I've decided to write a new LOTR story completely different from my previous one, which I will probably take down when I get home from classes today or something. This new idea has been brewing in my head lately so I decided to give it a shot and see where this one will take me. I've always loved Legolas XD and I can't wait to see The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug when it comes out Friday! Anyone else going to watch it? Orlando Bloom is coming back XD

Summary: Laeriel had no recollections of how she came to Rivendell. The only thing she knows is Lord Elrond raised her as his own. When the Council of Elrond is called forth to determine the fate of all Middle-Earth, Laeriel joins the Fellowship in hopes of unraveling the mysterious threads surrounding her past. What she discovers will threaten to rip apart the lives of those whom she holds dear...

Laeriel is one of the translations of my real name, the source I used for this is a website called Council of Elrond.

Reviews are welcome!

Constructive criticism also welcomed!

Anything else shall be ignored and used to heat my house (aka flames).

I hope you all like this new story!

Rating: T

Pairing: Legolas/OC

Disclaimer: I do not own LOTR or any of its affiliated belongings!


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Those With Courage

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Woods of Lothlórien I

The Fellowship traveled in silence towards the direction of Lothlórien, the death of Gandalf still raw within their hearts. Laeriel never thought it would come to this. Who else must die? How much more blood remains to be shed before this is all over? How many families must be torn apart in the war against Sauron? So lost in thought was the elf-maiden she failed to notice where she placed her leg, tripping over a branch of an ancient tree. Legolas steadied her with a firm hand, making sure she did not meet the ground.

"Are you alright?"

Grieving blue locked onto solemn blue, conveying a silent message between the two Elves. Legolas knew in that one instance how hard the death of Gandalf must have hit her. The gentle wizard had watched her grow up into a vibrant elf-maiden. She in turn, saw him as a foster father alongside Elrond. His death must be a strike to her heart.

"I"m tired," came her weary reply.

Maneuvering behind her the Mirkwood Prince lifted her up in his arms, startling Laeriel as a small yelp escaped her lips.

"Man cerig hîr nín?" she questioned.

"Just rest."

Snuggling into his chest as they carried on, Laeriel hoped she wasn't blushing being carried like this.

"I hope I am not too heavy," she muttered embarrassingly.

"You are very light," he responded light-heartedly.

"This is the first time you have ever held me like this."

"I shall do it more often then."

He looked down at her, the fleeting moment caught unaware by the other members. Closing her eyes briefly Laeriel inhaled a breath, noticing how Legolas smelled of Mirkwood. Crisp and earthy, just like her home of Imladris. A wave of nostalgia washed over her like a blanket, and she realized just how much she really missed her home, her father, her brothers, and especially her sister.

A single tear slipped down her cheek, landing on the hand of Legolas. He made no inquires as to her crying, having felt her distress and weariness.

Slowly aided by the gentle rocking of Legolas' embrace, Laeriel closed her eyes.


"Laeriel open your eyes."

Blue eyes fluttered open.

"We are at the border of Lothlórien," Aragorn informed her.

Legolas let the elf-maiden down, steadying her as Laeriel adjusted. Never leaving his side the fair elf-maiden walked with the Mirkwood Prince, throwing her head back to admire the great trees towering over the Fellowship. Though she was less exhausted thanks to the light slumber, her body craved nutrition. She was hungry. Hungry and weary. The burning sensation had returned to her arm, which only served to irritate her further. Discreetly pulling at the hem of her sleeve, Laeriel made sure to hide it from the others.

"Stay close, young Hobbits! They say a great sorceress lives in these woods, an Elf-witch, of terrible power. All who look upon her, fall under her spell," warned Gimli, eyeing the woods suspiciously.

Laeriel frowned at his words. She knew Lothlórien was ruled by Lady Galadriel and Lord Celeborn, and the Lady was certainly no Elf-witch!

"Well, here is one Dwarf she won't ensnare so easily. I have the eyes of a hawk and the ears of a fox."

No sooner did Gimli finish his sentence did an arrow appear under his nose. Laeriel halted as one was also pointed at her. Legolas had taken back his bow, drawing an arrow of his own as his eyes remained alert, aiming the tip of it at one of the mysterious Elves.

"Oh," Gimli breathed in embarassment.

