Hi guys, I'm back! Been busy but its a nice long update! Thanks to all you awesome new followers and reviewers! Good news also, There Were Ten will be updated this week. just have to finish last of the chap!
Thanks for all your interesting replies on why you chose your FF names! Mine is Aearvir because it is my true middle name. Aear meaning Sea and Vir, the soft mutation of Mir for jewel. For those of you who don't know, it means Pearl. ;) I think it is such a nice name I decided to use it in my first fic as my main OC and I tell you I will be changing it slightly in the story at some point when I go back and edit out all those hideous earlier errors! I won't change it much haha just enough so they are not quite the same! My own mother of all people gives me hell over it being the same! So not cool!
Woman of Letters - Remember no one is exactly meant to ask Ara what is going to happen. Really she is being way to lenient on Legolas sometimes with the little things she tells him. Yes they are becoming closer and figuring each other out. Story behind your name is awesome!
Savage Kill - Glorfindel had a blonde moment and only taught her what he thought was important to her survival - fighting and history of Arda. Unfortunately because he was in the modern world as she was, there was no major use for actual elven skills and he was married to a mortal woman so no Fea interaction there! It does seem to be more of a Woodland Elf thing though.
Tibblets - Haha that is a very cool way of coming up with your name! :D
WickedGreene13 - I should have figured your ff name out haha! 13 is also one of my most favorite numbers so I am rather glad to be updating on the 13th!
WoodSprite - No way haha that is such a coincidence with that name! Thought the bit of fluff would be appreciated after all that arguing! There is lots of dif POV in this chapter and it is really long because of it! Do enjoy haha and would love to know what you think of my Galadriel!
Cotton Blossom Diva - Yes that does make sense! Also Ara needed to learn to trust him in those weaker moments with herself. Aragorn was letting all his worries and the sudden burden of leading cloud much of his judgement. Gimli is essentially becoming Legolas's rock and I will develop that friendship further now we are in Lorien. There is much time to be spent in Lorien for many friendships to either develop further or heal. Thanks for your in depth review, I do love them!
Flynnhowler - Ah cool! I will remember that if you are ever logged in haha! I had so much fun writing in the Povs of the Lorien Elves in this chap! Enjoy we are in the Golden Woods at last!
"Haldir?" With an inward grin, the Lórien Marchwarden stepped back and let himself free fall from the high branch he stood on to land mere inches behind his brother. "Elbereth! Must you?"
"Oh come now Orophin, lighten up." His brother only glared at him and it was then he realized something indeed was amiss.
"What is it?" He immediately asked, glancing around, listening, searching their vicinity of the woods for anything he may have missed.
"A message from Aithon; Rúmil has sighted a group moving through the woods from the North East."
"Orc?"
"Nay, not Orc, he is unsure and requests backup." Haldir nodded, his brow furrowed. Perhaps a group of Humans? He would soon find out.
"Which side of the Nimrodel?"
"This side brother." Haldir started walking, automatically checking his weapons as he approached one of his warriors standing as still as a statue beneath an older mallorn tree.
"Thannor." The deep copper haired, Elf turned to him questioningly.
"Warden?"
"Rúmil has discovered intruders, I will go with Orophin and Aithon. I leave you in charge here." The younger Elf nodded in understanding. "If you hear any calls of distress-"
"I will send guards to your aid." Haldir inclined his head, pleased. He then indicated to Orophin and together they swung back up into the trees to run and leap across the sturdy branches to eventually meet up with Aithon.
"Rúmil is another mile off, he said he did not wish to get too close until you arrived but he thinks there are Elves within the group."
"Elves? Imladris Elves?"
"I do not know Warden; he did say half of the group appeared to be but children." Aithon explained. Haldir was swiftly becoming more baffled but surely if children and his own kin were involved, the group would be harmless?
"Let's find out." He answered with a hint of excitement as they quickened their pace through the branches. Suddenly Rúmil appeared with two more guards from nearby and they stopped, obscured by leaves, to speak quietly.
"It is too dark to tell from a distance but I think there is nine." Rúmil whispered quietly. "They are coming this way, if you listen quietly it seems to be some disagreement they are having." Curiously Haldir listened along with the others. He understood now why Rúmil had asked for him for whoever the group were, they spoke in the common tongue.
"Just change, you are going to draw attention to yourself." An exasperated but soft toned, male voice reached his ears.
"She's a female, she'll draw attention anyway." Another voice spoke up; harder and sullen sounding.
"Oh shut up Boromir." That was unmistakably the female in question but clearly both were not Elves by such human remarks.
"What if we're attacked?" A more innocent voice quavered in worry. Haldir decided it must belong to one of the children.
"We will be fine; we mean no harm." Another softer voice intoned and Haldir took a wild guess that this voice and the first voice belonged to Elves.
"I hope there's food soon." An even younger voice almost whined sadly. Another child.
"Can you not do that?" The female voice spoke again sounding incredibly annoyed.
"Whoever the female is, she has a temper." Rúmil snickered quietly beside him and Haldir flashed him an amused smirk. He was now positive these intruders were just innocent travellers but they would intercept them once they knew a little more from listening. He gestured to the others to remain, although the group was approaching the tree they stood high up in.
"Well, change, stop being so difficult!" The first male voice ground out.
"There's no point." The female retorted.
"Yes there is, you cannot just go strolling into an Elven realm dressed like that!"
"And I can't just go fighting, if need be, not dressed like this!" Fighting?
"Eru forbid, just stop and change."
"Not gonna happen." There was complete defiance in the female's voice and Haldir smirked again. Exactly what was she wearing the ellon deemed inappropriate?
