Well... Let me tell you all, I'm super sorry that I left you all hanging so long on a cliff hanger! I kept thinking I had cut it off at a more resolved point. But now you have the next installment, and so you have some resolution. I hope you enjoy!

Chapter 7: Decisions

Her footsteps echoed through the air as she followed Suliel back to the council room. Her own heartbeat tried to drown out the noise by thudding relentlessly in her ears. Then she was walking into the center of the council once more, facing Lady Galadriel.

Lady Galadriel stood.

"The council has reached a decision." She said. Her voice easily carrying through the chamber with authority and finality.

Aedhel bowed her head. The edges of her vision threatened to blur, and it was all she could do to remain standing in spite of how hard she was trembling.

"Aedhel, daughter of Cenric son of Ethelwyn son of Alfwyn, you have entered into Lothlorien knowing full well that you, and all descendants of Alfwyn were banished on pain of death. And yet there are some other facts to take into consideration. You risked - and almost lost- your life in service to Lothlorien, bringing Hithfaeron back to us and protecting him from harm. While you ventured past our borders on your own power, we accept that you did not realize that you had done so. And finally, upon realizing your trespass, you came forward, making it known. Your efforts to be honest and transparent despite the potential consquenes are commendable.

"It is with these considerations in mind that the council has decided to forgive you your trespass, and spare you your life."

Aedhel almost sagged with relief. Emotions roiled within her, and her eyes blurred with tears, but she forced it all down. Now was not the time or the place. Finally she dared look up. Lady Galadriel gazed at her, understanding shining through her eyes.

"As for the matter of your banishment," she continued, "and the continued banishment for all of Alfwyn's line, that decision is left to Amathim."

Aedhel turned as Amathim stood. She chewed the inside of her cheek, a perfidious hope rising in her chest. She had not considered that she might have the chance to change the sentence against her bloodline.

"The banishment remains." he said and then sat down, his face an inscrutable mask.

Aedhel could only nod though she felt as though she had been slapped. The fleeting hope she had felt cut off abruptly. She tried to be understanding towards Amathim and his position, but she couldn't help but feel like it was a judgement on her very person.

"Very well," Galadriel said simply. "Aedhel, you will be permitted to remain until you are well enough to make the journey back home. However, at that time, the banishment will be reinstated. May the Grace of the Valar go with you," she finished gently. "This council is concluded."

The council members then got up. Some of them left, while others stayed and conversed with each other, but it was all in elvish and Aedhel couldn't understand it. She felt a little lost was unsure what she should do when she felt a soft touch at her elbow. Suliel was there, beckoning that she follow. Suliel led her back down the winding stairs but Aedhel could hardly concentrate on her surroundings with the emotional storm raging within her.

"You should take some rest, miss. You are still recovering," Suliel said. Aedhel noted absently that they were back in her room at the tents of healing.

"Thank you Suliel," she said. "For everything."

Suliel simply dipped her head and floated away as Aedhel stepped inside the all too familiar tent and made for the bed.

As soon as she sat down Aedhel burst into tears. All the anxiety, the fear, the relief, and the dashed hopes she had felt the last few days came bursting to the surface and she could no longer force them down. She wept for the fear of her trial, for the terror of her encounter with the witch that almost ended her life, she wept that there was such evil in the world as the witch's intentions, and she wept for the beauty that was Puck's charming innocence and sweetness. She wept until she was shaking with the effort, until she thought she might be sick, and then, when she could cry no more, she curled up into a ball on the bed and fell asleep.

Aedhel woke, a feeling of dread lingering in the pit of her stomach until she remembered that the council was over and that she had been forgiven. She took a deep, sweet breath, feeling lighter than she had since coming to Lothlorien. The catharsis from her cry yesterday leaving her strangely refreshed and drained at the same time. She rubbed her eyes which felt particularly dry and tender.

The door to her tent opened and Lammon entered, the golden light of morning streaming through the gaps behind him. He had a kindly look on his face. "You're awake," he said gently. "I heard the good news, I must say I am glad for it."

"Thank you," Aedhel replied a bit awkwardly, not sure what the proper response to 'I'm glad you weren't sentenced to death' was.

"Yes, well," Lammon said, his voice turning rather snooty, but Aedhel could detect the light twinkle in his eye.. "It would hardly do for them to ruin all my hard work would it?"

"Indeed it would not," she agreed, smiling softly.

"Are you hungry? Would you like something to eat?" Lammon asked, placing a gentle hand on her forehead as if testing for a fever. Aedhel couldn't resist leaning into the tender touch just a little bit. It was such a parental touch that she hadn't felt for many years.

"Some food would be wonderful." She said. She was indeed very hungry.