A figure stepped out in front of the Fellowship. He had long golden hair, half of which was pulled back from his face, sharp blue eyes, dark eyebrows, round face uncommon in Elves, and a prominent nose. His armor sparkled and glinted under the light of the woods. Immediately Laeriel felt her spirits lift. It had been a while since she'd last seen her dear friend.

"The Dwarf breathes so loud, we could have shot him in the dark," he said in a somewhat bored tone.

Gimli shifted uncomfortably. "Aragorn these woods are perilous. We must turn back."

"You have entered the realm of the Lady of the Wood. You cannot go back," the same Elf hissed to Gimli.

"Govannas vîn gwennen le, Haldir o Lórien," Legolas interjected stepping in front of Laeriel as he did so.

"Mae govannen, Legolas Thranduilion," greeted Haldir neutrally, keeping his voice as calm as he could. Then his gaze shifted over to where Aragorn was standing, and he gave a small bow to the ranger. "A, Aragorn in Dúnedain istannen le ammen," he said to the Ranger.

"Haldir o Lórien. Boe ammen veriad lîn. Andelu i ven. Merin le telim. Henio, aníron boe ammen i dulu lîn. Andelu i ven." Aragorn said, speaking to the golden-haired warrior in Elvish.

Haldir narrowed his eyes. "You bring great evil with you. You can go no further," he declared, turning to part with his group.

Laeriel stepped in front of her beloved and bowed her head slightly to the March-warden, a smile gracing her lips as she lifted up a hand. "Le suilon, Haldir o Lórien. It has been a while hasn't it?"

"Gi nathlam hí, Laeriel o Imladris. It has indeed, been a while since we last met," Haldir responded with a bow of his own.

Gimli grunted in annoyance. "So much for the legendary courtesy of the Elves! Speak words we can also understand!"

At this Haldir glowered darkly at Gimli. "We have not had dealings with the Dwarves since the Dark Days," he replied in a clipped voice.

"And you know what this Dwarf says to that?Ishkhaqwi ai durugnul!"

Not knowing what the words meant as Laeriel stared at the Dwarf, she couldn't mistake the venomous tone Gimli had used. Unlike the soft, melodious tongue of Elvish, Dwarvish sounded a lot more barbaric and composed of grunts.

Aragorn grabbed Gimli's arm. "That was not so courteous," he hissed to him.

Ignoring the comment that was just spoken by Gimli, Haldir scrutinized the Fellowship silently, his gaze lingering upon Laeriel as she stood next to Legolas.

"Follow me, but the Dwarf must be blindfolded," he said at last.

Before Gimli could protest to this, Legolas stepped up to face Haldir. "We shall all be blindfolded."

"Very well then."


Laeriel knew not how long they had been walking.

She gave a small yelp as her small frame crashed into a much larger one, judging from the absence of a tunic, the elf-maiden concluded it was Haldir she just walked into. A hand steadied her, one Laeriel recognized as not belonging to Legolas.

"The Lord and Lady welcome you. It is their wish your blindfolds be removed," Haldir stated.

Pulling off the blinding restraint from her eyes, she glanced about in awe, mesmerized by her surroundings as light flooded back into her pupils.

Haldir strode ahead of the Fellowship. "Caras Galadhon-the heart of Elvendom on earth. Realm of the Lord Celeborn and of Galadriel, Lady of Light."


Making their way up a winding staircase around one of the trunks, Laeriel remained transfixed by Lothlórien. It was twice the size of Imladris, and composed entirely of ancient trees. As Haldir led them over to an archway lit by blue and white lanterns, the elf-maiden felt the burning sensation start to fade away. Stopping at the archway the Fellowship waited a while before the two figures descended from the stairs.

The female was clad in white, her golden hair hung loosely around her shoulders, and her blue eyes radiated wisdom and kindness. Her companion bore the same looks, though his eyes held unwavering kindness in its place.

They had to be Galadriel and Celeborn.

"The Enemy knows you have entered here. What hope you had in secrecy is now gone," Celeborn observed the silent group. "Nine there are, yet ten there were, set out from Rivendell. Tell me where is Gandalf? For I much desire to speak with him."

Laeriel lowered her eyes as Galadriel flicked her gaze to Aragorn.

Gandalf the Grey did not pass the borders of this land.

The Lady of the Woods' voice drifted through the heads of all the members.

"He has fallen into shadow," Galadriel spoke in a soft voice, prompting her husband to face his wife.

