Saderian

Saderian, an elf of Mirkwood, crouched low over the neck of her horse, Neara. She had been riding through the forest when a band of orcs had attacked her. She had turned and fled, in order to warn those at the palace when she made the unfortunate discovery that the leader was riding a horse. Orcs were rarely seen on horses; so the sight of one was an unpleasant shock. Saderian knew that she would never outrun him.

“Neara,” whispered Saderian into her horse's ear. “Rim yassen ilya asca Thranduil! Uumfeith ten'amin autoht I'n'at!” <Run with all speed to the house of Thranduil! Do not wait for me, go to warn the others!> Saderian nimbly leapt from the horse and grabbed onto a branch above her head. Neara ran faster without the extra wait and sped off through the trees.

It was only moments until the leader of the orcs came into view. Bracing herself, Saderian swung down from the tree and kicked the orc out of the saddle. He let loose with a roar of fury, his hideous face twisted with rage. Saderian turned and began to loose arrows into the crowd. An orc would fall with every shot, but it was too little.

One of the orcs had a bow and tried to hit Saderian, in the hopes of knocking her from the horse. He only succeeded in giving her a deep cut across her forehead before she struck him down. Saderian wiped her hand across her face, trying to keep the blood out of her eyes. The trees receded from around them and she could see the house of Thranduil only a short distance away.

In a last desperate attempt, the orcs threw their blades into the steed under her, throwing Saderian from the saddle. She managed to land on her feet, in the catlike manner that all elves use. Without a second thought, Saderian sprinted for the doors. She could hear the orcs gaining on her, but she didn't slow down or turn to fight; all she had left were her knives.

When Neara had shown up, rider-less, the elves became suspicious. Archers had been posted, and were now trying to cover Saderian's retreat. With a last bit of speed, she shot through the doors and they slammed shut behind her, much to the dread of the orcs. Saderian gasped for breath and ran a hand through her golden hair, realizing only too late that her hand still had blood on it.

One of the archers jumped down from the wall when his quiver was empty. “Mani marte?” <What happened?> he demanded, his blue eyes quizzical.

“I was attacked by orcs,” snapped Saderian, slightly agitated that she had to answer such a stupid question. “Where is King Thranduil? I must speak with him immediately.”

The elf nodded. “I will take you to him.” He turned and led her through the palace until they reached a great hall with a chair placed at the end where King Thranduil sat.

Saderian was dismayed to realize that she had snapped at the Prince of Mirkwood. She had little time to dwell on the fact though as Legolas spoke. “There has been an attack from the orcs. This one here managed to hold them off as we prepared for the attack.”

“The southern reaches?” asked Thranduil, slightly surprised. “You have come a ways in a short time. You must be weary. I ask that you rest until tonight's meal, and that you look to your injury.”

Saderian nodded and bowed. Legolas motioned for her to follow him. Saderian looked around herself as she followed the prince to a different room. “You are quite the heroic maiden,” he commented as she sat down on a chair.

Saderian shrugged. “I did what anyone else would have done in my place. I must apologize for my earlier behavior. I did not mean to come across so rude.”

Legolas waved the apology away. He crouched down in front of her and began to wipe the blood away from her face. “You had good reason to be short with me. I shouldn't have been thoughtless when I spoke. How did you get this wound?”

Legolas smiled. “It is I who should be thanking you. Someone will be sent to lead you to tonight's meal. I will see you there.” He slipped out of the room and quietly closed the door behind him.

Saderian sighed and drank the liquid in the cup before lying down on the bed in the room. She then began to rest in the way of the elves, setting her mind among waking dreams. When she finally rose from the bed, there was a white gown draped over one of the chairs. Saderian smiled and went to clean up; realizing with disgust that she still had blood in her hair.

When she was finally satisfied with her appearance, she put on the gown and opened her door. One of the elves stood there and bowed as she appeared. “I am Alden,” he said. “I will lead you to the hall.”

Saderian followed him until she came to a hall that looked much the same as the one that she had seen earlier, only with a table laden with food in the middle. She sat down, only to find herself across from Legolas. Saderian began to notice that he really had a presence about him. How she hadn't noticed it at first was understandable, but confusing none the less.

Saderian was asked several times to recount her tale, though she insisted that there wasn't much to tell. She was aware of the fact that Legolas gave her his full attention every time that she spoke which was something that she found to be a little unnerving. When the meal drew to a close, Saderian excused herself, thanking the King again for all of his generosity.

