A last blog...

Mike: Is Oursourcing good or bad?

outsourcinggoodnooutsourcingbad.blogspot.co.nz

2 further Blog topics

Billie: Should we ban hydrodams in populated areas
damnhydrodams.blogspot.co.nz

Nisi: Should sex work be legalised/ decriminalised
iakf12.blogspot.co.nz

More Blog URLs and Topics

Glen Stradwick: Piracy + Gaming
gleniwritebrief2.blogspot.co.nz

Pranay Sundarji: Metaphysical teaching... = revised/ correct URL:
pranaysundarjibreif2.blogspot.co.nz

Fei Zhang: Global water rights + privatisation:
wonderland2013x.blogspot.com

Troy Angove: Blog URL = the same
Topic = Wing Chun Kung Fu is still practical in today's society

Frances Smith: Australian Aboriginal Stolen generation + govt. compensation:
stolengenerationcompensation.blogspot.com

Don't forget to choose 5 Blogs to engage with!

Christopher K: Should gay marriage be legalised?

chriskumarbrief2.blogspot.co.nz

Naomi Currie: The police abuse their authority

damn-this-world.blogspot.co.nz

Katie Dromgool: Fur in the fashion industry

Katiedromgool.blogspot.co.nz

Ashleigh Neame: Kids these days are growing up too fast

kidsaregrowinguptoofast.blogspot.co.nz

Warinthon baker: Plastic surgery in teens

plasticsurgeryinteens.blogspot.co.nz

Ian lee: should music sharing be legal?

areyouian.blogspot.co.nz

Rose Rogers: Does youth volunteering have an impact on all involved?

youth-volunteering.blogspot.co.nz

Emma Tanaka: Should we tax on junk food?

no-junkfood.blogspot.co.nz

Nick Baker: Should hydraulic fracturing be banned in NZ

nickfracking.blogspot.co.nz

Mary Wilkins: Is fiction a reliable source of social commentary

marybrief2.blogspot.co.nz

Lucciane Surtees: Women should have the right to choose abortion

luccianesurteesbrief2.blogspot.com

Alan McDonald: Contemporary New Zealand Society benefits from multicultural immigration

http://hailongkraken.blogspot.co.nz/

 Mathew Tang: Is marriage religious?

uniarg.blogspot.co.nz

Fei Zhang: Should water rights be privatized globally?

fei1991.blogspot.co.nz

Pranay Sundarji: Metaphysical teachings will reduce youth addictions, suicide, and understanding of love vs. sex

pranaysundarjibrief2.blogspot.co.nz = NOT WORKING!

Nisha Cassim: Euthanasia: crime or blessing?

nixcas23.blogspot.co.nz

Gina Kemp: Does animal abuse need harsher sentencing in NZ?ginakempbrief2.blogspot.co.nz

Lee Ryan: Teen pregnancy – planned or predictable

http://teen-pregnancyplannedorpredictable.blogspot.co.nz/

Nadya Budisaputra: Mistreatment of Roma gypsies in Europe

Socialissuesandpolitics.blogspot.co.nz

Jordan Flyger: Glorification of busy

jordanflyger.blogspot.com

Nonoi Finau: Teen Suicide

nfinausio.blogspot.com

Undeclared:

Mike Anderson ?

Troy Angove?

Iunisi Fotofili?

Billie Houkamau-Johnson?

Troy Jones?

Glen Stradwick?

Kyle Dunsmore?

Frances Smith?

Shayna Apelu?

umar

another blog - but no topic yet

nfinausio.blogspot.com

added BLOG topic

Jordan Flyger: Glorification of busy
jordanflyger.blogspot.com

Brief#2 BLOG topics = choose 5 to engage with (17/04 update)

Christopher Kumar: Should gay marriage be legalized? 

chriskumarbrief2.blogspot.co.nz 

Naomi Currie: The police abuse their authority 

damn-this-world.blogspot.co.nz 

Katie Dromgool: Fur in the fashion industry 

katiedromgool.blogspot.co.nz 

 Ashleigh Neame: Kids these days are growing up too fast 

kidsaregrowinguptoofast.blogspot.co.nz 

Warinthon Baker: Plastic surgery in teens 

plasticsurgeryinteens.blogspot.co.nz 

 Ian lee: Should music sharing be legal? 

areyouian.blogspot.co.nz 

 Rose Rogers: Does youth volunteering have an impact on all involved? 

youth-volunteering.blogspot.co.nz 

 Emma Tanaka: Should we tax on junk food? 

no-junkfood.blogspot.co.nz 

 Nick Baker: Should hydraulic fracturing be banned in NZ 

nickfracking.blogspot.co.nz 

 Mary Wilkins: Is fiction a reliable source of social commentary? 

marybrief2.blogspot.co.nz 

 Lucciane Surtees: Women should have the right to choose abortion 

luccianesurteesbrief2.blogspot.com  

Alan McDonald: Contemporary New Zealand Society benefits from multicultural immigration http://hailongkraken.blogspot.co.nz/ 

 Mathew Tang: Is marriage religious? 

uniarg.blogspot.co.nz 

 Fei Zhang: Should water rights be privatized globally? 

fei1991.blogspot.co.nz 

 Pranay Sundarji: Metaphysical teachings will reduce youth addictions, suicide, and understanding of love vs. sex 

pranaysundarjibrief2.blogspot.co.nz 

 Nisha Cassim: Euthanasia: crime or blessing?

 nixcas23.blogspot.co.nz 

 Gina Kemp: Does animal abuse need harsher sentencing in NZ?

ginakempbrief2.blogspot.co.nz 

 Lee Ryan: Teen pregnancy – planned or predictable? 

http://teen-pregnancyplannedorpredictable.blogspot.co.nz/ 

 Nadya Budisaputra: Mistreatment of Roma gypsies in Europe. Link? 

