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MARISTELA STOOD BY THE RIVER CELEBRANT WITHIN THE RICH FOREST OF LOTHLÓRIEN, she had her eyes closed as the silky blue dress she wore blew gently in the soft breeze. Her wounds were healing slowly after she and a legion of Elves sent by Thranduil had wiped out a large legion of Orcs east of Rohan, she had been grateful for the Woodland's King army and was sure to heal any of them who had been injured while those who had died were honoured to the highest regard. "You seem distant," Lady Galadriel's voice pulled Maristela from her thoughts.

"I am simply sending a blessing to the Valar for those we lost against the Orcs," Maristela replied to her before opening her eyes and turning her head to the daughter of Finarfin ─ A Ñoldorin Elf of Valinor regarded as one of the most powerful Elves in all of Arda. "And a blessing to the souls that were tainted in order to create the Orcs," Lady Galadriel added with a fond smile, it was Maristela's kindness that allowed for her ring to work. "They were Elves once, they deserve the honor of their former glory in some form," Maristela expressed before looking out to the river watching the ripples, he fingers fiddling with her ring.

"The Ring of Kaia was made under the supervision of Amdir before the War of Elves and Sauron, its creation was blessed with purity and kindness," Lady Galadriel spoke after some silence as Maristela raised her hand to look at the ring on her finger. "It is your kindness that prevents the ring from dying," Lady Galadriel told the younger Elleth. "I believe my kindness keeps me alive," Maristela replied to the Lady who smiled at those words. "I do believe it so but you must be cautious, Marisol, for a strong force is growing and it will try and prey on you and your kindness," Lady Galadriel warned before turning to look out at the water.

"I amar prestar sen: han methon ne nen, han mathon ne chae...a han noston ned willith (The world is changed: I feel it in the water, I feel it in the earth, I smell it in the air...Much that once was is lost, for none now live to remember)," Lady Galadriel spoke in her enchanting voice, Maristela listened carefully to her words knowing the importance of every lesson she is taught. "It began with the forging of the Great Rings," Lady Galadriel began as a mist of three Rings formed in the reflection of the water, each set with a single gem; given to the High-Elves Galadriel, Gil-Galad, and Cirdan, "Three were given to the Elves, immortal, wisest... fairest of all beings."

The misty reflection faded before forming into seven Rings within the hands of Seven Dwarf Lords as Lady Galadriel continued, "Seven to the Dwarf Lords, great miners and craftsmen of the mountain halls." And finally, Nine Rings appeared in the reflection of the smooth water, "And Nine... nine rings were gifted to the race of men who, above all else, desire power." Maristela knew that Lady Galadriel's words were the truth, Men craved power but all craved something that would never be enough for them. "For within these rings was bound the strength and will given to each race. But they were all of them deceived," Lady Galadriel expressed turning to Maristela.

"For another Ring was made," Lady Galadriel said as the misty reflection formed into Sauron forging the One Ring within the Chambers of Sammath Naur. "In the land of Mordor, in the fires of Mount Doom, the Dark Lord Sauron forged in secret a Master Ring to control all others... and into this Ring he poured his cruelty, his malice and his will to dominate all life," Lady Galadriel informed Maristela who frowned as she looked towards Mordor, an uncomfortable shiver down her spine as she remembered the story that followed.

"A last alliance of Men and Elves marched against the armies of Mordor. On the slopes of Mount Doom they fought for the freedom of Middle Earth, victory was near. But the power of the Ring could not be undone," Lady Galadriel spoke solemnly as Maristela watched the reflection of the water, the misty memory of Elendil's body falling like a rag doll before his son Isildur cradles his body in anguish. "It was in this moment... when all hope had faded, that Isildur, son of the King, took up his father's sword, the broken blade of Narsil and severed Sauron's fingers removing the One Ring," Lady Galadriel finished off as the misty memory fades.

"And yet his corruption prevented him from destroying it, the power was too strong," Maristela said as she turned her head towards the sky, the sun no longer rising as morning had passed. "Yes. But the Ring betrayed Isildur to his death. And some things that should not have been forgotten... were lost. History became legend... Legend became myth," Lady Galadriel responded without hesitation, her eyes watching the Elleth with Istari blood. "My lady," A voice spoke causing Maristela and Lady Galadriel to turn to the Elf guard. "Yes, Idril?" Lady Galadriel questioned with a kind smile.

