Chapter 11: Lothlórien

Their journey to the woods had been in extreme haste. The looming threat of being attacked by the Orcs after nightfall made their wariness dissipate, for the time being. As they stepped through the edge of the forest Satine knew that they were being watched. Ignoring Gimli's boasts, she notched her bow. Moments later a patrol of elves had surrounded them. Her arrow was poised at the leader whom watched her wearily, as did the rest of the guards. Aragorn physically lowered her bow much to her annoyance.

By nightfall they reached the elves post which was situated high within the trees. The Marchwarden turned his attention to the Fellowship to give their greetings, "Mae govannen, Legolas Thranduilion." (Welcome Legolas, son of Thranduil.)

"Govannas vîn gwennen le, Haldir o Lórien." replied Legolas. ((Our Fellowship stands in your debt, Haldir of Lórien."

Blue eyes turned to hers with weariness filling them. A satisfied smirk came to her lips. "Mára aurë"(Hello) Haldir's eyebrows rose with the familiarity she showed him.

"Iston le? Man eneth lín?" asked Haldir. (Have we met? What's your name)

"Nin estar Satine. Telin o Imladris, nin atar na Elrond." (The call me Satine. I'm from Rivendell, my father is Elrond.)

Satine could tell that Haldir had figured out her identity but he gave no comment as he turned to Aragorn. "A, Aragorn in Dúnedain istannen le ammen."(Oh, Aragorn of the Dúnedain, you are known to us.)

"Haldir" was Aragorn's reply.

Gimli whom had been silent during their greetings decided that he had enough of, "So much for the legendary courtesy of the Elves! Speak words we can also understand!"

Haldir's gaze seemed almost annoyed by the dwarf, "We have not had dealings with the Dwarves since the Dark Days." She rolled her eyes, males.

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

Satine felt Legolas tense beside her as well as the rest of the guards that were upon the platform. Haldir had taken a step back. She sighed, this was not going well.

Aragorn's reaction was quite different; in one swift movement he had grasped Gimli's shoulder in a firm grip which she assumed was painful and said "That was not so courteous."

Haldir's eyes were drawn to Frodo, "You bring great evil with can go no further."

The next half an hour was passed by listening to Aragorn arguing their case with Haldir, whom remained unmoving in his decision for them to remain out of the city. Legolas stood beside her as they watched the argument. She was getting royally annoyed that their journey was being stopped because of The Ring and that this elf would send them out in the dark knowing Orcs would be searching for them. Ignoring Legolas' grip on her arm she moved to stand beside Aragorn. Her voice held no room for argument, "You will us to my grandmother Haldir or you will not enjoy the consequences." The air around them grew glacially cold. Her eyes were as hard as ice as she kept them locked with Haldir's. She heard the sound of notching bows around her which brought a look of triumph to Haldir's face but she was not to be deterred. Ice began to encrust itself on the guards' bows. Gasps of fear were the reaction much to her happiness. Haldir's smile was gone.

"You will follow me."

With that the ice and the cold dissipated. Aragorn looked at Satine in shock with a mixture of awe. Never before had he been reminded of their companion's nobility then right now. She was the daughter to Lord Elrond and grand daughter to Lady Galadriel and Lord Celeborn as well as the last of the Elementals. All those hear were below her and yet she never mentioned her standing. From the corner of his eye he watched as Legolas moved to walk beside her. Even the elven prince was not even near her standing but the closest amongst them. The Ranger had been surprised by his dear friend's attachment to the Elemental. Never had he seen his friend show any romantic attention to a female be it a woman or an elleth. Now when all hope was almost lost and the end near his friend's heart was being stirred by an Elemental of all things. A smile crept at his lips as he watched how Satine always seemed to keep a foot of distance between herself and the prince. It would seem that his friend would have a lot of work to do to capture the maiden's eye as she had captured his.

They walked through the night until they reached Caras Galadhon. The Fellowship gazed upon the large green trees in awe. Hadlir led them through the woods only when nightfall ascended did they arrive in the city. Satine could not believe how beautiful the city was even with Lady Galadriel description of it she was still awestruck. Intricate talans lay high within the trees with masterfully carved staircases winding up the large trunks to the talans. The homes and structures were apart of the wood unlike homes that Men made. Those of the Eldar did not destroy nature like Men did; they respected nature which se wondered if that was why she seemed more attached to that race now then Man. She had once been part of the race of Man and yet…she found herself less attached to Man. Elves were peeking through the windows of talans and stopping to watched the strange companions pass through their city. Many looked upon her while tilting their heads to her in welcome. She returned their greetings. Her companions were puzzled by the greetings and yet understood her standing then.