 Jordan Flyger: Glorification of busy. Link? 

 Undeclared: 

Mike Anderson ? Troy Angove? Iunisi Fotofili? Billie Houkamau-Johnson? Troy Jones? Glen Stradwick? Kyle Dunsmore? Frances Smith?

BRIEF 2 BLOG topics / addresses thus far...

Christopher Kumar: Should gay marriage be legalised? chriskumarbrief2.blogspot.co.nz Naomi Currie: The police abuse their authority damn-this-world.blogspot.co.nz Katie Dromgool: Fur in the fashion industry Katiedromgool.blogspot.co.nz Ashleigh Neame: Kids these days are growing up too fast kidsaregrowinguptoofast.blogspot.co.nz Warinthon baker: Plastic surgery in teens plasticsurgeryinteens.blogspot.co.nz Ian lee: should music sharing be legal? areyouian.blogspot.co.nz Rose Rogers: Does youth volunteering have an impact on all involved? youth-volunteering.blogspot.co.nz Emma Tanaka: Should we tax on junk food? no-junkfood.blogspot.co.nz Nick Baker: Should hydraulic fracturing be banned in NZ nickfracking.blogspot.co.nz Mary Wilkins: Is fiction a reliable source of social commentary marybrief2.blogspot.co.nz Lucciane Surtees: Women should have the right to choose abortion Luccianesurteesbrief2.blogspot.co.nz Alan McDonald: Contemporary New Zealand Society benefits from multicultural immigration http://hailongkraken.blogspot.co.nz/ Mathew Tang: Is marriage religious? uniarg.blogspot.co.nz Fei Zhang: Should water rights be privatized globally? fei1991.blogspot.co.nz Pranay Sundarji: Metaphysical teachings will reduce youth addictions, suicide, and understanding of love vs. sex pranaysundarjibrief2.blogspot.co.nz Nadya Budisaputra: Mistreatment of Roma gypsies in Europe Nisha Cassim: Euthanasia: crime or blessing? nixcas23.blogspot.co.nz

Nadya's fanfic: Hope Renewed- Final Chapter 11- fate decides

                                                                              Chapter 11
                                                                         Fate shall decide
                                                                    and Hope shall reward.


We watch in silence. Aragorn is dressed as a king. The boy whom Elrond had named Estel, after me, in Imladris, is outfitted, his armour bright, cape glossy and rich. His hair is combed and smooth. He waits as Gandalf holds up the Winged Crown of his forefathers. Usually the crown is passed, on the deathbed of a king to his firstborn, male or female. But Gandalf holds it high, above the head of Aragorn, in a courtyard of stone, where the White Tree of the King blooms once more.

He places it on Aragorn's head. "Now come the Days of the King. May they be blessed." Was all he said, yet it was enough to proclaim to all the Gondor and Arnor had a king once more. Aragorn, now Elessar, King of the reunited kingdoms. All stand and cheer loudly.

I smile as King Elessar speaks out. This day, he said, belonged to all. All swore allegiance to him, led by Faramir, son of Denethor, now Steward, and betrothed to Eomer's sister. Eomer, King of Rohan, had yet to be crowned, yet he and Elessar renewed their kingdoms' oath of friendship. Then came us all. The elves come forth, and awe ripples through the men and women present, at the sight. The children watch us, eyes wide, and petals rain softly as I come forth, wearing the diadem, which I had been crowned, in my finest robes- I had finally touched a loom in nearly a century.

Elessar bows, in deference, yet so do I. "This would not have been possible without your planning, Great Queen." He whispers. "I am glad to have shared your name, even for a while." I shake my head. "This would not have been possible save for you." I say. And Arwen. I do not mention it, for soon he will see her.

Did I feel pain that my loved ones were not here, the Kings of Elf and Men? If so, I would not recall. Thranduil steps forth, and after him, Legolas. He and Elessar place their hands on the other's shoulder, each garbed in finery. Then behind him, Elessar sees after a banner bearing the White Tree is placed out of the way, her. Arwen, his beloved, whole and strong again, radiant with beauty.
They kiss and others cheer. I smile. All is well. When they meet the ringbearer and the other halflings, the small ones bow, yet Elessar states, no, they bow to no one. Could I have agreed more?
We knelt to them, all present.

A small bump of good may yet topple a great evil. I can smile now at that.

                                                                            ***

Afterwards while others feasted with song and dance, I stand out at a balcony. I smile. How is it, after centuries, I am finally at peace? Yet the pain does not fade. It will never fade. I sigh. I can barely keep a tear from coming.

"Not joining the celebrations?" I turn at the sound.

