Note: Updated and corrected April2017 PT

Nariel the Red

Chapter 37: Blindfolded

The next morning the Fellowship were officially introduced to Marchwarden Haldir and his two brother's Orophin and Rumil. After introductions and a small breakfast they started their journey again. Orophin remained at their post while the other two Lorien brother's lead the way. It wasn't long however before the way was blocked by a fast flowing river.

"How are we going to get across that?"

Merry asked when he noticed there were no bridges. Haldir smirked and removed a long rope from his pack. He whistled and another elf dropped down from a tree on the other side of the water.

Soon there was a single rope suspended over the water. The Marchwarden jumped up and ran across the rope to the other side. The other's looked on in shock as Legolas laughed.

"I can walk this path"

He said

"But the others have not the skill."

The hobbits nodded their heads fearing they would not be able to enter the elven city.

"Worry not"

Rumil said removing two ropes from his pack. These were soon strung across the water, one at shoulder height and the other at half height, so that the rest of the fellowship could cross. They did this slowly.

Nariel held back until everyone save Rumil were across, as he was to return to his post once the temporary bridge was dismantled. When it was finally her turn Legolas leaned towards Haldir grinning.

"Watch this my friend"

He said indicating his love. Suddenly Nariel changed form and jumped across the water on four legs. As she landed she turned back into a woman again, laughing at the Lorien elf's shocked face.

"Shouldn't we be moving on"

She said innocently, walking on.

Once they were all across however Gimli became angry. He had been informed of the elves plans to blindfold him. He was understandably unimpressed, but the only solution Aragorn could come up with was for them all to be blindfolded, which upset Legolas. He had been looking forward to seeing the forest of Lothlorien.

"It will not be so bad Meleth"

Nariel said to him quietly.

"And the sooner we leave the sooner we shall be there."

With much grumbling the entire fellowship were soon blindfolded and on their way.

As they walked on Haldir walked beside Nariel. All of the others were moving unsurely along, but not her. She walked confidently, without fear which confused him. Even the Mirkwood Prince walked slowly without his sight.

"How do you walk so well Bear-woman?"

He asked. Nariel snorted.

"My name is Nariel wood-elf."

She said.

"How do you walk so well Nariel"

He amended. She smirked, which was rather unnerving with her eyes carried in the fabric.

"As you pointed out, I am part bear. My sense of smell is far superior to your own. I see more with my nose than my eyes. I can tell the placement of the trees, the width of the path, and the recent movement of your people"

She adjusted her course slightly as the path curved.

"I am glad that we are on the same side"

Haldir said seriously. Sensing Legolas coming up behind her she replied loud enough for him to hear.

"You have the Prince of Mirkwood to thank for that" who laughed as he reached for her hand.

They walked all day. It was dark by the time they stopped. Not that the fellowship noticed, as they were not allowed to remove their blindfolds. Nariel pulled Legolas' arms around her and was asleep within moments. She had been so tired recently. She knew why that was. It was winter, the bear in her demanded rest, but she couldn't give in to it just yet.

The next morning brought welcome news. A messenger from the Lady had arrived.

"They bring a message from the Lord and Lady of the Galadhrim"

Haldir said when they awoke.

"You are all to walk free, even the dwarf. It seems that the Lady knows who and what each of your company are."

Each breathed a sigh of relief as their blindfolds were removed and the beauty of the golden wood was revealed to them at last.