They walked up a large winding staircase towards large intricate citadel. When reaching the platform they stood before a large staircase, waiting. From the light came forth the forms of Lady Galadriel and Lord Celeborn.

Lord Celeborn is the first to speak, "The Enemy knows you have entered here. What hope you had in secrecy is now gone. Nine there are here, yet ten there were, set out from Rivendell. Tell me, where is Gandalf? For I much desire to speak with him…I can no longer see him from afar."

Lady Galadriel has read the answer from their eyes, in a voice filled with sorrow she says, "Gandalf the Grey did not pass the borders of this land. He has fallen into shadow."

Legolas chose to elaborate, "He was taken by both Shadow and Flame: a Blarog of Morgoth. For we went needlessly into the net of Moria."

"Needless were non of the deeds of Gandalf in life." Said Lady Galadriel, "We do not yet know his whole purpose. Do not let the great emptiness of Khazad-dûm fill your heart, Gimli, son of Glóin. For the world has grown full of peril. And in all lands, love is now mingled with grief."

"What now becomes of this Fellowship? Without Gandalf, hope is lost." Said Lord Celeborn.

Lady Galadriel whom has more hope for their quest then her husband says, "The quest stands upon the edge of a knife. Stray but a little and it will fail to the ruin of all. Yet hope remains while the company is true. Do not let your hearts be troubled. Go now and rest for you are weary with sorrow and much toil. Tonight you will sleep in peace."

All except Satine are led away from the Lord and Lady, whom is standing before them. Legolas looks over his shoulder at his companion. But he is firmly maneuvered down the staircase. Once alone Lady Galadriel opened her arms in welcome, accepting the unspoken invitation Satine hugs her adopted grandmother for the first time, Lord Celebron stroked her hair. None spoke as they basked in each other's presence. Lady Galadriel held Satine at arm's length, looking her over. An eyebrow rose when she noticed how clean she looked.

The Lady's voice was filled with amusement as she said, "For one coming from such a dangerous journey through Moria you are entirely too clean." A blush rose to her cheeks, unsure of what to say.

With a laugh Lord Celeborn took Satine's arm in a gentle hold leading her up the staircase to their talan, "Come, he said, we have much to speak on."

After a nice long soak in a hot bath in the bathing chamber within her grand parents talan, she changed into a gown of blue silk. Thankful to finally wear comfortable clothing and to have been placed before food, a smile was permanent upon her lips. At the table sat her grandparents watching silently as she nibbled upon fruit and cheeses, letting her eat a bit to regain some strength.

Lord Celeborn was the first to break the comfortable silence, "It would seem that the journey to destroy The One Ring will become more perilous. Without Gandalf's wisdom to guide you it would seem that you would lose your edge."

"I do not believe so…I believe that there is still hope, a silver lining in our cloud." Satine said between bites.

Lady Galadriel placed a comforting hand upon her husbands shoulder, "We must not doubt in their quest just yet, even with Gandalf's loss. Our granddaughter is an Elemental; she is next to the future king the most important player in this war Their choices will shape what will come."

Lord Celeborn looked at his new grand daughter with sorrow, he worried for her safety. She was too young to be endangering her life like this. Sensing her grandfather's worries she placed her hand upon his.

"I might be young for an Eldar but I am by no means unskilled or immature. I know who I am now, the Last the Elementals, the new generation of the Elementals, a woman that knows herself and a warrior."

"It would seem that you shall be tested in your own battles in the coming future. I brought you here to help with the darkness, because of how diluted the Elementals' blood is in your old world it took me many years to locate you. It would seem as if Saruman also decided to find the Elementals' and he has. The other three have been found. They are at Isengard."

Satine's breath hitched, "No…" She could feel a vice gripping her heart, it just could not be. Their enemy had the others, her people. "You mean I'm not the only one? Not the Last?"

Lord Celeborn grasped her hands firmly, "They are not like you now, and they are under the wizard's control. They are untrained, leaderless and dangerous. You must be on your guard."

"I must save them…" Satine looked upon the fair visage of her grandmother waiting for her answer. She had not planned this, never in her wildest dreams had she expected that the Elementals' would return to Middle Earth, never did she think they would fall into the hands of Saruman and Sauron… This was not good.

