Disclaimer: I don't think the characters are mine. But if someone tells me otherwise, I am willing to believe ;)

Rating: PG-13

Warning: Borrowing the expression of my kind reader Templa Otmena, this story is semi-canon. ;)

Author's Note: Big Thanks to Templa Otmena for reviewing chapter 3 as well as 4! I have words for you at the bottom of the page! ;)

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Whenever I need an ego boost (which is quite often), I go back and re-read my old reviews. They are so encouraging, so touching. I pour out my heart and soul into my humble writing, and I thank you all for sharing my experiences. I remember every single one of you who wrote me a review, and those of you who wrote me more than one; this story was written in response to a request from a reviewer, Beling, who often accompanies me on my tales. I hope it was to her liking, and that this story reflects at least a portion of my tremendous gratitude toward all of you who read and review my stories.

Until next time!

By Kasmi Kassim

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Into the Light

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Chapter 5: Into the Light

Sunlight danced through the trees. Gilraen held her breath, and slowly let it out. The air was refreshing. So clean. Cool and crisp against the gentle warmth of the autumn sun. She closed her eyes and inhaled deeply.

The child in her arms stirred. The soft blanket wrapped around the babe brushed against her wearied fingers, the newness of the fabric fragrant and fresh against her skin.

Tightening her grip around his small body, she bent closer to the infant, whispering comforting words, until sleep claimed the gray eyes again. Inhaling deeply once more, she looked about. The white horse under her began to tread on its own accord, heading into the woods. She gripped the reins tight, but the horse padded on gently, the rhythmic gait slow and even.

"Sanctuary, Haldir. Bring me to sanctuary." Reverently stroking the horse's ear, her whisper was hoarse and broken, almost a prayer. The powerful muscles rippled underneath her quietly, gently. She looked around once again, wrapping the dark green cloak tightly around herself.

Head west, into the woods. Seek sanctuary in Imladris, at the House of Lord Elrond. My horse will lead you faithfully.

Lifting her gaze from the sleepy child, Gilraen looked about, wonderingly taking in the features of the forest. The leaves were beginning to fall. Golden foliage glowed peacefully under the ripened sun that sifted in through the thin canopy of leaves. She absentmindedly patted the horse again, and the animal continued to tread soothingly amid the drizzling red and gold.

Do you not need it? She had asked, bewildered at the hand that held out the reins. And azure blue eyes had laughed.

An elf can travel on foot as well as any horse.

The sunlight was warm, gentle upon her cheeks. Caressing her weary skin, it sang silent comfort, enriching the intoxicating scent of peace in the forest. She looked around uneasily, unnerved by the tranquil silence. She was so unaccustomed to peace. It had been long since she last experienced it.

It is true that this child has much blood weighing upon his shoulders since birth. And more lives will be lost on his account.

The horse came to a halt, as if confused. It shifted uncertainly. Gilraen held her breath, terrified. She closed her eyes and prayed fervently.

He must grow to be a leader, strong enough to step over the guilt and corpses and tears, and deliver the world from its miseries. 'Tis a heavy burden, but only then will he repay the countless lives lost for him.

The healer had smiled into her eyes as he draped his cloak about her thin shoulders, trembling and pale in the blue of dawn. And she had remained mute, frozen, as he locked the clasp, and stepped back to lift her stiff hands and place the bundle of commodities for which he had exchanged his pouch of coins, during the few days spent in town with her.

The air had remained cold as she bowed her head, unable to speak.

If you wish to thank me, and the many who have sacrificed for you, defy the curse of his lineage. Raise your child as the Hope of Man.

And she had watched in muted silence, with a painful lump in her throat, as he disappeared into the quiet breath of pale blue dawn. With his back bared of its cloak, his lithe body erect and invisible among the trees.

And she did not even know his name.

Mirkwood,he had said. And he had said no more. For he refused to be anything more than a mere traveler who crossed her path.

The horse suddenly broke into a trot, now sure of its course. It moved further and further into the heart of the woods. Gilraen opened the pack that had been placed into her unwilling hands, feeling again the unfathomable sparkle in his eyes as he smiled at her, the warmth of his larger hands as they gently wrapped her frozen fingers about the pack.

Trembling hands slid past the soft peaches and grapes, and took out a warm loaf of bread. She bit hungrily into it, chewing slowly, swallowing painfully despite the tightness in her throat. A tear escaped a disobedient eye, but she doggedly chewed on.

With a soft whimper, the child shifted in her arms. She looked down. Her face broke into a weary smile. The stray tear fell from her face, onto the smooth skin of the babe.

