Telepse isil: Silver Moon

(Gandalf)

"With or without our help, these dwarves will march on the mountain." I walk next to Elrond as we ascend the staircase "They are determined to reclaim their homeland. I do not believe Thorin Oakenshield feels that he's answerable to anyone. Nor for that matter am I."

Stopping at the top of the stairs Elrond has an odd smile on his face "It is not me you must answer to."

As I step out onto the pavilion, I see her. The long flowing locks of her blonde hair shine in the moonlight. Turning to face me I see her warm smile form.

"Lady Galadriel." I breathe stepping forward with a bow.

"Mithrandir."

*In Elvish*

"It has been a long time."

Lifting my head, I smile feeling my heart swell "Age may have changed me, but not so the Lady of Lorien."

Galadriel smiles back at me until I look to Elrond "I had no idea Lord Elrond had sent for you."

A familiar voice sounds from the darkness "No, I did." Turning I force a smile meeting eyes with Saruman the white who stands in the far corner. If the dwarves are to reach the mountain, they must make haste before the night is over.

---

"You've been busy of late, my friend." Saruman says suspiciously as I lean into the table. Dawn breaks behind the council just over the mountain range. The sunlight already warding off the chill of the night.
Saruman however does not improve my mood "Tell me, Gandalf. Did you think these plans and schemes of yours would go unnoticed?"

"Unnoticed?" I stammer "No, I'm simply doing what I feel to be right."

Glancing over at me Galadriel continues her slow pace around the table "The dragon has long been on your mind."

I nod "It is true, my lady. Smaug owes allegiance to no one. But if he should side with the enemy, a dragon could be used to terrible effect."

Elrond raises a brow "What do you mean?"

I look down at the table trying to collect my thoughts. For so long I've kept this to myself, but it is time others know.

"There is something at work beyond the evil of Smaug. Something far more powerful. We can remain blind to it, but it will not be ignoring us, that I can promise you. A sickness lies over the Greenwood. The woodsmen who live there now call it Mirkwood, and they say..."

My voice trails off as uncertainty comes back into the playing field of my mind. Saruman however will not let me slip by so easily "Well, don't stop now. Tell us what the woodsmen say."

"They speak of a Necromancer living in Dol Guldur, a sorcerer who can summon the dead."

"That's absurd. No such power exists in this world." The white wizard objects "This Necromancer is nothing more than a mortal man. A conjurer dabbling in black magic."

"And so, I thought too, but Radagast has seen –.."

Saruman looks appalled "Radagast? Do not speak to me of Radagast the Brown. He is a foolish fellow."

"No...!" I protest "I have seen what he has found. Not just proof but a memory. Others as well. I can assure you."

"The girl." Elrond murmurs giving me a worried glance.

I nod "Yes, Elena, she is the key. I believe she is the one to save us all."

"A human girl?" Saruman snaps "She is not great sorceress or warrior. In fact, she could be nobody at all."

"She is the guardian." Galadriel interrupts giving us all a daunting look "I have dreamed of her since the dragon claimed the Lonely mountain. Hence then, she has long been on my mind. I knew she would come to us. She is here now?"

Shifting uncomfortably, I look to Galadriel "Yes, she is here, but I am afraid she did not come to Middle Earth in the way we expected."

"How do you mean?" Saruman asks as all three await my answer.

I know I can't keep it a secret. The truth must be known "I went to Other Earth to find her. Since the departure of Dorlien I-....I knew there must have been someone of her bloodline to be the one. To be the next guardian of Middle Earth."

"You STOLE her?!" Saruman roars.

"No, I-I found her. Her abilities had already taken hold. It was a matter of time before she would find out for herself, but that could have taken another decade. Besides, the Orc's were already there waiting for her-..."

"Orcs?" Elrond questions "How were the Orcs to be there? They hold no magic."

"I do not know how they came to be there, but I knew they were there for her. They have been chasing her ever since. Whatever master they serve wants Elena. I fear if they should claim her all hope is lost."

"This is preposterous!" Saruman snaps "There is no proof this girl is Middle Earth's next Telepse isil. She cannot be a guardian."

"But what if she is?" Elrond asks looking to the perplexed white wizard "What if she is the next Telepse isil?"

As Elrond and Saruman debate back and forth I lean back in my chair. My eyes are tired and my body weak. I know the young girl. I know Elena. I know who she is and who she is destined to be. Even if she doesn't know, but I now can see I can't hide it from her any longer.

