Celeborn let the cool blades of grass slip between his fingers. The morning was fast approaching. The fog was lifting over much of the land. The wet ground smelled wondrous, even if it was somewhat chill. He had been awake for almost half an hour just musing while his companions dreamt. His mind wandered over the far lands to the east: the home he had left. Things were certainly different here and it was going to be difficult to become accustomed to it. In all honesty, he was missing that mortal land that they had left behind. The cool mornings so similar to the one he presently beheld yet so different… These would never come close, or so it felt that way.
The morning birds were erupting in song, exuberantly greeting the sun's warm kisses. The finches and doves sung together and even the clear call of a hawk could be heard, occasionally piercing the chorus. Celeborn wondered if it was this way every morning, like a sudden blooming of life more than the gentle lull of the world slowly waking up that the ellon was used to.
He sighed. The beginning of a new day heralded another day of walking over this new region…
"Good morning," a semi-groggy voice spoke up from behind the former elven lord.
Celeborn turned to face Haldir. "Good morning."
"How did you sleep?" The ellon asked. He carefully raised himself into a sitting position, his eyes scanning the horizon and surrounding area.
Celeborn lowered his eyes sheepishly. "Well, let me just tell you I had delightful dreams."
"You too?" Haldir smiled slightly. "I had the most amazing dream as well and it ended perfectly. It was strange."
"You thought your dream was amazing," another sleepy voice spoke up. The words belonged to Hallel, who was also waking up. "I could get used to this. I have never had such an incredible night in my life."
"You must not get out much," Eloel countered, finally sitting up himself.
Hallel shot the other elf a baleful look but kept his tongue behind his teeth. Celeborn merely smiled. The company reminded him so much of the older days he had shared in his youth with his brother, Galathil. That thought further cheered the ellon. He would get to see his brother again. Their reunion would be joyous and it invigorated Celeborn more than the flitting rays of sun peeking over the horizon. At least, or so it seemed, the one constant that would never change was the character of elves. They were immortal, and though the land morphed under them, they would always have the same spirit.
That entire line of thought brought on another fray of emotions suddenly. They dawned on him but Celeborn refused to think about them at the moment. He needn't worry about anything. He clapped his hands together then stretched powerfully. "Since all of you are awake, are you prepared to journey onward?"
Hallel brought himself to his feet, followed quickly by Haldir and Eloel. "I'm ready," Hallel pronounced. He gave a fearsome yawn.
It didn't take them long to prepare and gather all the rest of their belongings for the walk. They still had some time to continue before they even made it to the mountains but with determination they would make it by the end of the day. Soon, the trio was trekking across the beautiful landscape as the sun mounted higher and higher. Her brilliant rays glistened perfectly off the grasslands of the region, refracting off the dew and forming a silver, gem studded field. The company passed by several small meandering streams which watered the valley.
Slowly, the three made their way into stunning foothills. It was now nearly tea time. The sweet singing of the land's melody lulled their auditory senses into a sense of euphoria. It was because of this prevailing distraction that the three ellyn did not notice the animal which followed them –
Not until it was too late. Hallel had been trailing the pack for some time, now he screamed in sudden surprise. Celeborn whirled around in surprise, his movements simultaneous with the other two ellyn. His eyes immediately perceived the threat and his hand went to the plain belt at his side, only to grasp open air. His heart dropped into his stomach in panic. He hadn't thought he would need a sword in these lands…
Hallel lay on the floor rolling and struggling with a very large (gorgeous, may I add) black and copper-furred wolf.
Haldir was the first to dart to his companion's side, instantly recovering from the shock of not finding his sword on his belt. He gripped the animal firmly on the rear, meaning to yank at its tail and hopefully off Hallel.
The wolf snarled in response to Haldir's touch, jumping off Hallel, who had tears running down his face, and snapping violently at Haldir. Its gleaming white teeth dripped saliva and white foam flecked the animals dark muzzle, but it was the wolf's shining amber eyes which were most fearsome.
The ellon expediently jumped backwards, safely out of the biting range of the creature. Celeborn, now himself fully recovered after those first astonishing seconds, rushed to aid Haldir, not wishing the ellon to fall and therefore be an easier target.
While Celeborn rushed forward and Haldir staggered panicky, Eloel had snatched a stick from the soft earth and now came from the opposite side of Haldir. Eloel raised the branch he had taken from the ground, meaning to break the wolf's back…
"Wait!" Hallel instantly bolted to his feet. His hands caught hold of Eloel's branch scarcely before it crashed down upon the animal's bulk. The wolf twisted in surprise at the same moment, a yelp beginning to form in her throat. "Wait!" Hallel cried once again.
All froze, even the wolf.
Hallel attempted to wrench the branch from Eloel's hand, but the other ellon refused to comply. Eloel met his friend's eyes confusedly, searching for some explanation. The wolf was gazing curiously, yet she was still utterly alert. Celeborn caught Haldir's eye. Haldir shrugged, grateful for the steadying hand of his lord and master. Neither of them had any idea of what was going on.
"She wasn't hurting me. She was just playing," Hallel spoke finally when he was certain that Eloel was not going to strike the hound.
The change in Eloel's countenance was dramatic. His usually fair face turned from one of stoic resolve to one which was quite ominous and a deep shade of red. "Well, why the heck did you scream like that?!" The ellon looked as though he were contemplating using the branch on Hallel.
Hallel took a step back, slacking his grip on the tree limb. "Because she only startled me!" Hallel had clearly noticed the intentions running through Eloel's mind and took another step backwards, preparing to run if need be.
Celeborn and Haldir exchanged glances once again and Celeborn spoke up, "At least no one got hurt."
"Someone is going to." Eloel dropped his branch and rushed forward. Hallel's eyeballs nearly popped out of their sockets and he darted quickly away. The wolf was now ready to resume playing and also joined the chase.
Celeborn and Haldir merely stood watching for a moment, somewhat confused again. "Should we stop them my lord… Celeborn?" Haldir asked finally. He was still processing all that had happened as well as decompressing from the former 'life-threatening' situation.
Celeborn watched the two keep running. He had all confidence that Eloel would not hurt the ellon seriously. "I suppose not," he mused. He chuckled. "That was unexpected."
"Aye sir… Celeborn."
Celeborn gave a short whistle and called out, "Eloel and Hallel, please bring forth your friend."
The two hesitantly halted their chase, but in the end, they grudgingly complied. The wolf happily followed the two back to Celeborn. They stood before their former lord quietly, Eloel still silently burning and Hallel still very much petrified.
Celeborn carefully knelt down in front of the wolf, which had sat gracefully at the feet of Hallel. "Good girl," Celeborn praised sweetly. The wolf seemed to enjoy the attention. The silver-haired lord ran his eyes over the animal. It was most certainly a female, and a lovely one at that. She had a noble bearing, an elegant edge to her, which the ellon could clearly feel. He had never seen a hound of this type. She seemed quite tame… A gentle mental prodding emanating from the animal startled him. It was inquisitive yet confident. He returned the touch with one of warmth and welcome. She broke the temporary bond as she leaned forward. Her wet, black nose twitched as she sniffed the ellon in front of her. When she finally withdrew her curiosity, she seemed to be making a final judgement.
Celeborn waited patiently for the lady.
She snorted then rose. Giving Hallel one last look, she sauntered in the direction the group had been heading. "I shall aid in finding thy families," she said.
I've never written a wolf before, especially not one that talks but I figured it was Valinor. I am basing her off my own little princess (who is a dog not a wolf).