Gandalf stands behind me. "Olorin." I say, and I smile.
"You must be the only one to call me by that name now." He moves towards me.
I sigh. "My memories are long. I remember you as tall and strong in figure, with a mane of gold and no beard. Your skin was smooth and taut. The pupil of Queen Nienna and the servant of the King and Queen of the Ainur." He sighs, "How long has it been?" he asks, resting his arms against the railings. "Too long." I say quietly. "I still feel the pain now, of all that has been lost, yet I accept that pain will not go elsewhere. I have done something right, at least, in Middle-Earth."
He was silent. '"What will you do now?" He asks. I say, " I will relinquish the title of High Queen, I only took it to unite my peoples for their lives." "And then? What will you do?" I was silent.
"Why not return home?" "I have no home." I laugh harshly. "Aman is gone from the likes of me forever, the Feanorian. The Lord Namo pronounced doom upon my blood. I can never return and even if I could- I cannot. It will not be the same-a mere reminder of what I have lost, despite my purpose being fulfilled. The Noldor will soon depart completely, without me."

"So you shall stay, to wonder and lament?" he asks."No elf holds your blood against you. Your purpose on Middle-Earth is done. This is the choice before you: Stay and fade or leave for Valinor.The Messenger said as such."

I was startled. "What messenger? Why was I not told of this?"
"Because he had just arrived," Gandalf smiled. "he brought news from Valinor."
I blink. Since when do news and messages arrive from the land of the Undying? Now all that go there can never leave. He looked at me, "A herald of the King Manwe and the rest of the Valar."
Now I am astonished. "Why would any message of theirs concern me?"

"Because you were innocent, yet you still chose to take on burdens, larger than yourself for the sake of all peoples." he replied."Because you have redeemed the actions of your kin, long gone."
Is that possible? I cannot believe.

Yet Gandalf looks at me and says, "They have ordered you to return. Your purpose on Middle-Earth is done."

                                                                                 ***

I stand in silence. I wait on the ship. It was lighter, narrower and more graceful than any made by men, painted white, and its mast shaped as a swan's head. Telerin. My mother's people. How could they have forgiven the Feanorions in Aman?

The ship needs little water to float, and less steering. The sail is down, silvery-white and we wait, anchored to the port of the Grey Havens. What will I find once I return? The Two Trees are gone, along with most of my loved ones. The Halflings arrive with Gandalf. Celeborn, Galadriel and Elrond stand before them and bow. "The Power of the Three Rings have ended. The time has come for the dominion of Men." Artanis speaks. Elrond says, "The sea calls us home." in the tongue of his fathers. All elves have in them a longing for the sea. I have longed for home, yet I feared what I would find- what I really wished for was the distant past.

Bilbo Baggins speaks, "I think I'm quite ready for another adventure." He moves forward and Elrond helps him on board. Artanis smiles at the halflings, and she and Celeborn board also. Gandalf then says his farewells. The halflings weep, but he states, not all tears are an evil. No? Well, he was the pupil of the Valie Nienna the Weeper, we learn from her, comfort and renewal in Hope. Was this her gift?

Gandalf turns and says, "Frodo, it is time." After saying painful farewells to them- did they know?- Frodo boards with Gandalf, he turns to them, smiling one last time, and how I wished I had said farewell to the ones I loved!

I am not the only one who watches this. Macalaure is here also, ready to leave at last.

The ship leaves. We sail between the two cliffs, towards the horizon. To Aman. To home.

                                                                         ***

Most of the journey I am silent. When we pass the cliffs, the light of the setting sun surrounds us. Frodo shields his eyes and covers Bilbo's. The blue of the waters meets the blue of the sky, then, all around us. We sail onwards, soon day changes to night. At first we think that the stars and sky were reflected below, then we realise that the waters and the skies of night were one. The water is the sky. We have entered Ekkaia, the ocean that encircled the world. Then we see a light, I fear that it is the star of Earendil, father to Elrond, for although I would greet Itarille's son, I could not see the star upon his brow- my grandfather's Silmaril. I turn and leave for the refuge of my cabin. There is a knock, when I sit upon my bed. "Uncle?"

"It is I." He opens the door and sits on my bed. He sighs. "You feel more pain, than even I. You were but a child. I was selfish to keep to myself and disappear, only lamenting. I believed if I were to remove myself, all those I loved would be better off, yet now I see that they suffer all the more for it."
He is silent. "Now we leave to Aman, I know not how others would react to seeing me." I felt shame that I should still fear the past, yet my uncle may still face the consequence of his shame. I remember that his wife and three children had left for Aman when they presumed him dead. They had asked me to come with them. I refused. I felt shame and knew the landing in Aman would be bittersweet. Besides my purpose had yet to be fulfilled, I sensed that. Yet now here we are. What now? Suddenly, a cry, "Tol Eressea!" Both he and I rush out. Artanis smiles and she is already there.
We see it.

