*。☆。
★。＼｜／。★
˚ ₊ ♡ ❰ BALLAD OF BROKEN SWORDS ❱
*✧ ─── ❝ ❪ A DARK HORIZON ❫ ❞
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˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ ACT TWO ── audentes fortuna iuvat 🏹 ⁺⑅

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CHILDREN OF ARDA DUOLOGY ⋆ ☄.
♯ ❝ I WILL MISS YOU TOO ❞
CHAPTER THIRTEEN ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*
˚ ₊ ♡ the third age ─── year 3018
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━━ ˚ ₊ ♡ 🏹
❝ 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘤𝘢𝘯𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝙤𝙪𝙩𝙧𝙪𝙣 𝙙𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙮 ❞

*✧ ───THE WOODS OF MITHLOND ARE A SANCTUARY GYDA NEVER APPRECIATED MORE THAN UPON HER RETURN TO THE GRAYHAVENS OF LINDON SIXTY SEVEN YEAR AGO. THE SMELL of home, a scent she had fully forgotten after so many years in Imladris, fills her lungs now, and the warm morning sun brings a feeling of euphoria to the Captain of the Queen's guard as she stands among her companions. Lindon was peaceful now, after the tribulations during Sauron's terror and the aftermath that was the cause of her stay at the Hidden Valley. But even Gyda can't deny the growing rumors that are spread through whispers. It's unsettling and there threatens to run a shiver through her spine despite the warm weather at the remembrance of the orc she'd killed all those years ago. Did you? Sometime those words still haunt her in her dreams.

In those moments she wishes for her father more than normally. She had expected to miss his guidance especially upon her return with the then soon-to-be High-Queen, but like her father had always told her, such leadership had always come naturally to her. Most of it did, but even she still had to reign in her stubborn temper during political meetings she had with other council members or delegation leaders she attended with tarinya Elgarain. Sugar coated words had never been her way of communication. the classes she taught to a new generations of warriors were a sure testament to her critical way of working. She had even gotten Galion to be more stern-faced during his teachings. Which was a praised feat in itself.

But with the whispers of the return of the One True Ring fallen from the mouth of a creature name Gollum the same unsettling feelings she had had so many years ago began stirring up again. And it didn't help the fact the more Orcs had gathered around their border the last couple of years. It was once again as if they were chasing a ghost they couldn't quite catch and Gyda wonders whatever they were looking for was that valor-forsaken ring.

"There's word a Dunédain has captured that foul creature." Galion appears by her side atop his beautiful white stead. "And brought him to King Thranduil to be kept in the Mirkwood dungeons."

Gyda blinks, hazel eyes darting away from the canopy of startling green leaves above her to face her honey-blonde friend. She slows Ilya down to trod beside her companion before opening her mouth to speak. "Where have you heard such things Galion?"

"Just last night, at the inn in the village we stayed at."

A spark of sympathy rises to her eyes as she regards Galion. While she knows he was most joyful to return home, but another part of him was always bound to Imladris. To the daughter of Lord Elrond. Upon return he had thrown himself into work, his teachings, the patrols and hunts. He rarely stayed still and found it even harder to return home to his cottage at night. Instead he searched for laughter and jubilance in local inns where there was chatter and people he had grown up with.

"I know you miss her." Gyda leans down slightly to whisper, "you know you can ask Elgarain to return to Imladris. To Arwen. She will understand. More than most."

Her mind drifts to her last night at Imladris, Elgarain's quivering lip and red rimmed eyes as she told her about the boy she had fallen in love with deep into the night. The same boy she had almost struck down when she had found them frolicking in the dark. Elgarain knew what is was like to miss another part of her.

"I know." His words are breathless, "but this is my home too."

Gyda hums thoughtfully, "you'll figure it out, one day."

There is a moment of silence between them as they trek further in the Noldorian woods with the others close behind them before she breaks it again. "What more do you know of this Gollum?" The words are spoken calculatingly soft to avoid eavesdropping.

Galion rubs his jaw with one hand, letting his gaze drift up ahead where the woods begin to become spread further apart and back to Gyda. "There's word he once possessed the ring, and orcs had taken him prisoner in Barad-dûr. But I don't know for certain it is true."

"Whatever that creature did or didn't know, I'm sure the Woodland Elves will figure it out." Gyda sighs, "They're very apt at getting what they want."

