Chapter 4 – Clothes and Elves

Aragon seemed okay with our background despite our said "strange clothes and names" and everyone seemed a little more relaxed. The hobbits kept looking at us sadly, totally believing our sob story. Aragon, Boromir and Legolas were talking but I paid them no attention. I stare into the fire when a song pops into my head, without thinking I start humming.

"What song is that?" Jeff asks
"It's Beautiful Beautiful by Francesca Battistelli."
"The song sounds familiar but I can't figure out the words."
"Uh, it goes like this" I start to quietly sing the song

"Don't know how it is You looked at me
And saw the person that I could be
Awakening my heart
Breaking through the dark
Suddenly Your grace

Like sunlight burning at midnight
Making my life something so
Beautiful, beautiful
Mercy reaching to save me
All that I need
You are so
Beautiful, beautiful

Now there's a joy inside I can't contain
But even perfect days can end in rain
And though it's pouring down
I see You through the clouds
Shining on my face…"

I stop when I notice Boromir and Legolas looking at me. I feel a blush creep onto my cheeks and I look down highly embarrassed.

"I do know that song." Jeff said, totally oblivious to the fact that I was embarrassed about singing.
"That was a beautiful song" Legolas said "But I have never heard it before."
"Oh…" was all I could say.
"It sounded good. You have a nice voice for that song." Boromir complimented
"Thanks…" I started at the ground feeling my blush get deeper.

I felt a yawn coming and for the first time I realized how late it was. The yawn escaped my lips; Boromir noticed this and chuckled softly.

"I think it's time we all get some rest."

We settled down for the night, they gave us cloaks to use as blankets and I waded up my denim jacket to make a pillow. Tosha lay to my right and Riley to my left. Despite the hard ground I fell asleep quickly and didn't wake up once.

Aragon was demanding when he tried to wake us up and he got his first taste of Tosha when she wakes up in the morning. Let me tell you, not fun. After a small, quick breakfast we started on our way again.

We made it to the Lothlorien woods not long after noon but we moved nonstop all day and I think I lost at least 5 pounds because of it. We were dead-beat when we made it into the woods but Aragon told us that we weren't actually in the realm of the elves. I was slightly creeped out when we entered the woods which is strange because I grew up playing in the woods beside my house.

As we walked Gimli kept talking about the forest and its legends when the elvish word for stop rang out around us. Someone I barley recognized as I think Haldir, came out of the shadows. His men ( I guess is should say elves) had their bows aimed at us.

"The dwarf breaths so loud we could have shot him in the dark." Haldir said smugly.

Gimli muttered something inaudible and looked angrily at the elf.

Aragon bowed, "Haldir of Lorien." He then began speaking quickly in elvish. Much too fast for any of the four friends to understand.

"Anybody know what he's saying?" Riley leaned over and whispered to me.
"No clue." I whispered back.
"I think it's about getting help." muttered Jeffery
"Oh good." sighed Tosha

After Aragon had finished speaking Haldir looked at us for a minute before starting off into the wood.

We soon arrived at our destination and stood before Galadriel.

"There are twelve here and yet only nine set out from Rivendell. Tell me: Where is Gandalf. For I much desire to speak to him."

I think the look on Aragons' face said it all. "He has fallen into shadow…" she paused. "The quest stands upon the edge of a knife. Stray but a little and it will fall to the ruin of all."

She turned and seemed to look directly at me, I heard her soft voice inside my head, "You all know much of our world and our future. Be careful not to bring ruin to those around you." I think my friends heard it as well because they all seemed a little freaked out by the voice in their head.

"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Go now and rest, for you are weary with sorrow, and much toil. Tonight, you will sleep in peace." Galadriel continues out loud.

~~Later~~

We had cleaned up and eaten when a group of female elves brought us fresh clothes. Jeffrey went off on his own to change while the elves stayed with us girls. They had brought us dresses-nothing fancy- they had splits up the sides up to the hip in order to allow more movement and we were given leggings to wear underneath. I was fine with this but Tosha and Riley were not. The two of them never wear dresses and I mean never.

"Come on guys, just wear the dresses."
"My current clothes are fine." Tosha says crossing her arms.
"You guys stand out too much and your clothes are disgusting." I argued
"That's your opinion." Toshas' voice dripped with annoyance.
I glared at Tosha and Riley, who was just standing there smugly.
"Fine. Not my problem." I said tossing my hands up in the air. "I'm going to get dressed."
I took the dress and got changed. The dress fit me perfectly and allowed for adequate00 movement. It was a pale baby blue with a black swirling design wrapping around the waistline and collar. My black leggings were tucked into tightly laced up leather boots. I was given leather braces which I slipped on and secured. I started to pull my hair up into a ponytail when one of the elves offered to do my hair. She brushed it smooth then braided my front locks and pulled them back, braiding them into and long braid the trailed down my back. I almost felt like an elf, all I needed was a bow and arrows.

~~Meanwhile~~

"Wearing a dress couldn't be that bad. I think…" said Tosha, eyeing the folded dress.
A sudden slap to the face startled Tosha.
"Stand strong! Don't give in to the temptation." said Riley
"Well then what are we going to wear because these clothes are nasty."
"Well someone probably has extra clothes somewhere."
"Legolas might have over-packed." joked Tosha
"Wanna go check?"
"Why not."

The duo set out in search of Legolas and his stuff.

It took awhile but they eventually came upon his pack. Riley cautiously opened the pack to find there wasn't much inside; just some elven bread, stuff for making arrows and a spare cloak.

"Can I help you ladies?" Legolas said, coming up behind the duo.

Hey! It's me again! So if you want to hear the actual song I have the link on my profile. Thanks for reading and please review :)

~Crystal