Author's Note
Thank you for all of the great reviews, follows, and favorites!
Aranel Mereneth And your wish is granted! Sorry for the lack of LxE! I needed that chapter just for her background development. With Legolas and Haldir maturing into strong and capable ellons and competing was a hard task to portray the differences between how Eleniel reacts to each of them individually. I hope you will enjoy the chapter!
Missing a Muse I will say it now… I'm sorry! But thank you for loving my story!
Zee They are trying, but she is so caught up in her duties. There is a difference in how she reacts to each of them!
Ennairual Yay, thank you! Personally it drives me bananas when chapters are short! I hope this chapter answers your question! I will try to keep that in mind when I write the future chapters! Sometimes I don't catch myself when I write. Thank you for pointing that out!
AnneWithane Oh yes Haldir does~ It made me sad when I typed that premonition out… but I came to terms that it is going to happen because I love that battle in the movie! It is so exciting. I love writing fighting sequences and so many emotions thrown around! I needed to get in on that. Hahaha~
Faervel the FreeThank you! Sometimes I find myself staring at the screen and contemplating how I can explain how someone feels.
Thank youtrollalalala and amrawo for the continued support!
The storyline mainly follows the events in the movies, but there are times that you will notice that I incorporated some of the book. Please read and review!
Disclaimer: I do not own LotR! Everything belongs to J.R.R. Tolkien except for Eleniel Vanglirtána.
My World Ends with You
A storm raging.
The skies over the Misty Mountains are covered with darkness.
Ever so dim the light that manages to break through its barrier.
Then a bright white light a top a great eagle's mighty form.
The dark clouds that were once preventing the light to beam down are now dispersed.
A disorientated voice, "Bear me to Lothlórien!"
The storm is calming.
Chapter Six: Is It My Fate to Choose?
The cool morning air nipped at my skin when I woke on the grass of the training grounds. My bow and quiver was laid neatly at my side. Coldness seeped into me when I recalled the night. I hid from the Fellowship when they started to take notice that something was troubling me, but my dear friend, Haldir, found me sobbing loudly in the archery field. A rush of embarrassment made itself known by the burn of my cheeks. The sound of two arrows being shot from bows told me that there were guards present on the field. I almost sat up, but stopped myself when Haldir began to speak.
"Good shot! That was impressive! I did not believe that you were able to intercept my arrow in mid-flight with your own!"
"That was mere luck, my friend. My brothers and I attempted that many times and only few times we have succeeded." said Legolas.
"Ah, speaking of your brothers! How are your kin? Are they safe and well?"
"Like Lothlórien, the Elves of Mirkwood patrol the woods day and night for scouts or hidden companies of orcs… My brothers took it upon themselves, as I have before I left, to lead the patrols of our woods so that King Thranduil would not place himself in danger. He utilizes his time to reassure our people that they will be safe from danger."
"And what of your mother?"
"She is well. Recently, she has kept herself busy in the healing quarters."
"I am glad that your family is well in Mirkwood's stand against the Dol Guldur."
"Thank you… but the forces of Dol Guldur are growing stronger." Legolas told as he released his arrow. "Everyday my mother fears that the day will come that my brothers or I will be at the mercy of her healing hands. She worries greatly."
"Eleniel worries as well… Since the very day you left to Mirkwood to train with the King." Haldir told. "She realized the dangers that you and your kin faced the day that the Lord and Lady forbade her from travelling to the Northeast as the dark clouds above Dol Guldur began to expand."
"Except for when Lothlórien came to Mirkwood's assistance…" Legolas said in a whisper. "I did not have the chance to ask the Lord or Lady, but why was she there when she should have not been."
"The Lord admitted himself that it was his ill judgment that led him to allow Eleniel to lead the Galadhrim to assist Mirkwood. Eleniel knew that you would be in the midst of battle and wished to help you and your home. Legolas, believe me when I tell you that her skills are great for she slayed many orcs, but she underestimated the power of the Nazgûl."
"It was foolish of her to put herself is such danger. I could not believe how reckless she became."
The memory of encountering the Nazgûl, Khamûl, came back too clear. The beautiful southern forest of the Woodland Realm was now tainted with the blood of the race that swore to protect the woods and the foul orcs that were threatening to destroy it. The Galadhrim that I had led into battle fought valiantly against their opponents of Dol Guldur and at my side, at the request of Lord Celeborn, was Haldir and a small group of five Galadhrim, two of which were Orophin and Rúmil.