"Change into a dress Princess." The male Elf's voice dripped with sarcasm.
"He's gotta point lass." A deep baritone of a voice suddenly rumbled and Haldir immediately looked to his companions in shock. Dwarf!
"Seriously a dress will make no difference, our group is so mismatched, the last thing any one's going to be noticing is an elleth in a tunic and trousers." The female snapped.
"An elleth?" Orophin whispered incredulously.
"Oh believe me, you will be noticed." The male Elf replied in a dry drawl which almost sounded familiar to Haldir's ears.
"Well then if that's the case, what I wear will make no difference!" The elleth declared regally and was met by a stream of lilting, Silvan curses.
"He's a Mirkwood Elf." Haldir exclaimed quietly.
"Sure, insult me in Silvan, how clever." The elleth now spoke in Sindarin, her voice matching the ellon's earlier sarcasm.
"She is not Silvan, but her accent is strange." Aithon murmured quietly beside Haldir as they listened intently, using the strange conversation alone to glean an idea of these strangers.
"Yet she speaks our tongue as a Noldor would." Rúmil muttered.
"Please just change." The male replied now also in Sindarin and it flowed just as naturally from him as did his Silvan. Certainly a Wood-Elf of Mirkwood.
"An hour ago you were making me put more clothes on, make up your mind my Lord." The elleth quipped.
"A Lord?" One of the other guards mused curiously.
"I think she is trying to rile him up." Rúmil snickered.
"Don't tempt me Princess." The ellon growled out. Clearly the elleth was truly testing his patience.
"Or what, you'll undress me?" Beside him, Rúmil only just managed to muffle a snort of laughter and he bit down on his own cheek to remain silent. Whoever these Elves were, they were incredibly amusing to listen to and sounded very well acquainted.
"Do you want me to?" The ellon suggested casually and this time, Haldir had a hard time remaining silent as the elleth huffed out in annoyance.
"Will you both please be quiet?" The second male Elf muttered in Sindarin now and for a moment, there was silence. The group drew closer and Haldir could vaguely see them moving in the half light.
"We'll drop down before them on my signal." He breathed out quietly and received a series of nods. Their bows were already nocked with arrows, all they had to do was draw back when they landed. As the group came into view, Haldir realized there were just two Elves; the ellon and elleth who had been arguing, two men, four of these children and… a Dwarf. Suddenly he noticed the shadowy frame of the ellon stiffen and watched as he bent his head to whisper something inaudible but quickly to the elleth beside him. The moment Haldir saw the male Elf's hand move fluently back towards his quiver, he signalled his guards to drop.
He landed before the male Elf, surprised to find the elleth had been swiftly pulled behind him and out of harm's way and an arrow was already drawn and pointed directly at his own heart as there were cries of surprise from the children and a cry of outrage from the Dwarf. Haldir held his aim but flickered his eyes up to study the face of the intruder Elf and immediately stepped back in complete shock. "King Thranduil!" Hastily he signalled his guards to lower their weapons and they also took a respectable step back. The King of the Woodland Realm stared at him also in shock but did not lower his bow until the elleth stepped around him and gently pressed on his arm, urging him to. "My Lord, please forgive our suddenness, your presence is unexpected." Haldir apologized as he took in the appearance of the group. They were all severely travel worn, their garments torn and dirty and they carried injuries too, cuts and scrapes and bruises he could just discern in the little light cast through the leaves of the trees to the woodland floor. He deftly studied the two men, one blonde and nervous looking and the other one standing calmly although clearly exhausted.
"Haldir." The dark haired man spoke in greeting and he peered more closely at the grimy face hidden under stringy, long hair. He recognized those eyes although the face encasing them had aged.
"Estel?"
"Aye it is me." The man confirmed. Haldir' s gaze flickered back to the Elven-King and realized the Elf lord looked extremely put out. He had not had dealings with the King in many, many long centuries but he had not forgotten his legendary temper; the last thing he wished to invoke!
"My Lord Thranduil, there are flets nearby where you may rest, along with your companions-" He was interrupted by a snort of laughter from the Dwarf and turned to glare at him unthinkingly. Just why did the Elven-King have a Dwarf in company? Was it a pet of sorts? He gazed back to the King to find his frown had only seemed to deepen, his grey eyes icy. Ai Elbereth, what have I done? He is already displeased!
"I am not Thranduil." The King ground out moodily, completely baffling Haldir. He gazed back at Estel to see an amused grin playing on the Ranger's face.
"This is Legolas, Prince of the Woodland Realm." The Ranger explained and Haldir stared back at the silvery blonde Elf.
"Forgive me, your resemblance is uncanny to your father." The Prince gave him a stiff nod.
"So I have heard." He bit out.
"Legolas." The elleth seemed to chastise him, elbowing him in the side and now Haldir focused his attention on her. The darkest green eyes he had ever seen met him, a curious wariness in their depths as she gazed back. There was something oddly familiar about her but he could not place what. She was armed and wore a tunic and trousers and a slightly oversized travelling cloak with the unmistakable royal colour of Mirkwood on the stitching. Her garments were torn in places and she was covered in smears of ash and dirt but otherwise seemed unharmed. He let his gaze sweep again over the others, lingering on the four small faces peering up at him with fear and uncertainty. They were not children at all, they were Halflings! He now gazed from Estel to the Prince, unsure who led. To his relief, Estel stepped forward, answering his dilemma, as he greeted him properly in the way of the Elves.
"We are in dire need of shelter and then safe passage." Estel hedged hopefully and Haldir nodded.
