Chapitre 75: Chapter 75: Promise from the past.
-Lothlórien, Third Age, weeks before-
"Is Turin's son planning to face the dragon of Erebor?" murmured a beauty beyond compare, her golden curls shimmering with the grace of the sacred trees of Valinor. Her eyes gleamed with the radiant glow of Telperion and Laurelin, and her fair skin, white as moonlight, reflected her noble lineage. This stunning figure was Finduilas, the youngest of the exiled Noldor, sister of King Gil-galad, the last Noldor king, who died defeating Sauron.
"Yes, Galadriel has brought the news. The confrontation is inevitable," another beauty replied. Her pale blonde hair cascaded down to her calves, and her snow-white skin gave her an unparalleled appearance. Her delicate white dress added even more elegance to her already beautiful figure. This was Nimrodel, a creation of Eru, an elf who lived in Lothlórien before the arrival of the Sindar and the Noldor, beloved of Amroth.
She had set off for Edhellond, an ancient port of Gondor, intending to travel to Valinor. However, along the way, she fell into a deep sleep while resting by the River Gilrain. After awakening, she resumed her journey, but no one awaited her at the port, causing her love for Amroth to fade. She wandered the vast realm of Gondor for some time until she eventually met Tindomiel and Turin, who offered her warmth. Finally, at Tindomiel's suggestion, she returned to Lothlórien, where she settled.
"It's reckless to face that dragon without being prepared," said Finduilas, shaking her head and causing her golden hair to swirl. If any mortal had witnessed this scene, they would have been utterly enchanted.
"He inherited his mother's recklessness," Nimrodel replied. Both women were seated in Finduilas' chamber. Over the years, they had become good friends, having been part of Tindomiel and Turin's journey, so it was only natural that they had formed a deep bond.
"Uhm, I wish he had inherited Turin's caution," Finduilas huffed, delicately sipping her tea. Her royal manners highlighted her striking Noldor heritage.
Nimrodel, with a meaningful smile, rested one of her graceful hands on her delicate chin and, in a soft but affectionate tone, added a detail about Aldril. "He didn't inherit Turin's caution, but he certainly inherited part of his appearance."
At that moment, Finduilas paused mid-sip, her shining eyes dimming slightly as they glazed over with tears at the memories of her beloved Turin. She had never stopped loving him, despite the fact that he had found solace in Tindomiel's arms. In some ways, she harbored a bit of resentment. After all, she hadn't been able to give Turin the peace he so desperately sought.
"Indeed," she murmured faintly, hiding her beautiful face as tears threatened to spill from her radiant eyes. The mere memory was painful, especially knowing that Turin was no longer alive. Something deep within her was certain of that.
She remained silent for several minutes, and Nimrodel did not interrupt, quietly realizing that her words had stirred something deep within Finduilas. Her charming smile faded, regretting having mentioned Aldril's resemblance to Turin.
While Nimrodel regretted speaking, Finduilas had become lost in a memory—the last time she had seen Turin, the final embrace, and the last request.
-Flashback- -Lothlórien, Third Age-
"Turin! It's been so long, I'm so glad to see you," Finduilas exclaimed, running to embrace her beloved. It had been years since they had parted, and it was rare for him to visit her alone.
Turin, his black hair cascading down his back, gently embraced Finduilas' delicate body. The contrast of their hair, like night and dawn, each beautiful in its own way, yet never able to share the same day, was striking. "Yes, it has been a long time. You haven't changed at all," Turin said, smiling faintly.
"It's unusual for you to visit. What brings you to the vast forests of Lothlórien?" Finduilas asked as she stepped back from Turin's embrace. She longed to stay in his arms longer but didn't want to make him uncomfortable. With both arms clasped behind her back, she swayed gently, her tender demeanor, one she showed only to Turin, surfacing, a clear sign of her deep affection for him.
Turin, always a direct man, didn't beat around the bush. He explained the reason for his visit. "I'm here because this may be the last time we see each other, so I've come to say goodbye and ask one final favor."
Finduilas's eyes widened, a rare sight for an elf who usually appears serene and calm. However, very few knew that those elves who often seem tranquil have a loving side for their loved ones.
Snapping out of her shock, Finduilas quickly grabbed Turin's arms, and with desperation etched on her face, she asked, "But why? Did I do something wrong? What happened, Turin?" Her desperate voice broke Turin's heart. It weighed heavily on him to give her this news. He had known for a long time that she loved him, but he only saw her as family, which is why he always rejected her advances.
"You did nothing wrong, Finduilas. It's just that I am leaving Middle-earth. I have found the answer to my eternal curse," he explained calmly. His gaze softened as he saw Finduilas's tear-filled eyes. Gently, he hugged her, stroking her golden hair. "The price I have to pay may be high, and that's why I've come to say goodbye."