Lady Galadriel nodded, knowing that her grand daughter knew what was expected of her. "It is time for you to rest. Go now and seek your bed." Knowing a dismissal when she heard one, Satine kissed her grandparents goodbye then was led to where the Fellowship was staying. As the encampment came into her view she noticed that Aragorn and Legolas were sitting on the outskirts speaking to one another. As drew nearer they turned to her. She knew then that they had been worried about her but it was unfounded. She had been with her grandparents for goodness sakes!

In her heart she knew what was needed of her now. Her destiny was laid before her feet; it was now up to her to walk it, alone. No one but herself could defeat and unite the Elementals. And yet…

Aragorn and Legolas sat on a log a few ways away from their camp waiting, well Legolas was. Aragorn smiled at his friend whom was silent in his vigil of their surroundings, it almost looked as if he was keeping watch but Aragorn knew better. Not only were they extremely safe within the Golden Wood but the safere were hundreds of guards surrounding the woods to protect it and its inhabitants. With a smirk Aragorn said, "She is with Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel, she is quite safe with them. She will return once she has spent some time with her family."

"I know." said Legolas, "I know." He knew that his worries were unfounded their companion Satine was safe but he still worried for she was not here with him. His eyes continued to scan the trees looking for a sign of her. Never in his long life had he ever felt more insecure then now. He knew nothing about her and yet from what little he ha learned about her, he had found that it added to her appeal, an enigma that he would find great joy in solving, but she seemed unwilling to have her secrets solved. A flicker of blue appeared behind a tree. After a few moments the sound of soft steps reached him as she turned to face them. He felt the air leave his lungs, she was so beautiful. Flowing wine hair, milky skin wrapped in a pale blue gown. His feet moved with their own accord.

Aragorn watched as Legolas and Satine stood before one another neither saying a word. Satine had a cocked eyebrow directed at the elf standing before blocking her way to their camp. Legolas whom was ignoring the annoyed look of the lady before him looked her over. Aragorn quietly left both of his companions to whatever they were going to be doing.

"Why aren't you resting Legolas?"

"I was waiting for you to return. I wanted to make sure you were alright." said the unsure prince.

She bit her lip to stop the sarcastic remarks from coming forth. She knew he meant well but seriously just because she was a woman did not make her any weaker then the others.

Legolas was surprised by the sparks of anger that lay within her eyes, but could guess their origins. This woman was filled with a pride that he was beginning to understand was towards her gender. She prided herself in being equal to males. "Do not misunderstand me. It has nothing to do with you being a female. I care for your well being-"

Satine cut him off, "I know your heart is hurt from Gandalf's passing but rest assured that I am well. Now find some rest we are well protected. Good night Prince Legolas."

She swiftly moved around the stunned prince, heading towards her small tent that had been prepared for her use. Legolas remained frozen at the spot where they had held their discussion. Had he just been dismissed?

The next morning found Satine up before the others in The Fellowship. Taking her weapons she headed towards the training fields for some much needed drills. Walking through the just waking city she felt her spirits lift. It felt so peaceful here compared to outside these woods were fear seemed to choke the air. Even at the early hour there were some elves training on the grounds, sparring. As she drew near all stopped to look upon the new arrival surprised to see a young woman walking towards them in barely any clothing. Satine had to admit to herself that her daisy dukes, travel boots and tank top were not a usual outfit but she needed her drills not to be obstructed by clothing. She placed her large bow and quiver on the trunk of the nearest tree trunk.

"I would like to challenge the best warrior here, whom ever you are come forth." Satine looked at the elves before her awaiting a response.

A handsome elf came forth whom held a striking resemblance to Haldir. "I am, milady. My name isRúmil."

"We will fight without weapons, Rúmil. Try to keep up." She said with a hint of smugness.

Both warriors took their positions before one another. Per her usual strategy she waited for her opponent's first move. Rúmil moved swiftly towards her. She dodged to his left taking a hold of his arm to lock it being his back her other arm coming to wrapped itself around his throat in a dangerously tight hold. He struggled in her hold but she jabbed her knee in his back that was unprotected by armor. She released him as he fell to his knees. But recovered swiftly, a smile came to her lips.

The warriors within the Fellowship left the Hobbits to their rest as they headed for the training grounds. As they grew nearer they began to here a ruckus coming from the training grounds. Taking their place in the crowd of elves that were in a circle surrounding the grounds, cheering at the battle that was taking place they found that Satine was sparring against an elf with swords. Her opponent held a few small cuts upon his arms, chest and legs.

"Now this is quite interesting!" exclaimed Gimli.