"I'll get you something then," he said, standing up and slipping through the door. He returned shortly later with a plate full of fresh fruits, bread, and cheese. Aedhel ate her fill and immediately felt weary again. She had not recovered her full strength yet, and yesterday's trial had taken a lot out of her. She fell back into a deep and restful sleep.

The next few days were spent recovering, resting and quiet walks with Puck. They started making a habit of taking a walk in the late morning. While she no longer required an escort to move through the city, she preferred his company to solitude. She got all the solitude she could ever want and more in the healing tent. She looked forward to the time when Puck would come bounding through the tent door full of energy and bearing some sort of pretty rock or flower or other artifact of interest. She had a growing collection on the small dresser in the room.

She was just pulling her boots onto her feet when she heard the rustle of the tent flap. But it was not Puck who entered the room, but the Lady Galadriel.

"Lady Galadriel," she said, quickly rising to her feet.

"Good morning, Aedhel," she replied. "Young Hithfaeron is occupied this morning, and I thought I might take the opportunity to walk with you instead." she said, gesturing to the door.

"Thank you," Aedhel replied earnestly. She had the feeling that the social classes were not as strict among the elves, but still, to receive such personal attention from the ruler of the elven realm was a great honor.

Lady Galadriel led the way along new paths, eventually leading the way a splendid garden, bursting with flowers and plants of various colors and textures expertly laid together to bring out the beauty of each element.

"You are recovering well, I hear." She said.

Aedhel nodded. "Yes, my lady. Thanks to the diligent effort of your skilled healers. I am most fortunate and grateful. I owe you my life."

Lady galadriel waved her hand lightly. "I am merely glad to see you feeling better. However, your recovery does bring with it considerations for your upcoming departure. It is time to look towards preparations. What do you plan to do when you leave this place?" She asked, leading them down a new path in the garden.

Aedhel bit her lip, not completely certain. "I will probably go back home, and resume my occupation as a courier."

Lady Galadriel dipped her head in acknowledgement. "A fine occupation. Do you often travel far?"

"I used to, my lady. However, my old horse died last year, so now I mainly travel between the nearby villages, mostly carrying goods from one town to the next. Not many of them are lettered folk."

Galadriel made a small noise of acknowledgement, but said nothing. They continued walking, and after a while, Lady Galadriel started pointing out the various flowers, and their origin. Telling the story of how each plant came to be incorporated into her garden. She had flowers from all over middle earth it seemed. Even flowers from the blessed realm, which Aedhel could not fathom. Eventually, they left the garden and Galadriel led them to the stable.

"I wish to give you a gift."

"A gift my lady?" Aedhel, said. Her mind racing, with the possibilities, but not daring to presume anything.

"Aye. For although some among the council would say that sparing your life is reward enough for returning Hithfaeron, I wish to do more. I know that Amathim still grieves the loss of his friend, and is not yet ready for your bloodline to be welcomed within Lothlorien, but I anticipate a day when that does become a reality. You come from a line of people with noble hearts, and I would have you as a friend. And so I give you this." From within the folds of her skirt she brought forth a ring. Delicately made to seem as the head of a horse on one side transitioning into a slender metal band that didn't quite connect to the other end, but rather fanned out into the flowing tail of a horse. It was unadorned, though it needed none. The metal itself glittered in the light, and the craftsmanship was clearly of fine elvish make. "I give you this gift, and name you elf-friend." Galadriel said. "Although you and your descendants may not yet return to Lothlorien, should you ever be near any of the other elven realms and in need, they will take you in on my account."

Aedhel gaped at the ring, her head spinning. Feelings of gratitude, awe, and an undeservedness swirled around her. "My lady," she said, dropping to one knee, tears pricking at her eyes. "Your generosity is overwhelming."

Galadriel gave her a soft look, taking her by the hands and drawing her back to her feet. "It pleases me to give you this token of friendship," she said, drawing Aedhel into an embrace. Such an embrace Aedhel had not felt since her mother passed away, and she was suddenly struck by a sharp longing mingled with a curious fulfillment, which led back around to more longing. She couldn't hold back the gentle sobs that escaped her as she was wrapped in such a motherly embrace. Galadriel simply hugged her tighter, and held her until the tears stopped flowing. When she pulled back, Galadriel's own eyes were rimmed with tears, but she didn't let them fall. Instead she smiled.

"Come with me," she said, and pulled open the doors to the barn. She led her through the barn, greeting the various horses as she passed through until she came to one particular stable. "This is Sirdal. He is the offspring of my very own Gwedal. It would please me to give him to you. I think you two will serve each other well in life." She said.

Aedhel gaped again, then threw back her head and laughed a full belly laugh. Galadriel chimed in with her chimelike laugh. When her laughter finally died down, Aedhel gazed at the beautiful horse Lady Galadriel had given her. "My lady, I can never thank you enough," she said simply. "He is stunning."

