Chapter Nineteen: A Sojourn in Lothlórien; An Unexpected Encounter
Disclaimer: I do not own the works of Lord of the Rings, this belongs to J.R.R. Tolkien, or the works of Harry Potter which belongs to J.K. Rowling. Any familiar dialogue or scenes belong to their respective owners.
A/N: Well, it's been a little while. I had to take some time out due to health issues. I'm back now and I'll work on this as much as I can, but there may be wide gaps between chapters so I'll apologise for that in advance.
Anyway, I hope you all enjoy this next chapter!
oOoOo
Haldir led the Fellowship through Lothlórien for most of the day, and they were still very jaded and dirty from their trials in Moria. They were relieved when Haldir stopped on a large hilltop, and they gazed out with wonderment at the vista spread before them.
Several miles towards the South, a large hill rose out of the woods. Upon the hill rose many might mallorn trees, taller than any others. Nestled high in the crown of the mallorns was a beautiful city. It glittered in the low rays of the late afternoon; green, gold and silver. To the East of the city, the woods of Lórien ran down the pale gleam of the great river, Anduin.
Beyond the river, the land appeared flat and barren, formless and vague, until far away, it rose again like a dark dreary wall. The sun that shone on Lothlórien did not have the power to enlighten the shadows that lay beyond.
Haldir smiled radiantly as he looked at the city. 'Caras Galadhon. The heart of Elvendom on Earth,' he said, his eyes twinkling, and he glanced back at them. 'This is the city of Galadhrim where dwell the Lord Celeborn and of Galadriel, Lady of Light,' Haldir explained proudly.
Haldir led the way to Caras Galadhon, picking up the pace, but it still took them a good hour to reach the base of the city. The Fellowship stepped onto a wide fleet filled with a soft light. The walls were green and silver, the roof gold and in its midst was the trunk of the mighty mallorn tree, now tapering towards its crown.
As they climbed the handcrafted paths that spanned the trunk of the tree, Hermione sighed in awe of the beauty around her. The wait is over, a voice unexpectedly spoke into her mind and Hermione jolted in alarm.
Who was that? Hermione asked herself with a frown. Realising she was falling behind the others, she jogged to catch up with them. Harry gave her a side-ways glance and tilted his head curiously, but she just smiled and shrugged. I guess I'll find out, Hermione thought, shaking her head.
By the time they reached the top of the trunk, darkness had fallen, and the city glinted and shone as brilliantly as the moon. Everyone looked around in amazement at their charming surroundings as Haldir stopped and turned to them. 'You will wait here,' he told them before walking away to the only building at the top of the trunk.
The Fellowship huddled together while they waited patiently to be received. After some time, a dazzling light shone from the entrance of the white Elven house and they covered their eyes against the glare. As the light dimmed, Harry, Draco and Hermione could make out two striking figures walking down the stairs, holding hands.
Haldir gazed at them in reverence. 'The Lord Celeborn and Galadriel, Lady of Light,' he announced, bowing his head at them which they returned. The two Elves moved slowly and gracefully towards them.
Celeborn's hair was long and silver, his face grave and beautiful, with no sign of age upon it. Galadriel's hair was of deep gold and timeless unsurpassed beauty. The pictures Hermione had seen of her in Hogwarts: A History did her no justice. She couldn't believe she was seeing Helga Hufflepuff in the flesh. Hermione had so many questions, but she knew they would have to wait.
Celeborn's eyes were hard as he focused on Aragorn. 'The enemy knows you have entered here. What hope you had in secrecy is now gone,' he said cynically, his deep tone almost monotonous.
Celeborn raised his chin arrogantly as he glanced around at them all. 'Eleven there are here, yet twelve there were set out from Rivendell…' he trailed off with a frown, his eyes moving to Legolas. 'Tell me, where is Gandalf? For I much desire to speak with him. I can no longer see him from afar,' Celeborn demanded, making Hermione shiver uneasily at the intensity with which he looked upon them.