"You carry something." Galadriel's voice speaks in my mind "It came to you from Radagast. He found it in Dol Guldur."

"Yes."

"Show me."

From out of my robes, I slowly lift out

Radagast's package he had given me. Resting it on the table, letting out a

Dull thud.

Elrond leans closer "What is that?"

Galadriel's eyes are widened with fear "A relic of Mordor."

Elrond reaches towards the package, unwrapping it. The blade from Dol Guldur rests inside. The White Council looks shocked just as I had been.

"A Morgul blade." The Elven King whispers.

Galadriel begins pacing again "Made for the Witch-king of Angmar and buried with him. When Angmar fell, men of the north took his body and all that he possessed and sealed it within the High Fells of Rhudaur. Deep within the rock they buried them, in a tomb so dark it would never come to light."

Saruman bangs his fist on the table "What proof do we have this weapon came from Angmar's grave?"

Defeatedly I sigh "I have none."

"Because there is none!" Saruman raises his voice now becoming more and more agitated "Let us examine what we know. A single Orc pack has dared to cross the Bruinen, a dagger from a bygone age has been found, a human sorcerer who calls himself the Necromancer has taken up residence in a ruined fortress, and you, my old friend, have kidnapped another Earth dweller all because she has visions about fire and monsters. It's not so very much, after all."

Elrond quickly stands with his eyes blazing at Saruman "I believe her to be who Gandalf claims she is!"

"On what proof?" Saruman snaps back.

"Me." Elrond hisses in a cool tone "I have seen how her abilities work. She may not understand or be in control, but they are there. Similar yet different to those who came before her."

The table falls silent. I await along with Galadriel for Saruman to say something, but the wizard holds his tongue as he tries to contradict Elrond's claims. However, words fail him. Galadriel looks back to me "Does she know?"

I shake my head shamefully "No, but I do believe it is time. I had hoped the need for her assistance was an old fool's fretful imagines. However, I do believe we may need her yet."

"Should the need for her arise, what then?" Saruman asks, "Who shall teach her to use her powers to save an entire world and then the next? And how would she contain these...talents of hers?"

Hesitantly I reply "I will. To the best of my ability, I will teach her."

Elrond frowns "But first you must tell her."

Stopping the meeting Lindir rushes into the pavilion, breathless. Not far behind is Elena who is just as exasperated. The council turns to look at them. Composing himself Lindir looks to the Elven King "My lord Elrond, the dwarves, they've gone."

(Elena)

The tightness in my throat is indescribable. I feel like I'm going to faint because of the anticipation. Lord Elrond had escorted another man, or wizard, from the pavilion into the palace. While Elrond had given me, a reassuring smile the wizard harbored nothing but a sneer of disapproval. Perhaps he and Dwalin could be related.

"Elena..." Gandalf says gently "I would like to introduce you to Lady Galadriel."

I look to the beautiful blonde haired Elf woman as she smiles softly to me. Her eyes are kind, and her very presence embodies the word 'elegant'. I try my best to form a sincere smile but the looming feeling that something unexpected is going to happen overtakes me.

"It's nice to meet you." I say meekly "But, I get the feeling something is wrong."

Gandalf and Galadriel exchange glances at one another and the knot in my stomach only tightens. Wringing my nervous hands, I step forward "It's about me, isn't it?"

Gandalf rests a hand on my shoulder "You may want to sit down."

"Ever since the need had risen in Middle Earth, we've needed a guardian during the ages of our existence. Each one is different but still one in the same. A guardian not just of Middle Earth but of Other Earth as well. Someone to stand guard at the door between this world and yours." Gandalf pauses for a moment watching to see what my reaction will be. This is the third time he's explained it to me, and I have yet to react.

"So, you see, you were born with the mark of a Middle Earth guardian. The honor was bestowed upon you and your gifts formed as you did. Even now they are still taking shape, but you are the next guardian. We believe you to be a Seeker but that could all very well change when the time comes."

"When the time comes or what?" I mumble before looking up to Gandalf.

The old wizard can see my astonishment as well as my hesitation to believe this madness "The time may come when you would have to defend this world, your own world, and the ones you care for. If that need should ever arise, we want you to be prepared. That is why you will need an anchor to harness your powers."

"No!" I snap "I am not some-some destined hero in a fairytale. I'm in a world where dragons, trolls, and Elves abide, fine, I'll believe that. But I am NOT going to believe I am some sort of powerful guardian, a savior of Middle Earth. You have the wrong girl Gandalf."