Slipping out one of the doors, Saderian made her way to the stable. Neara trotted up to her when she came into sight and Saderian patted the horse's nose. “Lle ume quel Neara,” <You did well Neara> she said. “Valinamin elelle varna.” <I am glad to see you safe>

The white horse snorted, as if to say that she had done nothing important. Neara pushed her nose against Saderian's forehead and the elf winced. “Ilikotane sai, ilya forya? Lle naquel, nan'amin uumecael llie marth.” <Not so much all right? You may not have been harmed, but I was not as lucky>

“Your horse is one of admiration,” said Legolas behind her, causing Saderian to jump. “I am sorry, I did not mean to startle you.”

“It's all right,” answered Saderian. “As for Neara, do not flatter her anymore or I fear she will not let me ride her anymore.” Neara picked up her head and turned to trot away, making Saderian laugh. “Looks like I might be here a while.”

Legolas stirred silently at the remark. He had a feeling that he would not mind her presence. “Would you like to take a walk with me?”

“That's what I thought when I was riding. Of course, then I had a run in with a few orcs.” Legolas smiled. He swung his quiver onto his back and handed Saderian an extra bow since hers was in her room. Legolas led them through the trees, to a rock that overlooked one of the lakes of Mirkwood.

“Sina navanima,” <This is beautiful> commented Saderian as she peered into the water. She turned to ask Legolas something, but found that he wasn't listening. Saderian began to hear it too, a deep rumbling of voices, voices that weren't too far off. Without another word, the two elves leapt into one of the trees; arrows soon put to the string.

It was an instant later that several orcs came into view, most of them severely wounded. Saderian glanced at Legolas; she could see his fingers tightening on the bow. “It was only by chance that we survived,” growled one of the orcs. “If it hadn't been for that blasted she-elf it might have worked.”

“You were the one that she knocked from the horse,” commented one of the others, holding his arm to his chest. “If you had been paying attention, maybe she wouldn't have gotten the better of you.”

Not bothering to look at Legolas, Saderian let loose with her arrow, killing the leader and swinging out of the tree. “Well, it appears to me that I am still alive!” Between her and Legolas, they struck down the remaining orcs. Saderian lowered her bow too soon; comprehending too late that the orc leader had not in fact been killed as she had thought. He roared and swung at her with a crude blade. Saderian jumped over the blade as Legolas shot him. Saderian though, lost her balance and fell over the side into the lake with a splash.

“Saderian!” shouted Legolas as he jumped out of the tree and leaned over the side of the rock. Seconds later her head came above the surface of the water and she coughed, struggling for air.

Legolas laughed when he saw her smiling, for then he knew that she wasn't hurt. Saderian swam to the side and climbed out, the water dripping from the ends of her hair. Legolas handed her his cloak and said, “I think I shall always listen to you when you suggest something.”

Saderian smiled as she pulled the cloak around her. “Being right isn't always something I am proud of.” Legolas chuckled and led the way back to the palace.

It seemed that walking together after the evening meal became a ritual of both Legolas and Saderian. Though they always made sure they were armed before they left, they had not needed the bows since the last orcs came by. Each time they tended to spend a bit longer outside, not wanting to part company for the night.

It had been several weeks since Saderian had come to the palace. Legolas was beginning to treasure every moment that he spent with her. Saderian loved spending time with Legolas as well, though she dreaded the day that she would have to leave.

Saderian smiled, her emerald eyes shining in the moonlight. “I don't want to leave either. I'm actually starting to think that an orc attack was a good thing.”

Saderian turned to him. “I would not fight you on such a thing.” Legolas than brushed his lips against hers, sealing the agreement.

“Sade!” shouted Legolas as he came through the trees to find Saderian lying on the rock overlooking the lake. “Sade, you do know that you have a meeting with my father soon.”

Saderian slightly nodded, though she didn't open her eyes. “I know. Things are just so peaceful, I wish to stay here as long as I may.”

Legolas sat down next to her, looking into her face. He had been debating with himself for some time now, over one simple matter. It had been several years since Saderian had come into his life and they had grown to love each other in that time, an instant in the life of an elf. There was a shadow in his mind though, a feeling that if he did not act on his feelings now, he never would have the chance again.

“Sade, I've been wanting to ask you something.” Saderian briefly opened one eye, as if giving him permission to continue. Leaning down, he whispered against her lips, “Would you be my wife?”

Saderian could hardly keep herself from crying for joy. She just grinned and kissed Legolas. They stood up and walked back towards the palace, talking about how they would let his father know. When they reached the entrance to the great hall where Thranduil was waiting, Legolas said they would tell him together, after she had met with him.

“There have been great rumors about.” Thranduil began. “Rumors of dark things to come. I feel weary at times, weary of the coming age. I grow more suspicious by the day, even more suspicious of our allies. Saderian, you are one of the elves that I hold in high regard. With this in mind I am asking you to be wary, for I wish you to spy on Isengard.”