Galadriel, who was standing silently beside Celeborn, frowned at Legolas, her eyes troubled. 'Gandalf the Grey did not pass the borders of this land. He has fallen into Shadow,' she said forlornly and gestured for Legolas to tell her what transpired as Celeborn turned to her in astonishment.
Legolas frowned, looking down dejectedly for a moment before meeting Galadriel's gaze. 'He was taken by both Shadow and flame,' he answered softly, his tone morose. 'A Balrog of Morgoth. For we went needlessly into the net of Moria,' Legolas divulged, his eyes pained. The Fellowship bowed their heads in sorrow at the memory of Gandalf's last stand against the Balrog while Celeborn glanced at them all in surprise at this news.
'Needless were none of the deeds of Gandalf in life. We do not yet know his full purpose,' Galadriel told Legolas gently, receiving a nod from the forlorn Elf.
Galadriel scanned the faces of the rest of the Fellowship, her eyes resting on Gimli who shifted uncomfortably under her gaze. 'Do not let the great emptiness of Khazad-Dûm fill your heart Gimli, son of Glóin,' Galadriel told him softly, making the Dwarf look up at her. 'For the world has grown full of peril, and in all lands, love is now mingled with grief,' she said with a small smile and Gimli's lips twitched a little at her words.
Galadriel's eyes wandered over the Fellowship once more before her gaze met with Boromir's. The Gondorian stared back at her, suddenly frightened and tense as her penetrating eyes bore into him. After a moment, Boromir could stand it no longer and looked away from her.
The Lady of Light continued to stare at Boromir for a moment, before turning her attention to Celeborn. 'What now becomes of this Fellowship?' the Elf Lord asked, frowning at them. 'Without Gandalf, hope is lost,' Celeborn told them, his eyes focusing on Aragorn who looked at the ground and closed his eyes.
Galadriel looked at Aragorn, her eyes softening. 'The quest stands upon the edge of a knife,' she told him, and Aragorn raised his eyes to meet hers. 'Stray but a little and it will fail, to the ruin of all…' Galadriel trailed off as her gaze fell on Boromir again. 'Yet hope remains while the company is true,' she said, turning her gaze to Harry, Draco and Hermione.
After a moment, Galadriel's eyes fell on Sam and she smiled slightly. 'Do not let your hearts be troubled,' she said, looking back at the Fellowship as a whole. 'Go now and rest, for you are weary with sorrow and much toil,' she told them, watching them all slowly turn to leave.
Frodo found his gaze caught in Galadriel's. 'Tonight, you will sleep…' she said to the Fellowship, but her voice waned, reverberating in his mind. Welcome, Frodo of the Shire, Galadriel whispered, her blue eyes piercing his own. Frodo blinked and unexpectedly he could see Galadriel as she is on the other side. Powerful, divine, and no longer of this world. A piercing white light surrounded her. Her black eyes held him frozen in fear. One who has seen the Eye!
oOoOo
The Elves of Lothlórien had set up a pavilion among the trees near the fountain for the Fellowship. They lay on soft couches while the Elves left food and wine for them. Hermione sat on a stone bench by the fountain, watching the ripples on the surface. She looked up as mournful singing drifted down to them from the trees above.
As she listened, tears filled Hermione's eyes and she reached up to wipe them away. Legolas frowned as he gazed up at the trees, before reaching into the fountain's waters and gliding his fingertips across the surface. Hermione glanced up at him as he closed his eyes sadly. 'A lament for Gandalf…' he said, trailing off as he listened to the sombre chanting.
Aragorn stopped sharpening his sword and looked over at him, before raising his eyes up to the trees. He set his whetstone aside before taking an old ragged cloth to his sword, polishing it.
Merry, who was sitting on one of the couches nearest the fountain, looked over at Legolas. 'What do they say about him?' he asked quietly.
