The night was cold and silent. Few birds roamed the skies, as few creatures roamed the land. Yet, if a lone bird was to look down and survey the land, it would see a strange sight. In the uninterrupted pattern of the plains of Middle-Earth, strange shapes seemed to be moving and all in the same direction. All towards Rivendell, home of the Elves. They were all riding parties, and fully equipped for war and rest.

All, except one.

If that same bird were to focus on that one particular traveler, it would notice something strange. The rider was an Elf, with dark hair, but so was another. The mare the Elf rode was a silvery grey, and galloped fast, like all the others. But while every other traveler was a male, this one was female. She came from Lothlórien, which could easily be discerned by her destination. For this bird would have seen her ride out of Rivendell and go straight to Lothlórien barely a week before. And judging by her speed and agitated pose on her horse, she could be assumed to be in a hurry.

~LotR~

Adanessa rode fast, as was her habit. But her pulse raced and her eyes were troubled. She needed to reach Rivendell before sundown. It was almost noon, and she was close, but she needed greater speed.

She urged her horse, Leise, to go faster. Her mare heard her and their pace quickened. In less time than she had thought possible, she could see Rivendell in the distance. Finally, after three days of constant travel, with little rest, she saw the gates of her home. She slowed down, but still galloped. She rushed through the open gates, and headed straight for the stables. But as she did, she didn't notice the gathering crowds. For others had arrived at Rivendell, for the same reason as her. To see the Ring. That One Ring.

"Three were given to the Elves, immortal, wisest and fairest of all beings. Seven to the Dwarf lords, great miners and craftsmen of the mountain halls. And nine, nine rings were gifted to the race of Men, who above all else, desire power," she repeated the ages-old verse to herself once again, and finally stopped in front of the stables.

~LotR~

The company from Mirkwood finally halted as they stepped into Rivendell. At their head rode their Prince, who gave some orders to his company and watched them ride ahead, towards the stables. Legolas looked around and was about to follow them. But his ears heard the sounds of a lone rider approaching, apparently in some great hurry. He turned his horse and looked back.

Entering into Rivendell was an Elf-maiden on horseback. He assumed her to be of Lord Elrond's house, and his quick eyes took in her appearance. She was pale, with dark hair and an athletic form. His first opinion was that she was quite plain, but as she neared he corrected himself. Her eyes were a pleasing shade of grey, and her complexion was pastel, but healthy. She seemed to be concentrating on the road, so much that she did not even notice him as she rode in. Her horse slowed as she entered the gates, but only minutely. She didn't spare anyone, himself or any of the Elves surrounding her, a glance. She rode straight towards the stables and, after a minute of reflection, Legolas followed her.

~LotR~

Adanessa finally dismounted and led Liese to the stable. She saw others there, who were obviously not from Rivendell. But she didn't bother about them and made sure her horse was comfortable in the stall. Once she was sure she was content, she exited and made straight for a corner staircase that led to the top floor of the house. Once there, she opened a door and peered inside. The room was small, but comfortable. And inside sat her cousin, Lady Arwen.

"Adanessa," spoke the Lady of Rivendell as she saw her cousin.

"Arwen," returned her cousin. They clasped hands, and Arwen smiled and gestured her cousin to a seat.

"Any news of the Hobbits?" asked Adanessa, pulling her feet up.

"Frodo woke up an hour ago. Father is just deciding on the meeting. It will be tomorrow, I suppose."

"Lord Aragorn is well?"

Lady Arwen smiled slightly. "Very well. He was asking about you."

"I'm sure I'll see him soon enough. May I ask, why are there so many from Mirkwood here?"

"Not only Mirkwood. Dwarves and Men as well."

"All for the Ring."

"Yes."

Adanessa nodded, then looked out the window. Suddenly, she smiled. "The trees are lovely. I may leave you?"

"You need not ask. I know your fascination with trees. I will see you at the feast tomorrow then?"

"But of course."

~LotR~

The sounds of Rivendell were probably the most soothing tones ever heard. The water, the wind, the birds, all combined to make a beautiful melody worthy of even an Elven song. Adanessa ran a hand over the bark of one particularly old tree, and she could almost feel the tree's emotions. Everything in Rivendell was alive; even that which already lived and breathed had its abilities enhanced by the pure magic of the place.

