Arwen received Lillianna as she was travelling back from Greenwood with great joy, and there Lillianna told her of what had happened.
"I do not see how I grew to love Legolas so." Lillianna said to Arwen and Elrond "It is as if my purpose in life was to find him and love him as I do, and therefore undertake the trial of having to deny that which I long to have. I am grieved at this, but not in a way I was before. I am not bitter. I feel immense peace." She had indeed changed, for she was not the elf Arwen and Elrond had known before. Elrond's son, Elladan noticed this as well, and now poor Lillianna had three elves who wanted to win her affections. Elladan did not reveal this to her, but kept his desires quiet for some time.
When Lillianna had finally reached her home, there was great rejoicing, and many of the elves noticed a change in her. She was less seclusive, more open, and more willing to be apart of the lives of others around her. Galadriel noticed this too, and confronted her about it. Then Lillianna told her of Legolas and her feelings toward him, and Galadriel smiled. It was what Lillianna was needed.
"No medicine of any kind could have healed you of your old scars." Galadriel told Lillianna, "Only a handsome elf with a noble heart could do that with just a touch of his hand or a word from his mouth." Lillianna's cheeks grew red slightly and then she said, "I can never repay him for what he did. He taught me to love, I truly believe that. I don't think without him, I would have the desire to do something I never would have thought of before." Galadriel awaited what she would say with curiosity, for Lillianna had never hesistated to state what she felt about something. Lillianna looked up, and said with a clear, steady voice, "I wish to dwell among the dwarves of the Lonely Mountain." This shocked Galadriel beyond anything Lillianna could have said, but she remained a calm, serene presence as Lillianna continued, "I know that they will probably reject me at first, but there is so much that I wish to know. I understand the grievances between our race and theirs, but I want to see it resolved, and the only way I see of that being accomplished is by living among them and trying to understand their strange ways."
Galadriel took this into consideration and perceived it a very wise plan, and she was proud of the courage Lillianna had in partaking of it.
"I think it wise of you to do so, but you must understand it will most likely be difficult."
"Oh I understand that very well. But I am quite determined mother." Lillianna said, her firey spirit once again welling up inside of her. As soon as Lillianna had stayed for a short time in Lothlorien, she rode off to the Lonely Mountain after receiving permission from Thrain I, who had a kindom there.
The dwarves were not at all happy at her coming, feeling that she would try to change their ways as so many elves had done before. But even they were amazed at her beauty, and slowly their prejudice against her died because of her actions. Lillianna met a female dwarf there, daughter to King Thrain named Nim, and she was friendly towards Lillianna when the others were suspicious of her and her reasons in coming there.
"Why is it that you have come here truly?" Nin asked somewhat cynically one day.
"To learn the ways of your people, for long have I been ignorant of them, and to try to find how I may bring healing to them, if ever a chance should occur." Lillianna replied with kindness and patience, understanding why Nim would ask such things. Nim pondered this for a moment, but because she saw the truth in Lillianna's words, and a sincere heart through the softness of her eyes, she believed her and so promised to help her in accomplishing this. Lillianna worked very hard at understanding the anatomy of the dwarves and the functions of their bodies. She found she could heal them with the aid of minerals and other things found in the mountains and the rocks, for that was what they were made of. She took serious note to this, and laboured long in trying to find the cures to illnesses and wounds with these minerals.
"With my own race, I could just touch them and they would be healed" She explained to Nim "It is a new thing when trying to heal those of other races. I hope that your people will trust the sincerity of my endeavors." Nim marveled at her persistence, and knew that she was different than any other elf that had lived. Because of this, Nim performed for Lillianna a service no dwarf had done for an elf before: teaching the secret language and runes of the dwarves to her. Lillianna felt deeply honored by this, and wished even more to earn Thrain's approval.
