Chapter 10

Two weeks had gone by and sometimes it felt as if the Fellowship had just left. Living in Lorien changed me, for the better of course. I no longer cared about feeling like an outsider to the Elves and felt a part of their wonderful life. I was starting to speak decent Elvish, my archery skills continued to improve under the guidance of Haldir and his brothers. However, when night fell I always thought of Legolas and our night on the patio, I began to think about him and what he was doing. It was crazy how much he would randomly pop up in my mind.

What made today different was a messenger, carrying a letter. After I shut the door to my flat I went straight for the patio before I opened the seal. Neat hand writing sprawled across the parchment. I did not even read past my name until looking that the bottom to see who had sent me the letter. Breaking out into a grin, I laughed…. why who else but the person plaguing my thoughts…. Legolas.

Samantha, every night when I look at the stars I think of your patio; making me think of you. I know you must be thinking of the Fellowship and how we are doing since we last parted ways. We lost Boromir but he died brave and true. I am sorry. His death touched everyone greatly. It has been a long journey, shortly after his passing the Fellowship broke. Frodo and Sam went off alone on the perilous journey to Mordor; Merry and Pippin were captured and Aragorn, Gimli and I will be tracking them in hopes to save them.

I hope that you are still continuing your archery training and are settling in life in Lorien. How I miss Lorien! I will write when I can and hope you are well.

Legolas.

I couldn't help but smile at such a touching gift of wanting to write me a letter. It was sad to think of Boromir and it was hard to grasp that he was truly gone or that Frodo and Sam were off on their own making their way to Mordor. Gandalf was brought back to life and stopped briefly in Lorien before going after the Fellowship and I wondered if they crossed paths yet. I was tempted to tell Gandalf that I wished to join him on his journey, but felt that it wasn't my place to ask such a thing.

'Lady Samantha?' Teear called from inside

'I'm out here!' I called folding up the letter as I stood to go back inside.

'Ah I was wondering where you were.' Teear said with a smile then glancing at the letter in my hand 'You got a letter?'

'Yes, it was just brought to me.' I state with a smile putting the letter in my healing book

'Who wrote may I ask.' Teear asked teasingly

'Legolas wrote, and updated me on how the travel was going.' I reply

'If I didn't know any better it seems that someone is smitten with you.' Teear states her smile widening

'Wha- no.' I exclaim laughing, feeling both nervous and invigorated by the thought but shook it off 'There's no way.'

'Who would write a letter while on a perilous adventure?' Teear states with a grin 'He is smitten with you.'

I choose not to answer but blushed which made her laugh and me shocked that I was getting affected so much. She grabbed my hand and dragged me away to our sewing lessons. She teased me throughout the lesson and the days that followed. I hated to admit it but I kept wishing I could reply but I knew that I could not risk such a thing.

Not even a week later I received another letter from Legolas stating that Gandalf was alive and Merry and Pippin were safe and staying in Fanghorn Forrest. He stated that they traveled to Edoras and wished that I would be there, to see more of Middle Earth but there was evil and it was affecting Edoras and the people there. They were to travel again just after arriving and a letter was sent from Aragorn to the Lord and Lady of Lorien.

I put the letter down curious on if Aragorn was writing to ask for help for what I assumed was their journey to Helms Deep. I undressed and went to bed dreaming of a certain blue eyed elf. The next morning, I had archery practice and after a bath I walked to the library where I was free to roam. I loved this library, there was many different spots to sit and secret little corners that had comfy little chairs or cushions. It of course always reminded me of Aegnor and made me wonder what ever happened to him. I never did receive a letter and I shortly stopped after the first letter I wrote. Yet, while it reminded me of him I was more disappointed that I could not show Legolas.

I took a small lunch with me while I went for a walk with Teear. Since the Fellowship left I had grown very close to the elleth and we spent our free time doing many things which helped keep me distracted and busy. That evening I was summoned to meet Lady Galadriel, at first I thought we were heading to her study but instead we took the path towards where the Fellowship stayed but we went passed it and I was left alone in a clearing where she was standing next to her mirror.

Beckoning me towards her I walked down the stairs and greeted her.

'Would you like to look in the waters?' She states with a neutral expression

Do I want to look in the waters? That is a good question, much could happen by looking in the water and it doesn't necessarily mean good things. Sighing I nodded my head and walked up to the stone pillar where the bowl stood. I looked once more at her and she gave me comforting smile to continue. At first I could see my reflection but slowly the water rippled and showed something quite different.

It showed me in the elevator but from another person's point of view and I watched as they reached out and touched my shoulder and it was then when I realized that while I had been lost in my own thoughts that the minute they touched me is the moment when the elevator acted up. Who was this person! Were they the reason why I showed up here!?

The waters blurred again and I was shown the future of Frodo and Sam and my heart poured out to them. They were dirty, exhausted and were now in the company of Gollum. Frodo seemed to be asking Sam for something is their pack, and what they pulled out was…my pouch! Sam took only a sip and Frodo drained the rest.

