I know it's been a while since I updated all my stories. I apologized because once again I am swamped. I am taking classes, pregnant with my second child, and life in general. I am working on the next chapter of The princess and the werewolf and then I'll work on Second chances somewhere in between the school work and what not. Please be patient with me. In the mean time I hope you enjoy this chapter.
Chapter 11
Serenity woke with a start with something shaking her lightly. Her blue eyes snapped opened quickly to see her brother kneeling down next to her. Aragorn with a frown on his lips and guilt in his eyes. Upon realizing who was before her the princess of Gondor relaxed. The frown though did not go unnoticed by her.
"What is it?" She asked him quietly.
"I am afraid we must start moving again. Night is almost upon us and we need to keep going before the orcs come." He replied to her apologetically. Serenity knew they had not slept more than maybe two hours, but she knew they could not afford much more time and had to keep going for the safety of the group. Serenity nodded her head in understanding.
"Of course." She said in understanding as she started to sit up from her spot. Aragorn helped his sister get up. Once she was up and steady Aragorn let go of his sister's hand to go wake the others up. However, though, Serenity stopped him, as she grabbed his elbow keeping him from leaving her. He turned his attention back to his sister and tilt his head to the side.
"Aragorn, what happened to Gandalf is not your fault." She said to him quietly with a frown on her lips and sadness in her blue eyes while thinking of the wizard they had just recently lost. Aragorn took a deep breath at hearing her words as she tried to comfort him in their lost even with her dealing her own sadness too.
"It feels as if it is." He replied to her quietly looking down in shame. Serenity's hand reached up cupping his face with her small hand causing him to look at him. Aragorn noticed the soft small smile on her lips.
"I have those same feelings. We are all mourning, but you are not alone. I am here for you."
"Thank you, Ren." He said sincerely calling her by her old nickname from when they were children. Serenity just nodded her head knowing the two would always support one another no matter what. Aragorn then left his sister to go wake the rest of the group. Once the princess had gather all of her items up, putting those that she did not need back into her space pocket for later use on their next camp, while putting her bow and arrows back on her back along with her sword on her side. Now ready to go, Serenity look over to the group to see that just about everyone was awake and getting around themselves. Serenity heard footsteps next from behind her until there was a figure next to her. She turned to see Amarie standing next to her.
"Did you get any rest" Serenity asked the elf before her.
"Yes, I did. How about you?" She replied looking at her princess curiously.
"I could sleep a bit longer, but I do feel better." Serenity replied simply. Amarie nodded her head in understanding. They were all tired from the journey at hand, but knew they must keep going to save Middle Earth. It was only a few more minutes more before the rest of the fellowship was ready to continue with their journey.
"Now, onward to Lothlorien." Aragorn stated to those within the fellowship. Serenity nodded her head in agreement.
The company walked for many hours in silent as they followed Aragorn towards Lothlorien. As they traveled onward Aragorn stood in the front leading the group with Boromir right behind him, Gimli next, followed by Amarie, the four hobbits, then Serenity and Legolas watching the back of the small group. The group only rested briefly at times as they pushed further into the forest having reach just the outside of the woods of Lothorien, but still having far to travel to make it to the gates.
As they continued, the group came across a stream where Legolas knew of and helped the rest easily cross it. They continued further heading westward along the mountain stream away from Silverlod, not too far away from the falls of Nimrodel, where the group came across a cluster of trees that were hanging over the stream.
"What beautiful trees." Serenity muttered as she looked upon them as best she could in the moon light. Legolas heard Serenity's comment regarding his kin's trees they were near.
"They are called Mellyrn and they bear a yellow blossom." He explained to the blonde beauty in front of him.
"Have you climbed them before?" Serenity asked knowing how much elves loved to be in the trees and one with nature.
"I have never climbed one, but I may do so, to see if we may rest in them for the night." Legolas said as he gracefully made his way to a branch to climb up.
"I shall join you. I have never climbed one myself and like too." Amarie said as she joined with him over to the branch. Legolas smiled nodding his head in acceptance of the two climbing the tree together for the first time.
"A good idea. The trees could be good cover from prying eyes or if any orcs would dare come this far into the woods." Serenity stated simply at the idea. She stood near the tree that the elves would begin to climb up.
"I must agree. We will wait for your word." Aragorn stated as he leaned up against a tree next to the one Legolas was about to climb. The company watch at the base of the truck as the two elves jumped up gracefully and with ease to the first branch. As the two elves got ready to jump on the next branch to start climbing up further they heard a sudden commanding voice speak.