"Tol Eressea." I whisper, as a child I had spent a summer there, with my parents. I see its port city, Avallone and it's beacon, shining towards us. We were in Valinor's waters. Artanis turns to me, her eyes shining bright. We return to our cabins to make ready. Now I wear a dress of my own creation, basic in original form, yet beautiful, it was white, cutting gracefully, narrowing at my waist, and my girdle was mithril with adamants, the same kind which fringed my gown, and minute diamonds dotted the surface. Why had I chosen this? And my circlet too, were delicate woven mithril and adamants. I knew not whether I should dress humbly, as a repentant Feanorian or as a triumphant queen. Yet that was ridiculous. What had I done? Eldar do not hold prejudices against the innocent. But do they forgive? Few of the Teleri had chosen to fight Morgoth after the Kinslaying. What of my uncle? What will any do? My hair is done in gentle waves, cascading to my waist in brightest pure copper, silver and gold. I brush it until it fanned slightly over my shoulders and wondered again if I should look repentant, not with tiny diamonds tied to many a tiny tress. I was being ridiculously fearful.

When I leave the cabin, the sun had begun to rise, and we saw the sight. Valinor. Land of my fathers.
There I see it, the mountains rising high, magnificent, crowned with snow. Taniquentil, home of the Valar rises higher than any. The waters have become bluer and sparkles and shine like gems, as do the sky above seem brighter. The green is richer than in Middle-Earth, brighter. The flowers like jewels from the earth. The sand is diamonds. We were home.

Taniquentil's peak shines high, like a beacon, signifying that this, truly was the Land of the Ainur.
When we reach shore the ship docks and the planks are pulled out for us. We disembark and as we do, I see a messenger, galloping towards us on a horse. He is Noldorin, and asks that we all leave for Tirion as soon as possible. Carriages are here for us. I stare at the vechiles invented by my gandfather, no horses needed. It has been too long.

When we reach the city. I manage not to gasp. Tirion. Just as I remembered. We mount the stairs and the city is deserted. I wonder if they wished to avoid me and my uncle.

Yet when we reach the palace and the doors swing open, I realise, it was otherwise. All of the Eldar, it seemed were here. And the Valar. I, in shock, manage to bow to them. Everyone claps, even the Valar and they cheer. I was stunned.

I then see another sight. An elf walks towards me, taller than any in the crowd. His hair is pure copper, blended with pure gold and his face is fair enough to be a Vala. His eyes were as mine, darkest blue, cut with a burning silver star which had been a harsh light in Carnistir, haughty in Tyelcormo's, mischievous in the twins, feverish in Curufinwe, yet gentle and kind in Macalaure. His light was gentle also, but strong, brave and true. Filled with love, and tenderness for me, mixed with pride. I knew who this was. But no, it cannot be....

My father. My king.

"Atar," I whisper.

He wraps me in his arms, embracing even as I weep. This I cannot believe. How can this be?

"My Little One," He whispers, drawing me close. "My Little Gem."
How can this be? The Lord Namo had sworn his Doom upon my father when he arrived in Middle-Earth. He had perished, my father, in a pit of molten rock. We could not even bury him.

He could not be brought back.

I whisper, "How can this be?"

My father leans back and whispers, "The Lord Namo may appear cold and merciless, but deep inside, he knows warmth, and he knows redemption and repentance. He is here, all your prayers heve been answered. Know then, that Eru and the Valar has always listened. You were never alone, not even as a child."

Tears appear in my eyes.
Another steps forward. I knew that radiance and beauty, that graceful walk, compared favourably to Luthien. I know the eyes, violet the richest and brightest kind, more deeply coloured. We were together, the family at last. The light of pure joy shines in her eyes..
My mother.

"Amil." I whisper. She holds her hands forward, and brushes my tears from my eyes. My mother, her eyes filled with love and tenderness. "Little One," She whispers, tears in her eyes. "We are here now and we will always be."

I see, through my tears, the light of smiling faces and bright joy. Macalaure is reunited with his wife and offspring. Tyelcormo laughs with his son and new daughter. Curufinwe smiles, with Telperinquar.
And I look at my father, now King of the Noldor in Valinor, as it should have been. All around, smiles are showing, joy and pride are mingled. Love and tenderness.

I would ask my father on Artanaro's fate.
That he did not know, he admitted, but he was hopeful that Artanaro may have been remade. He had yet to show himself. I smile, Hope is renewed. He mentions the man I also loved. Perhaps I might see him perhaps not, we were not sure. But at that moment I see the beautiful children of my memories, I may know the answer.





  



Top: arriving at the undying Lands at last. Second from Top Left: Aragorn/Elessar King of Gondor is reunited with Arwen. Secnd from Top Right: Gandalf in his true form as the Maia Olorin before he leaves for Middle-Earth. Above: Sailing for the Undying Lands Bottom: A View of the Undying Lands.

Nady's fanfic: Hope Renewed- Final Chapter 10- conquering fear

      
                                                                          Chapter 10
                                                                     Conquering Fear

We ride for Mordor, and the silence of the Men is grave. They know not of the plan. But they had triumphed, and now they trust Aragorn-Elessar, in the absence of their Steward, who fell.

The Steward's remaining son Faramir, brother of Boromir, who died saving two halflings, had recognized Aragorn, when he awoke, and called him his king. I knew than that he would not hold greedily to power as his father did and do instead what is right. He remained in the City, to oversee its recovery.

Thranduil and his son rides with us. Gimli rides with Legolas, and I know that if an elf and a dwarf could form friendship, than what is impossible? Aragorn rides dressed, for once, in the garb of a prince soon to be king, a cape swings from his shoulders, his armour is covered with black leather, bearing the White Tree of Gondor. The Time of the King has returned.