"Gandalf Greyhame has requested Lady Marisol's presence in Rivendell," Idril informed them causing Maristela's brows to furrow, she hadn't been expecting such a sudden summoning knowing that Gandalf had gone to the Shire for Bilbo's 111th birthday, of which she couldn't attend due to her severe injuries and the fact she was in the last moments of battle during the time she would have to travel in order to make it. "It must be important if he has summoned me during my time of healing," Maristela spoke up with a frown, she turned to Lady Galadriel who seemed deep in thought.

"You must leave immediately then," Lady Galadriel told her before turning to Idril, "Please ask Zydlr to prepare some food and supplies for Lady Marisol's travel to Rivendell immediately." Idril bowed his head before turning and making his way through the forest to do as requested. "It seems our lessons of history have been put on hold," Lady Galadriel said with a smile as Maristela bowed her head with her own smile. "I best get ready for my travels, Lady Galadriel," Maristela spoke politely before turning to walk away from her. "Marisol," Lady Galadriel called out stopping Maristela, "Be prepared and open-minded for whats to come."

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Approaching the familiar path to Rivendell, Attica slow to a steady strut as Maristela took in the beauty of the grounds along with its peace as she had no doubt within her mind that her life is about to become loud. The Elves walking around turned to their head at the sight of Attica and Maristela entering Rivendell, none had been expecting her after word spread of her severe injuries in battle against Orcs. She soon reached the stairs where Gandalf and Lord Elrond stood, both had relieved smiles seeing that Maristela was well. She climbed off of Attica's back, grinning when the Wolfhound rushed off to his favourite alcove in Rivendell.

"My daughter, it is good to see you well," Gandalf greeted before embracing Maristela, the young Elleth eager to accept it. "You know that an Orc army is no match for me," Maristela teased making both males laugh. "Thranduil has sent a few appreciative gifts for you along with that fruit cake that you so dearly enjoy," Lord Elrond informed her as she pulled away from her father with a grin. "He truly spoils me. His intentions are beginning to worry me," Maristela said with a chuckle as Lord Elrond accepted her embrace. "I believe it is due to you being the only person he is willing to call a friend," Gandalf spoke up as he leaned on his staff.

"Now, I believe there is someone wishing to see you, Marisol," Gandalf added as Maristela and Lord Elrond pull away from each other. Maristela followed her father until they reached a garden where a small old Hobbit sat on a bench with a content smile on his face and a pipe in hand. "Bilbo?" Maristela spoke with a smile, the old Hobbit turned to her with a wide grin upon his face. "Mari!" Bilbo dropped from the bench and met Maristela halfway, he wrapped his small arms around her with happy tears falling from his eyes; it had been some time since they had last seen each other.

"Oh, Bilbo..." Maristela breathed out before pulling back and kneeling down to him, her hands cupping his old face. "Age is catching up to you, Master Baggins," Maristela spoke, the use of Master Baggins prompting an emotional whimper as he remembered sixty years ago. "And not to you," Bilbo replied with a cheeky grin on his face. "You're still the same cheeky Hobbit I once knew," Maristela expressed as she gave him another hug. The two spent some time talking about the changes they've had since they last saw each other until Bilbo headed off for a nap.

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Maristela stood on the balcony looking out to the waterfall, she was fiddling with a dagger as she watched the setting sun reflect off of the water below. "You seem conflicted," Lord Elrond spoke as he walked up beside her, his hands resting on the balcony railing. "It's just something that Lady Galadriel had said to me," Maristela replied before turning her gaze to the Elf Lord, "She mentioned that the Ring of Kaia only works because of my kindness but... she is worried that my kindness may be preyed upon." Lord Elrond knew what her concerns were, the way she doubted herself after all those years ago.

After the death of Thorin and his nephews, Maristela had learned that the Ring of Kaia has the ability to save someone on the brink of death however, the consequence of such action is to completely drain the Ring. And to use that power without the right training or intentions could have taken Maristela's life. She held guilt over the knowledge that she could have done more that day and it was why she became distant with some in travels and journeys over the years, fearful of losing someone so close to her again. She had healed from that dreadful day but doubts and fear always followed.

"You have much more to learn, Marisol. But you should never doubt your capabilities to fight the shadows," Lord Elrond reassured her with a small smile. "It is okay to have fears and doubts, Marisol, so long you do not let them get in the way of your life. Have faith in yourself because you are capable of so much," Lord Elrond spoke as he placed his hand on her shoulder, Maristela looked up at him with a thankful smile before hugging him. After pulling away, the two stayed silent as they watched the water until the sun had disappeared behind the mountain; Maristela headed to bed to get sleep before the meeting in the morning.

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「 ✦ 𝐑𝐎𝐒𝐄𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐘 ✦ 」

Lord of the Rings time~

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See you in the next chapter!