"He was taken by Shadow and Flame; a Balrog of Morgoth. For we went needlessly into the net of Moria," interjected Legolas, explaining why Gandalf was not with the Fellowship. Another wave of sadness threatened to overwhelm Laeriel as she slipped her hand into Legolas', wanting to feel his warmth in her body.

"Needless were none of the deeds of Gandalf in life," Galadriel spoke with wisdom. "We do not yet know his whole purpose. Do not let the great emptiness of Khazad-Dûm fill your heart, Gimli, son of Glóin," she added kindly, looking upon Gimli with a reverent smile. The Dwarf lifted up his head to her gaze. "For the world has grown full of peril. And in all lands, love is now mingled with grief."

Laeriel reached out to pat Gimli on the shoulder, smiling when he returned the gesture.

"What becomes now of this Fellowship? Without Gandalf, hope is lost," posed Celeborn, lowering his eyebrows, seemingly speaking to himself and his wife.

"The quest stands upon the edge of a knife. Stray but a little and it will fail, to the ruin of all." Galadriel strengthened her gaze upon Boromir, then shifted to that of Sam's form near Frodo. "Yet hope remains while the company is true. Do not let your hearts be troubled," she gave them a smile. "Go now and rest for you are weary with sorrow and much toil. Tonight you will sleep in peace."

Can we really sleep in peace? Laeriel thought as she lowered her head.


The elf-maiden was shown a room, or rather, space in one of the great trees of Lórien, separated only by a single flight of stairs from her companions. She had grown used to being surrounded by the opposite gender, that it suddenly felt weird to be tended to by maids, but she didn't mind. One of them was her dear friend Loríeth, whom she had not seen in too many years. It was quite a pleasant surprise when she showed up, announcing that while Laeriel was here, she will be the one to tend to her.

"It's been so long Laeriel!" Loríeth embraced her friend.

"I missed you dear Loríeth," murmured the elf-maiden.

"How is Lord Elrond? And of your siblings?"

"Adar is doing fine as usual, so is Arwen. As for the twins...you don't need me to tell you what they're up to."

The two maidens burst into fits of laughter.

"I see you are wearing Prince Legolas' necklace on you. So tell me Laeriel, are you his betrothed now?"

At this Laeriel fingered the pendant. "Yes. He asked me in the gardens of Imladris, before our journey, and I accepted."

"Lord Elrond must be pleased that his house will unite with that of King Thranduil's," Lothiríel began brushing her friend's locks with a silver brush.

"What of yourself? Have you found someone to give your heart to?"

Lothiríel's hand stayed as she blushed. "I have."

"How did it go?"

"I have not yet told him how I feel."

"Who is it?"

"It is...Haldir...but he will never set eyes upon someone like myself," Loríeth sighed heavily, resuming her brushing of Laeriel's hair.

At this the elf-maiden grabbed her friend's hand, startling the poor maid as Laeriel stood up. "Why would Haldir not love someone as strong as you? You are the fairest and most courageous of the elf-maidens here in Lórien are you not?"

"My lady Laeriel...you do not understand."

"Tell him how you feel Lothiríel," insisted Laeriel. "You will not know how he responds unless you try right?"

"I-"

"Right?"

"Yes...you are right."


Legolas was walking down from one of the trees to check on Laeriel. He was clad in one of the silver robes given to him by a servant, in his hands was a pitcher of water which was meant to go to his beloved. Now that he was within the woods of Lothlórien, he felt more at ease and within his own realm.

"Wait a moment Legolas."

The Mirkwood Prince spun around to find Haldir walking towards him. "Haldir, what is it you need?"

"How have you and Lady Laeriel been?"

"Weary and exhausted," admitted Legolas softly. "This journey has taken its toll on all of us, but Frodo and Laeriel have suffered the most. The loss of Gandalf was a hard blow to the both of them."

Haldir understood what he meant. "It is a pity.Mithrandir was beloved by all here in Lórien."

"I fear that more allies will continue to fall until the One Ring has been destroyed."

"I noticed earlier Laeriel was wearing your pendant. You have asked her to become your betrothed, have you not?" Haldir smiled at the Prince.

"You are right, I have asked for her hand in marriage in the gardens of Imladris, before the start of our journey."

The March-warden smiled ruefully. "It must be nice to have the love of someone like Lady Laeriel."

"What of yourself Haldir? Do you not have someone you hold dear?"