"Sleep, Estel," she whispered, gathering the child into her arms. She closed her eyes.

"You are a hope of men, a loved and celebrated life." With a kiss upon his forehead, she swallowed. "Your father was present when I gave birth to you. He was only caught in an unfortunate accident, an orc raid..." She swallowed again. Her voice shook. "You knew him for two years. You simply will not remember, that is all. He played with you often." The thin voice quivered into the silence of the autumn morn.

Burying the child against her bosom, she slowly rocked him back and forth, back and forth, as she watched the gentle dance of falling leaves.

The haggard woman stopped chewing when the hush of the forest began to give way to distant rumbling. She breathed deeply. And the child squirmed against her, small fingers curling around her own. She smiled. Salty tears soaked into her chapped lips.

She raised her eyes, as the thundering hooves approached her from afar, a shimmering mirage under the sifting dance of sunlight. Her eyes glazed, a soft breath breaking forth from her weary lips, as she nudged her horse forward to meet the pair of galloping chestnut steeds, the billowing dark tresses of the identical fair-faced warriors that rode toward her.

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The End

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Coolio02: Thank you! I hope my continuing chapters pleased you as well. I am excited to hear that you were stirred by the chapter! You always have my gratitude for sticking with me through my stories! Such constant support and encouragement!

partheon: I am so honored. I read your works often, and am constantly awed; I never thought I would have the privilege of hearing such kind words from a brilliant author as yourself. And such a thoughtful, detailed review! I am stunned to hear that you were impressed by my writing style – I was always doubtful of my writing, being a non-native speaker and all. And it was a pleasant surprise and a very thought-provoking chance you gave me to chew over my characters, by giving me the feedback of a reader. I am honestly very sorry to have to end this story so short, especially when kind reviewers such as yourself are looking forward to the next chapter; what a mind-blowing experience. I never dreamed that this story would actually be liked by people, and it is so gratifying to hear that it is appreciated by some. Thank you so much for your kind words.

Rede: Wow, thank you. Such profound words. I do hope I did not disappoint you on this chapter either!

Beling: Thank you! Can you guess who the elf is now? I gave the final hint! But if it is still obscure, you will definitely know who the elf is when I post one of the multi-chapter elf stories that I am working on. All works of mine are interrelated, you see. ;) I know this story was short, but I did pour out much of myself in it, and I hope you shared and enjoyed the experience as well!

Unsung Heroine: Oh, it was? Thank you for telling me so. I need to look closely into it. ;) And can you now guess who the elf is? I am quite sure that it's someone you know. ;) Thank you for your reviews!

That Undomiel Chick: Haha. I hope you enjoyed the story!

elvingirl3737: Yes, her life is really sad. Sigh. Oh well, at least she reaches safe havens. ;) I hope you enjoyed the story! Thank you!

crystal-rose15: Wow, your description was simply beautiful! I was stunned. Thank you! I hope you liked the ending as well!

Templa Otmena: Ah, so the deeply analytical reader returns! I am so happy to see you again. You started off by commenting on the title, which was the first literary device I employed, and I was impressed – though not surprised – that you managed to catch that one right away! Such a gratifying experience it is, to have a reader understand and see through all of the subtle devices, as well as the universal truths that I engrain in my pieces. ;) It was very gratifying also to have you explain to me what you like about my work, and what parts evoke feelings in you...I love getting such detailed feedback! Thank you for giving me courage to do semi-canon! You flatter me to no end. And yes, I do plan to write more, as I am polishing some short vignettes and mapping out some larger-scale epics that construct the Greenleaf Chronicles. ;) But they take so long...and so much work...sigh. Anyway, I had thought that you completely missed my last work, Tears of Yesterday. I missed your wonderful reviews, you see. Yes, you spoiled me. ;) So imagine my surprise and excitement when you said you are going to review it! Ooh! Hehehe. I hope you enjoyed this little tale of mine!

Brazgirl: I always appreciate how you stay with me through my various fics. ;) I am glad you told me that you liked the last chapter best, and what you liked about it. Although I am often tempted to write action stories that usually garner more reviews, I am very gratified and encouraged when I hear that I evoke emotions in my readers in my less-adventurous stories, since emotion is where I often focus more of my writing. It's also touching to see your review when I know that you are not getting an author alert. FF net should be spanked. ;) Are you sure you have your author alerts to Enabled mode? Well anyway, I hoped to see you again soon!

Mornflower: Haha, really? It's all right though, your reviews are exciting as they are. ;) I hope you liked this chapter as well!