Ring of Power

[galadriel]

The air was laced with song and the gentle hum of constant work. The city was calm, it always was, but tonight was somehow different. There was a tension abroad and even the songs reflected that. The people sang of the early days in the forest of Lorien, back when there was still steady travel to and from the other elf havens of Middle-earth, and they sang of Hollin. These songs were reflective and reverent and only brought to light that which the inhabitants of Caras Galadhon were reluctant to dewll on: the darkness was approaching and steadily.

But as the songs continued and more lights were lit inside of the many talans within this treetop city, Galadriel felt a sense of serenity. Things had changed and dark and shadow were moving to strike but light and goodness were also moving and that thought encouraged the powereful elleth. Yes, things were changing, but she would do her part and trust in the other people of power in this world to do their's and resist despair.

She looked again with her far-reaching sight and was content that all was well within her realm and she did her best to ignore the sensation of Nenya sitting atop her flesh.

[alatariel]

Earning his title of "Grey Pilgrim", Gandalf had gone wandering. His meandering had, this time, taken him to the Golden Wood, and Caras Galadhon. He was, as usual, met by an Elven guard, but upon identifying himself, was let through with a respectful greeting.
Sighting Galadriel, Gandalf rode for where she stood, wishing to speak with her.

[galadriel]

When one is telepathic, there are few surprises. Mithrandir's presence was known to her since he entered the forests of Lorien and she had hoped that his end destination would be her abode for she very much would appreciate his wisdom and humour.

She moved down the steps with an even stride and called out to him in his mind. "Materializing out of nothing is a clever trick, even for one of your order. Is this a personal visit or do you come with council and with news?"

[alatariel]

As he was not on business, Gandalf felt that his reply to Galadriel's 'message' could wait until they could tlak in person. Though it was not difficult to thought-speak with the Lady Elf, Gandalf often preferred speaking face-to-face to people. This was a worn-in habit he had developed once he realized that in though-speak bothe members learn more of eachothers' minds than either intended. Although he did not mind this advantage, he felt that it could be in his best interests to not allow too many people frequent access to such abilities and opportunities.
Upon reaching Galadriel, Gnadalf dismounted and made her a respectful inclination of his head. "My tricks are clever, Lady, and often necessary. This is not one of those times. I ride for my own sake, with no messge, from the council or anyone else. I simply wished to once more gaze upon the beauty of the Elven woods, and speech with the Lady of the Golden Woods is a much-coveted opportunity."

[galadriel]

Galadriel shifted her head to gaze into Gandalf's eyes more clearly. "You have been succesful in your journey then, for now the beauty of the Elven wood surrounds you and the Lady of the Woods now speaks with you."

She continued to gaze at his face for a moment more before allowing a small smile to show. Mithrandir looked to be in a good health, though travel-stained, but he wasn't nearly as covered in dirt as Galadriel knew first-hand that could he be and she was glad that her old friend would have no new perilous journies to relate to her for she very much would rather focus on what can happen rather than what has already.

[alatariel]

Gandalf felt glad to be once more in the heart of Elvendom. Being there gave him a feeling of strength that he lost upon journeying once more out of either of the Elven strongholds. The Elves preserved a timelessness in their abodes and personalities that was at once refreshing and melancholy.
"I fear, Lady, that such simple pleasures will soon be past all. For the darkness is advancing, and will overtake many. Elves will lose their lives, Gladriel, or be forced to leave Middle Earth." Gandalf presumed that Galadriel knew-or guessed-most of what he had said, but felt that the knowledge needed to be once more aired.
More quietly, he said "And how terrible that shall be, when the Eldar have left, and the remnant of the Children of Iluvatar are dwindled to a few late-comers and those intwined-by blood or love-with Men. We are, Galadriel, on the brink of a new Age; I fear it shall be an Age of sorrow."

[galadriel]

Galadriel listened more to Gandalf's voice than to his words. He was anxious and Galadriel wondered what it was that he knew and wasn't revealing.

"Then let us rest now and enjoy what we now have. Your body is old, you must be weary from your travels." And, in his mind, she added: "I, too, have my fears, but it is important to entertain hope as well."

