Hello to all my readers, as well as to those of you who are imensely pissed off because I have failed to finish off what I have started. I'm getting there.

I do not own, JRR Tolkien's Lord of the Rings- nor any of the movies or have any property claims over plot, storyline, characters. etc- save for Laiste and her story.

I hope you all enjoy, comment please!

Elvish translations:

Namárië, Brand, ná Elbereth veria le, ná elenath dín síla erin rád o chuil lín- Farewell, Brand, may Elbereth protect you, may her stars shine on the path of your life.

Belain na le- The Valar be with you

Ada- father

Namárië, mellon- Farewell friend

Hannon le- Thank you

Im gelir ceni ad lín, mellon-

Manen nalyë? - How are you?

Im maer- I'm well

Gen hannon- I thank you

Elleth- female elf

Eldar- the word used for elves who left the shores of Aman and took the Great Journey

Secret Souls

Chapter Ten- Ecthelion

The eve of the summer solstice was not quiet. While the tensions between those of Noldor and Teleri bloodlines had momentarily ceased in order to spend a few days together as our kind had once done in ages long gone by- there was still a sense of competition that filled the halls like an overstuff meat bun. Wandering through halls I silently marveled at the excited tension that rippled through the Last Homely House.

Strange scents floated from the kitchens, no doubt a combination of the various foods the three lands made. Everywhere warriors of each land gathered in small clusters, preparing for the display that was to be held at noon. Nodding to one of them I found it hard to maintain benign expression when I saw the flash of combat desire in another elf's gaze. There were only two people who could ever hope to achieve that which all the rest longed for, of that I was confident- though a new challenge was always welcome. Peace had rested on the land for quite some time now and the desire to draw something more than a practice weapon was strong. Soon. Soon my sword would be drawn- though not for the reasons it had once been.

For a moment I paused and closed my eyes, reaching out with my fëa I searched for Laiste. The faint reply I received was enough and I descended the nearest stair and head towards the gardens. It was not long until I found her and for a moment I wished I was as artistic as Glorfindel for what lay before me was nothing more than absolute beauty. Laiste sat on the grass, feet dipped into the sighing river as she held a book in her hands. Pale blonde, almost white locks lay loose and danced lightly in the gentle summer breeze as her bright blue eyes concentrated on the words that lay before her, unaware of the way the water reflected upon them or of the watcher. This was it- everything I had fought for in all those dark times. Peace.

"Another book? If you continue on like this Lord Elrond's library will have to be expanded merely to keep you entertained." I called walking lightly over.

A warm smile and a light laugh welcomed my words as Laiste stood, "It is not as though I have much else to do, save wait."

Nodding at her statement I continued, "I believe however, that is safe to say that our waiting is finished and our patience is going to be truly fruitful, especially after the mid-day meal."

"-which we ought to be heading to now?"

Laiste's subtle reminder drew another nod from me and together we walked back towards the House discussing much of what had been missed and her readings. The mid-day meal was light and pleasantly charged with anticipation for the upcoming trials. At last the Lords, Ladies, and King stood and led the way to the ring. Laiste and I joined those of Imladris and together we participants moved towards the ring, saying little more than the traditional words of luck and well wishes. Today we would show all the strength of Imladris- though I was certain more than one group was thinking the same thing for their respective groups and nations.

After we arrived we stood respectfully in front of the rulers of elvendom on Arda and listened as each made a short speech dictating their expectations of their citizens in regards to conduct and their confidence that each would bring pride to their homes and kingdoms. King Thranduil's words were especially confident even though his all of his troops numbered less than those of the Galadhrim who had chosen to participate in the event.

I must have looked irritated for Glorfindel silently place a hand on my forearm and murmured words low enough that only I could hear, "Easy my friend, remember the Last Alliance."