Saderian's eyes widened. Spy on Isengard? That was like asking one to challenge Mordor single-handedly. “I do not trust Saruman,” continued Thranduil, beginning to pace around the room. “He has claimed to be our ally, though I fear treachery in his words. That is why you shall be leaving at nightfall. Stay hidden and then bring back what information of importance you can. And tell no one of your path, not even Legolas.”

Saderian nodded and bowed once again. How Thranduil seemed to know about her and Legolas, Saderian wasn't sure. Though, she no longer knew what she was supposed to do. Spy on Isengard and Saruman. Never had she undertaken a task such as this.

Saderian found Legolas waiting in her room when she came back, much to her dismay. “Mani naa ta?” <What is it?> he asked as she hardly smiled at him. Saderian didn't answer; she just started to pack up her things. “Sade, mani naa lee umien?” <What are you doing?>

Saderian looked up into his confused face. “I am to go on a journey, for only a short while I hope. I wish I could tell you where I was going Legolas, I do. But your father asked that I don't. I do not know when I will be back.”

Legolas watched her as she moved about the room. Saderian was leaving for some unknown reason. He started to remember the warning that he held in his mind this afternoon. “Tell me where it is that you go and I will go with you.”

Saderian shook her head. “I cannot do so.” Saderian than fastened her quiver of arrows to her back as well as her knives. She stopped in front of a puzzled Legolas. “I cannot tell you more than I will be gone for a while. You are my mate Legolas, and I would not willingly leave you for long.”

He smiled at those words. “I do not know where you go, but all I ask is that you come back to me. Cormamin niuve tenna' ta elea lle au'.” <My heart shall weep until it sees thee again> Saderian stepped into his embrace, wishing all the more that Thranduil had chosen someone else. She then stepped back and wiped a tear from her eye before grabbing her bow and leaving the room.

Legolas could not bear to follow her. He had hoped to spend so much more time with Saderian, but some things just aren't to be. Legolas walked to the door of the palace and watched as Saderian mounted Neara and rode off. He strained his eyes, trying to follow the white horse, but he soon lost her among the trees.

Thranduil froze at the words. He was filled with joy that his son had found someone to give his heart to. Though he was also filled with dread, wondering what it was that he had just done. “Saderian will be back soon my son,” he repeated, trying to also convince himself.

Saderian had been riding for days, having left the trees of Mirkwood behind. She had quickly glanced at a map, and decided that the easiest way to get to Isengard was to pass through the forest of Lothlorien and then make for the gap of Rohan. Saderian led Neara into the golden forest of as they approached.

It was so peaceful that she hardly noticed the elves watching her. It was said that a hunter from Lorien could fell a creature before it could blink. Saderian glanced uneasily at the trees, wondering how far they would let her go.

She had her answer when arrows were suddenly pointed at her heart. “What is you business here?” asked one of the golden-haired elves from the group.

“I wish to pass safely through the wood,” answered Saderian, bowing her head. “I am Saderian, come from Mirkwood, and wish to cause no one trouble.”

The elf nodded. “I am Haldir of Lorien. The lady of the wood wishes to see you.” Saderian nodded and followed Haldir through the forest. Neara was led away, much to the elf's dislike. She soon forgot her worry though as she began to talk to Haldir.

It was at the end of the day that Saderian was brought before the Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel. The elven queen glided down the stair, staring at Saderian. She felt as if Galadriel could see into her very soul.

“Saderian of Mirkwood,” began Galadriel. “I feel in your mind and soul that you are distressed. Your journey has been filled with sorrow due to what you left behind.” Legolas flashed through her mind and Galadriel smiled softly. “Yes, your mate. You must be strong Saderian, for your task is not an easy one. Hardships greater than you can imagine await you. I do not intend to hold you from your journey. Though I ask that you listen to these words: Magic is upheld by the will, but when they will is distracted, so the magic weakens.” Galadriel paused, letting Saderian process the words. “I shall not hinder you further. Go with fresh stores and be safe.”

Saderian bowed, thanking the lady. “Saderian,” Galadriel said, stepping in front of her. “He is anxious for your return. Be safe, so that you may tell him of your love again.”

Saderian smiled. “As is my intent,” she replied. “Thank you fair lady, good lord. I shall hopefully return in good spirits.” Galadriel sighed as Saderian turned away. She knew of all that entered into her realm, and those with the hardest tasks do not always return.

Saderian grinned at Neara when she met up with the horse, standing with Haldir next to her. “I fear I cannot ride you, the road will become too dangerous. Haldir, I ask that you watch my horse upon my return.”

