The Secret Companion
Ch.1 – Revealed
Legolas sighs as he enters the stables, moving around to make sure the horses are fed. Reaching the cell Shadowfax was staying in, he looks for the mighty lord of horses but does not find him. Puzzled, Legolas enters the stall. When he pushes back the low door he finds not a horse, but a woman snuggled in among the hay. Stunned he can't help but stare. Her black hair falls in light waves, her white robes snug on her perfect form, her skin a glowing porcelain and small, pointed ears. Vaguely wondering what color her eyes are, Legolas quietly slips outside to seek out Gandalf. He finds everyone by the fire in the great hall with pipes and warm cups of brew. "Gandalf, is Shadowfax an elf?"
"You stupid elf! That's a horse! He may be a beauty but he's a horse none the less!" Gimli laughs.
"… She is an elven god." Gandalf muses as he inhales from his pipe. "I'm guessing you saw her elven form when you went to the stables."
"She's gorgeous." The elf admits.
"Yes, she is the most graceful creature I've ever met. I met her when I was a youngin'. I was fascinated by everything but she was my most treasured knowledge of all. One day while I was reading in the great library of Rivendell I came across many stories of Shadowfax. She was known by another name, that only I have called her. She will forever look young even though she is older then I, for gods don't age. Elrond went after her when I shared with him her secret, but she never gave in. The last lover she took was Haldar, in which she gave him Lady Galadriel. The only reason you have seen her in her elven form, is because she knows of her past lover's death. She grieves for him every night and cries herself to sleep."
"Shouldn't we do something for her?"
"There is nothing you can do. You cannot bring him back, for even I cannot revive the dead." A light hollow voice drifts through the air and they all turn to see Shadowfax in her elven form step out of the shadows.
"Come sit by the fire. Join us and let us try to cheer you." Gandalf gestures her over. To everyone's astonishment (except Gandalf) she slowly glides over and settles herself on the wizard's lap. "Let your mind wander for a while." He hands her a drink and she regards them over the rim of the cup.
"…I…didn't mean… to wake you.." The elf, for once in his life, is stuttering.
"You did not, Legolas. I needed to be held."
"But you're supposed to be a god aren't you?" Gimli blurts out.
"I am a god, dwarf. But I am also a woman, I have needs. I am not made of stone." A tear escapes her eyes and slowly trickles down her cheek. Gandalf gently smoothes it away as he holds her close.
"Shh. The dwarf is still young and learning. Do not pay him any mind. We will find a new lover to care for you. You will not remain alone. Don't forget that you will always be my best friend. I will always be here for you regardless of what happens." He whispers in her ear as she snuggles up to him. "…Kagome…"