"There are flets nearby; we shall discuss your request there but I cannot allow you to go into the Lady's city or any further." He let his gaze drop to the Dwarf and then felt or heard, he could not discern, a silky whisper in his mind. His gaze snapped to the smallest Halfling and the small being hastily stepped back, pulling his cloak tightly around him. "You carry great evil." He realized out loud and took a step back, issuing his guards and brothers to do the same.
"Yeah, which is why we need your help." He gazed to the elleth who now spoke to him.
"We cannot help you with what he carries." Haldir replied and the elleth looked momentarily annoyed, the expression looked familiar.
"Then ask the Lady." She stated and he frowned at her.
"Ara." Estel murmured warningly. Ara, why did that name sound so familiar.
"Ara?" Rúmil hedged quietly, taking a step towards the elleth. "Elladan's Ara?"
…
Legolas immediately grasped onto Ara's arm, hating how this guard associated Ara to be Elladan's. The elleth tensed under his grip before shaking him off and in utter annoyance, he let go again.
"Glorfindel's daughter?" The lead ellon, Haldir, enquired and this time Ara nodded. To Legolas's surprise, the guard broke into a grin. "I knew you were somehow familiar! I know your father very well!" The guard was so jubilant, Legolas found it disconcerting. Noldor, always they are so strange. Then he was frowning again. "I will send word to the Lady but until I have her permission, I cannot allow you a step further into this realm." There was regret in the Elf's tone as he turned to the blonde guard beside him and gave him swift instructions in Sindarin. The Elf nodded and turned to disappear into the night. "Shall we sit and wait?" Haldir offered and, without waiting for any reply, he gracefully sank to the ground. The Hobbits quickly took up the invitation and collapsed down gratefully and after a moment, so too did Aragorn and beside him, Ara. Only he, Boromir and Gimli remained standing awkwardly and then a hand grabbed him and dragged him to unceremoniously sit.
"Do you mind?" He muttered at the elleth and received a mock sweet smile. She was really grating on his patience and now they'd been found out and she still hadn't put a dress on! What happened to the delightful creature he woke up with only an hour earlier? He noticed the guards who stood behind where Haldir sat, watched her curiously. Brilliant, just brilliant, if we are allowed into this realm and through it, I will have an actual army of ellon to fight off!
"Where have you journeyed from?" Haldir asked Aragorn.
"Moria."
"Moria?" The guards gasped collectively and exchanged looks.
"Why?"
"That we cannot say here." Gimli rumbled defensively and received glares from all of the guard.
"It is of a secret matter." Legolas quickly explained and the Elf, Haldir, gazed at him curiously and then to Ara. Yes, she is mine, you would all do well to figure that out. He thought at them.
"We respect that." Haldir gazed again to him. "Tell me, how fares the Greenwood? It has been many, many centuries since I journeyed beneath the trees of your homeland; hence why I mistook you to be your father." There was apology in the Elf's voice and Legolas realized he was trying to make them feel welcome.
"I doubt it is as beautiful as you would remember it but still it holds strong against the darker shadows of this world." He didn't even know what the Greenwood was like in all its glory; he was too young to have seen it save for tapestries and paintings hanging in the halls of his home.
"I am glad, I am sure it is still a wild and beautiful place." The older Elf murmured kindly before gazing at the despondent and tired Hobbits. "Are you hungry, I have heard Halflings are always hungry." This brought on a laugh from Aragorn and an enthusiastic yes from Pippin. Suddenly the Elf who had disappeared returned, leaping down from a tree. "Excuse me a moment." Haldir leapt up and strode quite a few paces away to speak with the other Elf before returning.
"What have you learned?" Aragorn questioned.
"The Lady will allow you into the city, she wishes to speak with you all and there you may find rest as long as you need it." Aragorn murmured his gratitude as a weight of worry lifted from Legolas's shoulders. They would be safe here. "It is a mile walk to our guard headquarters, can you manage little fellows?" The Hobbits nodded and with that, stood. Legolas stood too.
"Haldir, I did not think to say sooner; there are Orcs, perhaps thirty on the other side of the Nimrodel." Aragorn suddenly spoke up urgently and the blonde Elf frowned before turning to the others.
"Rúmil, Orophin, remain with your guards here. Keep to the trees. I will take Estel and his company back and leave Thannor to take them into the city and I will return with reinforcements." The Elf barked out urgently in Sindarin and the other guards nodded.
"Aye brother." Two of the blondes replied in unison and disappeared up into the trees as Haldir motioned for the nine of them to follow him.
"Thank you for your warning Estel, or is it Aragorn now? It has been near on four decades since you last spent time in Lórien." Legolas watched curiously as the Elf and Aragorn grinned at one another as he strode along side by side, leading their party.
"It is generally Aragorn now. I better introduce our group properly."
"Yes please do, you are a rather curious bunch."
"Well you now know of Legolas and Ara. Our four Hobbit companions are Samwise the blonde one and Merry the tall one and Pippin the hungry one and finally Frodo. Boromir is a man from Gondor, the Stewards son and Gimli hails from the Misty Mountains."
"Hmm I cannot recall when any who dwelt in these woods had dealings with Dwarves." Haldir was friendly enough but the way he rolled 'Dwarf' off his tongue, Legolas knew he was not impressed one bit by Gimli's presence.
"A pity." He spoke up to the older Elf. "Their architecture is quite splendid to gaze upon." Haldir glanced back at him in clear surprise.