"And even better at avoiding what they don't want." Galion laughs bitterly as he thought back on the continuous declination of Tarinya Elgarain's invitation to visit a restored Lindon.

Gyda scoffs but for a split second her thoughts drift to the silver haired Mirkwood elf. "Some things never change."

"And some things do."

Gyda follows his gaze where Mithlond's great palace gleams in the sunlight, tall and towering as it protrudes from the mountains just by the Gulf of Lhûn. When she had left it so many years ago, it looked desolate, a mirage of the once beautiful bustling city she grew up in. And while the former High-Queen had brough some of its former glory back, it was under Elgarain's joyful guiding hand that an air of happiness returned. Gyda, never one for words of praise, did feel pride swell in her chest when she saw how far Elgarain had come. She still had to ruse the High-Queen to fulfill some of her more tedious tasks instead of the latest drawing and remind her to practice with her spear at least once a week, but that was made her the Elgarain she knew and had grown fond of .

Who would have thought that the solemn, glum halls of Mirkwood would finally make her realize how much she should appreciate the sun Elgarain seemed to carry into a room.

Brushing stray whisp of brown hair away from her face, Gyda smiles at the sight of the gates coming closer, white stone covered in lush ivy and autumn flowers sprouting from small crevices. The city of Mithlond is already bustling with life as Noldorian elves wander about the small market.

It is Cirdan's mess of red curls that catch her attention as she lets herself off of Ilya, grabbing the reign of the mare to approach the ellon as he smiled broadly at her.

Cirdan, Daros and Ithel had become one of her closest friends after the hardships they endured by being away from home, and ones she trusted most with the little elflings under her training. One of the younger Ellons by the name of Theon stands proudly by Cirdan's side, wooden practice sword attached to his belt while he held a woven basket with bread and fruit between his arms.

"Gyda!" The elf's boisterous exclamation brings a smile to her face as the brown haired elf drops the basket by his feet to run towards her, already yapping about the latest lesson he had the day before. She smiles and listens attentively as she crouches down to his eye level. Leaving Ilya's in Galion's safe hands as he guides the animals towards the stables.

"watch your feet little one, don't give up balance for a quick attack." Gyda corrects as the boy shows a quick sequence of moves with his wooden sword. It reminds her an awfully lot of Elgarain the way he moves.

"Like this?" Theon repeats the actions, keeping his feet further apart as he moves.

"Just like that." She stands to her full height and Theon comes barreling towards her to wrap his arms around her waist.

"I've missed you."

Gyda ruffles his hair affectionately before looking up to see Galion waiting. "I've missed you too little one. But now duty calls."

"Are you going to see the Tarinya?" The boy look up in wonder.

Gyda hums, a ghost of a smile on her face. "I am."

"She's so pretty." The ellon whispers.

Gyda can hear Cirdan chuckle at the words and she shakes her head, "I'll be sure to tell her you said that Theon." She promises and the boy takes a couple steps back to retrieve the woven basket he had left behind.

"Make sure to keep practicing on your balance." She instructs him once more before pivoting around to approach Galion.

"Can I do it with a real sword!?" Theon calls after her.

"No you cannot!" Gyda calls back over her own shoulder and chuckles at the sight of his pout before looking back at the honey haired elf. He's smirking at her knowingly.

"He's just like you Gyda." Galion states when she is closer.

Gyda can only scoff in denial.

"Impatient and stubborn to the core."

"I'm not impatient Galion." She deflects with a wave of her hand, passing her friend to walk up the steps leading to the palace gardens.

"You didn't say anything about not being stubborn." Galion boasts proudly.

Gyda only smirk when she looks back at him. "I would be telling lies if I did."

Laughter rings out behind her and Gyda never felt happier to be home.

*。☆。
★。＼｜／。★
𝘯𝘰 𝙛𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝙡𝙖𝙨𝙩
𝘯𝘰 𝙫𝙞𝙘𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙮 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙜𝙤𝙤𝙙

─ joe abercrombie

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MITHLINDON'S PALACE IS BUSTLING WITH LIFE AS GYDA AND GALION ENTER THROUGH THE GARDEN GATES. IT'S CLEAR AS DAY something is happening as Gyda's watches multiple elves rush towards the Healing Rooms. And while Gyda knows that normally Elgarain is wandering around the cliff around this time of day, having started in the tower of her late father, she's sure her High-Queen is in the center of whatever is happening.