Legolas watched as Satine pushed her blade against her opponents with strength he never knew she possessed. In a show of grace she spun behind her opponent pushing her blade into the back of his neck. The elf froze in all movement. It was over. She shook her opponents hand with a large smile on her face, breathing heavily.

Legolas took in her heaving bosom, flushed skin and disheveled hair. Her moss green eyes turned to his finally noticing that they had joined them. He was shocked by her outfit her leggings were scandalously short showing almost all her legs, at least her boots covered her calves. He exchanged a look with Aragorn unsure about what they should do.

Another elf approached their female companion soon after they had taken their positions ready for the next battle. The elf prince's eyes widened as he watched as she crouched into her position, her loose top revealing the top creamy globes. A spark of something he could not name erupted within him for how many could see her secrets. How could she be letting them see her dressed like that?

The battle was quick her opponent had been defeated with little effort from her. She moved towards them giving the sword to an elf. Finally she stopped before them with a happy smile on her lips and a sparkle in her eye.

"That was a remarkable battle! Lady Satine you are a remarkable warrior!" said Gimli with enthusiasm.

Boromir voice was not filled with enthusiasm as he said, "Milady I believe it would be best if you would change into something that benefits your station."

The sparkle left her eyes, her voice a hiss "My station? Am I to be confined to nothing but gowns because of my station? I am an independent woman Boromir keep your comments to yourself for you know nothing!" She pushed her way passed them to take hold of her weapons as she left the grounds.

Aragorn moved to follow her but Legolas took hold of his shoulder following instead. He finally caught up to her at the river. Her weapons were lying beside her as she sat staring at the cool water. Her boots were near her weapons for she had her feet in the cool water. He sat beside her, looking at her stoic expression. Moments passed without word becoming almost uncomfortable.

"Are you here to lecture of my inappropriate attire?" snapped Satine.

Caution was key to handle this situation; Legolas' voice was soft as he spoke, "No… But do not let your anger cloud your heart. Boromir was not trying to offend you but protect your reputation. Is this attire appropriate where you are from?"

Satine tried to keep herself in check she knew she was having a bit of a culture shock moment they were rare but every once in a while she found herself frustrated that females were expected to be proper and she was the furthest thing from being a proper miss.

"I know Boromir was not trying to be reprimanding but… Where I am from women wear what they desire. What I am wearing is not in the least inappropriate. Anyways this outfit does not obstruct any of my movements."

"You are from a strange world milady."

"I could say the same thing, milord." a small laugh in her voice.

He was taken aback by the sound of her small laugh, never before had he heard emit such a carefree sound. "What is it like back in your world?"

"I don't consider it mine anymore really; Middle Earth is my home now. The world I come from is very different then here. Forest and nature aren't held in such high esteem. The world is made of metal, glass and brick. Greed is the driving force in the society that I am from. Family is not as important also, well depending from where you're from that is but in most places family is not a sacred bond." Her voice had grown sad.

Legolas was speechless from the picture that she had painted of her world. It sounded desolate.

"But it is still beautiful for we still have some protected forests that are protected and not everything is corrupted. There is hope for my old world I suppose. But Middle Earth is beautiful I hope one day I'll see it rid of all evil. You are from Mirkwood?" Eyes the color of moss turned to him.

"Yes…" His voice leaving him as her eyes continued to hold his.

Satine unaware of her effect on the elf smiled and turned her eyes to the cool river, her toes making ripples in the river's surface. "What is it like? Is it like Rivendell or Lothlórien?"

A smile was instantly at his lips as he recalled his home, "The woods near my home are old and majestically beautiful. We live in a castle that is carved in the mountain it is quite interesting for not many elves live in stone but we do for it is an old custom. What is the truly most memorable from my home are the sunsets when the warm light from the fading touch the grey of the stone of the castle of stone. The walls glow."

"It sounds lovely…" Satine's voice trailed off as she tried to picture his home but her mind would never be able to do it justice.

"One day if you wish you should come visit me in my home." He felt uncertain about placing himself at such a delicate situation.

"I would love to!" Her smile was simply dazzling.

Suddenly she stood looking at the water with longing. Biting her lip she gave a look of uncertainty. "Do you mind if I take a swim?"

"No…I don't mind…Why do you ask?"

She did not answer him but began taking off the rest of her clothes. Her short leggings fell to her feet as did the strange tunic. He knew he should be looking away but his body would not cooperate. He felt heat come to his face. She was wearing nothing but two pieces of clothing that he could not recognize. But she was in the water shortly after.