"I have heard that but not seen such work myself." Legolas internally grinned smugly to himself; he'd seen something an older Elf had not in Middle Earth! He was becoming worldly! He felt a soft nudge at his side and Ara flashed him a grin. He immediately returned it although he was unsure its meaning. If she was happy and grinning at him, he was not going to question it. They walked on in silence save for friendly conversation between Aragorn and Haldir. Legolas soon learnt that Haldir was in fact Lothlórien's March Warden; the equivalent to commander of the guard in his own realm. The two blonde Elves he had spoken to by name were his younger brothers. He also discovered they were being led now, by Haldir, to the realms most eastern situated border barracks. Quite suddenly they halted and Haldir turned back, his gaze finding Ara.
"I think it would be best to change your attire Lady Ara." He instructed quietly. "It might make your dealings easier in the city, you will already raise much questions being the only elleth travelling in your company." He explained apologetically. Legolas was glad someone else agreed with him and could not help but shoot a smirk towards Ara.
"Yep, sure." She replied easily and Legolas wanted to shake her! Why did she have to be so difficult and disagree with me earlier?
"There is a thicket here which will conceal you and there are no guards in these trees above." Haldir said kindly and Ara flashed him a grin.
"If there were any, they'd soon discover I have killer aim." She quipped, causing an amused laugh from the Marchwarden which abruptly stopped when she expertly pulled her two dark knives from her back and lazily flicked them so the handles came to rest in Legolas's own hands.
"Ah I see Glorfindel has taught you a couple little tricks." Haldir commented cheerily and Legolas noticed the spark of mischief and quirk of a devious smirk on Ara's lips as she unfastened her sword belt. The look was meant solely for him, to say; that was you once. It truly was him and since that first fight with her in Imladris, he had learnt so many lessons he had not dreamed of. As Ara wandered off with her pack, he realized she no longer had her quiver. When had she discarded it? It had been from her world but not so bad, unlike the dreadful bow she'd had. Thank Eru that was still somewhere in the mines. Like my own. He sighed inwardly to himself as he rearranged Ara's knife sheaths and added them to her sword belt before strapping it around his hips. Haldir said nothing but looked incredibly thoughtful. For a leader of an entire guard, he is not very strict and serious. There was the sound of undergrowth shifting quietly and Ara emerged, donning a dark blue dress and his cloak. It had been quite some days since he had seen her in a dress and it was a welcome sight.
"Excellent." Haldir murmured. "There will undoubtedly be many questions asked to you all. Do not feel obligated to answer. We are quite close now." They continued on and not long after, came upon a very natural looking set of talans situated high up in a close growing cluster of old mallorn trees. The Marchwarden let out three low whistles followed by one slightly higher and from above a dark copper haired Elf free fell to land gracefully before him.
"Marchwarden?" He asked quietly as his blue eyes swept curiously over them, widening at the sight of Gimli and lingering a little longer than he liked on Ara.
"These fellows and the Lady are to be taken to the Lady Galadriel, she requests their appearance on her dais." The new Elf raised an enquiring brow but Haldir shook his head before turning to them.
"Thannor will lead you all safely into the city." He then turned back to the copper haired Elf. "Take horses, Estel here has reported Orc movement on our border, I will return there with a few helpers." He flashed a smile to them all. "I hope to see you all on the morrow."
"And you mellon." Aragorn replied and then the Marchwarden had vanished up into the trees and Legolas could hear him calling out names and barking out swift orders. The copper haired Elf now gazed at them all, head slightly cocked to the side.
"Are you all able to ride a horse?" He didn't even need to look at Ara to know she had paled.
…
"A horse?" Ara heard herself practically squeak as she glanced warily about.
"Yes my Lady…"
"Ara, it's Ara." She stammered out, sounding like a complete idiot.
"Should have taken my advice and befriended dear Bill." Legolas whispered near her ear, thorough amusement in every word he spoke. She was so close to slapping him again. Since she'd woken up, no, been woken by him from where and how he'd insisted they sleep; he'd been an attentive pain in the arse, making a ridiculous deal over entering an Elven realm. She understood he had to represent his own realm but what the hell did she have to do with it? She didn't intend on holding councils and s while she was here. They would rest, chat with Galadriel and be off in a couple days. There was nothing in the book or anywhere to say they would be doing otherwise. The deep, copper haired Elf let out an interesting whistle of varying notes as he looked off into the trees and Ara took a moment to check him out. He was undeniably fit, but then, what ellon wasn't? His hair had loose waves too it and fell braid-less and he had an easy, wide smile which she suddenly realized was directed at her and sparkling, dark blue eyes caught hers.
"I will ensure your journey into the city is a safe and smooth one." The Elf said warmly to her and she nodded, turning with dread at the approach of horses.
"These horses know their way well but I can only spare some if you can pair up?"
"Of course, thank you." Aragorn answered and took the lead of an impossibly tall dark brown horse and deftly swung up into the saddle before leaning down and hoisting Frodo up. Boromir took the rope of another as Legolas spoke quietly in greeting to a chestnut. She watched on nervously beside Sam. Quite suddenly she found herself swept off her feet and let out a gasp of surprise as she was settled before the copper haired Elf, sitting upon an enormous black horse.
"Ohmygoshputmedown!" She rushed out fearfully as a ridiculously strong arm settled steadying around her.
"You are quite safe with me Lady Ara." The Elf spoke confidently.
"No, no I really don't do horses." She stammered as her eyes darted wildly about, hoping someone would remove her from the great big creature. Suddenly it snorted loudly and she instinctively shrank back only to end up even closer to the Elf which had snatched her up.
"Ochui will not let you fall and neither will I." The Elf reassured her.