Legolas shook his head slowly. 'I have not the heart to tell you,' he whispered, closing his eyes. 'For me, the grief is still too near,' he added, glancing at Hermione who was letting the tears fall silently.
Harry frowned, looking at the ground miserably, wishing there was more he could have done to help Gandalf. He was a wizard, yet when Gandalf was pulled into the depths, he just watched it happen. Harry slammed his fist into the soft couch heatedly and closed his eyes.
Draco, on the other hand, was standing next to a stream which circled the area where they were staying. His fists were clenched furiously and, for reasons unknown to him, the song seemed to echo inside him like a monster eating away at him. Draco looked up, his eyes rimmed red from unshed tears and he cursed whatever fates were messing with his life. Why can I understand them? Why are they treating me like someone to be worshipped? I don't deserve any of it… he trailed off in his musings and closed his eyes.
On the other side of the pavilion, Frodo lay on his bed listening to the singing and observed the others while Sam and Pippin worked on their own swords on the ground next to the bed which had been set up for Gimli. 'I bet they don't mention his fireworks,' Sam pondered, looking up at the trees. 'There should be a verse about them,' he said, shaking his head.
Sam stood up and climbed onto the nearest table. 'The finest rockets ever seen, they burst in stars of blue and green,' he called, making the Fellowship look over at him.
Pippin frowned glumly, staring at the ground. Aragorn stopped cleaning his sword and growled when Gimli, who was snoring noisily behind him, started giving him a headache. He reached behind him and punched the Dwarf on the arm to stir him.
'Or after thunder, silver showers come falling like a rain of flowers!' Sam finished, closing his eyes. 'Oh, that doesn't do them justice by a long road,' he grumbled, sitting down again next to Pippin, exasperated and upset with himself.
'You did your best,' Pippin said, rubbing Sam's back consolingly.
Aragorn sighed as Gimli's snores ceased and the Dwarf sat up, glaring at him drowsily. The Ranger shrugged, his eyes catching sight of Boromir who was sitting on the trunk of a tree alone some distance away from the pavilion. Aragorn stood and made his way over to him. 'Take some rest. These borders are well-protected,' he whispered to him, gazing out at the vast forest enchanted by the moon-like glow of the city.
'It is a dream; a frightful dream… life is…' Boromir trailed off, and Aragorn looked back over at him, catching the trace of tears on the Gondorian's face in the moonlight. Aragorn frowned, kneeling next to him. 'I will find no rest here,' Boromir said finally, shaking his head.
Boromir took a shuddering breath as Aragorn looked at him curiously. 'I heard her voice inside my head,' he whispered, his voice quivering as he looked down at his hands. 'She spoke of my father and the fall of Gondor,' Boromir disclosed, raising his fearful eyes to Aragorn's. 'She said to me, "even now there is hope left",' he said, breathing heavily as the thought of Gondor falling caused him to tremble. 'But I cannot see it. It is long since we had any hope,' he told the Ranger, tears filling his eyes again.
Aragorn took a deep breath and looked at the ground for a moment. When he finally glanced back at Boromir, the Gondorian had obscured his eyes with one of his hands and the Ranger looked at him worriedly. Aragorn stood and took a seat next to him on the trunk.
After a few moments of silence, Boromir composed himself and turned to look at Aragorn. 'My father is a noble man, but his rule is failing, and our…' he trailed off, swallowing thickly before continuing, '…our people lose faith. He looks to me to make things right…' Boromir paused again, reaching up furiously to wipe his eyes. 'And I would do it. I would see the glory of Gondor restored,' he said, letting out a bitter laugh. Aragorn nodded gloomily and gazed at the trees, his eyes unseeing as he thought about Gondor.
There was silence for a few moments again until Boromir turned to him. 'Have you seen it, Aragorn?' he asked, gazing up at the stars through a gap in the trees with bright eyes. 'The White Tower of Ecthelion, glimmering like a spike of pearl and silver. Its banners caught high in the morning breeze…' he trailed off, closing his eyes. 'Have you ever been called home by the clear ringing of silver trumpets?' Boromir asked in a whisper, a small smile twitching onto his lips.