"Khamûl!" Orophin shouted to me in warning when a piercing screech filled the woods. I turned in time to dodge the cursed black stallion that threatened to run me over. When I regained my balance, I looked into the very pit of darkness of the Nazgûl. He made the first move that I blocked with my dual blades. The force of his sword caused me to slide back on the leaves that littered the ground.
"Eleniel! Drego! ~Eleniel! Flee!" Haldir called in worry, as he and his brothers were preoccupied with the surrounding orcs.
"Baw! Di ndegithanc ne ndagor! ~No! We will slay them in battle!" I yelled back as I held my ground against the Nazgûl. I sensed the darkness that seeped from his flowing black garb and invaded my being. My lungs felt constricted and my body weak. I knew that it was the Black Breath that was affecting me.
Khamûl and I began a dance of metal and fury. He swung his sword and clashed with my blades continuously then in a swift move, he pushed back on my blades with such force that they flew out of my hands. I was left vulnerable, but instead of accepting my fate I drew my bow and fired several arrows into him before I jumped back to dodge a swing of his sword. I placed my bow back onto my quiver and rushed to gather my blades with Khamûl in pursuit. With one raised in time to block his sword coming down, I saw his other hand produce a Morgul blade. I reached out with my other blade and with a twist of my wrist around his, I caught the crossguard of the knife. The slick sound of the Morgul blade cutting across the metal of my vambraces rang in my ears. In an abrupt movement I removed the blade from his and threw it out of his reach as it slid off the end of my blade. I then realized my fatal mistake; I was too close to dodge any attack. The Nazgûl, enraged at what I had done,grabbed me around the throat and threw me with great force into a tree. My body rattled at the sudden impact, but I quickly moved to regain my balance only to have Khamûl's armored hand make contact with the side of my head. I felt myself spin from the force and found myself laying face down on the dirt.
"Tirio! ~Look out!" Haldir shouted. I thought I had moved quick enough to dodge what was coming, but to no avail. As I raised myself from the ground Khamûl's sword pierced down on my right shoulder. The force pushed the blade through my spaulder, bone, and flesh. My pained scream caught the attention of my guards and any Galadhrim surrounding us. "Eleniel!" Haldir screamed. His voice cracked with distress. The Nazgûl kicked me off his blade and with another kick that faced me on my side to watch my reaper making his way toward me. I believed that it was the end as the warmth of my blood seep into my armor, but then Khamûl was bombarded with a shower of arrows and his screech filled the woods. "Drego, Eleniel! Drego! Drego! ~Flee, Eleniel! Flee! Flee!" Haldir kept screaming.
The fear I felt at that very moment escalated far beyond the pain. So, disgracefully, I picked myself up and ran. I deserted my guards, Orophin, Rúmil, and Haldir, only to find out later that as soon as I ran, they removed themselves from the battle with Khamûl as well. They told me that they followed close behind me, shouting my name to stop me, but blindly, I continued to run. The leaves splattered with red as I passed, dodging orcs and elves in the midst of battle, but then the unthinkable happened. Out of the thousands of elves on the battlefield, I happened to run into a familiar face as if something drew me to him. He turned to face the enemy that forcefully ran into him, but was met face-to-face with me. My heart knew in an instant that this blue-eyed ellon was none other than my childhood friend that I longed to see... Legolas.
"Eleniel!?" Legolas gasped as he dropped his blades to catch my collapsing self. My blood covered his hands and armor as I fell to my knees.
"Reitho… ~Help…" I whimpered. I grabbed onto his armor with my good arm to hold myself up. My hand smeared red over his breastplate and plackart. His anxious eyes examined my wound then studied my pained eyes.
"Eleniel! Legolas!?" I heard Haldir scream. The blue eyes of the prince left mine to look up to who I assumed was Haldir. Knowing that I was now safe, I let consciousness leave me as the pain overwhelmed my being. I awoke in Caras Galadhon days later under the care of Lady Galadriel. Lord Celeborn and Haldir were at my side, but Legolas hastily returned back to Mirkwood.
