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

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CHILDREN OF ARDA DUOLOGY ⋆ ☄.
♯ ❝ MY HEART BEATS FOR YOU ❞
CHAPTER TWENTY FIVE ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*
˚ ₊ ♡ the third age ─── year 3019
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━━ ˚ ₊ ♡ 🏹
❝ 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝙡𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝘪𝘴 𝙙𝙮𝙞𝙣𝙜, 𝘢𝘴 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘭𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝙢𝙪𝙨𝙩 ❞

*✧ ─── STRANGE HOW TIME COULD CHANGE PEOPLE. How two opposites of a coin, when forced to work together, would learn to appreciate and care for each other. Despite, or perhaps because, of their differences. How rare to have met someone who becomes a part of your very soul, inseparable. How rare to feel their joy as if it was yours, or their pain as if it were your own...

Elgarain had forgotten how to breathe. A black shadow held her lungs captive, slowly squeezing the air from her body. The sight of Gyda's pale skin beneath the moonlight made her sway on her feet. For a moment she was once again that young Elleth in need of constant protection and reassurence from the Head of her Guard. But many years had passed since then. She was no longer helpless and naïve. Gyda had made sure of that.

"Put her on her side," she instructed Legolas as she rushed forward.

She fell on her knees beside the Ellon, who hadn't even heard her. His skin was almost as pale as that of her friend. His eyes wide and worried, unable to look away from Gyda's still figure...

With a desperate glance she searched for Aragorn, who immediately made his way over towards Legolas. He placed a hand on his friends' shoulder, softly pulling him aside. Slowly Legolas got to his feet, his fists clenched and his eyes never once looking away from Gyda.

"I'm not losing anybody else," Elgarain said, determined, as she looked at Legolas. "I won't."

He nodded once but his lips remained closed.

Elgarain took a deep breath, bracing herself, before turning all her attention to Gyda. With steady hands she rolled her to her side. The wound wasn't deep enough to cause unconsciousness. Which meant it was most likely poisoned. And as long as she didn't know which poison, she had to prepare for every possibility. When rolled to her side, she was less likely to choke should the poison reach her lungs or airway.

She searched her memories for every lesson Lord Elrond had ever given her about poison. His words came to her as though he'd spoken them yesterday. Always determine what kind of poison you're dealing with, or else it is impossible to know which antidote to use. Frantically she looked around, searching for the blade that caused the wound.

Aragorn seemed to realize what she was looking for and picked up a heavy broadsword from the ground. He knelt down beside her, handing her the blade.

She was careful to avoid touching the steel as she observed the stained blade. But there was too much blood to see anything useful. With a frustrated sigh she put the blade down, searching every piece of knowledge she had available about orc poison. But she was too impatient to think clearly. Gyda was turning paler with each second and her breathing was turning ragged and shallow.

There was only one other way she could think of to determine the kind of poison that was used. Though it was reckless and dangerous without knowing with absolute certainty she had everything needed to make an antidote. But trying to talk herself out of it was useless, her mind was already mind up.

She moved fast to prevent Aragorn from stopping her. She touched the blade with her finger, then put it in her mouth. The metallic taste of blood was overwhelming but there was something sour lingering underneath...

"No!" Aragorn pulled her hand away from her mouth but the damage was already done. "What did you do, anarinya?"

The nickname from their childhood filled her entire body with a flaming heat, or perhaps it was the poison...

"I told you, I wasn't going to lose anyone else," she spoke, her words slurring together.

She had to work fast and Aragorn's worried eyes were distracting her, so she looked away from him, keeping her gaze focused on Gyda. Sour, flaming pain, slurring speech...

"Dúath," she mumbled, the pieces slowly connecting.

Nightshade, or Dúath as her kin called it, was a black flower that grew out of volcanic ashes. Often used to make a powder to poison blades or arrowheads with. One of the many kinds of poison orcs liked to use. It slowly burned through your veins, until your body had become the very volcanic ash the flower grew from. In a way, its killing properties kept the flower alive.

There was one problem...she had no idea what the antidote was.

"Lass?" Gimli asked, his voice thick with worry.

"I-" she mumbled, but she couldn't find the words to answer. With a frown she looked down at her hands. Her skin was pale and her body felt as though it had been set on fire. Then she caught sight of the ring on her finger. One last desperate idea formed in her fevered thoughts. She had no idea whether it would work or not but considering the situation, she couldn't afford not to try.

Taking Gyda's hand in her own, she closed her eyes. She recalled the time she'd watched Lord Elrond heal Frodo, using Vilya's power. If she could connect with Gyda's fëa and guide it back, she might just keep her alive long enough to get to the Healing Rooms of Lothlórien and find the antidote.