Aragorn nodded slowly. 'I have seen the White City…' he whispered, looking at the ground sadly. 'Long ago,' he added, his tone making Boromir look at him as he felt the Ranger's love for Minas Tirith and took heart.
'One day, our paths will lead us there and the tower guard will take up the call: "the Lords of Gondor have returned",' Boromir said with a smile at the sullen Ranger.
Aragorn nodded, returning Boromir's smile, but betrayed his disquiet melancholy only when the Gondorian looked away.
oOoOo
Back in the pavilion, Gimli scowled at Aragorn from one of the soft couches having been rudely awoken by him. He sighed as he gazed up at the trees where the mournful chanting was still echoing down to them.
'Gandalf…' Harry whispered, trailing off as he looked down at his wand in shame.
Gimli observed him for a moment before patting him on the shoulder. 'There was nothing that could be done, lad,' he said sadly, making Harry look up at him. 'Hindsight will always hack you in the back when you think of "what ifs", but there will come a time when you will have to let it go and stop blaming yourself,' Gimli told him, and Harry looked away back up to the glowing trees.
Frodo, who was listening to Gimli, sighed as he lay down on his bed. 'Doesn't stop it from hurting though,' he whispered with a frown as he looked up at the twinkling stars through the clearing in the trees.
Aragorn looked over at Frodo from where he was sitting on a chair drinking a goblet of miruvor. 'Death is unavoidable,' he said, making everyone turn to look at him. He sighed and took another sip of his mead. 'Our fear of it makes us play safe, blocks out emotion,' Aragorn said, glancing up at the stars. After a moment, he took his whetstone out from his pocket before picking up his sword from the ground to continue sharpening it.
Draco frowned at the Hobbits who were staring into nothing, sorrow lingering in their eyes. 'Grief is just another wall that prevents you from moving on. I know it's tough to get past it, but you got to break through,' he muttered, making them look at him. Draco recoiled at his own words, realising he sounded like a total hypocrite. He had been moping around since Gandalf's death probably worse than they were.
Hermione glanced over at Draco, seeing the flash of his blue eyes which held more agony than he was inclined to reveal. She wiped the last of her stray tears away and gazed up at the beautiful city, scarcely believing it was real.
'You have been frowning for days,' Draco said, coming over to sit next to her on the stone bench next to the fountain. 'Your face is going to get stuck that way,' he said, staring at her.
Hermione closed her eyes for a moment before turning to glare at him. 'My face is the least of my worries right now,' she whispered, shaking her head.
Draco leaned closer to Hermione, making her pull back in uncertainty. 'That's because… you don't have to look at it,' he retorted, moving back swiftly to avoid the punch she threw at his arm.
'Can't you just sit quietly for a second? Why bother me when you can look at the beauty around you?' Hermione asked in exasperation, shaking her head.
Draco looked around, arching an eyebrow. 'Sure, it's… pretty, I guess,' he said with a shrug, reaching up to scratch the back of his head.
Hermione smiled. 'I think it's rather romantic,' she whispered with a sigh as she subconsciously gazed over at where Legolas was standing at the edge of the area, looking into the trees.
Draco scoffed and rolled his eyes. 'I think you're a hopeless romantic who just discovered romance is hopeless,' he muttered, crossing his arms.
Hermione shot Draco a glare. 'Why do you… ugh! What is with you?' she asked him, and he shrugged, smirking at her. 'You're so irritating,' she groaned, shaking her head and standing up to walk away.
Draco followed, snickering. 'No, I'm multi-talented,' he said, making her stop and look at him with a frown. 'I can talk and piss you off at the same time,' he laughed, and Hermione smacked him gently across the back of the head, letting out a chuckle herself.
oOoOo
Hermione lay in her bed, gazing up at the stars while counting down from one hundred in her mind in an attempt to fall asleep. It was silent in the pavilion, except for the soft snoring of Sam in the bed behind hers.