The Black Gates of Mordor loom forth. I fear them not. The Elves join us. My people. The Army of Gondor, and even of Rohan who saw the host at Helm's Deep are amazed. Few have ever thought to see elves whom they speak as creatures of legend, yet so many have come. Elrond is there with his wife's parents and his sons, Elladan and Elrohir. They had not succumbed to the sickness of Mordor. My uncle is there also. I ride out to meet them.

"Your timing is perfect." I state to the leaders, "I now hope that all goes well and according to plan. But that is for Eru All-Father to decide."

Galadriel-Artanis smiles. Celeborn bows his head. Elrond gazes for once with hope. As I turn, my captain says, "An emissary from Mordor is at the Black Gates, My Queen, Aragorn-Elessar asks that you may come with them." I nod.

"Go, " Artanis says, " We shall be here, waiting for your signal to move forth."
I ride off. Aragorn, Eomer, Gandalf, Legolas and Gimli are already there, with two halflings, friends of those who marched into Mordor. When I meet them, we halt in front of the Gates and Aragorn shouts, "Let the Lord of the Black Land come forth! Let justice be done upon him!" He masked the real reason for our gathering here. The Gates open slightly and a lone figure rides out, slowly, as if on a lame horse. He draws closer, his horse weighed down in armour, clothed in black armour and his head covered entirely by a helm of black iron, covered with a hood. I wondered how he could see us, when his eyes were covered. If only his mouth were. His helmet opened to admit only that, and it was foul. Larger than it should be and its teeth were long, sharp and diseased, yellow, and black covered with filth and with blood running down from its gums.

"My master, Sauron the Great bids thee welcome."His voice is a deep rasp. His tongue the colour of an open wound, otherwise his mouth was black with filth. I manage not to cringe in disgust at its filth. He cocks his head to one side, like an animal. We were silent. What words must we waste on one who is to be destroyed?  "Is there any that surround with authority to come to treat with me?"
"We do not come to treat with Sauron," Gandalf retorted, "faithless and accursed." The emissary turns to him and bares his foul teeth. "Tell your master this; the armies of Mordor must disband, he is to depart these lands, never to return." The figure guffaws, his massive tongue lolling out, now a ghastly pink. Disgusting. "Old Grey beard." He crooned as if to a child. Then he gasps with mock surprise, his foul mouth gaping and says, "I have a token I was bidden to show thee..." From the folds of his clothes he flings something ouut, and holds it. It is a shirt of sparkling mithril mail, for armour beneath clothing, although small. My companions are shocked into stillness. One of the halflings, in the plate of Gondor, breathes, "Frodo," and the emissary guffaws and tosses the shirt  to Gandalf who catches it. "Frodo!" The halfling exclaims. The emissary gasps, laughing. "Silence." Gandalf tells the halfling. "No!" Cries another halfling, from behind Eomer, dressed in Rohan's garb.

Gandalf repeats the command desperately. The emissary says, "The halfling was dear to thee, I see. Know that he suffered greatly at the hands of his host. Who would have thought that one so small could endure so much..Pain? And he did, Gandalf, he did." Tears were at Gandalf's eyes. The emissary guffaws. Aragorn rides forward. The emissary turns. "And who is this? Isildur's heir? It takes more to make a king than a broken elvish blade." Aragorn draws the sword and with a cry, the emissary's head is sliced cleanly, perhaps the only cleanliness about him. "I guess that concludes negotiations." Gimli mutters. "I do not believe it." Aragorn looks at us each. "I will not."

"No," I agree, "for indeed treachery and deceit are Sauron's ways now. We must go forth. Remember hope has been renewed, Eru will not let it fall. A small bump of good may yet topple a great evil." I look up towards the gates. We ride back. The Gates are slowly opening. I ride to the elven host, nodding. They move forward, the leaders at the front, Artanis is in armour, for once. I turn to the elves, seeming to look at them each. "Children of Illuvatar!" I cry. "Now we go forth, now we fight for the lives of all on Middle-Earth!" I speak in Sindarin. " I call you children of Illuvatar, for you are as such!  As are we all. Forget your differences, for in this day, it matters not. We fight for the world, we shall die alongside one another, no matter how different, we shall fight and defend each other, now we unite. All things are possible. Remember, I despaired as well, seeing the hosts of Mordor and suffering the past. I have felt dread and terror alongside pain. Why did I fight? For Arda, and for I have never left hope." Now I gaze firmly upon them. "Now remember Sauron's defeats at Minas Tirith and the battles that we won. It is possible. Eru has decreed it. I shall go alone to fight alongside Mortals more vulnerable than we, more like to die, if I must, for you. Yet, you trusted me to unite, and Elessar of Gondor, amongst others trusted me with this plan. He believed the same. If mortals, who shall never be remade, are willing to die for the Earth, and we are not, why does Eru gift us with power, strength, immortality? You who survived are meant to fight this day. Brood not on the past, fight for the future. This world is meant to linger, as are you! If you believe it not, why have we survived?" I turn to the Gates and draw my sword, elves and mortals readied their weapons.