Haldir nodded and Saderian shouldered her pack, replenished with stores. With a last look, she left the realm of Lothlorien. Saderian took the rest of the land on foot. Though the path was trying and long, she did not regret her decision to leave Neara behind. Especially when she passed through the Gap of Rohan and came to Isengard.

The night was young and the moon had not yet risen when she came upon the stone walls of Isengard. There were patrols along the top, but they could not detect the elf. Saderian grasped onto a few of the stones that stuck out and pulled herself halfway up the wall. When the guard patrol had passed, Saderian leaped over the wall, landing safely on the other side.

Isengard was silent, save the few hushed voices of the guard. Saderian crept through the trees, her feet making no imprint on the soft grass. Picking a tree near both the tower of Orthanc and the main road, Saderian climbed into the densest part. She didn't know how long she would stay, but her provisions would not last more than a week.

It was not until morning that anything happened. A galloping horse caught Saderian's attention. “Mithrandir,” she whispered to herself, seeing Gandalf the Grey greeting Saruman. She listened intently as the two began to walk among the trees and held her breath when she caught one word in particular: ring.

Saderian wanted to hear more, but they soon went inside the great tower. She watched for his return, but became uneasy as the day passed by and there was no sign of the wizard. When the light began to fade, three small figures came down the road, clothed in dark clothing and seeming to hobble along. When they passed by the tree, there was not a doubt in Saderian's mind that they were orcs.

Saderian did not know how much time had passed, but she was startled out of her thoughts by an inhuman roar beyond the stone walls of Isengard. Orcs by the hundreds came marching in and began to destroy the trees around them. Saderian climbed higher, looking for more cover and saw Saruman standing on the stairs. He looked slightly distracted, but he seemed pleased with the orcs' arrival.

Saderian stopped and glanced around her, there would be no chance of her escape going unnoticed. Saderian took off her pack and fitted an arrow to the string of her bow. She checked her knives and the hidden dagger in her boot before aiming down through the trees. The first orc that came near her fell dead before he had touched the trunk.

Shouts rolled through the forest as orcs began to fall. Her quiver was nearly empty when something that looked like lightening hit the branch she stood on. Saderian jumped from the tree, pulling out her knives as she did so. The second her feet touched the ground, orcs attacked her. The orcs though, had never come up against an elf before. Saderian didn't see where it came from, but the lightening that had hit the tree, hit her directly. She fell to the ground in pain with a sharp cry, her knives falling from her hands.

“It appears we have a spy of the elven race,” commented Saruman as he stepped over the dead bodies. “A she-elf at that. You have sealed your own fate, elf of the wood!” Saruman pointed his staff at her and Saderian cried out in agony as pain shot through her.

High up, on the tower of Orthanc, Gandalf awoke with a start. He crawled over to the side and looked at the destruction that had begun. He saw a group of orcs, surrounding two people. One was Saruman. The other he did not know, but a cry reached his ears and he knew the voice to be elven. The elf was grasped by orcs and taken into the tower, and Gandalf knew his situation to be even more desperate.

Saderian gradually had her senses return to her as she was dragged up the flights of stairs. She had to keep herself from retching over the steps as she felt the orcs' hands on her. The pain in her head had nearly gone when she was thrown in a fairly bare room with one small window. The door slammed shut behind her and she heard Saruman muttering words outside.

Saderian climbed to her feet carefully. She refused to be held captive. Hoping that she might be able to open the door with pure force, she ran at it with her shoulder going first. The second her body made contact with the metal, a shock ran through her body and mind. Everything had gone black before she had even hit the ground.

Legolas tried not to gasp as the hobbit named Frodo laid the One Ring on the pedestal. It was the one thing that could strike fear into the heart of even the most hardened warrior: the ring of Sauron. The sunlight glinted off the metal and silence fell on the Council of Elrond.

Legolas tried as had as he could to pay attention to what it was that Boromir was saying, but the ring held his attention. He knew of the ring, knew of the destruction that it could cause. He also knew that it must be destroyed. It was with all his will that he tried to persuade the council in this action, which is the course that Elrond decided upon.

It was the foolishness of the dwarves that sparked the argument. Legolas knew no mortal weapon could destroy the ring, though the dwarf Gimli did not. Legolas had to hold back his kinsman from getting too close to the dwarves. It was during this time that a shout rolled over the crowd, “I will take the ring!”

“If this is the will of the council,” concluded Boromir. “Then Gondor will see it done.” There was a shocked few moments as three hobbits appeared, refusing to be left behind.