Hermione sighed, turning over in her own bed, but she couldn't get comfortable. Grumbling, she sat up and snatched up her notebook from her beaded bag and a quill so she could begin documenting their time in Lothlórien. She moved over to the small table where the jugs of mead left by the Elves for them earlier had been discarded. She moved them out of the way, creating a space for herself to write before sitting down and dipping her quill in her inkwell.
As she thought about how to start, Hermione glanced around the pavilion, seeing Gimli standing over by the tree Boromir was sitting on earlier. Legolas was standing by the fountain, staring into its depths absorbedly and she speculated if he was in an Elven sleep.
'Legolas,' came a soft silky voice from near the fountain and Hermione glanced up in interest, grasping she shouldn't have been able to hear them so clearly from her position.
It was an Elf-Maiden of exceptional beauty. She had long inky black hair and the brightest, most magnificent green eyes Hermione had ever seen. They made Harry's eyes seem dull in comparison. She was wearing a dress which was similar to the one Hermione wore on their last evening in Rivendell, except it was a dark green.
Legolas turned towards her, his back now to where Hermione was sitting struggling not to observe them or eavesdrop on their discussion. He bowed to the Elf-Maiden and kissed her hand. 'Lady Oriesk,' Legolas welcomed in surprise, letting go of her hand.
Lady Oriesk tutted, moving closer to Legolas. 'Mín gar-mín were hîn, Legolas. Cin na nin formallui? Im iest cin nall-nin Valaria,' she said curtly, a frown settling on her brow. (A/N Translation: 'We have known each other since we were children, Legolas. Must you always refer to me so formally? I wish you would call me Valaria.')
Legolas bowed his head. 'Naun Gohena nin, mui dî, formallui ier haime amin im na,' he countered, looking away to the fountain. (A/N Translation: 'My apologies, my Lady, formalities are a habit I am yet to break.')
Hermione tried to disregard the niggling in the pit of her stomach as Valaria lifted her hand, resting it on Legolas' cheek affectionately. 'Amin hîtu lle,' she whispered, tilting her head as she gazed at him lovingly. (A/N Translation: 'I missed you.')
'A amin, lle,' Legolas replied, reaching up and gently taking her hand from his cheek. (A/N Translation: 'And I, you.')
Hermione looked back at her notebook, her quill clutched rigidly in her hand. She must be Legolas' wife or something, she assumed, unsure why this knowledge bothered her so much.
'Amman ier lle sinome?' Legolas asked her, letting go of her hand and turning to look back into the fountain. (A/N Translation: 'Why are you here?')
Valaria placed her hand on her hip and glanced past Legolas, catching sight of Hermione who was glaring at her notebook. Legolas looked up at Valaria when she didn't respond and turned to find out what she had noticed. Legolas's eyes fell on Hermione and he could tell she wasn't writing. If anything, she appeared irritated and he questioned what could be troubling her.
Legolas glanced back at Valaria to find her staring at him and something flickered in her eyes. 'Valaria?' he asked her, bringing her attention back to him.
Valaria shook her head slowly, her eyes moving back to Hermione and narrowing somewhat before she turned her attention back to Legolas, smiling at him. 'Your father was… curious about this Fellowship you are part of,' she answered finally, raising her voice a little and speaking in Westron which made Legolas frown. Valaria leaned against the fountain. 'And so am I,' she added, looking at the ground.
Legolas narrowed his eyes at her before turning away from the fountain. He glanced over at Hermione for a moment and realised Valaria must have reverted to Westron so she could understand them… but why?
He tilted his head for a moment as he wondered what to make of Valaria being in Lothlórien. He didn't believe for a second that his father sent her; he was the reason Legolas went to Rivendell in the first place. Why is she here? Legolas bristled, is she following me? He thought, casting Valaria a side-glance.
