*。☆。
★。＼｜／。★
˚ ₊ ♡ ❰  BALLAD OF BROKEN SWORDS ❱
*✧ ─── ❝ ❪ GUILT IS THE WORST DEMON ❫ ❞
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˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ ACT ONE ── ad melinora 🏹 ⁺⑅

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CHILDREN OF ARDA DUOLOGY ⋆ ☄.
♯ ❝THANK YOU MELLON NIN ❞
CHAPTER SIX ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*
˚ ₊ ♡ the third age ─── year 2949
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━━ ˚ ₊ ♡ 🏹
❝ 𝘪 𝘥𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝙙𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙢 𝘰𝘧 𝙝𝙤𝙥𝙚,
𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘪 𝘢𝘮 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙝𝙮 𝘰𝘧 𝘪𝘵 ❞

*✧ ─── GYDA HAS NOT ENTERED THE HEALING HALLS SINCE ELGARAIN HAD WRAPPED UP HER ARM. SHE HAD NOT SPOKEN TO ELROHIR OR WENT TO VISIT ELLDAN. Instead she had turned her attention to the borders of Imladris, keen eleven eyes focused on the gap in the valley they had entered through after the Orc attack. Even now as the sun appears with the promise of a new day, Gyda sits and stares in the company of her own guilt.

And sometimes a honey-haired elf.

"Does one never tire of this sight?" Galion appears by her side like a loyal shadow, hands clasped in front of him, a casual smile on his face. But he cannot hide the worry in his eyes when Gyda does nothing but hum in acknowledgement.

He sighs, "What is it you hoping to see?" He wonders instead, staring of in the distance at whatever sight beholds his captain's attention.

"Did we truly defeat them?"

Galion isn't sure if it is Gyda who speaks or if the wind is playing tricks on him.

"Did we?" She repeats louder this time, knuckles turning white as she grips the hilt of her sword.

Galion frowns unsurely, "Gyda, we defeated the Orcs, they are dead. There haven't been any sightings since."

"I did not mean them." Gyda turns to face him, and he startled by the haunted look in her eyes when their gazes meet.

A chill creeps up Galion's spine when Gyda speaks next. "Is Sauron truly dead?"

He swallows, "Isildur cut the ring from his very finger Gyda. Sauron was defeated." He pauses, placing a hand on her shoulder, noting the tremble in her left hand. "Why these sudden doubts? What's happened?"

"You think you defeated him." The Orc taunts as it falls to its knees in front of her. Blood rushing from his lips when he spoke. "Think you could ever hope to kill him little elf."

The orcs last words ring in her head, but the elf pushes them to the back of her mind and remains silent despite Galion's inquisitive gaze. But she is glad her friend knows not to push her past her limits right now and instead changes the subject. "Elldedan has been asking about you."

Gyda hums, "Is he feeling better?"

"You should go and look yourself Gyda." The honey haired elf shrugs, "You will not drop dead if you enter the Healing Halls you know."

It feels like it.

A serious expression finds its way on Galion's face. "Do you blame yourself Gyda?"

Her shoulders tense at the spoken words, striking like lighting in her heart. A stuttered breath leaves her lips and she has to clench her jaw to prevent it from trembling. "I do."

It is the most honest seen had been in a while. Something she felt she could only do in the company of Galion. She straightens her back when Galion opens his mouth to speak, pity on the top of his tongue.

"It matters not." She cuts off, "I will learn from my mistakes. I will earn Lord Elrond's forgiveness for my impotence."

Galion frowns at the monotone and diplomatic tone of her words, "Gyda, there is no forgiveness that needs to be earned. No one blames you."

"I blame me." She whispers. "I should have known better."

"You won't find forgiveness where it isn't required Gyda." He presses as he tilts his head down to face her.

A watery smile reaches her lips as she meets his eyes, "Maybe."

"You should go and see Elladan." He straightens once more, "He threatened to tear down anyone in his way if they prevented him from seeing you. And the bastard can't yet stand without help for long so it would be far better for you to calmly walk to him instead."

"You are sure he wants to see me?" Gyda asks softly, almost demurely. A sound Galion is not familiar with when it's coming from his captain and most trusted friend.

"Yes. He does not blame you." Galion states surely 

The words sound harsh, but Gyda knows her friend well to know the meaning behind them. A sigh leaves her lips as they look at one another. "Thank you mellon." Her hand clasps' his forearm and a genuine smile lifts from the corners of her mouth. "I will try."

His own lips curve into a smile as he slings his arm over her shoulder to direct her back inside, and most likely to the very same Healing room she has been avoiding. She casts one last look over her shoulder at the valley stretched out before her.

Did you?

We did. She tells herself, hardening eyes turning back to look in front of her before they soften once more, a small amount of peace settling in her bones.

Moving through the corridors of Imladris' palace is second nature as the duo weaves through the hallways and turns bustling with elves. The same large wooden door appears in front of her and Gyda takes a breath to steady herself. Nerves settling for a moment before they disappear at the sight of Galion's reassuring smile.

She pushes the door open, to reveal the Healing room, and within moments her gaze settle on Elladan.