She had no idea how to utilize Vilya's power, much less how to connect to Gyda's fëa. But she knew she would never forgive herself if she didn't try. Then she would forever remain trapped in this moment, seated here on the forest floor, wondering what she could have done differently.

Elgarain took a deep breath, forcing her heart beat to slow. She concentrated on the shape of the ring on her finger while emptying her thoughts of all else. It turned out she didn't have to do anything. It felt as though the ring had a will of its own. Vilya seemed to sense exactly what Elgarain had planned and answered her call immediately. The ring on her finger lit up like a tiny star, the light warming her entire body in a pleasant glow.

Vilya guided her through the darkness, Elgarain simply followed the light. The forest, her worried friends and the watchful guard of Lothlórien, they all disappeared. All that remained was a vast darkness and the star guiding her along some invisible path.

She tried to call out Gyda's name but her mouth was glued shut. There was nothing she could do but let Vilya lead on. It felt as though an eternity had passed when a pale blue greeted her. In the gathering darkness she found Gyda's unconscious body, wrapped in a blue glow. She reached out and took her hand firmly in her. A sound like a hurricane assaulted her ears and with a startled gasp she opened her eyes.

Her surroundings came rushing back to her and she found herself back in Lothlórien. It felt as though she'd spend hours wandering through the darkness. But it couldn't have been more than a few minutes. Aragorn had taken a hold of her arm, steadying her while she worked. Her entire body was shivering, every last bit of energy seemed to have left her.

Vilya's light faded, until the sapphire stone had returned to its normal blue color.

The entire forest seemed to hold its breath; all eyes turned to the wounded Elleth.

Slowly, like the rising of the sun, color returned to her skin. Her breathing steadied as the blood surrounding the wound turned from black to shining red.

A trembling breath left her lips as she finally released Gyda's hand. "She's going to be all right," she whispered, tears lingering within her eyes.

She was barely finished speaking when Legolas rushed forward. He knelt down beside Gyda and carefully gathered her in his arms. Then he got back to his feet and turned to Haldir. "Take us to the Healing Rooms." He didn't sound unfriendly but there was no room in his tone for argument either. Elgarain briefly wondered if that was the voice he used for formal meetings...

Haldir nodded, then turned to another Elf and instructed him to wake the Hobbits.

Carefully she got to her feet. Her legs felt as though they were made of water. She was too tired to feel ashamed about having to lean on Aragorn. Though she couldn't bring herself to look at him, knowing the worry and disapproval she'd find in those grey eyes.

Gimli walked up to her, trying his hardest to look stern but his voice betrayed him. "You've got grit, Lass, I'll give you that."

She smiled at his quickly retreating figure.

"What happened?" A small voice came from behind her.

With wide eyes Pippin approached them, followed by the other three Hobbits. Every single one of them looked equally worried at Gyda's unconscious figure.

"She was injured by a poisoned orc blade," Elgarain explained. "I managed to heal the effects of the poison but I need the antidote to treat her wound."

"But is she going to be okay?" Sam asked with a frown.

Elgarain smiled reassuringly. "I believe so. She's strong."

"Follow me," Haldir's stern voice cut through the air, putting an end to their questions.

The morning air was cold as they set out again, leaving the slaughtered orcs behind. Elgarain couldn't help but glance worriedly at Legolas every now and then. His muscles were wound so tight she feared he might break. Though she could understand his inability to calm down perfectly well.

They followed a narrow path that led them southwards. The ground beneath her feet was soft and smooth and despite her exhausted legs, she wasn't afraid of falling. A river murmured to their right and for a while they followed it. Until Haldir made a sharp turn to the left and they stepped out into an open glade.

"Caras Galadhon," Haldir announced. "The heart of Elvendom on earth. Realm of the Lord Celeborn and Galadriel, Lady of light."

Up on the hill ahead of them grew the largest Mallorn trees in all of the Middle-Earth. Their height could not be guessed, even wider and lager than the pillars of Dwarrowdelf. The trees grew in a wide circle, stretching as far and wide as the eye could see. The leaves formed a golden roof for the city located high in the tree tops itself. The trees formed the pillars and walls of the buildings, as much a part of the city as the masterfully carved homes. Between the many branches countless lights were gleaming in colors of green, gold and silver.

Haldir led him across a stone path that led to a great set of gates facing southwards. They were set between the ends of a wall that encircled the entire city. Carved from silver wood, they stood tall and strong. Decorated with many soft glowing lights.

The Fellowship stepped inside the city. At first glance there was no one to be seen. But once Elgarain looked up, she saw the city was alive with soft voices, glowing lights and peaceful melodies. They followed the stone path for a while longer until they reached the foot of one of the Mallorn trees.