'Who is she?' Valaria asked nonchalantly, nodding to where Hermione was sitting.
Legolas sighed. He should have predicted the topic of conversation would shift to Hermione. 'She is a member of this Fellowship,' he replied, glancing at Valaria to see she was stunned by this information.
'A woman?' Valaria asked in incredulity, before turning back to look at Hermione in disapproval. 'Certainly, Lord Elrond would not elect a mortal woman to journey with men,' she said, her tone almost outraged which made Legolas's frown deepen.
Legolas shook his head. 'She is a formidable Istari, mentored by Gandalf,' he told her, detecting something flash in her eyes again.
Valaria nodded distractedly. 'I see,' she answered before looking back at Legolas. 'In any event, the Fellowship was not my only motivation for coming to Lothlórien, Legolas,' she divulged, directing a scowl at Hermione before gazing down at her hand.
From where she was sitting and failing to disregard the discussion, Hermione sought to keep her interest in check, but she couldn't help stealing a glance at them and noticed the ring adorning Valaria's finger. So, they are married… or engaged? She thought, the niggling in her stomach increasing. She unexpectedly felt an emptiness she had never felt before.
Legolas peered down at Valaria's hand as well and sighed before shaking his head. 'Valaria…' he trailed off.
'I have not seen you in so long, I did not know if you still wished to be with me,' Valaria stated, twisting the ring on her finger.
Legolas shook his head. 'How many times have we been through this?' he asked her, his tone betraying his irritation.
'As long as it takes!' Valaria snapped back, tears forming in her eyes.
Legolas sighed. 'You know it would be dishonest,' he said softly, calming himself and turning to walk away.
Valaria frowned. 'It would not. Many Elves resolve for marriage without love. Why would this be any different?' she asked him.
Legolas turned back to her. 'I do not wish to hurt you,' he whispered, reaching down into the fountain to touch the water before turning to walk away again.
'When are you going to cease denying your father's wishes for you to marry?' Valaria said to him heatedly, causing him to stop in his tracks.
Legolas turned back to her, his eyes flashing. 'My father's wishes?' he asked softly, taking a step towards her. 'My father knows my sentiments on the matter. He knows I will marry once my search ends for the one my heart belongs to and who I will spend eternity with in Valinor,' Legolas told her irritably.
Hermione's heart skipped a beat as she glanced over at them. She had never seen Legolas look even remotely angry in the whole time she had known him. Indifferent and detached, yes, but never enraged. Hermione had never believed the Elves could get angry; they always seemed too serene, kind-hearted and jovial to know what anger was. Hermione suddenly felt like an intruder to a conversation she shouldn't be hearing and leisurely began to put her things away as casually as possible so as not to alert them to her.
Legolas took another step towards Valaria. 'You know the curse of our people as well as I,' he whispered, his voice low and almost dangerous.
Curse? Hermione wondered, unable to stop herself from staring at Legolas in bewilderment.
Valaria sighed. 'Even so, it is the wish of your father,' she countered, not backing down.
Legolas shook his head. 'I am mindful, considering you persist in enlightening me every time we are reunited. I am 2931 years old and well beyond the point of searching for my soul-mate. I do not comprehend why you continue to harass me with a futile proposal we made as children before we truly comprehended the curse,' he countered resignedly.
Valaria looked away from him, scorned by his words. 'I…' she trailed off, unable to answer.
'What does my mother think?' Legolas asked Valaria softly, after a moment of unpleasant silence.
Valaria looked up at Legolas, a pale glimmer of hope in her eyes. 'I am sure your mother would be overjoyed to unite us in marriage. She has always been fond of our friendship,' she answered, and Hermione could tell she was clutching at straws with Legolas.
Hermione could tell the Elven Prince was not impressed. 'A mere observation, and highly inaccurate,' Legolas answered, raising an eyebrow at her and Valaria stared back in uncertainty. 'My mother knows I will not marry unless, by some miracle, I find my soul-mate. She knew this a long time ago,' he explained, looking away from her to where Hermione was still trying to pack up her things.