"Bless the valar!" Elladan's voice booms loudly, "it is Gyda, alive and well. I was starting to believe you had found your death."

"I'm alive and well Elladan." Gyda voices in a jesting tone, calculating eyes taking in his wounds. She notes he is not as pale as he had been the day of their arrival. The bandages wrapped around his torso and shoulder look fresh and clean. There is a spark in his eyes when their gazes meet. "It was you on death's doorstep if I recall correctly."

"Pft." He waves his hand carelessly, pushing himself up to sit straight. Elrohir's worried gaze did not go unnoticed when he did so. "it was nothing."

"My brother believes himself immortal." Elrohir jests as he pushes his bother back down without much strength needed. "Alas he is as weak as a little elfling right now."

"Well your little Aranal has taken good care of me." Elladan counters, "I am almost back to full health."

Gyda doesn't think that to be true at all, if Elrohir still watches him like he will vanish any moment.

"I only joke Gyda." Elladan affirms, eye crinkling in amusement. "Elgarain has been helpful. She also told me not dare walk outside this room or I'd invoke her fury."

Elrohir laughed loudly at his brother's disgruntled face, "She will put you on your arse brother. Gyda taught her after all."

Her chest swells at the compliment, even though she knows Elgarain is not yet skilled enough to face the son of Lord Elrond... or anyone in battle really. But Gyda had witnessed the fighting spirit on numerous occasions. If the spirit was there, so would be the capabilities.

"Now tell me why you have been hiding from me Captain." Elladan probes with raised brows.

Gyda tenses for a moment, and as if sensing her worries, Galion, ever the gallant friend, turns to Elrohir to ask him to join him in getting his brother some good food to eat.

As the two leave, Gyda makes her way to the wounded elf. Her steps are slow and she wonders if she looks as nervous as she feels. The chair beside his bed is uncomfortable and she busies herself with the white cloth wrapped around her arm.

"Gyda." Elladan catches her attention once more, all manners of jesting vanished from his face. "What is it?"

Tucking a stray piece of hair behind her ear, Gyda looks up at her friend, once more taking in the injuries littered around his body. "I failed you. I failed Lord Elrond." She confesses.

He frowns, as if the very words offend him, "Fail me? Gyda you came to my aid."

"I should not have divided us. But I was too proud to admit that there was more strength in numbers. It was selfish."

"It was smart." He cut her off, "We would have lost the Orcs again if we all went the same direction. The chance of finding them that way was slight."

"It has gotten you greatly wounded."

"I believe danger should be expected. That was my mistake. I was caught off guard by the orc. The valar willed it that way Gyda. I shall learn from it. As will you."

"We will both learn from that day, and we will be wiser for it." He promised.

Gyda nods, a small weight lifted from her shoulders at Elladan's kind smile. "Now, please, get me out of this bed before I shall scream like the dead has risen from their grave."

Laughter spills from her lips, genuine tears of joy gathering in her eyes before she shakes her head. The air feels lighter, "but what about Elgarain's promise of fury?"

"It compares not to my desperate need for a good drink."

"The we shall find it for you mellon."

*。☆。
★。＼｜／。★
𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝙩𝙬𝙤 𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙙𝙨 𝘰𝘧 𝙜𝙪𝙞𝙡𝙩,
𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝙙𝙧𝙤𝙬𝙣𝙨 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘭
𝘺𝘰𝘶'𝘳𝘦 𝙪𝙨𝙚𝙡𝙚𝙨𝙨, 𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵
𝙛𝙞𝙧𝙚𝙨 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝙨𝙤𝙪𝙡 𝘵𝘰 𝙥𝙪𝙧𝙥𝙤𝙨𝙚

─ sabaa tahir

ᵒ .༄ ࿐ ࿔* 🏹🌋🪨
⋆⋅ ━━━━ ‧ ༻✩༺ ‧ ━━━━ ⋅⋆

third age ━━ year 2949

THE SUN HAD SETTLED BEHIND THE MOUNTAINS OF THE VALLEY, AND GYDA FINDS HERSELF AT THE EXACT SAME SPOT SHE HAD FOUND HERSELF EARLIER that morning. Gaze settling on the large land ahead of her, the ridges of the cliffs, the coursing rivers that had found their way through the rough terrain ━ to the gap of the valley. This time there was less weight on her shoulders when she lookd onwards. A peaceful silene has settled over the city and Gyda can count the stars littering the sky easily. The events of today had finally settled her uneasy mind.

Despite his bedrest, Elladan and Gyda had managed to sneak off to the kitchens only to be on the receiving end of Elrohir's scolding the moment she had pushed a plate of fresh meat in his brother's hand. They had sheepishly returned to the Healing Halls and Elrohir had promised to tell no one of their quest.

Gyda had spent her day with Elladan, laughter and relief resulting in a peace for Gyda that she had missed dearly. And now standing in the moonlight, she still felt at peace.

The silken curtains swish in the evening breeze, her hands are clasped behind her back and she says nothing when a shadows falls on the ground beside her, before seconds later, someone else has joined her.

"I heard you have visited Elladan today." Lord Elrond spoke calmly, his own robes moving in the wind. "I thank you for that. I believe the healers could not contain him much longer from his quest of finding you instead."