"I am quite fine to walk or run." She found enough courage to turn her face back to the Elf and he gave a low but amused laugh.
"Aye maybe but it is a three hour run for the swiftest of us."
"Brilliant." She grumbled and then clung shamelessly onto the Elf's arms as the horse began to move forward. She glanced around and saw Legolas astride the chestnut horse, Gimli sitting behind him. He gazed at her with an expression she'd never seen before turning away as the copper haired Elf spoke to his horse and it suddenly leapt forward causing her to close her eyes. She really didn't want to be stuck on this damn horse or worse, fall off it.
"Where do you hail from?" The Elf, Thannor, asked conversationally.
"Uh Imladris." She replied carefully.
"Ah then I am right to believe you are the very same Lady Ara Elladan spoke of?"
"Yes, that's me." He spoke to her in Sinda so she had no trouble avoiding slipping up and sounding too modern or different.
"Aye well I believe his words failed to truly describe just how beautiful you are." The Elf smoothly complimented her.
"Oh um thanks." She attempted to be gracious about it.
"How about blondie back there, where does he hail from?" Ara let out a laugh of amusement at the very same nickname she'd used on Legolas back in Imladris.
"Legolas hails from the Woodland Realm."
"Then he is half my kin, my mother hails from Mirkwood." He replied cheerily. "You know he does not seem all that impressed." Ara glanced back into the night to see Legolas looked peeved as hell over something. Gimli, she noticed was clinging to him for dear life and she laughed very quietly as she turned back.
"I think it is because of all the free hugs from Gimli he is getting. Thannor laughed a little louder before leaning closer to her to whisper in her ear.
"They make a very interesting couple." Ara burst into laughter at what he suggested.
"Oh, that is terrible!"
"It is but you feel more relaxed and safer now don't you if you are laughing?"
"I do." She realized. The horse was what she presumed to be cantering or galloping but its gaits were so smooth it was not as bad as she expected, more like some tame ride at a show or carnival. Thannor had also kept his word and held her firmly enough about her waist that she doubted she would fall even if she tried. "Thanks." She added gratefully.
"A pleasure, Lady Ara." He spoke graciously but there was humour in his voice. She decided he wasn't too bad at all. He seemed to have a similar laid back attitude like Elladan but he didn't have that clingy feel about him and he was definitely a flirt but she didn't mind flirts; they were fun to converse with. "I wonder, is it too forward to ask if you accepted Elladan's wish to court?"
"No, and no I didn't." She replied, a small tug of guilt pulling at her from the memory of refusing the Imladris Elf.
"Oh well, there are plenty more birds amongst the trees." He quipped nonchalantly and she laughed again.
"Or fish in the sea." She quoted the common saying from her own time.
"Aye but fishes cannot grant wishes." He teased good naturedly, his words making entirely no sense to her.
"What?" She laughed at his absurdness. "And birds can?" He chuckled at that.
"Perhaps if you find the right bird." Such a flirt. Ara laughed again, it was nice just having a light hearted and fun conversion with a complete stranger.
…
Sam clung tightly to Aragorn's back as the horse sped along at an alarming speed through the dark forest. Everything was silent save for the soft thuds of hoof beats upon the earth and the occasional sound of Ara, ahead with the red haired Elf, laughing along with him. They had been riding he suspected near on an hour when he realised they were slowly galloping up a rise. Aragorn drew alongside to the chestnut Legolas rode with Gimli and Sam could just make out the displeased set to the blonde Elf's jaw.
"Legolas are you well?" Aragorn asked him in the common tongue.
"Perfectly fine." Was the Wood-Elf's terse reply, loud enough for Ara to peer around the Lórien Elf questioningly. The Elf, Thannor, said something else to her in their own tongue and she burst into musical laughter, looking forward again as he slowed his great black horse to a trot when they breached the rise. Sam noticed Legolas's scowl had deepened and now realised exactly why; Ara was enjoying the company of another Elf and, this Elf had done what Legolas could not, convinced Ara, horses were not so bad.
"Welcome to the city of Caras Galadhon." Thannor announced as they proceeded at a trot down the other side of the rise and towards many great towering trees twinkling with what appeared to be starlight, elegant stairs spiralling up many to reach platforms, bridges, walkways and tree homes and other similar structures. Sam was in absolute awe. This is what he expected an Elven realm to be like, in the trees. They travelled along what seemed to be a major road and then turned off to the side and to a grassy clearing where Thannor raised a hand, signalling them to halt. Aragorn's horse came to an abrupt stop and Sam knocked his nose on the Ranger's back and winced. As he blinked away an unbidden tear, Aragorn suddenly hoisted him off the horse, dropping him to the ground next to Frodo before dismounting himself. Sam watched as Gimli practically fell of the chestnut horse in his hurry to be away from it, the creature half-heartedly cocking a hind hoof in his direction, causing the Dwarf to hurry out of its way as Legolas gracefully dismounted before speaking quietly to the horse.
Frodo, he noticed, was gazing with a frown towards the copper haired Elf as he graciously lifted Ara down, all the while talking and laughing quietly with her. They seemed to be getting on very well, Sam thought which surely was a good thing, being in a strange place and all.
"Frodo?" He asked in confusion and his friend turned to him and then shook his head.
"It's nothing Sam." Sam didn't believe that but nodded nonetheless as the Elf let out a series of low whistles to his black horse and it turned, rounding up the others and leading them away into the trees.
"That was wonderful." He breathed out in awe to no one in particular." The copper haired Elf flashed him a wide, charming smile. This place was truly wonderful, enchanting even. Sam felt almost as if he were in some song for there was music, melodious voices of such beauty which sang from within the trees. He let out an unbidden sigh, momentarily feeling a little less weary, a little less sorrow filled.