Quickening her pace with slight worry twisting in her gut it seems the worst of whatever has happened has past already. There's still a hum of tension around the large Healing Room as elves check up on the wounded. Most Gyda recognizes. Her heart aches at the sight of the wounded, a small spark of guilt running through her at the thought that if she'd been there, she could have helped. But she pushes it back, reminding herself not to put the weight of the world on her shoulders. It is at the far end of the room, past the crackling fire that she spots Elgarain talking in hushed whispers with a dark haired Elleth. They are standing next to a bed, once white sheets smeared with crimson colored blood. A broken arrow lays forgotten on the ground, and her eyes trail to the ellon's bandaged chest knowingly.

With purposeful steps Gyda walks further into the room, commanding a respect she could once never dream of having. Healers move aside slightly when they notice her and Gyda smiles kindly at the ones she knows more personally. Galion shadows her steps behind her, surveying the room with calculated eyes to see who's there.

"Tarinya?" Gyda calls out and the younger elleth's heads shots up at the sound of her voice. Green eyes raking over her body as if checking for injuries before her tense shoulders relax and she breaths out a barely noticeable sigh of relief. But Gyda perceives the gesture nonetheless. Ever since she had hidden her injury from the Elleth in Imladris, Elgarain made sure to check her more thoroughly when she returned.

"Gyda. I'm glad you've returned safely." Elgarain smiles at her and Gyda bows her head slightly and touches her forehead in a sign of respect.

"It wasn't too bad at the northern border." Gyda replies with well-practiced ease. "Do you yet know what has happened? I recognized a few of them. They went to the southern border."

"I sent them south a week ago. There had been messengers from our villages there of frequent Orc attacks. I suppose they fought them off but not without injuries."

A frown finds its way on her face, "The south seems to get the worst of it. We haven't come across much the last few week up north. Which is a blessing of course."

A deep sigh left Elgarain's lips. "It seems like their numbers are growing. We can barely hold them back. I fear if we cannot defeat them for good, we will not be able to keep off their attacks for much longer."

"Our numbers are still small, and the villagers have not had much training. I fear we might need to give them refuge in villages closer to Mithlond. That way we might be able to protect them better." She pauses, eyes flitting around the room before stepping closer to her queen. "There are rumors Elgarain. Awful rumors of the return of the One True Ring."

Her eyes hardened. She turned to Galwenn. "Make sure his wound is cleaned thoroughly, if he worsens you let me know." Then she looked to Gyda. "Let us talk elsewhere."

Gyda tilts her head sideway at Galion and the honey-haired elf nods, knowing what to do. "Lead the way Tarinya."

Gyda falls in step just behind Elgarain, Galion flanking her side as they quickly leave the busy Healing Hall behind in favor for more privacy. Following Elgarain into an empty room at the end of the corridor. It's circular and Gyda doesn't remember when she had last been inside this particular room. She remembered Elgarain explaining the reason for the emptiness, bar the lit fire in the center of the room. Urgent matters require discomfort. It had apparently been a lesson from Gil-Galad. And it sounded like something he and her father would have come up with together.

Only when the doors were fell into place behind Galion does Elgarain turn to them again. It pains Gyda to see the small flicker of fear in her eyes. "I thought the One Ring was forever lost, carried away by the river to the sea. That's what the stories told."

"There's always truth to stories told long ago." Gyda tries to dissuade her worries. "It was lost, but a creature has had it in its possession it seems." She turns to Galion to elaborate on what he has heard during their time patrolling the borders.

Galion straightened his back, "There were whispers of Gollum wandering the countryside near the Shire. They believed he had the ring once, before it was stolen. A dunédain has captured him, and brought him to Mirkwood."

For a moment, Gyda sees Elgarain tense and frown before asking: "What's a Gollum?"

A scowl finds its way on Gyda's face mouth opening to scold her lack of knowledge only to falter as the words register. "Well, erh...Galion?"

The ellon shrugs, "No one really knows, but it's a foul creature dwelling in shadows."

"And do we know where the Ring is now?"

"There's rumors Gollum has been in Barad-dûr, hold captive by a horde of orcs." She swallowed nervously. "If Gollum indeed was in possession of the ring, it might be in Mordor."