She then inclinded her head subtly and turned, leading the aging wizard to where he might partake in the food and drink that she made sure would be prepared for him upon arrival.

[alatariel]

Though his body could stand ageing and discomfort, Gandalf greatly preferred comfort, and the hospitality of the Golden Wood was very welcome after the arduous road. He ate and changed, then bid the Lady good night before retiring for the night.

The golden voices of birds and the honeyed voices of the Elves woke Gandalf the next morning. After a brief breakfast, he went once more in search of the Lady Galadriel. Her words from the night before had been at once comforting and disturbing. The two Ringbearers must conference, he thought. Communication was imperative, as he was trying to tell the Men in preparation for the war he felt was imminent.

[galadriel]

Galadriel slept none that night, feeling strangly tense and unwilling to allow herself to lessen her constant vigil over the city. Celeborn had sent scouts to their eastern borders, fearing an attack, but still Galadriel's worry did not wane. And it was sometime right before the birds began their song that finally her mind seemed at peace.

Galadriel had taken to Gandalf the moment he entered Arda, favoring him over the other four wizards. She now, after thousands of years, considered him to be one of her closest friends and confidants. She now, after thousands of years, felt privvy to the inner-workings of his ever-changing tempers and, not for a moment did she believe that his most recent foray into the woods of Lorien were for naught but pleasure.

Mithrandir had something on his mind, Galadriel knew this, and her own mind would not fully rest until she knew what worried her old friend so.


((OOC: I am so so sorry that you had to wait so long for a reply...I only hope that this was worth the wait.))

[alatariel]

((well worth it, and I'm sorry I was gone so long. Alas, you must wait longer for a full reply, but I'll do my best here))
The next morning, Gandalf sought out the Lady of the Golden Wood.
"Galadriel, time is running short" he began, "the Lord of the Rings builds power, and his armies swell. The Council of the Istari has not yet been able to discern his mind, or his course of action. Now, whilst we still have time, all the Wise and those with any power must confer together, so that all know as much of the workings of the Free World as possible."

Without waiting for a reply, Gandalf continued, "Too many strong lords and strong plans have failed because one key person failed. I would rather that there were a good few, perhaps yourself, Master Elrond, the Kings of Men, and I who knew as much as possible. At this point, of course, there is no great plan, but it cannot hurt to encourage communication and inter-dependance." He paused. "If we allow ourselves to remain islands, forgetting our allies, the world will surely fall to the might of the Dark Lord."

Now Gandalf waited for a reply...

[galadriel]

"Communication and knowledge is well-recorded to have harmed any plan as often as aiding it, my friend."

Galadriel looked closely at a nearby flower, her keen elven eyesight following the viens in the leaves. There was dew on the petals, and Galadriel fancied that it winked at her in the sunlight.

"Perhaps it will be not sharing all of our knowledge that will lead to the destruction of the Necromancer. One can never know the future, Mithrandir, surely you realize this."

She turns her gaze from the blossom and allows a smile into her eyes. "I will conference with you, if you wish it. That is not all you wish of me, though, is it?"

[gandalf]

"I would take the risk, great Lady, of over-trusting than failing because one man attempted too much."
Gandalf paused, thinking. The time had not yet come for his second purpose to be aired.

"Yes, I come for another reasong, but that shall wait. In the mean time, I ask permission to enjoy, whether it be alone or in the company of Elves, the restful beauty of your Wood."

((I'm so sorry that I haven't been on! Computer issues! And, I'm trying to think of a second reason for him coming. =) ))

[galadriel]

((That's fine, I haven't been on much either, but that's all gonna change so let's just carry on, yeah?))

"Very well, Mithrandir, I shall grant the council you have sought." Galadriel thought for a moment amongst her trees and felt the very life of the forest course through her. The mallyrn and birds and the squirrels all seemed to send a message within that moment, but no words were exchanged. "Mirrors do not see all, my old friend. Tell me, what moves in the world outside this realm that troubles you so? What new images have haunted your eyes?"