"One day you will earn my father's trust" Nim said. "Do not despair." The more she lived with the dwarves, the more she understood and loved them, and they too felt ease in her pressence and not bitterness. She could never understand, however, their lust for gold, and she perceived with sadness that it would cause a bitter end for the dwarves there in later years. She said nothing to them on this matter, for she knew such a statement would anger and not make any sense to them.
On one occasion, Nim became deathly ill with an unknown illness, and she was expected to pass away. Lillianna entreated Thrain to let her attend to Nim, for she had become a dear friend to Lillianna. At first Thrain refused, fearing some elvish spell of hers would cause Nim to grow worse. At this, Lillianna felt a hot rage and spoke with a commanding tone to Thrain, "I mean you no ofense in what I say your majesty, but you must let go of your unbearable pride. Let me help your daughter, I have not laboured here so long to now deceive you. Must you sacrifice her life for the sake of your own selfish pride??"
Thrain was astounded, for she had a fearful presence now, and he understood the power of her words. He consented, but warned that she would be held responsible if Nim died. Lillianna took out her father's pendant, and prayed silently for help. "For I cannot do this alone." she said to herself, and gave a draught of a healing substance to Nim. She waited there for a bit and the room was silent in anticipation. Slowly, Nim awoke and her illness faded away almost as quickly as it had come. There Thrain felt shame in his treatment towards Lillianna, and beseeched her forgiveness. He promised to provide help to her in return for her service. Lillianna had accomplished what none of her race had for many years.
Not long after this, Lillianna who had been given the name "Ellaroon" by the dwarves, felt that she must leave, for she felt a continued uneasiness in her soul that pulled her to the direction of Greenwood. Something wrong was happening there, and she felt called by some unknown force to go back there. The dwarves were sorry to see her go, and thanked her many times for her aid. If she ever needed them, Thrain promised to come to her help. She bid them farewell and rode hastily towards Greenwood.
From far off, an elf scout perceived a white horse with an unknown rider coming towards them. (For Lillianna was again in disguise) They quickly drew out theirweapons, for Greenwood had changed in the time Lillianna was gone, and was not safe anymore. But as they were ready to attack, they heard a fair voice coming from the rider singing a beautiful song of old,
"It is a good thing you arrived now" He said "For Mithrandir and Thranduil were thinking of summoning you by some means. They thought you would be an asset to their council."
"I have not met this Mithrandir" Lillianna answered "But I have heard much of him, and that he is very wise. How is it that he would want me to join their counsil when he has not met me?" Meldon smiled and said "Mithrandir seems to know quite alot about matters that we didn't think concerned him. But he is a great asset to our side. I hope that what is decided will bring an end to this darkness." To this Lillianna agreed for she did not feel comfortable in the forest that was now changed entirely. As they journeyed, Lillianna's thoughts could not help but stray in the direction of Legolas. She wondered what part he was to play in this series of events, and if he had thought of her at all in her absence.
Legolas paced anxiously, pondering what was to be done. Not for the first time he wished the vision of a maid with deep, soulful eyes that filled his mind would be come transient.
"Are you certain the borders of the forest have been properly secured?" He asked a grey cloaked wizard who was watching him pace with amusement.
"As I have told you before, we cannot know for sure how things are holding up, but if the source of the darkness is who I think it is(and I am confidant I am not mistaken in this matter), then any interference with the defense will not have escaped my notice. Calm yourself Legolas."
The wizard whom Meldon had referred to as "Mithrandir" appeared to remain calm, almost as if there was nothing to be concerned about. Legolas, however, was not entirely relieved, and was about to speak again when Meldon came into Thranduil's council room where Legolas, his father, and Mithrandir were assembled. His face was brimming with happiness, a sight that was rare to see while all these events had occurred.
"You have a visitor your Majesty." Meldon said with half a smile. They all followed him to the throne room and found a cloaked figure standing in the shadows.