"I shall escort you all now to stand before the Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel." Thannor explained before holding his arm politely out to Ara. "Lady Ara?" The elleth gazed up at him uncertainly as they all waited.
"Oh um I'm good, I mean you don't have to." She replied and the Elf chuckled.
"I insist." He sent her a smile so dazzling it could even rival Legolas's and Ara shook her head with an amused grin and draped her arm over the Lórien Elf's. As they followed his lead, Sam did not miss the sound of Legolas grinding his teeth in what could only be extreme annoyance.
…
There was a soft knock from the doorway and Galadriel paused, fine paintbrush still poised where she had been about to touch the stretched silk and turned.
"Melleth your very strange, prophetic guests have arrived." Celeborn spoke softly and she dropped the brush into water and rose from her seat. "Why in all of Arda are you glowing so under the fire light?" He added bemused. She glanced into the nearby mirror hanging from a wall and burst into laughter.
"I confess I experienced a slight mishap with the glittering powders earlier." She brushed at the fine, shimmering spheres which clung to her skin and dress.
"No matter how many millennia you have walked this world and Valinor; you still create a mess only a decade old elfling could achieve." Celeborn shook his head scornfully but there was humour in his eyes and she swiped at some of the excess spilt powder and advanced on him, a smirk playing on her lips. "Oh no, I am not looking as though I played some part in this." He took a wary step back as she advanced.
"Do you not want to match when we meet our guests and would it not be amusing to see the look of confusion on Thranduilion's face?" She persuaded and as he contemplated this, she lunged forward and successfully pulled him into an embrace, ensuring he became covered in nearly as much of the shimmering powder as she.
"Excellent, now the Mirkwood Prince will think it normal to take such extravagant measures towards one's appearance as his father does!" Galadriel only laughed at her life mate's annoyance.
"Shall we?" She asked and with a defeated sigh, he held out his arm and she took it and together they left the mayhem of what she liked to call her artistic space. As they reached the precipice of the first stair, leading down towards the dais; Galadriel swept her eyes over the nine peoples of Middle Earth standing wearily in a huddled group with Thannor standing quietly beside them. She could sense the sorrow and confusion and desperation of each of the nine as she slowly made her way down the stair. The Halflings were filled most with this grief and confusion, weighed down by how weary they were and there was hunger there too. The man she knew to be Boromir was filled with fear and uncertainty but she too could sense there was a greed to him which only the race of man could possess, a greed for power. The Ring does indeed affect him. Estel, as usual, seemed to carry the weight of Adar upon his shoulders but there was sorrow and wariness within him. That boy really should loosen up. There was a wariness of a different sort from the Mirkwood Prince; he was surely uncertain in this strange realm and undoubtedly, his father had filled his mind with his own views of the Noldor. There was sorrow undoubtedly for Gandalf but also a simmering anger he was doing well to keep in check.
"I hope to make your acquaintance again." Galadriel heard Thannor speak quietly to the elleth in the group and she flashed him a warm smile and nodded as he stepped away to take his leave. Galadriel did not even bother to read her young guard's emotions to know which path they had taken. The reason surely for the anger within the young Prince. The elleth, on the other hand, seemed to be carrying well-hidden guilt and sorrow although her outer façade was of a cheerful enough nature. Just like her father. She mused, thinking of Glorfindel and then the elleth turned her gaze up towards her and she nearly halted her descent in surprise as dark green eyes met hers, the likes she had not seen since the second age. An uncanny coincidence. She told herself as she smiled warmly to them all as her bare feet finally came to stand upon the bottom step. She held in a smirk as the Dwarf seemed to be filled with utter wonder which almost eclipsed his sorrow and heartache. We must look truly, resplendently ridiculous covered so in shimmering powder! Now, what am I meant to do according to Glorfindel…oh yes... She discreetly nudged Celeborn to begin welcoming the weary Fellowship.
"Welcome all." Celeborn said graciously as they moved towards the stone benches. "Please, you are weary, do sit. Frodo of the Shire, come sit beside me. Galadriel watched on quietly as the small Hobbit shyly stepped forward to take up Celeborn's offer. He managed to scramble up upon the bench seat and the blonde haired Halfling joined him along with the two she knew to be Merry and Pippin. "Welcome Estel, now known as Aragorn, son of Arathorn!" Celeborn continued, warmly greeting the Ranger whose heart their granddaughter belonged to. "It has been many years since you came to this land." Estel nodded and greeted them politely as he sat beside the Halflings. "Welcome son of Thranduil! Too seldom do my kindred journey here from the North." He spoke kindly to Legolas and the young Prince looked a little reassured in the knowledge he and Celeborn were both of Sindarin kin. His resemblance to his father was almost uncanny as he graciously greeted them with a polite smile before turning to the elleth now standing beside him. "Welcome young daughter of Glorfindel." Celeborn addressed her and received a smile and a nod. There was humour in her smile and Galadriel realised she shared in their little game of attempting to quote the book of the history unfolding. Good, she has her father's humour, but surely those eyes are just passed down from her mother? Welcome Boromir of Gondor, here you will find rest. Welcome Gimli, son of Glóin! It is long indeed since we saw one of Durin's folk in Caras Galadhon." The Dwarf gave a stiff nod as he took his seat between Legolas and Boromir. Finally, they were all seated and Celeborn surveyed them all. "Here there are nine. Ten were to set out, has there been some change of counsel we have not heard?"