"Legolas, Eleniel is still the elleth that you met in our childhood. What you have missed was the growth of her ambition to protect Lothlórien and Mirkwood for you are linked to those woods. It is her ambition that also makes her reckless and impulsive. However, it seems that you and her both share the trait of impulsiveness." Haldir told.
"What are you speaking of?"
"You volunteering yourself for this perilous task to accompany the Ringbearer. Have you not thought that you may have to venture into the heart of Mordor? It is suicide."
"I wished to represent our race. Also… I am hopeful that destroying the One Ring would bring peace to Middle Earth… then I could finally return back to Lothlórien … and Eleniel."
"Your mind was set on returning for her all these years?"
"I made her a promise, but to return in these circumstances is what I have not wished. Truly I believed that she took the news of Gandalf's passing well until yesterday."
"Ah, speaking of yesterday… Thank you for telling me about what happened in my absence…" Haldir whispered to the prince.
"I knew not how to approach her," told Legolas. He released his arrow. "My first thought was that it was her shoulder was in pain. I realized too late that she was not well in the heart. My ill conclusion just shows that you know her well as you have spent many years at her side, but I just gave her a hopeful promise that I managed to keep centuries later."
"Do not fret, Legolas… Your duty to uphold Mirkwood's safety is above us. We respected the distance and especially Eleniel, as she would have done the same in your position. You know her more than you give yourself credit for, my friend. You knew to watch her, but give her space when she ran after she missed the target. She needed time alone to release her sorrow. She is too prideful that she is a warrior so in the presence of others she wished not to give into her sorrow and keep a strong composure." said Haldir as he fired his arrow.
"Her efforts were not wasted. The Hobbits accepted what has happened and they are ready to continue the journey as I am."
"Then you will be leaving soon?" asked Haldir as he lowered his bow.
"This morning we have decide that tomorrow we will depart. The Fellowship needs to complete our task now that we are all clear of mind."
"Then I must warn you… Eleniel has taken a great liking toward your Fellowship and the Ringbearer. She does not see that you're coming to Lothlórien as a blessing, but a sign. She will try to accompany your Fellowship."
"She cannot… I will not let her. This path that we walk is far too dangerous."
"Legolas, you know as well as I, she will do what she believes is true to herself. If she leaves our lands, the Lady has warned me that I cannot follow as she has already foreseen her path and I am needed here to protect our borders." told Haldir. I could not help myself as my body shivered in anticipation. Excitement overwhelmed me knowing that my naneth saw me leaving our home. I moved my foot slightly in hopes that it released the exhilarating feeling that coursed through my body, but not interrupt their conversation. "Ah… She is awake." he hushed to my dismay.
"Were you eavesdropping?" Legolas asked with mirth.
"Ah, good morning?" I smiled as I rolled onto my back and raised an arm to wave to my friends.
"Eleniel."
"There may have been that possibility…." I whispered as I sat up and kept my head down in guilt. "Why were you speaking of me as if I am not capable to journey on with your Fellowship?"
"Because I will not permit it." told Legolas in a tone that he does not want to hear any more of it.
"And I believe that you have a lesson to learn." said Haldir. "Bring your bow and quiver."
"Come." Legolas called as he bade me to go to him with his slender hand. I rose from my spot, put on my quiver, grabbed my bow, and then made my way in between my two childhood friends.
"Starting back at lesson one." Haldir said with jest.
"Please I do not want to." I whined under my breath. After my many failures to hit the target last night, I did not wish to embarrass myself further.
"Eleniel, you are going through with this lesson whether you like it or not." Haldir scolded.
"Legolas," I pouted to the prince, "help me."
"I too believe that you need this lesson."
"You two are cruel. I have grieved over my mentor, but I assure you that the thought still lingers in the depths of my mind. I will not be able to hit the target." I told.
"Eleniel." Legolas called.
"Hm?"
"Stop complaining and take up your bow." Legolas told with a smirk. My mouth gaped open at Legolas' sudden rashness. Haldir chuckled to himself when I looked to him in shock. "Come on now." I took up my bow and nocked an arrow on to it, then lifted it to take aim at Legolas' target. His arrows in the red dot mocked me as I stared at it. "Straighten your back." The prince prodded my spine with the tip of his bow. I glared at him then did as I was told. "And your elbow needs to be lifted."
"Haldir, what is he doing?" I complained lowering my bow.
