Hi everyone, sorry I've been unbelievably busy. But I have been working on this a little each day to get up as soon as I could.

It's time for her to see the Lady of the Wood once again! Let's see what Lothlorien holds for our favorite elves this time.

Enjoy!


Chapter 4: The Golden Wood.

It was a sad day when we reached the southern tip of the Misty Mountains early the next afternoon. I did not want to separate from the hobbits I had become so close to. It was hard to say goodbye, even if only for a year or two.

"Thank you my lady, for all you did from the first time we met." Frodo said smiling. I knelt down and hugged him tight.

"It should be me thanking for Frodo Baggins. If it was not for you, I would have been lost to darkness and the world with it. You are the hero of our Age! Fare well in your Shire and keep an eye on the horizon for an elvish rider bearing your invitation to the wedding." He smiled and stood to say my goodbyes to the other hobbits.

"Goodbye Ms. Mae, I'll miss ya." Sam said with a frown. I looked to see the remaining two hobbits in tears.

"We'll miss you so much Mae!" they said almost in unison. It brought tears to my own eyes as bent down taking the two halflings in a tight embrace. I didn't want to let go but had no choice as we were wasting time and Legolas wished to reach Lothlorien by tomorrow evening.
I squeezed them on last time before standing and wiping the tears from my eyes. Legolas came over and put a supportive hand on my shoulder.

"I will see you two shortly after I see these rascals back to their homes." Gandalf said with that knowing smirk of his. I wish I had the gift of foresight.

"Of course, Mithrandir." Legolas said nodding using the wizard's true name to us elves.

"Come Gimili!" Legolas said as he turned back to our horses. We gave our last nods of farwell and took off towards the golden wood. I urged Moonlight forward as I saw the hobbits and the white wizard slowly get smaller and smaller with distance.

We pushed our horses hard until Gimili's pony seemed to have nothing left after the two long days. But the tree line of Lorien was now in sight.

"I will ride ahead and announce our arrival." Legolas said looking at me.

"I'm sure the Lady already knows we are here." I said matter-of-factly.

"But the wardens may not, and I don't feel like getting stuck with an arrow tonight." He said as started at a gallop towards the woods.

"Gimili, are you excited to see the Lady once again?" I asked as we rode a little slower than a trot.

"My eyes yearn to see her incomparable beauty once more. For once was not nearly enough." He said gazing towards the high trees. We were close now, less than half an hours walking distance.

'Welcome back, young one. The woods rejoice with your return.' I heard her voice not two minutes into the trees.

We reached the first watch talen to see Legolas speaking with an elf, who now bore the broach of the March Warden. Seeing the gold leave brought tears to my eyes as I recall Legolas informing me of Haldir's death in the battle of Helm's Deep.

"Well met, Rumil, March Warden of Lorien." I said nodding my head slightly to the elf.

"It is an honor to properly meet the future Princess of Mirkwood." He said fully bowing. I felt Legolas wrap his arm around my waist at the words. I smiled.

"Well met, Gimli son of Gloin, elf friend of the Lady." The dwarf's eyes became the size of saucers with the comment. I couldn't hide my own smile.

"Shall we continue on to the city? It has been a long hard ride for us." Legolas asked.

"Of course, the Lady will meet with you all in the morning, for it is late." He led us the long walk to the city along the south road, Legolas and I walked once before.

"The last time we walked this way, things were very different." I said moving Moonlight up to Arod.

"We have been through much, but it was indeed worth it." He said looking at me with that smirk of his. I felt my cheeks flush and looked up towards the towering trees overhead.

"It's good to be back." I said taking in the familiar sights with glee.

We reached the main city and Rumil nodded to another happy sight. My handmaid, Celriana, stood waiting for us at the gates.

"Welcome back, my lady." She said curtseying with a smile on her face.

"It's good to be back even if only for a couple days."

"We assumed, master dwarf, that you would not favor scaling a ladder, so we prepared a space more accommodating for your stay." She said leading him into a small clearing with a tent.

"Should you need anything follow the path until you find someone."

"Just a bed will do just fine for now. I'll see you pointy ears in the morning." He said disappearing into the tent.

"Such strange company you keep, my lady and lord."

"He grows on you after a while." I said smiling, Legolas laughed at the comment.

"War does indeed change your views of people." He added. Celriana simply nodded.

"Your talens are prepared and were left untouched. I trust you both to find your way." We acknowledged before making our way towards the familiar trees. We reached our destination and Legolas went up first, helping me up once we reached the top.

We didn't say much. He simply placed a kiss on my forehead before walking into his talen. I wanted him to stay as he did while traveling, but as we had discussed several times before, it is seen as improper until we are married. As Celriana promised, my talen was undisturbed. I grabbed the basket of oils and soaps and made my way back down to the hot springs where I took some time washing the dirt and grime of travel off. I soon found myself back in my talen lost in the world of sleep.

The next morning, I rose to find Celriana, there and gone. She had taken my clothes to be washed I'm sure. I brushed out my hair before braiding it quickly. I slipped on the simple yellow dress and walked outside. Legolas stood at the edge of the talen. I came up behind him and wrapped my arms around him.

"Did you sleep well my prince?"

"I have long missed the luxury of elvish living."