"Perhaps...but I am afraid she does not think the same of me."

"What makes you say that?"

The golden-haired warrior faced his longtime friend, wondering if he should tell the Prince what has been on his mind lately. However Legolas was distracted by the sudden appearance of his beloved, who was followed closely behind by a maid he has not seen in quite some time.

"Prince Legolas," Lothiríel bowed her head towards the elf.

"Loríeth? Is that really you?" Legolas couldn't believe this was the same elf-maiden from long ago.

"Has my prince forgotten me already?" she teased with a smile.

Laeriel laughed. "Come Legolas, I want to see Lady Galadriel and Lord Celeborn."

The two walked off together towards the distant tree, leaving Lothiríel with Haldir. The elf-maiden suddenly became very self-conscious and nervous, bidding the March-warden a hasty farewell as she made her way to escape, but he caught her hand, stopping her in her tracks.

"My lord Haldir?"

"Loríeth...there's something I want to tell you," he said nervously.


Together Legolas and Laeriel ascended the spiral flight of stairs leading towards Galadriel's private quarters. She wanted to ask her grandmother about the strange markings on her wrist, but wanted the presence of Legolas there to give her support in whatever she was going to learn of. Their feet barely made any sound on the wood as they treaded quietly, eventually stopping when they saw Aragorn standing in front of the Lady of the Woods. They were whispering quietly to one another but the heightened hearing of the two Elves allowed them to pick up on the conversation.

"Am meleth dîn. I ant e guil Arwen Undómiel pígatha."

"Aníron i e broniatha, ad ae periatham athar i methid en-amar hen. Aníron i e círatha na Valannor."

"They're talking about Arwen," Laeriel whispered.

"Aragorn must be torn between his love for her, and having her take the ship to Valinor."

At that moment Aragorn lifted his eyes and noticed Legolas and his cousin standing there. Laeriel stepped out from behind the trunk of the tree, inclining her head towards Galadriel as the great Elf opened her arms, allowing the elf-maiden to embrace her.

"I have missed you," Laeriel murmured.

"Welcome back little Laeriel, though you are not little any longer."

The Ranger made to take his leave but Laeriel stopped him. "Wait, don't go yet cousin Aragorn."

"There is something you wish to ask of me?" Galadriel sensed her granddaughter's thoughts.

Taking a deep breath to steel herself for the ultimate truth, Laeriel lifted her arm and showed Galadriel the markings around her wrist, which had appeared again a while ago when she was talking to Lothiríel. The Lady of the Woods widened her eyes when she noticed the Black Speech marring the white skin, gently reaching out to trace the words with a slender finger.

"I want to know...who am I? Why is this on my hand? I know you have the power to reveal the past or future of anyone grandmother...so please, tell me who I really am," implored the elf-maiden.

Galadriel looked at her solemnly. "The truth is sometimes more unbearable than what we face at the present time. Are you sure you want to know your past? Knowing it could affect your outlook of the future?"

"I joined the Fellowship to discover who I really am. I'm ready grandmother, I'm ready to know the truth."

"Then I shall tell you the truth."


To be continued...

Review?

I'll provide translations for the Elvish spoken in this chapter.

See you all next chapter!

Shadow Songstress~

Govannas vîn gwennen le, Haldir o Lórien= Our Fellowship stands in your debt, Haldir of Lórien.

Mae govannen, Legolas Thranduilion= Welcome Legolas, son of Thranduil.

A, Aragorn in Dúnedain istannen le ammen= Ah, Aragorn of the Dúnedain, you are known to us.

Haldir o Lórien. Boe ammen veriad lin. Andelu i ven. Merin le telim. Henio, aníron boe ammen i dulu lîn. Andelu i ven= Haldir of Lórien. We need your protection. The road is very dangerous. I'm glad we came to you. Please understand, we need your support. The road is very dangerous.

Gi nathlam hí, Laeriel o Imladris= You are welcome here, Laeriel of Imladris.

Ishkhaqwi ai durugnul= I spit upon your ancestor's grave.

Am meleth dîn. I ant e guil Arwen Undómiel pígatha= For her love, I fear the grace of Arwen Evenstar will diminish.

Aníron i e broniatha, ad ae periatham athar i methid en-amar hen. Aníron i e círatha na Valannor= I would have her leave these shores and be with her people. I would have her take the ship to Valinor.