Disclaimer: Legolas, Aragorn, Elrond, Thranduil, Mirkwood, and Rivendell all belong to Tolkien. All other names are my creations.
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Chapter 1
"We're lost."
"We're not lost."
"We should have reached Conath hours ago. Face it, we're lost."
"I know." He sat down on a rock and looked up at his companion. "How do a ranger and a woodland elf get lost in the woods?"
Legolas shrugged. "I see two options for us. One, we can set up camp here, for night is almost upon us. Two, we can continue looking. Which one do you prefer?" Aragorn sighed.
"Let's camp here tonight. Tomorrow morning we can get a fresh start." Legolas nodded assent.
"You do have a third option you know. Or are you forgetting it," a female voice called out. Aragorn jumped up from his rock, drawing his sword. Legolas whirled as he readied his shot. Standing before them was a girl about 4'0'', wearing a long brown cape. She had a hood around her head so they could not see her face, and had a pack slung over one shoulder, along with a bow and a quiver of arrows. She laughed as she held out empty hands.
"Peace. I mean you no harm.." They lowered their weapons. "Your third option would be for me to take you to Conath, for that is my home." Aragorn smiled at her.
"Allow us to introduce ourselves, my Lady. I am Aragorn of Rivendell, and my companion is Legolas of Mirkwood." They bowed to her.
"Well met Aragorn and Legolas. My name is Thariel." She lowered her hood and they stared at her in amazement. She appeared to be no older than a twelve year old human, but that was not the most remarkable thing about her. Neither of them had ever seen a person with hair her color. It was light auburn with blond streaks through it. It was all the more remarkable when added to the silver eyes and pointed ears. Thariel was an elf.
She noticed their stares. "Is something the matter? You act as though you have never seen an elf before."
"Forgive us our bad manners Thariel. We did not expect to see any elves living in these lands," Legolas explained to her. Aragorn added, "I have never before seen an elf with your coloring. The elves of our region tend to be fair like Legolas or they have dark hair and dark eyes. Your hair is an unusual color." She laughed.
"I have my father to thank for my hair color. You'll see what I mean when you meet him. We should be going." She waited while they gathered their things.
"Legolas, Aragorn, do you have hoods?"
"Yes."
"You'd better put them up before we leave." They looked puzzled, but did as she asked. She surveyed them critically, then nodded. "Good." She turned to leave, but stopped when Legolas touched her shoulder.
"Why did you ask us to hood ourselves?" She looked from him to Aragorn.
"There is a strange wind blowing in Conath these days. Visitors are not welcomed and elves are regarded with fear and suspicion. Even I, who was raised there, am looked on with suspicious eyes. For now, it is better that none know you are visitors. My father will be able to explain further." She raised her hood and led them towards the city.
She led them through the forest. About two hours later, they reached the edge of the forest and looked down into a valley in which was nestled a small village.
"Thariel, what is that over on the other side of the valley," Legolas asked. She looked to where he was pointing.
"That is the old elven city of Numendale," she said with a shudder. She held up her hand.
"I'll answer your questions later. Now we must get to my father's house." She led them into the valley, and the city. They were walking through an alley when a voice quietly called out, "Thariel." They turned and saw a young boy, no older than 15. She lowered her hood.
"Codian. What news?"
"Jocen has called a meeting of the town elders again. He has a stranger with him. The stranger arrived this morning, shortly after you left. Jocen suspected you left the city and sent two of his men out to find you.." She laughed.
"I know. Palec and Teman. They are farmers, not trackers. I managed to remain unseen. Do you know why Jocen called a meeting?"
"He has said nothing to anyone."
"He's probably trying to get new laws passed for my safety." She sighed. "Is my father home Codian? Or was he summoned to the meeting as well?"
"Jocen did not call for him. Who are the two with you?"
"They are friends."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes. I know they are friends." They exchanged a look.
"I must get home. Bring your family by late this evening for a proper introduction Codian." He nodded and slipped back into the shadows. She turned and walked on.
They entered a house. "Please take off your cloaks and hoods, and be seated. I'll find my father and bring refreshments." She disappeared into a back room. She returned with the largest person that either of them had ever seen. He stood 6'5'' and weighed close to 350 pounds, all of which was solid muscle. His hair was the color of red flame, and he had the same silver eyes of his daughter., but unlike his daughter, he appeared to be human. Thariel set a tray upon a table and handed them goblets of wine.
"Legolas, Aragorn, this is my father Beriel. Father, may I present to you Aragorn of Rivendell and Legolas of Mirkwood."
"Welcome to our home. Tell me, how does Elrond?"