"Lillianna Moril of Lothlorien" a nearby guard heralded to which Legolas immediately straightened with astoundment. Lillianna stepped from the shadows and removed her hood. Legolas felt his throat tighten as she did this, for she had blossomed to become even more lovely if such a thing could be managable. He was reminded again how he had longed for her in her absence.
"How is it I repeatedly loose all my strength whenever I am in her pressence?" Legolas chided to himself, yet his fair elven face was filled with silent ardor. She rushed to Thranduil and greeted him warmly, giving also her regards to Mithrandir and Legolas. She gave the elf prince a small bow and raised her eyes to his. She in turn reprimanded herself on finding her tongue mute from his gaze. Thranduil relieved her at trying to find words to say by asking her to a private council to discuss the matters concerning Greenwood. She agreed to do so.
"I am honored by this invitation, yet I don't know how it came to be about." She told Mithrandir (who was also called Gandalf) later.
"Oh I have known of you for quite some time" He replied "Remember you and I have a connection that goes beyond the realm of Middle Earth." Lillianna nodded in understanding, thinking of her grandmother and father.
"Also Legolas has told me of your many labours here, your help among the dwarves through your letters to him, and your longstanding fight against Sauron. I deemed you fitting to join this council, for I believe you have more experience in these matters than many who will attend."
"Legolas told you those tidings?" She asked retorically as her eyes shone, "I do not know if I can live up to those claims, but I will do what I can."
The wizard smiled and replied, "You already have." for she was indeed very wise for one of her age.
Lillianna sought Legolas after this and found him practicing archery by himself. She approached him and he immediately stopped and bowed to her. She laughed and teasingly said, "Such gentlemanly behavior I am shocked to see come from one who questioned my authority not so long ago. You need not act so formal, Legolas, I am no queen."
"That I would find hard to believe, for your qualities would suggest otherwise." He replied with tenderness and he held out his hand to her. "Welcome back Lillianna; I have missed you acutely."
"And I you" she replied as she embraced him. They talked about the past and then Lillianna thanked him for his recommendation for her to be on the council.
"You are too considerate and gentile for words. Not many ladies are ever present at such meetings. Much I wish to discuss with you when there is time. Until then, thank you once more." And with that she kissed him lightly on the cheek and turned back towards Thranduil's halls. Legolas stood motionless for a moment and then tried hopelessly to continue his practice. It would appear that the small token of affection he had received deprived Legolas of his skill, for an arrow was poorly aimed and it went off into the brush. He frowned and went over to retrieve it, glancing back at the delicate frame of the one he held so dear.
"I shall master this." he muttered darkly to himself, "Though it should break me, I shall."
Elves from Rivendell, Lothlorien, and Greenwood as well as the two wizards Mithrandir and Curunir were assembled at the council. There Lillianna's fears were confirmed. It would appear that such a change had been occurring for quite some time, but had just now begun to accumulate more quickly.
"This forest is now being called Mirkwood" Mithrandir explained "and I fear it is most likely Sauron taking shape again. He has not been able to penetrate these halls just yet, but we must not give him time. We must drive him out." More discussion followed. Some agreed and some disagreed to his words. Lillianna rose from her silence with umbrage,
"This should not even be discussed as it is now. There is only one way to deal with Sauron and that is by force. I am grieved, too at what this may cost us, but the outcome will warrent the price. Please let us not remain divided on something that demands our unity. I will do all I can to help, but I am one person only, and one person cannot save the world."
Everyone was silent as she said these things, but Legolas joined with her on this and his face was radiant with pride. Her words were stern, but they instilled a calm in those there. Such was the way when one talked to Lillianna. Finally an unanimous vote was made for the driving out of Sauron. Lillianna said she would ask the dwarves under Thrain for help, but she doubted that any of them would come.
The elves began their labours, fashoning new weapons of all kinds, and the leaders of the coalition planned their battle strategies by day and night. Spies were sent out for aid in planning attack. Legolas and Lillianna rarely saw one another, for so pressing was the need at hand. Lillianna said she would join those in battle so she could attend to those who might fall. Legolas first opposed this, fearing for her safety, but she remained firm in her decision though she did promise to only join the fighting when things became desperate.