Their guide came to a halt and gestured at the stairs. "You'll find the Healing Rooms at the top," Haldir said. "The rest of you must follow me. The Lord and Lady are awaiting your arrival."

Elgarain saw the worried glance Frodo send them. "It's all right," she reassured him. "We will see each other soon."

Frodo nodded at her with a small smile.

The silver staircase was decorated with many flowers and lights and carved to elegantly wrap itself around the Mallorn tree. Legolas went first, holding Gyda against his chest. Elgarain followed him closely, using the banister to drag her exhausted body up the stairs. She threw one last glance over shoulder, watching as the rest of the Fellowship followed Haldir further along the path. As if sensing her gaze, Aragorn's eyes found hers. He nodded curtly at her before disappearing out of sight. With a trembling breath she continued her way up the stairs.

At the top of the stairs awaited an elegantly carved white building with many rooms. Legolas and Elgarain made their way inside where they were greeted by a green-eyes Elleth.

"Boe de nestad," Legolas said, still with that strangely formal voice.

The Elleth nodded. "Tolo ar nin."

They followed her into one of the many rooms. The chamber was round and completely white. From the satin sheets on the bed, to the flowers standing in a glass vase in the corner. Silver lights glowed within their lanterns, illuminating the room with a soft glow.

"Can I get some fresh water?" Elgarain asked the Elf.

"Of course," she said with a bow of her head and disappeared from the room.

Carefully, Legolas put Gyda upon the bed while Elgarain searched the cabinets for the necessary equipment. Clean cloth, thread and needle, a bowl and Athelas.

*。☆。
★。＼｜／。★
𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝙗𝙚𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝙩𝙤𝙪𝙘𝙝𝙚𝙙 𝘮𝘦,
𝘪 𝙗𝙚𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙜𝙚𝙙 𝘵𝘰 𝙮𝙤𝙪; 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘩𝘢𝘥
𝘵𝘰 𝙙𝙤 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝙡𝙤𝙤𝙠 𝘢𝘵 𝙢𝙚

─ louise glück

ᵒ .༄ ࿐ ࿔* 🏹🌋🪨
⋆⋅ ━━━━ ‧ ༻✩༺ ‧ ━━━━ ⋅⋆
third age ━━ year 3019

THE TASTE OF ASH GREETS GYDA WHEN SHE STIRS AWAKE. HER BODY ACHES AN UNFAMILAIR EXHAUTION THRUMMING through her body. Her eyelids feel heavy, and it takes great strength to open them. Bright silver light greets her as her eyes flutter open—a sense of panic follows at the sight of her unknown surroundings.

Her body shoots up, a startled gasp escaping her lungs before she falls back when pain flares up her arm.

"Gyda?" A bird-song voice—Elgarain.

"Tarinya?" Her voice cracks, uncharacteristically soft spoken as she gazes up at the tired face of her High-Queen. "What happened?"

Elgarain sounds exhausted when she replies. "You were cut with a poisonous blade."

Her fingers reach subconsciously for the neatly wrapped bandage on her arm before her eyes drift to the other side of her bed. Hunched over, a frown permanently etched on his pale face, Legolas sleeps. She wants to reach for him, but the moment she lifts her hand, she hesitates. "You saved me." She speaks up instead.

"Well, I am the only capable healer we brought along," Elgarain tries to joke, but her eyes betray her worries.

A watery smile finds it way on her face, but she cannot stop herself as her eyes glaze over, grief and pain catching up to her. "I thought I—I" she swallows the lump in her throat. "would die." She pauses gathering her thoughts. "I was scared Elgarain."

"So was I," Elgarain replies softly.

"No revels for your potentially newly found freedom?"

A teary chuckle escapes her lips. "Once, maybe. Now?" Her expression turns serious. "I need you, nésa."

Gyda's heart warms and without warning, she lungs forward. Pulling the elleth closer and wrapping her arms around Elgarain, despite the ache in her arm. She clutches her tightly in her embrace, tears finally spilling. "Ni*'lassui." She whispers in her ear.

"It was my turn to keep you safe," Elgarain whispers, holding her just as tight.

Reluctantly pulling away, Gyda holds onto her shoulders and gifts her a small smile, "I'm glad you did—but forgive me for saying, you look terribly tired."

For a moment Elgarain doubts, searching for words. When she finally does speak, it's with great hesitation. "Well, I-" She takes a deep breath. "I had to take some serious measures to heal you."

A frown pulls on her face, "Tarinya," Worry laces her words as she reaches for her hands, clutching them tightly in her own. "What did you do?"

Elgarain looks down, unable to bear Gyda's gaze. "I had to find out what you were poisoned with in order to determine the right antidote. But the sword was too filthy to be of any help." Her voice trembles as she continues. "So, I poisoned myself."