"A Bereth thar Ennui Aeair!
Calad ammen i reniar
Mi 'aladhremmin ennorath."

She closed her eyes and allowed herself to be calmed by the old song. It was a song by the Woodland Elves, who were obviously exploring the gardens like herself. But the voice was that of a male. Her eyes, which had closed, now slowly opened. She moved silently through the trees until she came to a small clearing. There, she heard the voice clearly. The Elf, whoever he was, was sitting under the very tree she always sat under.

"A Elbereth Gilthoniel
I chin a thûl lín míriel..."

Adanessa approached the tree curiously. The small part inside of her that desperately wanted to know who was singing was getting stronger, and she stood behind the tree silently. The Elf had paused, and he was humming now. Softly, she heard leaves rustle as he stood up. Why she reacted so strongly, she didn't know. In a trice, Adanessa had caught hold of the branch above her head and swung herself up into the tree.

Cautiously balancing herself on a branch, she reached up and caught hold of another. By the time the Elf on the ground had come around to her end of the tree, she was comfortably settled in its branches. She had to stifle a gasp when she saw who it was.

He was Legolas, the Prince of Mirkwood. She remembered hearing his name mentioned by one of the Elves who had wandered the gardens with her once. She had heard much about his 'handsome features' and 'charming personality'. And of course, she hadn't been interested to hear more.

But even she had to admit that he was handsome, after catching a glimpse of him around the house. He was perfect, like all Elves were, she thought bitterly. His hair was pale blonde, and strangely well-kept. He was tall, even for an Elf, and she could tell by the way he walked that he was a warrior. Stealthy and swift. But now he walked in ease among the trees of Rivendell. He was looking ahead, not above, so she could not see his face properly. Somehow, not being able to see his face annoyed her.

Adanessa shrugged to herself. She was a Lady of Rivendell, the Keeper of the Table. She was known as Mir-o Lothlórien to her own people. She always got her own way, and wasn't used to being denied anything. But she was still a grounded person, thanks to the upbringing methods of her uncle, Lord Elrond.

She strained her ears to hear if the Prince had gone or not, so she could come down. Other than the sounds of Rivendell, all was silent. She hastily jumped down, landing in a crouch on a bed of fallen leaves. She straightened up, and her gaze flickered to her right, automatically. She was about to walk in front when she realized something out of place.

Turning her head, she saw that her ears had deceived her. He was still in the vicinity, standing far away, but close enough, to see her. Their eyes locked, and Adanessa saw his face properly. Apparently, that Elf-maiden had been unable to do his features justice. But it was his eyes that caught, and held, her gaze. They were a startling blue, clear as crystal, but strangely shadowed at the same time. His gaze was intense, trying to make out her face. Realizing what he was doing, Adanessa turned her eyes away and ran ahead, straight towards the house.

Halfway there, she slowed her pace. Something inside of her, no doubt the small part that had been so curious, tugged her back towards the clearing. Her features creased into their regular frown again; she hated being double-minded. Firmly ignoring her curiosity, she stepped into the house, being careful to leave the door open behind her. Annoyed as she was, she couldn't leave a guest of Lord Elrond to stay outside for the night. Almost laughing at the thought of the Prince of Mirkwood staying in the woods of Rivendell until sunrise, she went straight towards Lord Elrond's study, where she knew she was expected.

A bit of info about how this story is going to be written:

I'm a huge fan of Tolkein, but I haven't read the books as much as I would like. I'm switching between the books and movies, and right now the scenes are mainly the same. I'll warn you guys if I switch, but its the movie for now.

I want your opinion if you would like a small prequel, just so I can explain my character a bit more. It might be confusing, but I'm going to try to be as clear as possible. If I post it, I'll let you guys know.

Translation of the Elvish song is given here:
The song is called "O Queen Beyond the Western Seas (song of the Wood Elves)"

Reviews are always appreciated, feel free to tell me if I'm making a mistake! I won't mind :)