Yet once more the waters changed showing myself with my backed turned, I turned as someone must have called my name but….it wasn't really me. I - I looked like an elf…that's not possible. I jerked back from the waters and looked up at her

'I know what you saw in the mirror.' Lady Galadriel states motioning me to the bench to sit down next to her

'Who was that person that touched me in the elevator? Are they responsible for sending me here?' I started as many questions began running through my head and what was that, it was me…but I looked like an elf!?'

'A vision came to me in the mirrors this morning showing that same scene of someone touching your shoulders and I have come to the decision that Yavanna through the work of Iluvatar had decided to bring you here. I cannot say what the reason may be but I would council that this is a new life for you. Perhaps it is up to you to decide.' Lady Galadriel states with a smile

'Iluvatar…. brought me here?! I feel as if I am one step closer to an answer but yet again it has been hidden for me.' I state frustrated that this seems to just open up more questions than answering them.

'None knows the truth behind his ways but have faith. It is your fate that you were brought here from your world.' Lady Galadriel responds gently, 'I know it may seem to cause more questions but take this as a sign that you were meant to come here, and live out your life here.'

'But what about the image of me as elf, surely that cannot be real. I'm human.' I state trying to keep myself calm

'It is possible that it may be real or, perhaps you were shown this vision because Iluvatar wished it to be so. Many things come from the mirror and not all are true.' Lady Galadriel began patting my hands before continuing 'perhaps the vision is a suggestion. That because you were brought here that Iluvatar will allow a request for a change of form should you decide that a life as an elf is who you are supposed to be. But caution! To change forms granted by the Iluvatar will not come without consequence or pain.'

'This is…. just overwhelming.' I state my shoulders starting to slump and how much more complicated things became and still more questions left unanswered.

'I will remind you of our first meeting, make a life here and find a purpose. It is then that you may begin to see your path….and perhaps the answers that you seek.' Lady Galadriel states rising and taking my hand

'Come, be at peace! Rest now and think no more of what you saw in the mirror. I would like to meet with you tomorrow morning to discuss other matters at hand.' Lady Galadriel state before walking away

With heavy legs and a heavy heart, I walked slowly to my room and immediately went to bed too overwhelmed to think. I awoke the next morning from Teear who had got a bath ready for me and while I washed she cleaned the room and picked out a dress for me to wear to my meeting with Lady Galadriel. I thanked Teear for her help and made my way to the main heart of the city to get to Lady Galadriel.

I was announced in the hall and waited as I was ushered back in the same room I had my first meeting with Lady Galadriel.

'Good morning Lady Samantha, please take a seat.' Lady Galadriel motioned with a smile 'yesterday we received a letter from Aragorn concerning the Fellowships journey. Based on what you saw in the mirror last night, perhaps you already knew that the Fellowship would break. You gave a pouch to Frodo and Sam knowing that the contents would help their journey.'

I winced at her tone, 'Yes I did know that the Fellowship would not stay together but go their own separate ways. I thought that while I cannot tell them what I know I wanted to at least give Frodo and Sam aid on their journey. It has been increasingly more difficult keeping silent about my knowledge, especially now that they are my family in a way.' I increasing felt nervous under her gaze, now doubting whether I should have given Frodo the pouch.

'I will only caution that to have this knowledge is a burden you must deal with. While your intentions were true remember that while talking about what you know worries you; interfering may also change situations. It does not mean that the change will be for the worse, but it is a thought that you should think about.' Lady Galadriel states firmly 'Remember that as we face the battle against what is Evil. However, I brought you here because Aragorn is in need of aid.'

'Oh?' I asked curious

'Rohan is getting raided by Urakai, who work for Saruman. Aragorn wrote that King Théoden is emptying the land and they are fleeing on foot to Helm's Deep. Gandalf has gone after Eomer and his men in order to bring more aid to Helm's Deep. Gandalf and Aragorn are worried that they are falling to a trap.' Lady Galadriel began

'It doesn't sound good.' I reply realizing where they were.

'I had a vision that Men would need aid and I have already spoken to Lord Elrond. A small number of Elves are already on their way here to meet with the Galadhrim, and together they are to take the road to Helms Deep in the hope to aid them.' Lady Galadriel states firmly 'I believe that it is time you rejoined your fellow companions. What the mirror has shown makes me believe that you are part of this and that it may be worse hiding you.' She turned towards me, gauging my reaction.

'Oh.' I states very confused and shocked 'I…I have to admit I did think about the idea about following the Fellowship. But I have no battle experience and to go where they go, would certainly mean that.'

She smiled sweetly before responding 'It is true that danger follows them on their path but while it was not intended for you to be a part of the Fellowship it happened none the less. I can feel that there is a divide by you staying in Lorien. I will not force you to leave but you have until tomorrow at sunrise to decide. If you decide to go, go to where the Fellowship stayed and a guide with take you to the group.'

'Oh.' I respond feeling speechless

What the hell just happened!? Don't get me wrong I always played with the idea that I would follow them, I mean who wouldn't. However, what scared me the most was I did not feel confident in my archery skills to be able to go into battle. I had made it back to my room and decided yet again sleep was the only answer I had tonight.