However, Valaria noticed this and she didn't overlook the coldness dissipating from Legolas's eyes to be replaced by a gentleness she had never seen before as he gazed at the mortal girl. The Elf-Maiden began laughing making Legolas look at her in confusion. 'I see now. You have fallen, but you wish to spare my feelings, correct?' she asked him, a tinge of resentment colouring her tone.
Legolas frowned, how did Valaria come to that assumption? He wondered before looking at the Elf-Maiden. 'It is not your concern, Valaria,' he replied, shifting from one foot to the other.
'I am no fool, Legolas,' Valaria whispered, her tone bordering on anger. 'It is rare for you to get nervous. I can see in your eyes you have fallen, whether you have realised it or not,' she said, stepping towards him slowly. 'Only Elves are privy to this curse and it is remarkable for them to fall for another who does not love them back,' Valaria whispered, eyeing the ground morosely for a moment before turning her attention back to Legolas. 'If I am correct, you have fallen for a mortal-'
'I have not found her yet,' Legolas cut her off testily, but his eyes shifted back over to Hermione subconsciously and watched her walk over to her bed.
Valaria observed this and glared at Hermione's back before walking right up to Legolas and prodding him in the chest. 'You know our conduct, Legolas. Your mother and father would never permit such a union. Especially after…' she trailed off, gazing into Legolas's eyes and he swiftly felt a strange pull on his heart; it felt like fear.
'If you would let me, I could win your affection,' Valaria whispered, peeking over to where Hermione was now watching them as she sat on her bed. The Elf-Maiden smiled before reaching up and pulling Legolas into a kiss.
Witnessing this exchange, Hermione felt like she had been plunged into an ocean full of icy water. She looked away as she struggled to make sense of why she felt this way. The only explanation for this feeling was that she was jealous, but why? Hermione knew she found Legolas attractive, but for a mere kiss to warrant such intense emotions she didn't understand was beyond her.
Hermione stood with a sigh, deciding to go for a walk to clear her head and sort out her feelings so she missed Legolas pushing the Elf-Maiden away furiously. He glanced over to Hermione's bed to find her gone before cursing under his breath and marching away from a self-satisfied Valaria.
Draco stepped out from behind the pavilion and crossed his arms. He had seen and heard the exchange between Legolas and the Elf-Maiden. Draco's eyes fell on Hermione's back as she stood some ways away at the edge of the stream, her head bent in thought. He casually kicked the bed Harry was in, knowing the Gryffindor was, no doubt, awake.
'Did you hear that?' Draco asked him softly, watching the smug Elf-Maiden walk away, satisfied with whatever damage she believed she had caused.
Harry sat up and nodded. 'She's going to be trouble. I don't like the looks she gave Hermione,' he answered reflectively, crossing his arms.
'Legolas looked fairly peeved at her,' Draco mumbled, digging his toe into the dirt.
Harry hummed in agreement as he looked into the trees to where Hermione was now sitting on the grass, holding her knees. 'I don't think Hermione's realised yet,' he muttered sadly, frowning at his best friend.
Draco looked up from where he was concentrating on the hole he was creating in the dirt with his foot. 'Realised what?' he asked distractedly, looking over at Hermione.
Harry raised his eyebrows at Draco in disbelief. 'Haven't you noticed the way they act around each other?' he asked the contemplative Slytherin.
Draco tilted his head and scowled at the ground. 'Sure, I have noticed,' he mumbled, crossing his arms. 'Anyway, we need to figure out what to do about that Elf chick,' Draco said, guiding the discussion back to what he wanted to talk about with Harry.
Harry frowned at Draco wondering what his interest in this was. Sure, he had become a bit closer to Harry and Hermione, but he wasn't sure what to make of his hostility towards the Elf-Maiden. 'I'm sure she was just being possessive or something. I mean Hermione is spending a lot of time with Legolas who Valaria obviously wants to be with. She probably just wishes she was in Hermione's shoes or wanted to stake her claim to prevent Hermione from pursuing Legolas as more than a friend,' Harry answered with a shrug, wiping some dirt from his bed.