"Daro!" This voice caused both elves to drop back down the ground and back up a bit in surprise of others being present all of a sudden. Upon hearing the voices, Serenity, Aragorn and Boromir stood tense ready to protect those with them if need be. Just then the voices spoke again in elven. Legolas looked up to where he could hear them and answered them back.
"Who are they and what do they say?" Merry asked curious as always.
"They are elves." Serenity stated simply with a small warm smile to the small hobbit near her.
"And they say that you breathe so loud that they could shoot you in the dark." Amarie replied to them listening in on the conversation of her kin. Upon hearing her words, Sam clasp his hand over his mouth.
"Oh, Sam." Serenity replied in a small giggle and a warm smile on her lips. The others also smiling or chuckling at the hobbit. The laughter within in the group brought the tension down a bit.
"Do no fear Sam Wise. They have been aware of us for some time and knew that Legolas and I have been with the group." Amaire explained to the others for those who could not understand what was being said. Legolas turned after finishing speaking looking at Aragorn, Serenity and Boromir.
"They wish that Frodo and I climb up the tree. They seem to have some word of him and of our journey. They ask that the rest wait here and keep watch." Legolas explained to them all.
"Very well." Aragorn said while nodding his head once in agreement. All turned to the small hobbit with them to see if he was alright with the request. Just then a ladder appeared down from above tree the two may use to climb up. Legolas was first to use it then Frodo with Sam right behind him. The trio were gone for only a few minutes when suddenly Legolas appeared back down the ladder.
"I have met Haldir and his brothers, Rumil and Orophin. They will let us sleep in the trees for the night on the talan. The four hobbits will stay in this tree, while the rest will be in the next tree as well. It is not safe with the wolves and orcs roaming the area." He informed the fellowship.
"Of course, we are grateful for their hospitality." Serenity stated in a regal tone of voice which Legolas was surprised to hear from her, but hid his emotions. "Please lead the way Legolas." Serenity finished for the group. Legolas nodded his head. Serenity and Amarie took the extra things that had been carried by the hobbits and easily hid them in their space pocket for safe keeping from orcs while the others help Merry and Pippin up the ladder safely in the tree. Once the two hobbits were in the tree the rest of the company followed Legolas to the next tree where there was a ladder hanging for them to climb. It only took a few minutes before the rest were up in the tree for the night. Although there were some grumblings from Gimli as he made his way up the tree. Once in the tree they found blankets, with extra food and drink waiting for them.
The group drank and ate in silence enjoying the safety of tree for a change from being on the ground. After finishing eating for the night, everyone took an extra blanket besides what they had brought with them into the tree and found a spot to lay down to sleep for the night. The company tried to sleep except for the two elves who stood watch with the others since the they never needed as much rest as the others did.
As the sun's light started to show above the horizon to signal a beginning of a new day, it brought Serenity out of her sleep. The Gondor Princess stretch her arms and legs feeling well rest for once in a long while.
"Good morning." She heard the soft familiar voice from her left side. She looked over to see Legolas sitting contently on a tree branch completely at ease. It was rare to see the elf so relaxed since the start of the journey. He radiant happiness for being with nature she could tell, which made her happy to see.
"Good morning." Serenity replied warmly with a smile on her lips.
"You seem well rested." He replied to her with a soft smile. Legolas had been watching the blonde beauty sleep throughout the night. He enjoyed seeing her so relax and care free as she slept instead of being tense and full of concerned for the safety of everyone.
"I am very well rested." she stated simply, but before she could say more, there was rustling from the others as they started to wake for the day as well. Just then Amarie came over from the other tree that the hobbits were currently in.
"Ah, good everyone is waking." She stated as seeing the others rise from their slumber in the tree. "Haldir wishes everyone to be awake so that we may continue our journey." She explained to them all. The company rose for the day, getting their belonging around that they had carried into the tree for the night. Within in a little bit of time the group was back down on the ground and together once more with Haldir and Rumil to lead them to Lothlorien.
As the group walked they were informed by Haldir of orcs that had passed through the night and how they made them move further down the line of tress away from where they had been sleeping and now his brother Orophin had gone back to their dwellings in haste to warn their people of the orcs that came along.
They walked for some time until they came to entered the Naith of Lorien. Haldir stopped his walking and turned towards the group he was leading with his brother standing behind him. He stood before them with a serious look upon him.