Saderian fell onto the floor as the orcs shoved her back into her room. Saruman had tried to get information out of her, information about the ring. She did not know and now blood flowed freely from the many wounds he had given her for her silence.

Saderian truthfully did not know the answers, and she wouldn't tell him even if she did. He questioned her about something called the fellowship. Nearly all the names he had given meant nothing to her. She was friends with Gandalf, who was a part of this fellowship. She knew of Aragorn, for Legolas was friends with him and had spoken of him many times though she had never met him herself. Saruman had also mentioned Legolas. He was on this quest with the ring, and she could only hope that he would be all right.

Saderian moved over to the wall and leaned against it. It had been weeks since she was caught. Saderian remembered how Galadriel had warned her, warned her about Isengard. She had gone on anyway. She sighed and closed her eyes, wishing she were back in Mirkwood.

Legolas bowed his head as Lady Galadriel and Lord Celeborn descended the stairs. It had been a trying journey; he was reminded of their loss of Gandalf as Lord Celeborn asked where the wizard was.

“He has fallen into shadow,” whispered Galadriel, reading what was written on their hearts. Legolas closed his eyes, knowing the grief was too near for him. They had been walking in a daze ever since they left the dreadful mines of Moria. Even when they had come to the realm of Lothlorien, they were looking as if they were confused as to what to do next.

Haldir was leading the group to the place where they would rest for the time, and they passed by a group of horses as they did so. One white horse caught Legolas' eye and made him stop in his tracks. The others stopped to look at him as the elf said, “Neara?”

The horse picked up it's head and trotted over to the elf. Neara knew Legolas almost as well as she knew Saderian. She pushed her nose up against Legolas' shoulder as he reached up to pet her. Haldir soon came over.

“Manke naa Saderian?” <Where is Saderian?> Legolas asked immediately. He glanced around, hoping to catch a glimpse of her among the golden trees.

“Saderian has not passed through here for more than several month's time,” Haldir responded. “She asked that Neara remain here, for she said the path she was to take would be too dangerous.”

“Saderian misses you greatly,” said Galadriel. Legolas turned around to find the elven queen behind him. “I spoke with her before she left. Her love for you has not wavered and she wished greatly to see you again. Saderian has a task of great danger upon her. How it all will end, none of us can be sure. You must go on with your task Legolas Greenleaf. If you do not, her life may be lost.”

Legolas paled at the words. He silently nodded and Galadriel turned to leave. “Do not fear for her Legolas,” she said as she walked off. Haldir spoke quietly with Aragorn before leaving and taking Neara with him. Aragorn motioned toward him, and Legolas moved up front to walk with him.

“Who is this Saderian?” he asked. Aragorn had known Legolas well before the Council of Elrond, though he had not been to Mirkwood for many years. The last time he was among those trees, he knew that there had been no she-elf that had caught Legolas' eye at the time.

“Saderian is now my mate,” explained Legolas. He avoided Aragorn's eyes as they walked along. “I met her during an orc attack several years ago, oddly enough. The day I asked her to be with me, she had to leave to go on some errand for my father. She wouldn't tell me anything. That was her horse, Neara. Saderian would never leave her behind if she could avoid it. I am worried Aragorn. Haldir has not seen her for several months. It does not sit well with me.”

“The Lady said that you should not fear for her,” pointed out Aragorn. “I dare say that anyone you chose could fend for themselves.”

Saderian lain prone on the floor, tears and blood flowing. She did not know how much longer she could stay alive. It hurt her to move, hurt her to breathe, even hurt her to cry. She had lost track of the time she had been held inside Orthanc. She knew that it had been months since she had been outside, longer still since she was among the trees. Saderian knew she had to escape soon. She still had her dagger in her boot, though she no longer knew if she would have enough strength to use it.

There was a tremendous blast from trumpets outside, echoing off the wall. Marching feet by the thousands could be heard, leading away from Isengard. Saruman was sending his armies to another battlefield, leaving himself barely defended. Saderian knew that if she were to escape, it must be soon.

She heard a great rumble in the distance, a sound like that of falling stone soon coming after. As soon as the armies of Isengard had left, the stronghold of Saruman had been attacked. Saderian did not know that at that very moment, an army of Ents were attacking Isengard, the hobbits Merry and Pippin with them. Saderian closed her eyes, trying to gather the last of her strength. As she thought of what she was going to do, she whispered the word “Legolas,” knowing that her actions might save him and the rest of those in Middle-Earth by taking a dangerous enemy out of the equation.

Saruman did not know what to make of it. He had left the Ents out of his calculations and now he was paying for it dearly. He ran up the stairs, hoping to get a better view from one of the higher windows when he passed the room that he was holding that blasted she-elf in.