Shock rushes through her body, jaw taut and muscles tense, "Elgarain..." the lecture is on the tip of her tongue but the sight of Elgarain makes her falter. Her eyes still hold a tremor of terror, a desperation Gyda is all to familiar with.

Saving someone you care about.

Gyda would have done the same for her father in a heartbeat if she could—so she swallows her pride, "That was very stupid of you." Elgarain deflates, but Gyda is not done speaking. "And very, very brave. Your father would be proud of you Elgarain." She states sincerely.

Elgarain frowns at her, almost like she can't believe her words. "I-" Then, slowly, a smile forms on her lips. "Thank you."

A glint in the light catches her eye--the glimmer of Elgarain's ring, like it's calling to her, as if it knows her.

Like she senses her curious gaze, Elgarain speaks up; "I used Vilya's power to heal us both by connecting our fëa's. I don't think either of us would have survived otherwise."

"How did you know how to use it?" She wonders.

"I saw Lord Elrond do the same when healing Frodo from the wound left by the Morgul Blade," she explains while studying the ring. "I just repeated what he did and then Vilya guided me, almost like the ring knew what I was meant to do."

Gyda nods, "I'm glad your heart called you to the healing halls Elgarain." She observes her slouched figure knowingly, "Now you must rest Tarinya, you deserve it."

"So do you," she replies softly.

"So do we all." Gyda grins, before reluctantly asking; "the others, how are they faring?"

"They were worried but they're all right." She glances at Legolas. "Though perhaps you should ask them yourself."

Gyda chuckles but it's a shallow sound, "Go, tell the others I'm alright."

Elgarain nods, smiling knowingly. "I'll return later today to change your bandage. Please make sure to rest until then." She got to her feet and squeezed Gyda's hand reassuringly. Then she left the room.

Gyda exhales a deep breath, winching slightly as she moves to lay down again, but down the hall a door falls shut, echoing throughout the corridor.

Elgarain.

Besides her, Legolas stirs and Gyda holds her breath, hazel eyes darting around the room as if searching for an escape, thoughts running wild—"Gyda?"

Her wild heart slows down at the mere sound of his voice, a sense of calmness so unfamiliar to her.

"You're awake." She can hear the smile in his voice and as she turns to look at the Mirkwood prince she witnesses a blinding smile directed at her.

Warmth blossoms in the pit of her stomach at the sight, despite her best efforts to remain indifferent. "I am." Is the only thing she manages to mutter.

Slowly, like he's afraid to startle her, Legolas stands up to approach her bedside. "I feared the worse," He swallows, "you were so pale, Gyda. Like a ghost had already taken your place."

The raw emotion surprises her, but her actions do so more as she reaches to grasp his hand.

She ignores the spark crawling up her arm, gaze unwavering from his own, "I'm right here, Legolas."

Gyda doesn't think she has ever uttered his name out loud before and by the sight of his face, he realizes it too.

Clasping her hand in both of his, he crouches slightly to look her in the eye, "I am truly sorry Gyda, it had never been my intention to mislead you, I—I." He pauses, taking in a deep breath, "but I could not let a chance of knowing you without the burden of my title slip through my fingers."

The sincerity in his voice, the emotion swirling in his eyes overwhelm her, "Why?"

"I know the importance, the pride you hold in being you father's daughter," A memory of Mirkwood forest flashes through her head, the way it felt so easy to talk with him about the legacy of her family. "Your duty would never allow me close to you—I know you fear to follow you heart because of it, but Gyda," He tightens his grip on her hands and brings it to rest on his chest, right above his heart. "but my heart beats for you."

A shaky breath falls past her lips, she opens her mouth to reply, but she's not given the chance as Legolas continues. "I've known it, the moment I laid my eyes on you." He pauses, eyes softening, "I will wait Gyda, however long it takes, whatever else happens. I will wait for you."

Gyda's lip part, fingers twisting the soft linen tunic beneath her, searching for the words to reply, to convey all her worries and fears, and everything she had buried deep down in her heart.

"Legolas...I"

Softly his fingers wrap around her wrist, "You don't have to say anything yet, "He smiles at her. "You'll know when you're ready and I'll be here." He stands up, gazing down at her, that look in his eyes, the one so familiar, the one she dared never name.

The way her father looked at her mother.

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ELVISH TRANSLATIONS
tarinya — queen
nesa — sister

AUTHOR'S NOTE:
First half of the chapter courtesy of Unlock-Your-Mind  ! A lil peek into elgerain pov seeing as Gyda was very much not awake to share her thoughts. Also legolas and Gyda &heieofksg!!!! That moment ugh I love them.