Gyda chuckles. "Others have told me the same." She contemplates her next words carefully, "I felt unworthy of visiting him." She tells him honestly.

Lord Elrond hums, but he does not look surprised. And Gyda thinks he already knew.

"Something has changed your mind?" Elrond speculates knowingly.

"The words of a friend can be powerful, "Gyda concedes, "although I still do feel the need to ask for forgiveness Lord Elrond." She turns to face him. "You trusted me with this, you let me take the lead instead of your own captain and I have failed you."

"Have you killed the Orcs?"

She frowns, "I ━ yes, but..."

"Have you returned with all members of your party?"

"I have but Elladan was greatly woun━"

"Then you have succeeded." Elrond assures her, "My son knows the risks he takes when setting out beyond the safety of this city. All warriors do."

Gyda swallows her words, "I feel as if I could have done more. It was I, who suggested to split up. And in turn brought Elladan in danger."

"You are still young Gyda. You are still learning, discovering, making mistakes and making up for them. All you should expect from yourself, is the discipline to always become better." He speaks calmly, strongly ━ firmly. "You have shown you care deeply. Those who care deeply, those are the ones that will lead great armies."

Gyda swallows as she stares ahead. "Your father." Those words strike a chord, "always spoke highly of your skills, he used to boast quite loudly when given the chance. Said you would be even greater than him. I did not yet know how much truth the words of a proud father held. I am still not sure ━ but I know there is much promise in you. Self-doubt will fade."

"Thank you Lord Elrond." She bows her head, warmth swelling in her heart at his kind words.

"Those who conquer themselves are the mightiest of warriors."

A smile spreads on her face, if she closes her eyes and focuses, she can hear her father speak those very same words.

"Walk with me please." Elrond holds out his elbow and Gyda does not protest the invitation. They glide over the floor like leaves on a breeze, candle light illuminating their path towards Elrond's study.

The grand study looks just as marvellous at night as it does during the day. Multiple parchment rolls laid scattered around the wooden desk, and Gyda glimpses a text with herbs laid open. Elgarain must have been there today.

"I have begun the study of the fäe with Elgarain today." He conveys.

While the word sounds familiar, Gyda is not well versed in the art of healing and Elrond sees the confusion clearly written on her face. "The study of the spirit."

Gyda nods but doesn't say anything else.

"Elgarain makes great steps in the healing room. I have heard from Galion she is also improving her fighting."

Gyda tilts her head to face Lord Elrond, "See is erh...improving for sure." She does not run away from my sword anymore. "She has many things to learn yet." She adds.

"May I ask Gyda, as one of her closest companions from her homeland. As the prodigy of your late father who has advised and stood by the High-King, do you believe Elgarain to be ready to know about the ring Vilya?"

The question surprises her greatly, wide eyes settling on the elf. "My lord?"

"The ring Vilya, as you may know, holds incredible healing capabilities if wielded justly. There are many responsibilities that come with it. Responsibilities of a queen."

She breathes in deeply, "Should you not decided Lord Elrond? The High-King entrusted you with it, should you not decide when it is best to gift her the ring?"

"I feel it wise to consult the matter with you young Gyda." Elrond deflects.

"I do not wish to speak ill of the Aranel." Gyda admits sombrely, because she had known her answer the moment he asked it.

"Then you shall speak truthfully."

Gyda squares her shoulders, contemplating while Elrond patiently awaits her answer. "Elgarain has grown." She starts slowly. "She is dedicated to her healing, she tries her best at fighting, though it is not her ambition. But I feel as if she is not accepting her duties as future queen. She deflects, she turns to healing and forgoes almost all else.  I feel as if she fears the responsibilities."

"Then we must wait, until she too releases that fear."

The words are unspoken, but they are directed at her too.

"Lord Elrond?"

"Yes?"

"Elgarain might not be yet ready to become Queen." She thinks back to the Healing Halls. The command she had held there, the blazing conviction in her eyes that reminded Gyda of the current Queen. "But one day she will and she will be a great one. I am certain of it."

Lord Elrond smiles at her when she spoke those words. "Then I feel all shall be well in the future."

Gyda nods, hand resting casually on the hilt of her sword, "May I retire? It has been a tiring day."

"I understand, but before you go, I must ask something else of you."

Gyda frowns but steps closer to Lord Elrond nonetheless when he motions her to come forward and she watches as he reaches for letter on his desk, the seal already broken, but she recognises some of the carving in the wax seal. "I have send word to King Thranduil. I see it fit for the elves to come together once more after the war. I fear the Mirkwood elves might retreat to themselves once more. King Thranduil accepted my offer of sending a delegation of elves, so we may train side by side to learn from one another."

"That sounds like an excellent idea."

"I would like for you and Galion, along with guards of my personal choosing to travel to Mirkwood by the next full moon, and represent Imladris and Lindon."

conquer your own fears. the words ring in her head as doubt creeps back in her soul.

"It would be an honour Lord Elrond."

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ELVISH TRANSLATIONS
mellon.— friend
aranel — princess