Legolas blinked at the water not believing what had just happened, what had happened? The water was quite clear at the surface but the bottom was dark. He looked in the water but could not see her. Minutes passed but she did not resurface, he was getting worried. He stood trying in vain to locate her when the sound of footballs came up behind him. Turning swiftly he was surprised to see Lady Galadriel. Bowing low he greeted the new arrival.

"No need for formalities Legolas and do not worry Satine is quite safe. She is laying in the water it is a way to reconnect herself with her Element. Please sit."

Both elves sat themselves upon the cool grass in silence. "She is very different Legolas, she is like no other in Middle Earth. Do you understand of the severity of your differences? It will be a challenge to love her; she will challenge you in all you do. Satine is not one to submit to the will of any even her husband's. She does believe in comprise and trust but she does not believe in love. Her heart is well guarded do you have the will to infiltrate it, young prince?"

Staring at the water where the topic of their discussion had disappeared to he struggled to explain his feelings. "I don't truly know if I will be able to make her interested in me but I will put all my efforts into winning her heart. I'm very aware that she is different but that just adds to her appeal. I do not love her yet but I can feel it growing everyday. I fear and anticipate that I will be very soon. I will make her believe in love if I have to."

Lady Galadriel worried for the elven prince before her. Could he really be able to heal Satine's wounds? She had seen her passed, it was not pretty. She had lost much as well as gained little for all she had given of herself. But as she gazed into the honest eyes of the elf before her she felt hope for the first time in regards to Satine's future. "I will leave you some advice Legolas in wooing your chosen. Never lie to her no matter how ugly the truth, never touched another after you have touched her. Do not place her in a cage, llet her fly free for her show of love is that she will stay with you. Also be direct that is the only way she will believe you are serious."

Puzzled by her choice of words, Legolas asked "Direct, what do you mean?"

With an all knowing smile she answered, "Do not walk on eggshells around her, prince."

With her wisdom given she rose and left as silently as she had come, leaving the prince filled with as many questions as before.

Minutes passed without a ripple upon the cool surface of the river. He had no need to worry but he was curious of what exactly she was doing, down there. Finally a red hair floated to the surface followed by the surfacing nymph that he had been waiting for. He turned around to and refused to be tempted to watch her. The rustling of cloth told him that she was redressing herself in more sensible attire. "Legolas I want to apologize if I made you uncomfortable before when I…well for my inappropriate behavior infront of you. Ladies to not strip off their clothes before a male like that I'm sure. Do you forgive me?"

Legolas said to the tree before him, "Of course no worries."

Satine finished placing her tank top on but did not tell her companion to turn around. She was confused about her attitude towards him. She felt the need to be guarded but he was not dangerous was he? Looking at his slender frame that she knew was honed with muscle, long legs and pale blond hair she saw a fair elf which was not unusual in the race of the Valar. Yet she found him intriguing something about this elf captured her attention but what was it. He turned slowly around to look at her and her breath caught. His eyes… His eyes were a silvery blue that was filled with a heat as he took her in that it left her breathless and tingling. To answer her previous question she knew then that he was extremely dangerous, no man or elf had ever made feel this way. Never had she felt this interest, this draw towards any of her past lovers or relations.

Always having had the curiosity of a cat she approached the elf before her slowly, like a fox to a rabbit. Their bodies were a breath away from each other. Satine noticed that Legolas was almost a head taller then her, her head coming to rest at his chin. Tilting her head up to gaze into his eyes she found the flame within them fiercer. Throwing caution to the wind she rose of the tip of her toes placing her lips against his.

Legolas' eyes widened painfully barely believing that she was kissing him but the feel of her soft lips gently resting against his own left little room for doubt. His eyes fluttered closed as he returned her kiss placing a little more pressure against her lips.

Satine gently wrapped her arms around his neck pulling him closer, deepening the kiss. Their bodies were against one another's feeling each other's every curve. She nibbled upon his bottom lip eliciting a gasp from her partner, taking the opportunity to weave her tongue into the warm cavern of his mouth she moaned. He tasted like wild honey. Unexpectedly his arms wrapped themselves around her waist pulling her closer if possible, his hold was nearly painful, and she loved it.

Her fingers that had been playing in his soft hair grasped them painfully as she pulled towards her, their kiss growing more heated their tongues dueling in a wild passionate battle for dominance, neither letting the other win. She felt her heart beat faster; her blood heating to the point of boiling, her stomach tightening painfully and her legs had just turned to jell-o.

She pulled her lips away from his with great effort placing her cheek against his clothed chest, she whispered, "Shit…"