Just before I jump up from my seat to leave Galadriel takes my hand. I stop and sit back down looking at her pleading face. Her eyes begin to brim with tears "My lady, I know you are afraid. I also know that you have spent your entire life in the dark. Cast aside and neglected to only shine your light on others when needed. That same light is why you are who we say you are. It is why you were chosen."

Staring back at Galadriel I know she speaks the truth. Her eyes a fervent just like her words. No matter how impossible it may seem to me I know it to be true. I can feel it deep down within myself and it's terrifying.

"Elena." Gandalf takes hold of my other hand "We will not force you to do something you do not wish to partake in. Lord Elrond has agreed to let you stay here for as long as you wish. Once the task at hand is done, I will return to you and see you home."

"So, you're saying that I don't have to learn wo use my powers? I can go home and...remain myself?"

Gandalf smiles slightly "If that is what you wish."

I fall into silence and slowly pull my hands back into my lap. Standing I mumble "Excuse me" and take leave of them both. My mind is jumbled with a million different thought and concerns.

Sitting in the open grass where Thorin and I had resided last night, I contemplate whether I should stay or go. As I think of the dwarves leaving me here without a word I come to a realization "They don't want me with them" and I can't say I blame them. I'm not a warrior or some Middle Earth guardian. I'm just Elena and I need to go home.

A blinding glimmer shines from down in the grass. I see the glimmer of the sun reflecting off the familiar pendant necklace that rests right beside of me. Quickly I snatch it up and jump to my feet staring wide eyed at Thorin's necklace given by his mother. My thoughts are reeling and the decision weighs heavy. For a moment all I want is to go back to my beautifully decorated chamber and crawl back under the covers, wake up tomorrow morning, spend the morning with Arwen, and then finding some magical portal to send me home by the end of the day. However, I feel the longing in my heart. I miss my family, but I can't leave. The people I've met, the places I've seen, and this miraculous world, I can't leave it behind. Not yet. Especially knowing Thorin has forgotten his most prized possession. Who else is going to return it?

(Gandalf)

Galadriel and I watch from afar back out on the terrace as Elena swiftly make her way up the mountain path. I can't help but smile with pride as she ascends until disappearing up the path.

"I hate deceiving her." Galadriel says sadly.

I furrow my brows "Deceive? No, we simply told her the truth. Or at least what she needs to know for now."

"Half-truth." Galadriel somberly remarks "We didn't tell her about her grandmother, prophecy Elena is to fill, nor did we speak of Thorin Oakenshield, what their story is to be, and how important she is to the fate of the dwarves."

The gut-wrenching feeling forms again inside of me. I know Galadriel speaks truth, but I know better than to interfere with destiny by telling Elena of anything else but what she needs to know.

"If we tell her, she will leave us. She will leave him."

Galadriel turns back to me "Are you so sure?"

Perhaps there are times I doubt the girl and her capabilities. However, I should not doubt her so. She has proven far more loyal than any of our previous guardians on their first arrival or becoming in Middle Earth. Even Delorian wasn't as compliant or willing. That, however, was a different time for Middle Earth. It was a different battle but of the same war. Smiling to Galadriel I try to put on a brave face, but I know she can see right through me.

"Mithrandir, why the halfing?" she asks.

I'm taken back by her question "I don't know...Saruman believes it is only great power that can keep the darkness at bay, but that is not what I have found. I've found that it is the small things, everyday deeds of ordinary folk that keeps the darkness at bay. Simple acts of kindness and love. Why Bilbo Baggins? Perhaps it is because I'm afraid and he gives me courage."

Even with my back to Galadriel I can feel her presence. Before I know she's before me I can feel her soft hands take hold of mine. She tucks a loose strand of my grey hair as my eyes look up meeting hers seeing her smile "Do not be afraid, Mithrandir. You are not alone, and neither is the girl."

I smile back at her as she then speaks above a whisper "If you should ever need my help, I will come."

It would be no secret to know that for my entire existence I've known her that I have loved Galadriel dearly. Not just as a guardian or friend, but as something more. Perhaps if things could have been different my life would be on another path, and yet here we are.

When I lift my eyes, I feel the absence of her hands. The spot where she once stood is now empty and I am alone on the terrace. I cannot delay any longer. Elena is out there alone in search of the dwarves, but I have a feeling they won't be the first for her to find.