"He is telling you the truth. Straighten your back and lift your elbow." Haldir chuckled. I sighed then lifted my bow to aim at the target once more. "You have a lesson to learn and you will not learn if you constantly complain."
"You sound like Gandalf." I murmured. Surprisingly, I did not feel the sting of sorrow. I blinked away the curious thought then straightened my back and lifted my elbow like Legolas commanded.
"Her posture is good. Do you agree, Haldir?" Legolas asked.
"I believe that she is now ready." said Haldir. I took that as my queue and released my arrow. Unlike last night it flew across the field with the precision and confidence that I had before. The arrow embedded itself in Legolas' bunch of arrows in the center of the target. I stared in amazement that I actually made a significant improvement from last night. Turning around, I grinned widely at my two childhood friends.
"Eleniel, what did Legolas' lesson teach you?" asked Haldir.
"I would say to shoot an arrow straight, but I somehow believe that there was an ulterior lesson. Like… Not grieving for my fallen mentor caused me to lose concentration thus proving to be fatal if I were on the field."
"You're correct… As you saw yesterday it will affect you greatly without you taking notice, but with one of us at your side to comfort and guide you, your arrow flew straight." Haldir explained.
"Your proud nature keeps you from opening up to anyone in fear that we may view you differently. We will not view you as weak if you open up to us in your time of need." Legolas told.
"Thank you…" I smiled. Legolas grabbed the back of my head to pull me to him. His lips grazed across my forehead then I looked to Haldir with a grin. "I do not know what I would do if I lost one of you." I smiled to Legolas as my hand caressed his cheek. "And I do not want to wait centuries again for my prince to come back to Lothlórien."
"Once this is done, you will have all of my attention." Legolas smiled handsomely.
"She will hold you to that for eternity, Legolas." Haldir chuckled.
"I do not worry. I hoped to give it to her the day I laid my eyes on her."
"As have I." Haldir told with a raised eyebrow as Legolas looked to the marchwarden with a smirk. In my presence, the interaction between the two ellons since Legolas came back into our woods confused me greatly. Always the air between my two friends seemed to be filled with so much tension that you could slice it with a blade. I do not even know how it has come to this.
"Now, now!" I interrupted with a hand waving in the air. "My two friends, you can give me all your attention until Prince Legolas leaves Lórien." I grinned then held up my bow. "I wish to enjoy my time with my dear friends in an activity I enjoyed since my youth. Now take up your bows."
"Ever so demanding you are, dear one." said Haldir with a grin that I reciprocated back.
We took up our bows and began to shoot our targets in recreation. At moments we would distract one another by hitting the recurve of the other's bow or shout each other's name as they aimed. This was the last moments that we would be able to relax with only the three of us and just have fun because after a few hours Haldir was called by one of the marchwardens about the creature being spotted lingering around Caras Galadhon. After Haldir left the field, the reality of Legolas' departing came back to us and we no longer wished to remain on the archery field. Legolas and I slowly walked back to the Fellowship's pavilion in a comfortable silence. My hand reached up to feel the last of the sun's light coming through the trees as the birds flew back into their nests within the tall trees.
"I wish that you did not have to go." I whispered with my gazed trained on a bird flying between the branches. "I wish that we could have a walk like this everyday. It is a sweet and comforting sensation that I want to hold on to."
"Our future will be filled with that bliss." said Legolas ever so softly. I looked to him then skipped in front of him and grabbed his hand.
"And the young prince of Mirkwood also has the gift of foresight?" I joked as I lifted my chin to look up at him.
"I just know." He smiled. His fingers pushed a stray hair from my face and tucked it behind my ear then caressed the side of my cheek and jawline with one of his slender fingers.
"You are still as sweet as the first day I met you." I whispered. My eyes closed as I enjoyed his touch. "How did you not change after all these years?"
"I was hopeful that I would see you again." Legolas admitted. I blinked my eyes open to be greeted by his heart stopping smile.
"Always knows how to charm an elleth." I whispered to myself. "Makes me wonder if you have a suitress awaiting your return home."
"There is none, but there is an elleth that caught my eye." Legolas smiled with his gaze ahead. A strange feeling of emptiness filled my chest at the thought of my friend with another elleth. I prompted him to continue walking with me as I forced my gaze from him. "Though she is completely oblivious."