"I fight not for a Ring. I fight for Middle-Earth. Objects, no matter what beauty and power, will never equal to me the lives and futures of others." As I spoke I thought of Thorin Oakenshield. "Beware the Arkenstone." I whispered to him. "For have not your grandfather acted strangely after acquiring it? Has not Smaug come soon after its discovery? Beware the dragon sickness." "It is the heirloom of my throne," he whispered. I shook my head. "The treasures of the past are not worth the lives of the future." He failed to remember and died in regret of tresuring gold and glory. "I will not live to regret." I say, and when Mordor's orcs and trolls march forth, we advance.


                                                                              ***

We fight. Archers rained arrows upon arrows on the foul creatures of Mordor. I saw Legolas, slay an troll with amazing skill and speed. Aragorn falls, but he rises. Galadriel, who destroyed Dol Guldur, with Nenya is incredible. I fight swiftly, slicing through hard flesh and strong bone, with the movements trained by my father, called the deadliest warrior that ever lived. His sword was an arc of death to the creatures of darkness and he was as lighning to doom them. After his torment in Angband he had grown swifter, stronger, more dangerous. As have I.

I cut them all down. A troll hovers near, it shall fall. It did. Screeches fill the air, the knights and riders scream and clutch their ears. I pause. This was the sound of fear. The Ringwraiths used it to immobilise. I gaze upwards. There up on great winged beasts, hooded shapes of what was once Men. The Witch-King is slain, by the hand of Eomer's sister. Eight remain, Khamul is their lead. No man could kill them, someone told me. No man. I was an elf and female.

What have I to fear? The past is gone, I can never undo it. I have naught to lose. Only the lives of those present here and Arda. I fear not death. Nor torment. I have faced pain and fear and found hope. My plans had worked. My great desire overcame my fear of anything.

I run forward.There is a cliff, I run past forces on either side, who stop in bemusement, turning to me. I grab hold of the rocks, I climb gracefully up, and when a ringwraith flies close, I grab the saddle-belt and swing myself up.

The ringwraith is surprised to see me. I lunge forward, grabbing his cloak, stabbing his face with a knife I had drawn, removing my hand before it immobilises me. I grab the reins and push the withering armour out of the way. I drive the winged beast to the nearest winged creature, forcing it to be slain by its own kind and jumping onto the other, drawing my sword. The ringwraith screeches. I was not afraid. Why should I fear? I deflect his blow, twisting my sword around his and flinging it from his grasp. It falls below, and I lunge for his face, quickly drawing my sword free. He is destroyed. I take the reins and force the beast unto the cliffside. It breaks its skull upon the rocks. I slide off his tail and jump, landing gracefully below, whereupon I cut down several of Sauron's minions- and crushed another.Then suddenly, the ringwraiths leave, and the gaze of Sauron's eye in his tower turns towards Mount Doom. What has happened?

Now he knows and we have little time. I pray to the Valar. I pray to Eru.

Screeches come, but they are not ringwraiths, I gaze upwards and briefly saw a moonmoth flutter away. Then a gigantic eagle lunges, tearing its talons at a winged beast, slaying its wraith. More eagles came. The Eagles of Manwe King of the Ainur. Never had I seen so many. They were slaying the wraiths. I turn and shout to the Elves. "See! The Ainur and the All-Father is with us! They will not let us fail!" They cheer loudly and I gesture to advance.

In the midst of the fighting Sauron's eye freezes, as if immobilised. It bursts further into flame, not the kind of which it is made, but destroys it, then the mountain rumbles and the Tower of Sauron's eye falls, colloasping on itself. I gesture for us to retreat. "Go back past the Gates!" They hurriedly do so, and I see the Men do the same, for then when Sauron's tower collaspes, a wave of shock rushes through the land. The land then sinks and while the creatures if Darkness try to flee, they fail and fall with it. I knew then what had happened. It was over. The Ring was destroyed.

  


 Above left to right: The Eye of Sauron,  Ringwraiths destroyed by Mount Doom, and the One Ring. Above Left: Elven Archers ready. Above Right: Elrond shouts a command. Bottom: Thorondor, King of the Eagles of Manwe- and the largest.

Nadya's fanfic: Hope renewed- Final Chapter 9- War

               
                                                                            Chapter 9
                                                                       Hope Renewed

It is done. Now High Queen of the Elves on Middle-Earth, now we go to war.
I turn to Elrond, "Before we march, you must go to Aragorn, son of Arathorn. Tell him to do as I did. Take up the mantle of his forefathers, if he wishes Sauron defeated, and bring him the sword." I nod to Narsil, in a sheath, by Elrond's side. " Give it to him, by the name of Anduril, Flame of the West, and tell him of any dangers he may face." Elrond nods gravely, he knows that Sauron, whilst sending orcs from Mordor and Haradrim from the South, also sends mercenaries, by ship. "The mercenaries will pass by the Mountain that lies in the end of the Dimholt road. You know what lies there. Isildur cursed them. Now they will answer to his heir." he nods again. "Then you must join us, at the Gates of Mordor. We shall draw him out." "So easily?" He shakes his head. I look at him, "If I know Aragorn-Elessar then he will do as I will. Sauron will not risk the peoples of the land uniting under one banner. He fears the heir of Elendil, just as he fears me and my kin." I smile grimly.
"In this fear he may forget. If he sees me riding out, with Aragorn-Elessar and our peoples with us, to Mordor, in his fear, he will forget that the Ring draws close to its destruction."