And he truly was. A beautiful chestnut brown color, with big expressive eyes. His muscles rippled with every step he took, and he had long sturdy legs. His black mane fell around his eyes, and his long flowing tail twitched as he swished it about.

She spent a little while getting acquainted with Sirdal before following Galadriel back out of the stables, and to the healing wards. She was getting better every day, but she still tired easily, and the emotional upheaval of the day had left her drained and filled in equal measure. Galadriel took her leave and Aedhel quickly fell into a deep peaceful contented slumber.

Then next few days were filled with walks with Puck and frequent trips to the stables. She wanted to get Sirdal fully accustomed to her before they set out so that they would be able to move easily and confidently together. She had just finished taking Sirdal out for a short turn around the paddock. She was delighted to find that he was very responsive, especially when she rode bareback. The elves had offered her a saddle, but it was common enough among the Rohirrim to go without a saddle, and he responded so well to her weight without one, that she declined. As she finished stabling him and giving him a treat, she turned and was surprised to find Amathim standing there.

He looked uncomfortable and he shifted his weight but said nothing. After an awkward moment Aedhel broke the silence.

"Good afternoon, Amathim," she said simply. He nodded curtly in return.

Aedhel figured there must be a particular reason he was here, so she waited for him to speak. At length he sighed.

"The Lady Galadriel thought it might do us both good for me to explain to you why I refused to lift the banishment." He clenched his jaw a little bit as though he might have disagreed. "She is very wise." he said.

"Aye, she is," Aedhel said simply.

He turned to look at her and seemed to hesitate. "You have his eyes."

Aedhel frowned "What?"

"Your great grandfather. You have the same eyes. I can recognize them even now. It's how I knew who you were in the forest." He hesitated again." I realize that I may have acted overly forceful at that time. I thought you were there through some deception. I apologize." He took a deep breath.

"Alfwyn," he paused as a painful grimace flashed across his features. "Alfwyn was a true brother to me. We were kindred spirits, and I was eager to befriend the edain." He looked down.

"What happened?"

"You know that I showed him the secret passage, and told him to tell no one. He was only to use it in the most dire of circumstances."

"He did not keep it a secret. He had been traveling with a small contingent of dwarves. They were beset by a host of orcs, and so Alfwyn led the dwarves through the passage. Not only did he reveal this secret to outsiders, they allowed the orcs to follow them into the heart of the forest where they proceeded to cut down everyone in their path and set fire to everything. I lost my sister and nephew in the fire." Amathim looked down, tears welling in his eyes, threatening to spill. "He was but a child."

"Afterwards, when it was discovered what had happened," he shook his head. "I suppose neither of us took it very well. We did not… we did not part on good terms. I never saw him again."

He sighed and looked up, staring at the ceiling.

"It may seem strange to you that I carry this hurt around after so many years. But elves live long lives, and our memory is long as well. The wound he dealt me is still as fresh as it was one hundred years ago. And so I am not ready. Not ready to lift the banishment. Not ready to have people wandering around Lothlorien when I might see his eyes, Alfwyn's eyes, the eyes of the man who I loved like a brother, who took so much from me staring out at me through his child's face. Perhaps someday I will be, but for now, it is impossible."

Aedhel nodded, understanding and compassion flooding thought her. "Thank you for explaining this to me. It is not my intention or desire to cause you more pain. For my part in it, I am sorry."

Amathim smiled wryly. "You're a lot like him you know? Your eyes, and something of your smile, yes. But also something in your spirit. You're honest, open, and compassionate. It's what made me such fast friends with him." Then he frowned. "And also what led us to disaster."

He stood straight, looking at her. "I wish you well, Aedhel of the Wold. I hope you live a long and happy life." she could see the sincerity in his face mingled with his grief. "It just has to be lived somewhere else." With that, he placed his hand to his heart,dipping his head and strode out of the stable.

Aedhel almost called out after him, desiring to wish him peace and comfort, but she realized that he needed to deal with things in his own time.

She instead gave Sirdal one last pat on the nose, and returned to her quarters in the healing ward. She knew that the time of her departure was quickly approaching.

TBC

Thank you all for reading! I hope you enjoyed this chapter! I'm sorry it took me so long. I really intended to get it done sooner, but I spent several months in New Zealand, and while I had large chunks of it done for a long time, other parts were evading me. Untill tonight, when it all came together beautifully (in my opinion). I'm actually really pleased with how it turned out. Anyway, I'm back home, with no real travel in the books for the forseable future, so hopefully I'll get the next chapter to you soonish? But who can really know. Anyway... I'm rambling. I hope you have a wonderful holiday season if you celebrate, and a wonderful week no matter what you're doing!

You are loved!

A Dream of Fantasy