"Ah, I see." I responded softly then put a smile on my face when I looked up at him. "I think you should tell her!"
"I plan to, but at the right moment." told Legolas when we made it back to the pavilion. "There is a lot on her mind at the moment and it is hard for her to concentrate on herself." The members of the Fellowship were gathering together their equipment in preparation for their departure in the morning.
"Sounds like me…" I murmured to myself. Legolas looked down to me with a smirk with a kiss on my fingers interlaced with his then he let go of my hand to make his way into the pavilion. My heart began pounding furiously in my chest as I watched him. Why does he make me feel this way? My hands covered my burning cheeks when I felt warmth invade me. This feeling was confusing and I did not know if I appreciated it… It was addicting.
The hours passed as I helped the Fellowship pack items that they might need during their journey when a thought crossed my mind. I wanted to go with them to protect them and help bring peace to our land. There would be less of a need for the marchwardens to watch our borders and Mirkwood would be able to live in peace knowing that no orcs would invade the woods. With that set in my mind, the Fellowship's strong desire to succeed in their mission also became my own desire and I felt the only way I could relieve the anticipation in my heart was to accompany them. I snuck out from the pavilion to run up to my talan to pack my own gear. I laid out my patrolling garb and weapons on my daybed with a proud smile. I turned to rummage though my chest to pull out my thick leather vambraces when I heard footsteps behind me.
"It is as I feared." Celeborn said as he entered my bedchamber. I spun on my heel to see him walking toward my equipment. Truthfully, I was frightened of the outcome of my ada finding out my plan. I was speechless, as I did not know what excuse I could give him that would deceive him. However, he did not look angry. My ada looked almost… distraught.
"A-Ada, I was-" I started, but he held up a hand to stop me.
"Do not fear, child. I won't stop you." Celeborn told. "I do not know if I will have another chance to speak to you before you depart. I would like to make sure that you know what you are doing." He stopped in front of my gear and picked up my bow to examine it.
"Yes, ada." I whispered. "I want to do this for Lothlórien..."
"And for the prince." interrupted Celeborn. My breath hitched in my throat that he brought up Legolas. "That I do know, but understand… I have never doubted your skill before." He put down my bow and ran his hand on the sheaths of my blades. He picked up my sheathed blades and threw them both to me. I caught one in each hand with confusion plastered on my face. "But as you know that after your encounter with Khamûl the lingering doubt clouds my mind. I want you to accompany me to the training grounds." That is when I noticed the sword hanging from his hip.
"Yes, ada." I nodded then followed him down the mallorn tree with the blades in my hands. On our way to the Galadhrim's training ground we passed Legolas, Boromir, Gimli, and Aragorn speaking among themselves about their journey ahead. Aragorn looked up to see me walking behind Celeborn. I caught his eye and with a tilt of his head I knew that he wondered where we were going. I then gave him a wave of one of my sheathed blades to answer his unasked question. Legolas turned check what caught Aragorn's eye and with that Gimli nudged his hip with his elbow and gave him a smirk. When Celeborn and I got to the training field, he unsheathed his sword and turned to face me. "Ada?"
"Take out your blades." Celeborn demanded. I unsheathed my blades and tossed the sheaths onto the grass a short distance away. The moonlight caressed Celeborn's sword as he pointed it toward me. I readied myself with my eyes locked on him as I spun one of my blades in my hand in preparation for his strike.
Celeborn advanced toward me with a spin of his sword then he brought it down. I raised my blades up to parry his strike, but quickly realized that his wrist twisted that his strike now came from the side. Lowering a blade, the metal clashed loudly. So began our duel. His sword slid along the metal of my blade, as my other blade came up to slash him, but he ducked under it and quickly stepped forward with a jab that I easily dodged by spinning around him to strike his back. He was quick to bring his sword behind him to block my attack, and then with a twist of his body, he brought his sword down in a downward slash that I blocked. I moved to thrust my other blade upward toward my ada's throat, but with a spin of his sword, he pushed away the blade and spun away from the close vicinity then advanced in a quick sequence of attacks. His sword and my blades beat together rapidly as we kept up with the other with no hesitation then with a spin around Celeborn, I moved to stab his waist. He swiftly spun with me and bringing his sword upward with such force that it made me stumble backward. His sword came down and I brought my blades up in a 'X' to catch his strike. We locked our blades together as he took a step forward so my blades met the crossguard of his sword.