Draco opened his mouth to answer, but snapped it shut. He peered back into the trees at Hermione and wondered why he even cared. Harry was right. It was almost certainly just a ridiculous act of jealousy and would blow over. Moreover, Legolas would deal with it. Valaria was his predicament, not theirs. And Legolas was Hermione's problem to deal with. If she fell in love with him, then that was her prerogative.
'Yes, you're right,' Draco answered eventually, shaking his head.
Harry looked up at Draco, studying him for a moment before shaking his own head. 'We'll keep an eye on things. If it turns out to be something worse and Valaria tries to hurt Hermione, then we'll get involved. For now, it's none of our business,' he told him, receiving a nod from the sulking Slytherin.
oOoOo
Legolas was seething but he wasn't entirely sure why. He leaned against a tree and closed his eyes, breathing deeply as he tried to sort out his scattered thoughts. Valaria… why is she doing this? How many times must I tell her we will only ever be friends? Legolas opened his eyes, a frown appearing on his brow. Do I want such a friend? Did I do this to her? He questioned to himself, feeling dismayed at the thought.
When they were children, Legolas fully believed Valaria would be the one to hold his heart. However, his affection for her never increased beyond that of friendship whereas she fell in love with him. Such a rare ordeal. For an Elf to love another of their kin, but be rejected. The thought made Legolas feel guilty even though it wasn't his fault.
Legolas glanced over as Gimli picked up his axe and walked towards him. They agreed to patrol the left-hand perimeter of Lothlórien earlier in the night while Haldir and his brothers patrolled the right-hand side. Gimli stopped by the quiet Elf and shouldered his axe. 'Shall we?' the Dwarf asked, gesturing to the path through the trees.
Legolas nodded, falling into step next to Gimli. After a while of silence, the Dwarf grumbled to himself before turning to look at Legolas. 'How long are we staying here?' he asked, eyeing the beautiful forest uneasily. Gimli had been on edge since before they even arrived in Lothlórien. It was the territory of enemies in his eyes. He felt like an unwelcome and unsought guest in their wood.
Legolas tilted his head and stopped walking. 'I do not know,' he answered, before leaping into a nearby tree and crouching on a branch. He looked out through the trees with trained, but hardened eyes.
Gimli raised an eyebrow at Legolas, knowing something was troubling the Elf. He was uncharacteristically broody, and it was unsettling. Gimli's eyebrows almost disappeared into his hairline when Legolas let out a low snarl. He blinked, nervous about Legolas's odd behaviour and he wasn't sure he was at ease with being around an enraged Elf. 'What is wrong with you?' Gimli asked, leaning forward on the hilt of his axe.
Legolas glanced down at Gimli before jumping out of the tree and landing less elegantly beside him than was typical. 'I am fine, Dwarf. A few trivial grievances I am working through,' he answered, continuing to walk along the path.
Gimli nodded, but he was not entirely convinced as he fell into step with Legolas. 'So, you seemed cosy with your girlfriend earlier,' he snickered, missing the flash of fury which crossed Legolas's eyes.
In the blink of an eye, Legolas pulled out an arrow, docked it to his bow, and shot it over Gimli's head. Gimli froze in alarm, gawking at Legolas with wide eyes as the Elf eased his stance and glared at the Dwarf. 'What?' Gimli muttered, looking from Legolas's bow to the arrow in confusion and incredulity.
'I was venting,' Legolas answered plainly, replacing his bow on his back and continuing to walk.
Gimli reached up and rubbed a hand over his face. 'Note to self: do not mention the Elf's love life,' he muttered to himself, shaking his head and following Legolas a bit more cautiously.
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A/N: I hope you all enjoyed this chapter! Please let me know in a comment/review!