Memories of those seven long years at the Siege of Barad-dûr and the numbers of lives lost by all of our forces darkened my mind for a few moments. A deep sorrow awakened in my breast as having pushed aside those many memories of long wars and the years of darkness. Yet another hand, this one on my opposite forearm, pulled me from those dark memories and I looked down at Laiste who smiled kindly up at me, "It is alright, long years have passed since those darkened times. King Thranduil still hurts from those dark days for he lost more than most."

Her hand slipped away, returning to her side as she turned her head to listen and watch Lord Elrond voice his thoughts and confidence in his people. "We all hurt from those dark days."

For a moment Glorfindel's grip on my arms tightened and a part of my mind assumed that in that moment he saw the very same thing I did. Her blue eyes dark and serious, like they had been in Gondolin; filled with an understanding of the possibility of death and the fierce light of determination. Then a pipe sounded signaling the start of the display and the image was gone.

Together all of the participants moved to one side as servants began to set up the ring and fill the far end with a line of four targets. Archery would be first, it seemed. Glorfindel merely pointed to Elladan and three others, all of whom grinned and began warming up.

The first three performed well enough, though compared to our woodland kin they were not as accurate nor as skilled. Elladan walked up to his spot along with two others and murmurs broke out, for there on the line stood the Marchwarden himself, and between both men stood young prince Legolas. He couldn't have been any more than twenty seven years of age and for a moment I wondered what the King had in mind sending out a child.

Elladan shot first, his grey fletched arrow hitting on the line between the bullseye and the ring just around it. The dark haired elf frowned, evidently displeased with his shot but gracefully stood aside to allow the Marchwarden his shot. I watched keenly, analyzing every movement and committing it to memory as he drew a white fletched arrow from a full quiver and knocked it on the string, before raising the bow and pulling the taunt string back. Each movement was slow and deliberate and for many long moments he stood there eyeing the target, before releasing the string. The pale arrow flew straight and true, hitting dead center. Loud cheers broke through the crowd but the Marchwarden merely inclined his head and stepped aside. Once more silence descended as the young prince stepped forwards. In a surprisingly quick move the young lad knocked an arrow and drew the string back and released. The arrow cut through wind and tore straight through the middle of the Marchwarden's pale arrow as it lodged itself dead center in the target.

For a moment stunned silence coated the ring and the surrounding bystanders before large cheers erupted from the Greenwood contingent. The prince smiled at little and bowed two his two competitors and then to the rulers before returning to his group, all of whom warmly congratulated their prince with cheers, pats on the back, praise.

"That lad will be a fine warrior and asset to his people." I murmured.

Glorfindel grinned, "Is that praise that I hear Lord Fountain?"

Lightly frowning at my friend I informed him that it would be rude to do anything less than offer the boy praise for his actions, which clearly displayed his skill. Laiste stifled a chuckle at the response before elbowing her knight master. "It seems that the crowd is ready for more."

The hour that followed displayed many of the capabilities of our people, from staff fighting to knife fighting, to fighting blindfolded. Each of our kin carried distinctly stronger traits, especially when it came to knife fighting, due to Imladris only having one who constantly practiced such an art daily.

"Before our final test of the mind and body with the art of the sword- I would ask the call upon two warriors whom many of you know. Lord Glorfindel of the House of the Golden Flower and Lord Ecthelion of the House of the Fountain, both of these warriors have done much for our people in the past and have volunteered to display a form that many of our kind have forgone." Elrond continue going on about what was coming as I glanced at Glorfindel who smirked confidently back at me.

Easily we both moved into the ring and bowed as one to the rulers of elvendom. Turning to my old friend I bowed to him. We were opposing reflections of one another, dark and light, black haired and blonde, Flower and Fountain. As one we clasped hand briefly before turning around and walking three even paces away from one another. We face each other ready.

"Today Ecthelion I will break our long standing tie." Glorfindel declared, his playful voice hiding his true intentions.

"Come and try flower-girl." I replied.

Glorfindel's blue eyes narrowed and it began. Unarmed he sprang forwards lashing out with swift kicks.