The day was dark and grim in the South of Mirkwood where Sauron was known to be hidden, and the hosts of elves(And some dwarves who surprised Lillianna by coming) stood stone faced and silent. Sauron laughed to himself believing them to be quickly annihilated by his orcs. Sauron, however, was not expecting a daughter of Verdan and two Istari to be among the ranks.
The battle wore on, and the terrifying images of pain and sufferring from the last alliance all those years ago flooded Lillianna's mind. But she was more steadfast now than she was then, and did not hide away, but ran bravely to those who had fallen, healing them so they could continue on. She comforted those who grew afraid and risked her life many times to go to the source of help. both elves and dwarves fought bravely, but the orcs kept coming on all sides, defending the cave the elven host needed to control. Lillianna felt faint as she approached it, for the power and despair of Sauron was very great. Many elves and dwarves had already fallen there, and they were beyond her aid. Gandalf came up beside her and told her to lead a charge of a few of those standing in the front of the cave. Legolas would lead an assult on the orcs left who might hinder this action, while Gandalf and Curunir would deal with Sauron to the rear. She took up the flag of Greenwood and pushed forward fiercely. The light from her pendant blazed and made the darkness like day again. The orcs cried out in pain and Sauron grew afraid, for at first he thought Verdan had come back from the grave. Gandalf took advantage of this, and together with Curunir, they smote him from behind. Sauron knew he was defeated and he was forced to retreat from the forest while his anger burned. He looked on Lillianna and resolved in his mind to one day destroy her.
Thranduil had been slightly wounded in the aftermath of the battle, but that was not what was on his mind. He hurried to where Lillianna was healing those who had been wounded and found her clutching the hand of a fallen dwarf. She was silent, but Thranduil could feel her distress at the situation.
"I could not save her" Lillianna said in a low, monotonous voice. She turned her eyes now red from crying towards Thranduil. He could not bear the sight of them. "Why must innocent lives like Nim's be sacrificed for justice?" she continued speaking partly to herself. Looking up at him, she mouthed "why?" once more for she was incapable of voicing the word. Thranduil at first could not say anything, but the cause of his anxiousness became fresh in his mind once more.
"Lillianna" Thranduil began, "Dearest Lillianna, you once said you were one person, and one person cannot save the world. Be free to grieve, but more lives will be lost if you do not attend to them." Lillianna turned her head away in defiance, "Please, let me just stay awhile--" "It is Legolas" Thranduil said, interrupting her plea. She stopped and her face went white and rigid.
"How bad is he?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
"I do not know, but he has been touched by the darkness." Thranduil replied with increasing worry. No emotion did Lillianna betray at these words, but she got up hastily and bid him to show her to him. Even her trained impassiveness did not prepare her for the sight of her fallen beloved, and the small gasp that escaped her betrayed all she was fearing. She ran over to him, bloodied and asleep in a deep trance, much like Elrond had been in. After examining him, she breathed in deeply,
"He is not beyond my aid" She told Thranduil as her eyes closed in relief.
"He has a poisonous wound, but it is the darkness I fear most." She broke some leaves from a concealed pouch into the water that had been fetched for her and layed her hand apon Legolas.
"Sauron is strong, but the darkness has not overtaken the light."
Thranduil watched her as the room became silent and an unknown essence filled the room. She bent over and whispered something in his son's ear, and then Thranduil felt weak with joy as his son breathed in deeply. She smiled and tenderly kissed the prince's lips with more passion and feeling than a thousand words could have ever said.
"He will recover quickly, you neednt' worry. If I had come here any later..." her voice trailed off as she shuddered. She left after Thranduil blessed her for saving his son, for there were many more who needed her hands of healing.
"Do not ever leave us, Lillianna Moril," Thranduil said "You are too precious to let go."