"Why? It has allowed you to live until now. Please, Turin, don't do it," Finduilas almost begged through her tears. She didn't want to lose the man she loved. Even if her love was unrequited, she was content just to see him and know he was safe.
Turin shook his head and gently pulled away from Finduilas's embrace. With soft eyes, he looked into hers and spoke words that left her stunned.
"Tindómiel is pregnant, and I don't want my child to grow up under this curse, Finduilas."
"She... is pregnant with your child?" She almost lost her breath. She had suspected it, but the news still struck her deeply. She was at a loss for words, and her spirits sank. However, Turin's words brought her out of her daze.
"Yes, and beyond saying goodbye, I have a selfish request. If something happens to Tindómiel, please take care of my beloved child." Those words ignited a spark within her.
With a breath, her demeanor shifted. No longer was she the lovesick and sorrowful girl. Now, before Turin stood the last exile of the Noldor and the sister of Gil-galad in her full glory. With unparalleled grace, she looked into Turin's eyes and nodded.
"Yes, I promise to protect them, Turin Turambar, just as you have protected me."
A sigh of relief escaped Turin's lips. With a grateful smile, he thanked her, "I am grateful, Finduilas."
—Present, weeks earlier—
Breathing deeply, Finduilas composed herself. Slowly rising, she looked at her friend Nimrodel and, with a delicate yet determined voice, said, "I will go with him. If necessary, I will help him fight that dragon."
Nimrodel wasn't surprised. She simply smiled and shook her head slightly, causing her curls to sway with a touch of majesty. "That's just like you. Galadriel is going to Dol Guldur. You could accompany her, and on the way, divert to Erebor. It's the safest route for you," she explained. It wasn't surprising that she knew about the White Council and their plans. After all, like Finduilas and Galadriel, she was highly respected for her wisdom and beauty. Additionally, her relationship with Galadriel gave her insight into her moves.
"Yes, Galadriel already told me," Finduilas said, though she hadn't understood why Galadriel had told her this with a knowing smile. Now she understood. Galadriel knew that Turin's child would be in Erebor, and that Finduilas would have no doubt in supporting his journey.
"In that case, what are you waiting for? Galadriel will depart in a few minutes," Nimrodel reminded her with a smile. She enjoyed seeing her dear friend's spirits lifted. She only hoped that Finduilas wouldn't end up falling in love with Turin's son, though anything could happen.
—Present, en route to Esgaroth—
Bard's boat drifted slowly toward the city of Esgaroth. Aldril, Tauriel, and Bilbo sat, having a light conversation with Bard, who found the company of Aldril and Bilbo quite pleasant.
"Really? How many children do you have?" asked Bilbo. A moment ago, Bard had spoken about the situation in Esgaroth and what the people were going through, as well as mentioning his children.
"Three, one boy and two girls," Bard said with a smile. The hobbit was a good conversationalist, and the atmosphere felt peaceful without the complaints of the troublesome dwarves. At the beginning of the journey, they had grumbled about the foul smell, but fortunately, Aldril kicked the barrels, telling them to keep quiet.
"Three children? That's quite a lot. In Hobbiton, families usually have a maximum of two children," Bilbo said, offering small insights about hobbits, details that Aldril listened to attentively. After all, he enjoyed learning more about Tolkien's world.
"Is that so? I imagine life must be very peaceful, from what you've said," Bard replied while rowing with Aldril's help.
"How old are your children?" Aldril asked, eager to satisfy his curiosity before Bilbo could resume speaking. He gave an apologetic glance to Bilbo, who pouted like a child at being interrupted.
"My son is named Bain, he's 14. My little Tilda is 8, and my eldest daughter, Sigrid, is 18."
"Sigrid?" Tauriel said, surprising Bard, as this elf had remained silent and distant toward him. He understood elven nature; they often appeared cold and detached from those outside their social circle.
"Is your daughter the one Legolas visits?" she asked, looking at Bard, who furrowed his brow in confusion. However, his eyes widened as the pieces began to fall into place—his daughter's odd behavior, her newfound cheerfulness, and the way she constantly spoke of an elf. He had thought nothing of it, assuming she was simply dazzled by the elf's beauty. But now he understood that his daughter had been in contact with an elf.
Aldril raised an eyebrow in surprise. This was something he had been completely unaware of, and he never would have guessed that Legolas would, of his own will, visit a human woman. What none of them knew was that Legolas had already departed ahead of them. He had crafted a small boat to sneak out of his father's realm and visit Sigrid, and he was in for quite a surprise when he encountered Tauriel in the same city as his beloved.
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