"We will soon be in your home. I am now looking forward to stepping through the trees and seeing your beautiful realm."

"I cannot wait to show you to the world, my star." He turned to capture my lips in a searing kiss that I was not prepared for. He backed me against the talen walls and I gladly returned this unprovoked passion. I pulled away breathless and saw the lust cool in his eyes.

"I cannot wait to make you mine." He added running his hands down my arms and sides. I shuttered at the feeling of his fingers ghosting along my skin. I rested my head on his chest and stood still enjoying the quiet moments listening to the birds' melodies.

I heard our dwarvish friend coming from very far away thanks to his heavy steps and noisy movements. Soon he was below us and I heard an elleth's laugh.

"And that's how I beat the princeling in counts at the Battle of Helm's Deep." Gimli stated proudly. I could see Legolas' face turn bright red from anger as he slid down the ladder to confront said dwarf.

"Ah, speaking of said princeling. I was just telling this maid of our contest at Helm's Deep."

"The dwarf is very good at storytelling, however his factual recall however is lacking." I heard him rebut.

"I can see this is going to bring about conflict. My Lords, whenever Lady Mae is ready, the Lady is awaiting you." Celriana said trying to cool the two males' egos. I took this as my queue to start down the ladder. I reached the bottom.

"No need to wait, I am hear and ready."

"Follow me."

We walked the short distance. We ascended the stairs and found ourselves at the same place as the fellowship many months ago. However, when the light faded, only the Lady Galadriel stood before us.

"Maethriel, Lady of Gondor and Legolas, Prince of Mirkwood, it brings my heart great joy to see you both again before me well and in love." She said with a knowing smiled.

"It is good to be home my lady."

"Young one, you have grown in skill and heart since we last met. I could not ask more of the Valar for the daughter of my heart. Son of Thranduil, I entrust her care to you and give my blessings on your upcoming union. I have long seen this come to pass in my mirror, but to see it unfold before me touched my heart much like when Celebrian first met Elrond." Wow, how could she compare us to the great love of Elrond and his Lady?

"True love is getting far and few between. It brings me bountiful joy to know that even in this new age, you will prevail to see love and peace for many years to pass. Though my time is short on these shores, I look forward to your ceremony. Stay as long as you need to rest for the journey to the woodland realm is still long and poses some dangers."

"We would not want to intrude on your hospitality and we wish to reach my father to share our good news with him in person as soon as possible. The offer is kind and appreciated, my lady." Legolas said bowing. That was one thing that was different between Legolas and I. I felt at peace with the lady. She indeed was like a mother to me. But he seemed unnerved and intimidated by her. Not that it wasn't understandable due to her demeanor and power.

"I understand your motives young prince, to wisp the one you love to your home land but I must advise at least a few days reverie here in the woods."

"We will heed your council my lady." I said looking at Legolas. She would not insist if there wasn't a reason.

"Tell Gimli, I will see him after the mid-day meal. There is a matter I must attend to now. I look forward to seeing you tonight Maethriel." I looked up confused but then I heard her voice in my head.

'The Valar wish you to look into my mirror once again. Once your prince has fallen asleep meet me in the courtyard.'

'Of course, my lady.'

The day was peaceful as we walked around the woods without agenda. Soon, night came and I parted from Legolas and Gimli. I waited until I heard my loves even breathing before gracefully and silently descending the latter to the ground. I found my way to the lady's mirror and I felt her presence not long after arriving.

"Short has been the time, since you last stood here. Rare do the Valar bless a being with the opportunity to look twice." She said feeling the mirror with water from her fountain.

"I am curious to see what it will hold."

"No two visions are alike my dear. Sadly, I fear yours will be no exception."

I lowered my face into the water.

The scene was bright. It was field with many white and yellow flowers placed everywhere. Arwen stood before me in a dark blue dress smiling like a cat. She held out a bouquet of flowers.

Next, I was riding on my horse as fast as I could. I heard an arrow fly past my right ear and then another on my left. I turned to see a large group of Orcs following close behind. Only then did I notice the small bundle I held in my arms, an elfling lay asleep in a sling.

The final scene, showed me on a dock, looking over the great sea. I didn't see my face but Legolas came up to me putting his hand on my shoulder.

"Are you sure this is what you want my star?"

I never heard my answer before I pulled myself out of the water. I blinked and looked up at the Lady.

"Young one, much of your future has changed not of your doing but others. Things have come to pass that altered many lives. We cannot change our fates, however, I know you and Legolas have an unbreakable love that will endure the hardships ahead."

"I know we do. I love Legolas more than life its self. I would give up my own life for his."

She didn't say anything in response and simply touched the water with her fingers. It rippled before she closed her eyes. It was several minutes before she opened her eyes again. She looked exhausted, something I have never saw in her before. She was always radiant, always beautiful. Her eyes had bags under them and her glow seemed diminished. I opened my mouth to ask if she was all right but she raised her hand to silence my words.

"It is late young one. You should go and sleep. Good night Maethriel." She said turning away quickly disappearing.

I stood there and watched the Lady walk away confused. What just happened?


So there you have it! I hope it was worth the wait. It set up some of the future plot and just some foreshadowing.

Remember to Review Favorite and Follow! I really appreciate them!

Until Next Time!

-B