"There was no change in counsel." Galadriel finally spoke and eight faces save for Estel gazed at her in surprise. "Gandalf the Grey set out with the company, but he did not pass the borders of this land. Now tell us where he is; for I much desired to speak with him again." She couldn't be bothered finishing what she decided was her very well remembered little speech and waited for her answer although she already knew it, although the company was quite early, she was certain Glorfindel had mentioned they would arrive at a later date… just what was the date outside the realm?
"Gandalf has fallen into shadow." Estel murmured sadly in answer. "He remained in Moria and did not escape." Galadriel did not miss the slight glances thrown towards the young elleth or how she seemed to almost shrink back within herself. She also did not miss the darker glare form the Gondor man or the subtle shift in position by the Prince to sit a little closer to Glorfindel's daughter. Now what am I meant to say next…
These are evil tidings." Celeborn said gravely. It seemed he also could not be bothered speaking every single memorised line. Or he cannot remember. She inwardly smirked to herself. "Why was Haldir not told of this so a message could be relayed?"
"We have spoken to no one of our deeds or purpose for the safety of our quest and those within our company." Legolas spoke up carefully. "Gandalf was our guide and he led us through Moria and directed us to the other side before…" He trailed off, anguish and confusion now evident in his quiet voice and Galadriel noticed again how Ara seemed to emotionally draw away from the others. "He was taken by a Balrog of Morgoth." He added in a whisper. There was an unmistakable hiss of annoyance from the Gondor man and even Aragorn did not appear pleased by the Prince's admission. There was clearly more to this story and by the hostility towards the young elleth, it seemed something had gone wrong.
"Tell us of the full tale." She demanded, gazing solely at Estel and with a heavy sigh he began to recount just what had happened in those terrible mines.
…
Once Aragorn had finished his retelling up until the point they met Haldir, the Lady's gaze fell on her thoughtfully. She and Celeborn were nothing like she expected and for god knows what reason, they were covered in what appeared to be, very fine gold and silver glitter. It seemed Gimli thought it was wonderful for he had been riveted by the Lady the moment he had caught sight of her.
"Your path was never an easy one, young one and it seems you have done exceptionally well to put the need of the quest above your own safety and followed through to ensure Gandalf remained behind for I cannot see him from afar." Ara's stomach knotted with fear, did that mean she had failed, had Gandalf been slain and not defeated the Balrog?
"So she was meant to cause Gandalf's doom." Aragorn murmured softly and she bowed her head for beside him, fresh tears sprung to Frodo's heartbroken eyes. The guilt still gnawed at her, a pain she doubted would leave her until Frodo knew again in the very end that Gandalf was indeed alive. She felt eyes on her and gazed up again to find the Lady still watching her, sorrow in her own eyes.
"And for that the guilt you carry is a heavy burden." She said softly and Ara nodded slowly. It was near overwhelming. "It is a guilt I do not wish you to carry." The Lady added. "Nor is the sorrow you feel something which should lay so heavily." Ara was unsure what she meant and gazed back questioningly. "Indeed Gandalf was meant to fall by the Balrog. Ara has done what is right in ensuring he remained in Moria. Lighten your weary hearts for Gandalf is where he is meant to be. Do not grieve him for when the time is right, you shall cross paths again." Sam gasped at this information as too did Legolas softly beside her and she heard Boromir let out the breath he had been holding.
"Did you know of this all along?" Legolas spoke softly to her and she simply nodded as Frodo's eyes found hers, filled with hope.
"I wanted to tell you all." She murmured. "I did not think I could?" She gazed back towards the Lady who, along with Celeborn, gave her a warm smile.
"Some secrets must be told. Your part in this quest is important, distrust between any of you could be your undoing, the Fellowship would fall apart if you do not hold true to each other. This quest stands upon the edge of a knife, stray but a little and it will fail, to the ruin of all." Each one of them nodded, even Boromir, deep apology in his eyes as he glanced her way but there too was sweat upon his brow. He knows he is our weakness.
"May your sorrow now be lifted and peace and rest be found within our trees." Celeborn said kindly. "Guest talans have been prepared for you within the same trees where a place for those who prefer to dwell upon the ground has been furnished for as long as you wish to remain."
"Our thanks, we appreciate your hospitality." Aragorn said gratefully. Celeborn simply smiled before letting out a low whistle and within a few moments, two elleth walked gracefully down the stairs to gaze questioningly at the Lord and Lady. "Please escort our guests to the prepared talans and see they have all they require and plenty of food for they are hungry and weary." He spoke kindly to what Ara supposed where maid elleth. "Thannor awaits at the foot of the tree, please send him to speak with me."
"Go now and rest." Galadriel said gently. "Tomorrow we shall speak more." Her eyes drifted to Ara and she gave the Lady a hesitant smile as they all began to stand. Rest, sleep. She had not had either in such a safe place since she had spent those days and nights in the town with Legolas. With nods of respect, she and the others followed the maids, who walked gracefully down the spiralling stair. She did not miss the way they curiously gazed at her and how they seemed to practically undresss Legolas with their eyes. It seemed Legolas did not notice for he was speaking quietly with Aragorn. Ara frowned to herself as she followed them down the stair. When they reached the ground, Thannor stepped forth from where he had been idly resting against a tree, flashing her a brilliant smile.
"All has gone well?" He asked pleasantly and she nodded.
"Yes." She replied kindly.
"You will be staying in these woods for a time?" He asked casually and she nodded, receiving an even brighter grin.
"I am glad to hear this! I am happy to escort you and your group wherever you wish to go." He added.