He slowed down, wondering if he could somehow use her to his advantage. She had not uttered one word that was to be of use to him while he questioned her. He now stopped outside her door to think a moment when one word reached his ears, “Legolas.” So the she-elf knew the prince of Mirkwood. She might even be more than an acquaintance. He would possibly need this information later.

Meanwhile, he had a raging group of Ents that was making him wary. Continuing his run up the stairs he pushed the she-elf Saderian out of his mind.

“What's the danger?” asked Pippin, as part of the remaining fellowship as well as King Theoden and his men strode up to Orthanc. “Will he shoot at us, and pour fire out of the windows; or can he put a spell on us from a distance?”

“The last is most likely, if you ride to his door with a light heart,” said Gandalf. “But there is no knowing what he can do, or may choose to try. A wild beast cornered is not safe to approach. And Saruman has powers you do not guess. Beware of his voice!” With this warning, the group followed Gandalf the White up the stairs to Orthanc.

High above, Saderian opened her eyes, feeling that the time to go was at hand. She remembered Galadriel's words, : `Magic is upheld by the will, but when the will is distracted, so the magic weakens.' Saderian knew what she meant now. Taking her hidden dagger into her hand, she slowly climbed to her feet. She sat a minute, using the wall to steady herself. Then she threw herself at the door, which burst open.

Saruman had been too preoccupied to remember to keep up the spells on her door. Saderian went down the stairs to her right, hoping that when he had emptied Orthanc, he had rid of his guards. She eventually came to a chamber where she could hear Saruman speaking with another voice. The name Worm came to her ears and she leaned against the wall, listening as Saruman raised his voice to speak to those outside.

Saruman was distressed to see those gathered outside. He had lulled them in with his voice, but it was always one of the blasted company that broke the daze. He paused and looked at those gathered when his spell had been broken another time. He had nearly addressed each of them, but his gaze fell on the one elf present, standing next to Aragorn.

“So I see the Prince of Mirkwood, Legolas Greenleaf is here!” he shouted. Saruman had one last card to play. “I can see in your heart, wise elf, that while you rejoice with being reunited with some of your companions, you are yet filled with sorrow. It has been many months since you last saw the one you loved, and the Lady's words have filled you with disquiet for some time.”

Legolas seemed uneasy. Saruman grinned, knowing the elf was listening to him. “Yes, you fear greatly for her life. Let me reassure you that she is alive. Her wounds run deep though, for the she-elf Saderian has been a most uncooperative prisoner.”

Legolas went white and his legs gave way. Aragorn caught him before he fell and helped steady the elf. Saruman was encouraged by the reaction and went on. “See, she was a spy, sent to watch on Isengard months ago. And though she did put up a fight when my orcs found her, she ultimately fell. I am sure that you would have wanted to be there had you heard her screams of pain.”

Saderian could not stand to listen to him any longer. She turned and walked into the hall where Saruman had his back to her, the man called Worm nowhere in sight. Grasping the hilt of her dagger as best she could, she threw it at Saruman. But Saderian was weak, and her aim off. The dagger planted itself in Saruman's shoulder as a result.

He screamed with pain and rage. “You wretched girl!” he shouted. Turning, he jerked his staff at her and sent her flying to the wall, into a case of glass. She dropped to the floor as the sharp shards pierced her skin and Saruman pulled the dagger out of his now bloody shoulder.

Below, Legolas had watched the action. With a shock, he knew he recognized that dagger: it belonged to Saderian. “Sade!” he shouted, trying to push away Aragorn's arms so that he could go help her, but the man wouldn't let him.

Saruman looked down at the elf, not noticing as Saderian crawled away toward the stairs leading outside. “Yes, your precious Saderian is here. Though now I will personally see to her death.” It was at this point that Gandalf took charge, knowing that Legolas was near desperation.

Saderian struggled to the stairs, her strength waning. She soon slipped in a puddle of her own blood, falling down the steps in front of the door. She cried out in pain, her voice matched with Saruman's as Gandalf cracked the wizard's staff. Saderian grasped the railing, pulling herself to her feet. With a last effort, she pushed open the door and saw the outside for the first time in months.

Legolas could feel his heart breaking when he saw Saderian. Deep cuts were on her face and her clothing was bloodstained. Aragorn finally let him go and he ran toward her. Saderian collapsed into his arms and he nearly became sick when he found her to be far too light.

“No I'm not Legolas,” she replied hoarsely. “You and I both know that my wounds are too great.” She paused as her body was racked with coughs. “I am sorry that I did not stay with you, I wish I had. I have missed you these past months.”

