CHAPTER II: The New Arrivals
"Who sent you?" a foot is placed on his throat.
"You will have to kill me before I tell you!" he grunts underneath the pressure.
"So be it!" Before another word was spoken, an arrow graces the middle of his forehead bringing his struggling body to a halt. "Filthy animal."
"Is he the last of them, Legolas?"
"Yes, Captain. I believe so." He and the rest of his company begin poking and kicking the remaining carcasses with their weapons to make sure none are still alive.
"Tis not like the Orcs to venture so close to these woods," says Golar.
"Aye, I agree," the captain looks around, "Not unless they were instructed to. Orcs are never this good at strategizing attacks unless it was organized by an Yrch leader."
"Was the leader not among them?" he asks.
"No. Yrch leaders like to show their pride by wearing colorful markings on their armor and are surrounded by at least three other Orcs to take a hit of an arrow or a blow of a sword in their stead."
"All that matters now is that they are dead," says Legolas. "We must continue."
Captain Eludil and the other Elves agree. They continue forward with instructions to keep alert as their destination approaches. A few scouts are sent ahead in case more Orcs are crossed on the path they were on. The Orcs they encountered tried ambushing them but Legolas and the captain sensed their presence and was able to counter attack.
An hour or so later after the incident, a clearing begins to appear.
"The Golden Wood is more beautiful than the last time I laid eyes upon it," says their captain. He was about to move forward when Legolas blocks him with his arm to keep him where he stands. Captain Eludil looks confused at Legolas. "What is it, Legolas, more Orcs?"
"No, captain. Archers of the Wood are watching us."
The Woodland Elves readied their weapons while the captain slowly looks to the trees and the sky and sees nothing. "Where?" he asks. His Elven eyes, as sharp as they are, still couldn't see what Legolas was seeing.
"Here," an Elf answered. He steps out of his hiding place with a bow in his left hand and a quiver on his back. Soon, the other Elves that were in hiding also reveal themselves. Once the Elves are quickly identified, the tension in the air lifts. "Welcome to Lothlórien. The Lady has been expecting you."
"Thank you for the welcome, Haldir."
The Galadhrim smiles and bows his head. "We can never be too careful as to who sets foot in our domain. There are enemies all around us, as you well know."
"Of course."
"Come, my brothers Rúmil and Orophin will lead your company the rest of the way," he points to them. Orophin signals for them to follow him while Rúmil goes on ahead to make sure their arrival would be well received.
The other border-guards clear the way to let them pass. The Mirkwood Captain gives Haldir his thank you and then follows behind the other Galadhrim of Lórien. Legolas lets some of the other Elves walk past him so he can speak with Haldir on his own.
Haldir meets his gaze with an almost unnoticeable grin. The two familiar friends greet each other with a firm grip on the arm and a nod. "Tis good to meet your acquaintance again, Laiqualassë."
"Aye, tis been many seasons."
"Lady Galadriel is most anxious to see you."
"Tis been a while since I last saw her as well... though I hear her voice constantly in my thoughts," he gives him a knowing look.
"Tis a reason for everything, my friend," Haldir simply replies.
"Fair enough... I must go now and follow the rest of my company."
Haldir acknowledges him with another nod and before Legolas can get too far he yells, "Legolas! I was to inform you that your friend has also arrived. A few others are here as well."
He turns around and sighs, "Yes, I suspected he would get here before us," and continues on his walk. The border-guard looks on as the Woodland Elves are almost in their enchanted part of the woods. Tonight there would be a feast held for their new guests and stories of old told amongst those who had them around the fire. Haldir has a feeling it was going to be an interesting night.