"Thannor, the Lord wishes to speak with you now." One of the elleths interrupted, her tone slightly terse which surprised Ara. "Ethil and I are to escort the travellers to the guest talans."
"Very well Nethes." Thannor gave her a gracious smile before turning again to Ara. "I will be sure to seek you out on the morrow." Before she could reply he had snatched up her right hand and pressed a kiss to her hand. He let it go and winked at her with a roguish smile before stepping around them and deftly advancing up the stair they had just descended. She shook her head, slightly amused to find the elleth, Nethes watched her strangely, almost seeming to study her appearance.
"Come, I shall show you the way." She said to the group before stepping around Ara and beckoning to Legolas to follow them, striking up a conversation with him as they began moving.
"Have you ever been to Lothlórien before?" The elleth asked him sweetly and Legolas politely replied he had not. As Ara followed along she realised something she had forgotten, she may also be an elleth but she in no way resembled the two leading them or, for that matter, Galadriel. Her skin was slightly darker from sun exposure, she was slightly taller and certainly leaner. One thing she had learned was that compared to other elleth; she walked differently, spoke differently and she lacked the curves they had in all the right places.
"Your company is a strange one, have you travelled far?" The other elleth, Ethil, asked her kindly and she turned to her surprised.
"From Imladris." She replied as they wove their way around the silvery trees and along various paths.
"That is far indeed. What of your fair companion, has he too travelled from the valley?" Ara noticed again how she so obviously checked out Legolas.
"Uh yes."
"I do envy you being able to travel with him!" She whispered. "He is enchanting to the eye." She gave a soft laugh.
"Wait until he opens his mouth." She muttered dryly. She was not exactly impressed with this attention Legolas was receiving.
"Are you courting him?" She suddenly asked, taking Ara aback by her forwardness.
"No, no." She hastily replied and received a contented smile as the elleth looked her over as they walked.
"What is your name? You know mine."
"Ara."
"Oh then you must be the Lady Ara Elladan spoke of. We were all most disappointed his interests had turned form the Golden Wood." Ethil grinned. "Do you court Elladan?" She suddenly snatched up her lefty hand curiously. "Or perhaps more than court, Elladan has wasted no time!"
"No, this is a keepsake, it was my mothers. Also no, I am not courting Elladan." She wondered just how many times she would be repeating those words. It seemed Elladan had spoken of her to these Lórien Elves.
"Then you shall find much fun to be had in Lórien, I think Thannor certainly already has his eye on you." Ara shrugged without comment. Truthfully she didn't want fun of any sort right now and didn't really understand what the other elleth was going on about. She just wanted to lay down and sleep for the next century. "What is his name?" Ethil nodded towards Legolas and Ara held in a sigh.
"Legolas."
"Legolas? Is not the Prince of the Woodland Realm known as Legolas?" She asked excitelly and begrudgingly Ara nodded and watched as the other elleths eyes widened. "Then the rumours are true." She murmured. "His fairness rivals Thannor's easily."
"Yeah apparently." She murmured, wishing the conversation would end when thankfully it did as they reached a tight group of four large trunked mallorn trees.
"Here you will find rest. These talans above and within these trees below will give you a place of rest. There is food already awaiting you all." Nethes spoke to them all before gazing up to Legolas. "It would be an honour to see you once you have taken rest, I think you will enjoy your stay here." Was Ara hearing things or was that elleth sounding seriously suggestive. She shook her head and farewelled both with a polite nod as they gracefully left. Between the trees there were low tables and chairs and lounges set out along with blankets and large pillows. Upon some of the tables food had been laid out and Pippin dove on it happily as Frodo, Sam and Merry put down their belongings.
"I think I will find more peace among the trees." Legolas chuckled, seeming in a good mood. Was he so cheerful because of that elleth chatting him up? Did he intend on seeking her out later? She frowned at the ground. He very well might. A hand touched her arm and she looked up to see it was Legolas.
"Are you all right?" He asked softly.
"Yeah I'm fine." He nodded but there was uncertainty in his grey eyes.
"Come, let us retire." He murmured and with a nod she followed him up the winding stair of one of the trees to where it ended in a small platform and then a bridge. Silently they crossed it and then crossed another as they rose higher into the trees. They reached what looked to be very elegant tree houses, made from the wood they rested in. they were much bigger than tree houses and two clung from each tree. It was then Ara realised the platform they stood on circled around all four trees so they could reach any of the talans easily. Legolas stopped outside the door of the first talan and she realised he intended to stay but then he gave her an almost shy smile.
"Our customs dictate here I must leave you, cannot be seen sleeping together." His tone became playful and his smile turned into a smirk and she laughed lightly at his quip.
"Exactly. Wouldn't want to cause a scandal, your poor father would flip!" She grinned at him. He continued grinning back and then his face slowly softened.
"I am glad the Lady bade us know some of Gandalf's fate. I am glad your heart is lighter for it." He murmured and then swiftly stepped forward and placed a light kiss upon her hair. Before she could reply or slap him or anything, he was gone, shutting the door of the talan beside her own.
"Wood Elves." She muttered to herself as she let herself into her designated talan; ignoring the light hearted feeling she still felt from Legolas's simple action. She barely took in her surroundings, too interested in the promise of a bed in the adjoining room as she dragged off her boots and pulled off her pack and, sighting the bed, fell upon it, not bothering to change, not bothering to even climb beneath the blankets as she pulled the oversized woodland cloak over her, instantly falling to sleep, face pressed against its familiar scented fabric.
Please drop a review if you have any questions or comments, especially what you think of my Lorien Elves! :)