Tears began to stream down Legolas' face and those that were watching bowed their heads. “I have missed you as well Sade. There will be plenty of time to catch up on things though. We have many centuries to spend together, Melamin.” <My love>

“No!” he yelled. “You can't go Sade! You do not belong in the Halls; you belong in Mirkwood with me! You cannot leave, for you take my heart with you.”

Saderian smiled again. “Legolas, you are my friend, my love, and my husband. Forever will I think of you.” Legolas cried out with pain as the last breath left her body and the light from her emerald eyes faded.

Aragorn moved to Legolas' side, trying to keep his own tears from spilling over. “My friend, she is gone,” he said gently, placing a hand on the elf's shoulder.

Legolas was stricken with grief with Saderian's passing. Nothing that anyone in the company could say could cheer him up. It was many hours until Legolas left the she-elf's side. Even then they could tell his face was tearstained and his step was not as light as it used to be. He placed her body on a pedestal of sorts, telling Treebeard that he would return for her once his task was done.

From that point on, he did not speak of Saderian, knowing that he would fail miserably if her death distracted him. He did not want to leave her side, but he remembered how Galadriel had told him to finish his journey and he would.

It was only after the destruction of the One Ring that his thoughts returned to her. Aragorn noticed the change in his friend's eyes and questioned him about it one day. “You do not seem yourself, Legolas.”

Legolas shook his head. “Indeed I am not. Now that the time of Sauron is done, I am beginning to think of what I shall do. Saderian is no longer here, and I wonder what is left for me. I do know that soon I must return to Isengard.”

Aragorn nodded. It pained him to see his friend so lost. His own heart wondered if the elf would die of grief. “When do you plan to return?”

“Not for several days,” assured Legolas. “I would not miss your being wed to Arwen, for you are still a dear friend. I will think the matter through once Mid-year's Day has passed.”

Legolas stuck to his word, for it was a joyful time for all. It was on the Eve of Mid-year that a group of fair people were said to be riding from the North, and many gathered to greet them. It was the elves themselves, for the household of Rivendell were at the forefront. Galadriel and Celeborn were also there, come with elves of Lothlorien. The last to come were Elrond and Arwen, riding last in the procession.

Many greetings were offered as they entered the City. It was only when they had begun to depart that Legolas turned his eyes to look to the way that they had come. He shielded his eyes and saw a white horse in the distance, pulling something behind it. There was not a doubt in his mind that the horse was Neara.

He nodded and watched as Neara came closer, finally stopping in front of him. He moved to the cart that held a body with a white cloth draped over it. He pulled it back to see Saderian's face, peaceful and unscathed.

“We tended to her wounds,” Galadriel went on. “For we ourselves could not look on such a noble warrior held in such a grievous state.” Galadriel backed away and Legolas ran his fingers down Saderian's face. A tear slid silently down his face and he pulled the cloth back over her.

“Tari Saderian, vanima ve I'uial. Yassen mallokse ar pilin beleg re aut nurt manke re tir'ksh yassen n'uma gorga. Dae utuhe. Huine maphe. Nan' dagorre. N'uma hosse sanhe, n'uma moore caelhe. Amin talant elee quant yassen niire ten' Saderian I'vanya lemba I'palurin. Lirimaer, poikaer, astalder, mela en'coiamin. Saderian I'silma en'I'ilmen, kaim e' Mandos.”

Aragorn heard him and quietly translated the elven tongue to him. “Queen Saderian, beautiful like the twilight. With golden hair and arrow strong she went into hiding where she watched evil with no fear. Shadow found her. Darkness grasped her. But she fought. No army could take her, no blackness hold her. My fallen eyes are filled with tears because Saderian the fair left behind the world. Lovely one, pure one, valient one, love of my life. Saderian, the starlight of the night sky, sleeps in Mandos.”

Without warning, Legolas fell to his knees, clutching his chest. Aragorn, Gimli, and the hobbits, ran to him. “What has happened?” asked Sam as the elf was laid on the ground.

“He is dying of grief,” replied Aragorn grimly. “Legolas! Look at me Legolas!” The elf's breathing was labored and his eyes were almost unseeing. “Life goes on Legolas. You still have your friends. Time goes on!”

Frodo looked up, pained to see his friend near death. His breath caught in his throat and a slight gasp came from the crowd, though the elves just smiled. The others looked up and their eyes widened with surprise. The hobbits backed away and a woman clad in white kneeled down.

“Legolas,” she said, bending over him. Her golden hair fell down to brush his cheek and he turned his head weakly. He looked right into a pair of emerald eyes and took a deep breath.