"You have improved." Celeborn stated as he pushed against my weight. My arms slightly trembled under his force, but I held my ground.
"Then do not doubt me any longer." I asked as I swiftly grabbed both of the grips of my blades in one hand and with a twist Celeborn's sword was unexpectedly removed from his hand, and thrown into the air. I spun away from him to catch his sword and readied myself for him. I was crouched low with one hand holding his sword pointed toward him and in the other hand my daggers held near my hip.
"If you continue fighting like this I have no hesitation that you will come back to your naneth and I." Celeborn praised as he clapped his hands and an approving smile across his lips. "Come Eleniel." I lowered the blades then walked to my ada. He grabbed me by both shoulders and stared intently at me. "Be swift." Then with a squeeze of my shoulders he warned, "Those that you will fight along side with are skilled warriors. If they fall then it was their time, but remember… You need to concentrate… The only way to protect the ones you love is to protect yourself first. Promise me that you will hold the words of your naneth and I words close to your heart."
"I promise." I whispered.
"And remember that we are proud of you." Celeborn smiled.
"Your blessing means everything to me… Thank you, ada."
As I returned after departing from the training field, I took notice that the Fellowship fell asleep. Softly, I strode across the grass checking on the Men, the loudly snoring dwarf, and then the little Hobbits. The one named Pippin kicked off his blanket as he rolled about. At least I got a laugh from hearing him snore and talk in his sleep as I moved to wrap the blanket around him. I searched for Frodo among the Hobbits, but he was nowhere to be found. In a panic, I checked the remainder of the courtyard to find him coming back down the path leading to Lady Galadriel's garden.
"Eleniel?" Frodo approached me slowly. "What is wrong?"
"I was merely checking on your Fellowship for you all are my responsibility. I became anxious when I found that you were not in your bedding." I answered, softly then bent down to meet his eye level.
"I see that you came from a meeting with the Lady." I whispered then looked down the path he came from then back to him. Frodo gazed away and nodded. "But you look troubled."
"Troubling that I shall need to ask assistance from you for I am frightened that you may refuse."
"And what is your inquiry, young Master? I am afraid that I will not be able to assist you as well as Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel. The Lord and Lady are the wisest and fairest of all the elves…"
"Eleniel, it is the Lady who told me that she cannot assist the Fellowship, but the assistance I ask for is from you..." Frodo's response made me stare in bewilderment.
"And what do you request from me?"
"I ask that you follow your heart as you had at Cerin Amoth when you accepted the Fellowship into your home regardless of the possible consequences. Lady Galadriel's mirror showed that you stayed behind at Lórien. Fire and darkness reached my home, the Shire…"
"Then… you believe that if I do not accompany the Fellowship… You will fail?"
"I believe it. Nine there were set out from Rivendell and now eight we stand. I feel that we are at a disadvantage…"
"I have not left Lothlórien since the day I was scarred." I whispered then took his hand in mine. "But… my heart pledged to protect you and your Fellowship the moment I learned of your plight… I would be glad-"
"She cannot accompany us." Legolas startled us. We both looked to see him standing not far away. His face pained and his usual calm demeanor gone as shown by his tightened fists. Frustration filled my chest when I stared him down. I could not bear his overprotectiveness any longer.
"Legolas… The Lady showed me in her mirror of the events that will transpire if Eleniel does not join us. Her help is very much needed as I need yours." Frodo responded.
"Eleniel is very close to my heart, Frodo." Legolas told as he approached us. His eyes never leaving mine. "I cannot bear the thought of bringing her on our perilous journey. She must stay here under the protection of her elders."
"But Legolas-" Frodo started but I laid a hand on his shoulder and kneeled down to see his eyes once more.
"You must rest, Frodo." I whispered to the Hobbit with a hand on his cheek. "I will speak to him..." I stood and gestured for Legolas to follow me down the path in which Frodo just came from not a few minutes ago. Looking back I waved at the worried Hobbit as we turned out of his view. "Much wind pours from your mouth, Legolas." I sneered as I kept my eyes on the path in front of us. Many times Legolas used his charm against me to win arguments when we were younger, but this argument I refused to let him win. "I am as much as a warrior as you are."
"And a warrior I wished you were not." Legolas whispered. "Everyday I am thankful that you remained under the protection of Lothlórien."