Elgarain wipes her forehead with a heavy sigh before whispering beneath her breath. "Let us hope not, or we're all doomed." Then she straightened her back, a determination on her face Gyda has come to associate with her newly appointed role as High-Queen. "If this is indeed true it might be the reason the Orcs are growing bolder in their attacks. We cannot fight the might of Mordor alone. We're going to need help."

"If there's one thing my father taught me it is not to make hasty decisions ruled by fear. "Gyda begins, voice strong and sure. "if we raise alarm, if we call our people to arms, we need to be sure. Let me make the journey to Mirkwood, confirm suspicions before we take action."

"I would hate to part with you in these difficult times but, as always, you're right."

Gyda smirks, "I like it when you tell me I'm right, makes all those tantrums during your elfling years worth it."

Elgarain winced at the unpleasant memory. "I take it back, please go to Mirkwood. I'm sure King Thranduil would love to make time in his busy schedule for that sharp tongue of yours again."

"Ladies, while I love to hear all these embarrassing matters openly discussed, we should make haste if Gyda's is to make for Mirkwood today." Galion interrupted them.

Gyda nods, laughter lines fading from her face as she regards Elgarain again, "For what it's worth Tarinya, I will miss you too."

Elgarain grins mischievously. "I know you will." Then she turns to Galion. "I hate to ask you to part with Gyda but I trust no one else with this message. Will you ride to Rivendell? We could use Lord Elrond's advice on the matter."

Galion nods, a faint smile on his face at the sight of Gyda and Elgarain's knowing eyes. "I would be honored Tarinya." He bows his head.

"Thank you, mellon nin. I suppose this means goodbye then."

Before any of them could make a move to leave the room however there was a knock on the door.

"Minno," Elgarain calls out.

The doors flung open and a young Elleth steps inside. "There are two messengers here to see you, Tarinya."

"Let them in."

The Elleth bows and moves aside, letting two Ellons inside before closing the doors behind them. Their familiar long brown hair and almost identical faces warm Gyda's heart.

"Elladan! Elrohir!" Elgarain is the first to move in her excitement all courtesies forgotten as she let herself run towards the twins and embrace them both tightly.

"Elgarain," Elrohir laughs, untangling himself from her grip and throwing a look at her hands. "You haven't changed a bit."

"Don't let the crown fool you Elrohir." Gyda moves forward to embrace the ellon. "She's still a pest when she wants to be."

"What brings you here?" Elgarain asks when Galion had finished greeting the twins as well.

All laughter immediately disappeared from the room, as both their faces stood suddenly serious, almost grave. A sudden shadow seems to have taken hold of the room, pressing on their hearts and holding them captive.

It's Elladan who captures their attention again when he spoke, "Lord Elrond has called for a council."

Gyda has never heard the lilt of his voice sound so serious and deep in her heart she already knew the reason.

"The One True Ring has returned." Elladan continues and fear strikes her heart.

"We heard the rumors." Gyda spoke softly, "we hoped they'd be false."

"A hobbit by the name of Frodo brought it to Imladris accompanied by three more and..." He trailed off eyes flickering to Elgarain. "the ranger Strider."

"A hobbit?" Gyda frowns, exchanging glances with Galion. "How has he come in possession of the ring?"

"We do not know, but I feel as if adar knows more than he's willing to tell at the moment. Messengers have been send to different Kingdoms to gather in Imladris. We shall learn more about what awaits us when everyone will arrive."

Gyda can feel her heart hammering, memories of long ago flashing before her eyes, the taste of smoke bitter in her mouth.

Fingers clasp around her wrist and Galion's familiar touch brings her back to reality and from the corner of her eye, she notices Elgarain's worried gaze latched upon her tense figure.

"I suppose we are expected to leave immediately?" Elgarain states instead and Gyda is grateful.

Elrohir nods. "As soon as possible. The fate of Middle-Earth cannot wait."

"Then we won't wait," Elgarain says before calling the young Elf maiden back inside. "Please show Lord Elrond's sons to the kitchens. You can eat and regain your strength while we pack our things."

The twins bow before retreating from the room.

Elgarain breaths out slowly, seeming to gather herself. "Gyda and Galion you will both accompany me. This council is too important for me to remain here. Gyda, please chose a few warriors you trust to join us. The road is too dangerous to travel with just the three of us."

"I already know who to call upon." She assures

"Then let us not waste anymore time." Elgarain nods. "We ride at dawn."

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ELVISH TRANSLATIONS
tarinya — queen
mellon nin — my friend
minno — come in
adar — father