She nodded and smiled. “I could not stay in Mandos, Legolas. I chose to leave, chose to come and spend my life with you as I should. Thanks to the Lady who healed my wounds, I could return to my body. You have to stay here Legolas, for now I am here as well.” She leaned down to kiss him and the others averted their eyes in respect.

Legolas' strength seemed to return to him in the next few moments. With help from both Saderian and Aragorn, the elf rose to his feet. He turned and held Saderian's fair face in his hands. “Sade, an eternity without you is not worth living. You alone hold my immortal heart.” He pulled her to him and closed his eyes, content with the fact that she was in his arms again.

The next day, Aragorn wed Arwen, and they became King Elessar and Queen Arwen Undomiel. Much celebration took place the next few days, and Saderian came to know all of those Legolas had traveled with.

Legolas himself had quickly healed, regaining his strength. He had yet to let Saderian out of his sight, slightly scared that she would fall back into the Halls of Mandos. When they departed from the city, soon to return to their homes for a brief while, he looked over at her, calmly riding Neara.

He knew he had nearly died of grief that day. Seeing her so pale was too much for him. He now knew that he loved her with all his heart. Some of the elves might call him rash, having known her for less than a decade. He though, could not deny his feelings.

Gimli cleared his throat behind him. “Maybe I should leave so as to give you more time with your wife,” the dwarf said with a smile.

Frodo and Sam sat together outside Bag End, enjoying the morning air. They spoke of the latest news of the Shire, and wondered of what their friends were doing now. They looked down the hill and saw two cloaked figures come up the path. Both Sam and Frodo jumped up in joy.

The two elves smiled and kneeled down to hug the hobbits. “Indeed it has,” replied Legolas. He smiled as he heard the word `elves' reach his ears, coming from the other hobbits. The halflings rarely saw those from different races.

“Quite well,” answered Frodo. He looked down and noticed that there was another pair of feet standing behind Legolas. A small head peaked out from behind his legs. Frodo briefly caught a glimpse of golden hair and pointed ears before it disappeared again.

“Tula Sinome Estela,” <Come here Estela> said Legolas. “Uuma dela.” <Don't worry> Sam raised his eyes to the two elves that smiled.

He turned around and reached down. When he came back up there was a small child in his arms. She grinned at the hobbits and then buried her face in Legolas' shoulder. “This is our daughter, Estela.”

Frodo and Sam's eyes widened in surprise. Saderian reached over and took the elf child into her arms. “Estela means hope,” she explained. “She was the first child to be born in Mirkwood since the destruction of the ring. She is only the first of many children among the elves.”

She bent down and let the child stand. She only came up to about Frodo's shoulders, and a pair of curious blue eyes looked at him before she giggled and ran behind Legolas. They laughed and then sat down, talking about the recent news.

“We are actually on our way to visit Elessar and Arwen,” explained Legolas. “He is going to meet with us there after he visits his own family. What about Merry and Pippin? I do not see them here.”

“That is because we are behind you!” cried Merry as the two hobbits raced up. “Word reached us that there were some elves at Bag End. You wouldn't believe what an amazing thing it is to the rest of the family.”

The two came and greeted both Legolas and Saderian, and looked slightly shocked at seeing Estela. Through all their travels, the fact that one day Legolas might become a father had never occurred to them.

When the light began to fade, Saderian excused herself and disappeared into the hobbit hole with Estela sleeping in her arms. The others stretched out on the ground, gazing up at the stars.

“I am,” he replied. “That day that I thought I had lost Sade… my whole world came down. It was only the knowledge that I had something to do that kept me going. I know I wouldn't be here if she hadn't come back when she did. And Estela is the best thing that could have happened to us. We were both surprised when we found out she was with child, but we couldn't be happier.”

Legolas nodded, though his tone became slightly sad. “She wakes sometimes in the night, shaking with fear. I think she is remembering her time in Isengard. It is all I can do to calm her sometimes. But the dreams are getting less frequent and it is my hope that some day they will leave all together.”

Saderian then came back out and laid down next to Legolas. “Estela is asleep,” she said. “Thank you for letting her use one of the rooms, Frodo.”

“It has been great to see you again Frodo, Sam,” said Legolas. “There is a chance that we won't be here tomorrow, for the journey to see Elessar is still long. If by chance we don't, then Lissenen ar' maska'lalaith tenna' lye omentuva.” <Sweet water and light laughter till next we meet>

With some last farewells, Frodo and Sam both went into Bag End as Legolas and Saderian settled underneath one of the trees near the window that led to Estela's room should she cry in the night.

The two elves spoke quietly for a few minutes before Sade drifted off to sleep. Legolas looked at his wife and then into the dark room where his daughter slept. He could not imagine a better way to spend his immortality.