A/N: This is yet another story based in the world of the Elves…oh, did I mention that, much to the gratitude of everyone (well, maybe not…), there is the presence of a 'certain' Elf? Yes, of course! What good is a story like this one without Legolas?! Hehee. I decided I needed to write another one like my last one, because I was getting hungry to write one, and also upon request of all of my wonderful reviewers. ^.^

***Oh, I made up a character with a fun name (um, in case you were wondering, Aerlinnel, it was based off of your name, though it is somewhat different. Try as I might, I couldn't come up with a good name. I do hope you don't mind!). In case you need to know how to pronounce it: Erlyannil= Ehr-lee-ahn-neel. Thought that might be necessary.

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Golden Leaves of Lorién: Parting and Encounter

The Elven child clasped the folds of her mother's white gown with small, slender fingers. She appeared to be no more than eight years of age, though her heritage said otherwise. Her several hundred years made her young yet in her peoples' eyes, but she possessed a hidden shadow that lurked beneath dark eyes, hinting of a wisdom that was not yet guessed at. The small fingers were gathered in a larger hand, and the girl tilted her head to gaze up at her mother's warm eyes.

"Erlyannil, did you hear me? You must not forget the ways I taught to you…" Her mother's voice was warm but it was touched with a hint of urgency and irritation. Erlyannil saw the impatience written on her face and was tempted to disobey her mother, but she was forced to avert her attention to the woman standing before them.

The woman had pale, shimmering hair that reached to her lower back and she appeared to have an ethereal glow about her from the white dress that rested upon her shoulders. Erlyannil stared up at the Lady with bright eyes of wonder.

"Welcome, child, to the Golden Wood. I am Galadriel…and you must be Erlyannil. Your mother and father have asked that you may live here for a time and they have brought you here to learn." Galadriel smiled and bent to caress her small cheek. "Do not fear, child. In time you will find your place here."

Erlyannil's eyes contained a look of uncertainty as her mother gently pried her hands from the white gown and kneeled next to her. "My child, this is where I grew and learned, and it will be where you will learn, in turn. Do not worry, I will always be with you, although I cannot stay. Reno, mellen, le milin. Im anneg." Remember, my dear, I love you. I am with you. "I love you forever."

Her mother straightened and smoothed the folds of her gown before placing a kiss on her daughter's forehead. Galadriel smiled at the young girl's frightened expression.

"Why…can you not stay, ma-ma?" a quiet, small voice asked.

"I cannot explain now, mellen, but you will learn in time. Please," she looked to the Lady, "take care of her for me and teach her well."

"You know our ways, Arlynn…they have not changed since you have been here. She will be well." Galadriel smiled warmly, but Erlyannil sensed a solemnity in the Lady's voice that puzzled her.

Her mother smiled and held her in a tight embrace for a moment, before she stood and walked back to the horse that waited for her by the edge of the wood. Erlyannil caught her mother's eyes for one last moment and then watched her mother's back as she spurred the horse to a gallop and disappeared over a dale. She could have sworn that she saw her mother suppress a sudden sob in the distance, but Galadriel took her hand and led her into the forest.

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Countless seasons had passed and still the everlasting golden trees were as they had been when Erlyannil first set foot in Lorién. She sat in the branches of a large oak tree, hidden partially from the path that ran near the base of the tree by the thick leaves, and blending into the foliage in her greenish-grey tunic and golden hued cloak. Dark eyes widened and a pointed ear turned toward the entrance of the woods where the path began. Erlyannil listened carefully, her fine-tuned hearing discerning the patter of horses' hooves and the light, nearly silent step of approaching Elves. She perched on the branch, waiting patiently for many minutes until finally the group could be seen through the trees.

There were three riders on horseback and five on foot, apparently confident of their guaranteed safety from the way they did not conceal their sounds. Erlyannil's eyes narrowed as they neared, and she held her breath as they began to pass just feet below her. She watched each of them carefully as they passed. They all had wispy, golden hair, each was clad in shades of green and brown, and each was equipped with a bow, quiver, and knives.

Her measuring stare suddenly faltered as she saw one of the Elves on foot halt as the rest continued onward. She tilted her head as she watched him, and could not suppress a gasp when he turned around and looked into the branches…directly at her. Thoughts ran through her confused mind. How could he have known I was here? None of the others did, nor has anyone ever noticed my presence here before…

Erlyannil felt a shiver run through her body when she those piercing eyes locked onto hers and held them there, unwavering, challengingly. It surprised her that it took such a large amount of effort just to hold her gaze steady.

But then the Elf suddenly smiled coyly, a corner of his mouth curved upwards. Erlyannil felt a strange rush of anger mixed with astonishment overcome her. The Elf turned and continued up the path, leaving her leaning against the trunk, breathing unevenly, from what, she did not know.

Erlyannil shook her head and leapt from the branch, landing silently on the forest floor, though not as silently as she normally would have. Try as she might, she could not get the image of the young Elf that had turned and smiled at her, knowingly, as though he saw through every part of her…

She bit down on her lip and followed the path, anxious to ask Galadriel who these Elves were and where they came from.

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