your arrival. They are waiting on you. You must go,” he commanded as he lifted her upon the horse and then placed the children securely before her. “Promise me you will follow after you are done her,” she implored. “I love you,” he replied looking deeply into her eyes. “Promise me...” her voice trailed. He spoke into the horse’s ear and gave him a slap on his back, causing the horse to gallop away.

How could he promise her that he was not coming back? He failed to tell her that he heard the call of the valar, beckoning him to return to the light. He answered the call and Manwe promised him that he would see his wife again, even though she was mortal. “With Eru,” he said, “all things are possible, all one has to do is believe.”

Let this blessed assurance control
that Manwe has regarded, my helpless estate
It is well, it is well, with my soul

Upon Rachel’s arrival, she was immediately met by the wardens of Lorien; one of them being Lurien. They welcomed her and ushered her safely into Lothlorien. Not saying another word for all knew about her calamity and what she must be suffering without her husband. They moaned silently for their eastern brother that they will not have a chance to meet.

Rachel continued singing, bringing herself back to the present.

It is well, with my soul
it is well, with my soul
it is well, it is well, with my soul

The back up singers accompanied her as she felt a presence come over her like fresh rain drops.

It is well, oh Eru
it is well

She lifts her head back, and arms outstretched in the moment, forgetting everything and everyone that was there. Letting herself release the pent-up emotion that she had been holding since the death of her husband. Finally she gave way to the flood of tears that trickled down her ebony face, seeming to cleanse her, while her sweet voice never faltered, but only enhanced the atmosphere as her voice grew stronger.

Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
It is well...it is well
thank you, thank Eru
Oh I...
(Oh I)

She heard a familiar voice that added to the song. Lurien came in and filled in with his melodious voice. She began to give thanks, allowing the valar’s spirit to fill her and heal her heart.

I can’t love you enough
(I can’t love you enough)
I can’t thank you enough
(I can’t thank you enough)
I can’t praise you enough
(I can’t praise you enough)

The worship song was repeated, which gave way for Rachel to lay her burdens down for she had suffered enough. It was time to heal and that was what she was doing when she suddenly cried out, “Hey....” before she could say Alleluia, she felt a warm spirit that enveloped her from the crown of her head to the soul of her feet. She bent downward and leaped straight up. At this, strange turn of event, Jamiel and Ashanti began to whimper, climbing down from their seats, they made way toward their mother, but was stopped when strong arms wrapped around their waist.

They looked up startled to find a young handsome blond elf, holding them. “It is alright little ones,” he cooed soothly. “But my mommy, something is wrong. I must go help her,” Jamiel sobbed. “No, she is fine. She is just healing.” He took them to the high table with him and they eyed the new elves wearily. One of them chuckled. “This is my father, King Thranduil,” the elf introduced, “and I am Legolas.” Jamiel stared thoughtfully at the King and Thranduil winked at him, which caused the little elfling to blush. Jamiel then proceeded to climb into Thranduil’s lap, while Legolas held Ashanti close to him.

Meanwhile, Glorfindel (the powerful elf that Jamiel eyed during the processional), whispered in Erestor ear and the raven haired lord nodded. Glorfindel was seeing visions of this woman’s life, both past, present and future while she sung. They arose from their seat and made their way toward the woman that was still rejoicing in praise. They heard her speak in a language that they have never heard before. Glorfindel raised a brow and smiled, knowing that only Manwe knew what was spoken.

Arms still outstretched, Rachel’s leaping dance ceased, but her praises did not. She felt a strong arm around her waist, but did not know who it belong to for she had her eyes closed. Someone was on the side of her, whispering, “The valar has heard your prayers. Because your husband has heeded the call of the valar, you will see him again. That is the gift of the valar to you, for your faithfulness. Eru has favored you, yes. If you continue to walk up right before him and serve him with all you know how, you will see the blessed realm where your husband awaits you.”

Upon hearing this good news, Rachel sobbed even harder, but it was one of pure joy. Yes, she would gladly serve Eru with all her heart, mind, and soul and she told him so in the new language. She felt another arm slid around her waist as the singing continued and she was escorted from the center of the floor. When she could see through the tears, she found that she was standing in a different area with two elves that embraced her. “You were caught up in the moment and danced your way to the center,” the blond haired elf said, with a grin. Rachel laughed softly. She found herself being seated at a table. A moment later, she was enraptured by Galadriel’s warm embrace. No words were needed as she felt the love and once again, the tears.

Soon, Galadriel removed herself and a kiss was planted on her cheek by Lord Celeborn. “Well done, my daughter,” he said warmly. He had adopted her as his daughter and her children as his grandchildren. “Merry Christmas,” Galadriel said rubbing Rachel’s shoulders. Lurien had removed himself from the piano and seated himself next to Rachel and embraced her, rubbing her raven hair. Whenever she needed to talk, Lurien was the one that she confided in. It did not matter whether it was day or late in the night, he was a good listener, patient, and kind. “I knew that you were gifted with the blessings of the valar. Oh my sweet Rachel,” he murmured into her ear.

“This is the best Christmas gift that has been given to me thus far,” Rachel sniffed. Lurien looked down at her curiously. She continued, “I am going to see my husband again and I want to thank you for reminding me each and everyday, to hope in Eru. You just don’t know how much that meant to me, even when I doubted for a moment, your words came back to me, pushing away the uncertainty.” Lurien kissed the top of her head and smiled. He was glad to have been a help to Rachel. Just then Jamiel scampered to his mother and Lurien. “Mommy!” He exclaimed excitedly. She raised up from Lurien’s chest and took her son into her arms. He began to tell about the King of Mirkwood and his son, whom he had met. Rachel’s eyes scanned the crowd as Jamiel pointed toward the high table and saw Ashanti still sitting in a young elf’s lap. “That is Legolas, mommy,” Jamiel said proudly.

“Would you like to meet them?” Lurien asked. Rachel nodded her head in reply. She soon found herself meeting the high elves, which included Lord Elrond and his twin sons and daughter, Glorfindel who prophesied to her not long ago and Erestor who stood right along with him. Each one greeted her warmly. She even got a chance to sit among Thranduil and Legolas as they told her about Mirkwood. Jamiel was anxious to go and visit the king’s realm and begged his mother for permission, which she obliged. “But on one condition,” she said looking at him sternly. “You will be accompanied by Haldir.” Jamiel’s face fell from one of joy to sour. “But mother, he is...he is.” He was trying to find the right words, “a stiff.” This caused laughter to abrupt. Haldir who was seated not far, raised his brow. “I heard that,” he replied through gritted teeth. “Now, now, Haldir,” Orophin encountered, trying to hold his laughter, but failing. “Would it help if we came along on this trip, penneth?” Rumil asked Jamiel, who nodded his head in agreement.
Rachel shook her head in amusement. She was looking forward to the new year with renewed hope and promises, she quickly gave thanks again to Eru for his blessings and the new ones that were soon to come.

The End