"I cannot stay under the protection of my naneth and ada for eternity. I must write my own history, Legolas." I told as I stopped walking. The Mirkwood prince sighed then walked a few steps away in frustration. He ran is hand through his golden hair and stood in the moonlight in annoyance. "And I have Lord Celeborn's blessing so it is my choice, not yours."
"How I wish that it was." Legolas murmured to himself. It sounded almost heart wrenching. I took a few steps toward him to place a comforting hand on his back, but he turned to face me just before I laid my hand on him. His distressed gaze broke my anger and replaced it with awe as if he enchanted me. He looked handsome in the moonlight. I staggered backward at the realization of these sudden feelings that emerged at Legolas' arrival with the Fellowship and these unfamiliar feelings made me uneasy. I realized that it felt as if they threatened my duty to protect my home as I wished to put my needs before those dwelling in Lothlórien. Legolas' hand shot out and grabbed my wrist. I looked to his hand on my wrist then to his pleading eyes. "Is there anything I could do that would persuade you to stay in Lothlórien?" He asked softly as he pulled me to him then gently took my head into his hands so that my eyes could not leave his.
"No." I whispered. My hands found comfort in the texture of his tunic as one rested on his chest and the other gripped his elbow. "The only thing that would persuade me is your staying within the protection of Lothlórien as well… But I know the duty that you hold dear to your heart, as it is the same as mine. I wish for the protection of not only my home and yours now, but the homes of all the races your Fellowship represents." My hand on his chest clutched the fabric of his tunic as I stepped closer to him, but bowed my head to him. "Also I wish for the safety of the prince that got close to my heart in my childhood. I fear for your wellbeing and wish to be at your side to protect you."
"It is not I that needs protection…" Legolas whispered. His hands released my head then he rested them on my waist with a kiss to my temple. "You hold it to yourself that your loved ones need protection, but I am a capable warrior. I have my reasons for wishing for you to remain in safety."
"As I." I responded. "I will join the Fellowship on the quest."
"No…" Legolas sighed then lifted my chin with a finger. "I will not allow it…" His pleading blue eyes bore into mine.
"Legolas, it is not your choice." I argued, resting a hand on his cheek.
"I fear that you two can quarrel of this for many days, but Prince Legolas has only tonight…" Lady Galadriel told as she stood by the stairs leading to her garden. Legolas and I looked to my naneth with pleading eyes in hopes that she will help us cease this argument. "Please join me in my garden." Legolas and I released each other when we followed my naneth into her garden. "After my meeting with Frodo, I looked upon the mirror to see Lothlórien 's future as I knew that your ada went to search for you. What has he told you?"
"I have his blessing to leave with the Fellowship." I told. We made it to the bottom of the steps and started to the basin that held the mirror.
"You are blessed to receive it… As I have seen that our home will be safe from Mordor's wrath, but at the cost of my Eleniel leaving Lórien in the days to come," told Galadriel as she walked around her mirror with her fingers tracing the raised edges. A smile came to me when she told me of what she saw. I looked to Legolas, who was clearly distressed at Galadriel's vision. "Eleniel… But not with the Fellowship."
"It cannot be." I gasped. My happiness disappeared. "My heart desires to go with them."
"I do know of your heart's desire. Your time has not come yet so with the Fellowship you will not depart."
"If not with the Fellowship, is she to travel alone as Haldir was forbidden to follow?" Legolas asked.
"Haldir's services are needed in Lothlórien in the months to come. Eleniel will not be alone, prince Legolas. I saw a light as her guide."
"A white light? I have seen a light a top an eagle's back in my dream from this morning. The identity unknown, but is this the guide of which you speak of?"
"The light you have seen rides on Gwaihir. I have sensed a new life birthed and sent him in search of it. It is one of great significance, but to keep you from deterring from your path, I will ask you to stay behind to wait for his coming."
"How will you know that I will stay?" I responded, holding back my frustration. Legolas placed a hand on the small of my back to calm me.
"Your duty to the Galadhrim depends on your discipline to remain in Lothlórien until your time comes." Galadriel glared. "As of now the path that you tread differs from Prince Legolas and the Fellowship."
"Then my duty to the Galadhrim will take precedence..." I whispered. "I will stay in Lothlórien..."