"He will fall." Elrond says wonderingly, for once, hope creeping back to him.
I nod. "Now you must go. Pray to the All-Father that the dead army and Aragorn will reach Gondor in time."

                                                                              ***

Garbed in armour, arms by our side, we left for war. for the second time the Avari and the Eldar march as one.
No ocean parts us. Now we will fight and die together, as Eru intended.

Dimly I remember one last thing. My previous plunge into further sorrow, after Sauron had forged the One Ring, before he wielded it. Elrond's twin was Elros. As half-elven they were given a gift- to choose between joining the ranks of the Eldar, or choosing a mortal fate. Arwen's uncle had chosen the choice she made. As a gift, he and his followers were given a life, longer than those of ordinary men. An island, its shape a star, was brought forth from the ocean, by the Valar, to be their dwelling. They named it Numenor, and for centuries, even after Elros' death, it had been a centre of culture, learning, beauty, knowledge and skill, amongst men. I remember the time I spent there, after Elros was made king. We planted seeds, of plants found nowhere but in our lands. We taught these men many things. Their only bar was that that they never sail westward to Aman. Yet centuries later, when his descendants, turned against Eru and the Ainur, as well as elves, the beauty of Numenor was destroyed. Only Elendil and his sons, Isildur and Arnarion had escaped, with those that followed them. Sauron allowed himself to be captured by them and whispered words of charm and power, influencing the king and convincing him to take a fleet, to conquer the lands of the Undying, for immortality, which they craved. They had done so, but then Eru rose in great power and sunk, not only the fleet, but Numenor. The cataclysm was so violent, the world had been changed. I remembered the panic of the children when the earth shook more violently than before felt. They believed the world would end. Yet it was simply changed, no longer flat, but globed. Numenor was gone, along with the work we had put into it, and the legacy of Elros. I remember that in grief. Also, Aman and its islands were taken out from this world. Now the only way to travel there, was through the Port of the Grey Havens, and taking a swan-masted Telerin ship by the Straight Road. So far away it was. Yet I can do nothing for it now. The only thing to do was fight, to ensure the remaining legacy of Elros- Gondor- survives. Numenor,  is gone, now Atalante, the Downfallen.

I cannot mourn now.

We march. We go on horses, but when we reach Mordor, we shall fight on foot, for elves do not condemn our animals to suffer pain in war. I ride at their head, Thranduil is at my side, riding beside me. Celeborn and Galadriel, and the leaders of the Avari are also here. But there is another, one that I had not thought to see.

Macalaure, my uncle.

The brother that was closest in heart, to my father, famed for his mighty voice, is here now. I believed he had perished- or faded. After the Silmarils had been taken, he and my father prepared to fight and to die, if need be. My mother had faded months before, after an attack on our lands, whilst she was with Artanis' brothers, believing that my father and I had died in the attack. I remember my father's rage and grief, more so than even Feanaro's had been. She had been there, always, as I was, to be the hand that healed all wounds overseeing the supplies for the Noldor, making them if need be, and a voice- despite my father's protests, to others, for alliances.She had been a true queen, yet she had been more than that. She strengthened, my father, soothed his hurts and healed him, of grief and despair, as well as the wounds he acquired. She was there even as I was. my father had gone mad for a time, and fiercely protective of me. I had been placed under strong guard, day and night. I knew not the deeds he committed in the madness of grief- although they were less worse than his father's- but it was enough for the Silmaril, that had been hallowed by the Queen Varda, so that neither mortal flesh, nor those unclean may touch them, had burned his hand, and he had thrown himself in a pit of molten rock, along with it. Macalaure, his brother, in all things, had flung his into the sea, and for many a century, he had lamented, wandering through the forests, grieving his losses.

He is here now. In the encampment, Elrond arrives, he is stunned and overjoyed to see Macalaure, as he and my father had been as fathers to him. Macalaure smiles and embraces him. Yet, I see the same sorrow in his eyes that he had when he embraced me. Artanis had sent for him. I had wept tears of joy to be reunited with him, he had also, his first joy in centuries.

He looks at me. I see sorrow, mingled with shame, for his deeds, yet also pride and love for me amd regret that my father and mother were not present. His eyes were Feanorian, like mine, darkest blue, nearly black with silver light burning bright, through its darkness. Yet it was a gentler, kinder light than his father's. The lights in the eyes of Feanaro's descendants had seemed different. His presence gave me strength. before I met with the elven leaders, we had discussed my name.

I told him, it had seemed a cruel jest that my father named me Eruvande, the Oath of Eru, when he would swear by Eru's name and much sorrow would it cause. Did I cause him any sorrow? My uncle shook his head. "No." he said. And it was joy to hear his famed voice, strong yet rich and sweet to my ears like wine, deep and clear, but not too deep and loud, strong, yet smooth in equal balancing amounts. It made me think of majestic woods, magnificent peaks, spectacular skies and valleys, and unequalled  seas. Aman.

"You gave naught but joy to your father. This you know. After many childless years, both he and your mother longed for one. He had gone to Taniquentil and at the foot of the mountain prayed to Eru that should they have a child he would pay homage to Eru in a way that Eru would find pleasing, for all years to come.  I knew not what it was- he told not even me, but you were conceived when he arrived back in Tirion and your father did such homage, even until his death." He paused. "You must have given him great joy and a cause to live, even after your mother died."

Macalaure's wife and children, presuming him dead, had returned to Aman in grief. It was better for them, he said, than to suffer the shame and pain that he felt, after the war with Morgoth. He had caused them much grief.

I pause. "And Estela? Why did my mother name me that?"

"Because you were proof that hope would would repay more than a thousandfold, she said to me. Because she foretold that you would be the strength when others have none and you would be their beacon, you would renew hope when times grew dark. So you have."

I was silent. Then a messenger heralded that all in the meeting tent were ready. I left.

                                                                              ***

Elrond confirmed that Gondor had been saved by the forces of Rohan, their own knights and, most of all, the dead that came once more, with Aragorn, Legolas Thranduil's son and Gimli, the dwarf. He mentioned it had been my idea, and I had reminded him that. "Estela- Hope." he said "You could have no other name. I was right to give Aragorn the name "Estel" after you when he came to Imladris." "But now he must be Elessar, King of Gondor, should Mordor be defeated." I say. Some of us, Thranduil and myself, for once, must go to Gondor." Thranduil nods at this. "Others must join us when we set forth for Mordor. One round of this war has been won. Eru has turned the tables against Sauron, but we must set forth before this window of oppurtunity given to us, closes."

So we did. Elf-horses know little distance, when they gallop. Soon we were at Minas Tirith. The gates of Gondor open to receive us, and people stare as Thranduil and I, along with the guards, ride to the top level.

In the palace, we were received by Legolas, Thranduil's son, whom the latter had embraced with great joy and relief. Then Gandalf came to greet us.

Robed in white, with a staff of the same colour by his side, he smiled to see us, "Hail Thranduil, King of what was Greenwood and what will be again. Hail, with the greatest of joy, to the High Queen of the Elves upon Middle-Earth." Legolas starts in alarm, and stares at us both with wide eyes, and his father confirms it was so, he then drops to one knee. "My Queen," he whispers. I shake my head. No, I would not have him kneel to me. I planned to relinquish the title when Mordor was defeated. Aragorn-Elessar, comes forth and bows, with Eomer, nephew to Theoden, now king of Rohan. I ask that we must convene in secret.

In the throne room, Aragorn mentions that he knew the idea had been mine, to summon the dead Army. Gimli, his dwarf companion stares at me with wide eyes, and I sigh and say, "I protested against such a curse, but now I see that Isildur has done one thing right at last. I am only amazed none remember it." Gimli shakes his head and mumbles that no one would wish to remember such instructions. I laugh. The sound creates smiles, from everyone. Even Aragorn and Eomer, the latter who had just lost his foster-father, and the former, who fears for his Arwen. At least she would be in good hands, even for a while.

I come up with a proposal. "I mentioned to Elrond that, if I knew you, you would do as I would; march to Mordor, before Sauron has a chance to recover his defeat and gather wits about him. I know the losses have been many, but we have little time, if we are to prevent more grievous wounds."

Gandalf and Aragorn nods. "That is exactly what they said!" Gimli exclaims. "They stated that we would draw out the armies of Mordor and give Frodo and Sam a chance to reach the mountain, but they have not mentioned how we would manage to divert Sauron's attention, when he is not easily fooled."

"Really?" I ask. "Saruman once told me that he held one of my grandfather's creations. He offered to return it to me, but I then refused. Gandalf, do you have it now?"

"Indeed, I do." He nods and draws from his robes, an object wrapped in cloth. It is round, and I take it from him. "Aragorn-Elessar, shall we cover the windows and extinguish the lights? We might as well get the others to leave this room, we do not wish Sauron turning his wrath to them." he nods, when the hall is dark and the others have left, I place the ball at the foot of the stairs to the throne. I look at him, and then remove the cloth, Aragorn picks it up, and we both cradle it in our hands. "Do you have the sword?" I whisper. He nods and is ready. Then, before long, something arises, a red-orange eye, made of flame, with a black slit for a pupil. Sauron's eye. "Do you know me?" Aragorn hisses. "Do you know me?" I hiss. "Do you recognize my eyes, from the time whence you were a mere slave of Morgoth? You feared them, as I recall, we are not all gone." I gaze straight into his, and I feel Sauron's fear born of ages past. Yes, he remembered those eyes. We could sense each other's thoughts. Aragorn steps forth, "Do you remember this?" he hissed and he holds up Anduril with the hand that bore the ring of Barahir, the heirloom of his line. I step back and the minute I do, Sauron regains some of his wits. Aragorn sees something inside the palantir and he gasps. Then he drops it. I throw the cloth to cover it. "What is it?" I ask. "What did he show you?"

"Arwen, " he gasps, "he showed me Arwen."

I was silent."He tried to make you fear him the way that he feared us. Mistake it not for truth. Hope has been renewed, you and I are such proof."

  

    

          







Top:Elros, Elrond's twin who chose mortality. Second from Top, Left: Sauron in the First Age, Second from Top, Right: Maglor/Macalaure the Mighty Singer Estela's uncle. Above: Maglor plays with twins Elrond and Elros, while Estela's father watches from behind. Bottom: Aragorn confronts Sauron in the Palantir, after Estela steps back.