"We have just entered the Naith of Lorien. Very few are permitted this far, but now we must blindfold the dwarf as it has been agreed upon." He explained to them simply.
"Blindfold me!" He exclaimed in anger at the very idea of being treated differently from the rest of the group. "I will not be blindfolded. I am no more a danger to any of you than Legolas or Amaire is." He stated angrily to them.
"I do not doubt you, but this is our law, and I must follow it." Haldir replied simply with a frown on his face.
"If this is your law than you shall blindfold us all, including Amaire and Legolas." Serenity spoke up to the group. Amaire stood quietly understanding that Serenity was only trying to do what was best for the entire group and knew as well that she was trying to keep Gimli from being singled out by this law of her kin. However, Legolas was upset at the idea of having to be blindfold.
"What?!" Legolas exclaimed upset at the very thought.
"I agree with Serenity on this. If Gimli must be blindfolded than the rest of us shall be as well." Aragorn stated out loud. Gimli chuckled at the idea of Legolas having to be blindfolded.
"I am among my own kin, I surely do not need to be blindfolded." Legolas argued back looking at Haldir, Aragorn and Serenity.
"Legolas, I truly understand your feelings, but if the roles were reverse, you would be just as upset as Gimli currently is, if in the company of dwarfs, if this was their law. Please, for the sake of the company do not fight this." Serenity reasoned in a soft, calm voice to the elf before her, her blue eyes pleading with him not to keep fighting on the matter. Legolas looked on the blonde beauty before him as she tried desperately to get him agree to the matter at hand. As he looked into her pleading blue eyes, and realize he did not have the heart to tell her no or the will to keep fighting. He sighed heavily in defeat.
"Very well, I shall be blindfolded like the rest of my company." He stated begrudgingly to the group. Serenity gave him small smile in effort to comfort the elf that stood not far from her. It only took a few minutes for Haldir and Rmuil to blindfold those in the company. Once done so, Haldir took the lead of the group while his brother Rumil was in the very back to ensure no one within the company got lost as they kept traveling.
The group traveled for a full day blindfolded as they were guided. They ended up resting on the ground blinded folded for the evening trusting their new companions to keep them safe. Then the following day the company was up early once more to continue. On the second day of their journey blindfolded the small group ran into a group of elves that were heading out to cover the borders from orcs coming to their lands. As the group passed Haldir got word that the Lord and Lady of Lorthorien had said the group were to walk freely as they made their way to the elven city.
The evening sky was just appearing as the sun disappeared behind the horizon for the day when the company finally arrived at the gates of Lothlorien. Haldir knocked on the gates which then opened to let the new comers enter. Once the company was completely inside the gates closed quietly with no sound made. The group was then taken down a path until they reached a set of long stairs to climb. As the group marched on Legolas noticed how each member was reacting to their new surroundings, especially a certain person. Serenity could not help, but take in all the sights and sounds around her. She found the elven city to be peaceful and beautiful. Her blues drinking all that there was to see. Legolas took note of Serenity just stare in amazement. He could tell she was relax and enjoying her surroundings with no worries once more.
Amarie enjoyed being back in Lothlorien for it had been a very long time since she had been to these parts to see her kin here. She took in all that she could since she did not know when she would return again to visit these parts of Middle Earth.
"Oh, how I missed being here." she muttered happily, her purple eyes shining in delight. Boromir could not help, but hear the comment from the beautiful elf maiden next to him seeing how care free she was acting for a change. The group ascended the stairs one after another while continuing to look around. The climb was long, but at the very end of the stairs they came to talan where Celebron and Galadariel of Lothlorien stood before them. Both were wearing white, while Celebron had silver length hair, and Galadariel had dark golden hair. Both had an aura of wisdom and a timeless look upon them. They each watch as the company came up the stairs and into view.
"Welcome all to Lotohlorien." Celebron greeted as the group finished coming up the stairs. "Here there are ten and yet eleven were set out of Rivendell. Where is Gandalf the Gray, for I very much desire to speak with him. I can no longer see him from afar." Celebron questioned the group his eyes searching for the wizard who was missing. Lady Galadariel had only been watching at each member standing before them as he spoke to the group.
"Gandalf did not pass the borders of this land. He has fallen into shadow." Lady Galardriel stated in a surprised tone of voice as her eyes grow wide of this news while searching for answers in Aragorn's eyes.
"He has fallen." Serenity spoke out as regally as possible as her grief for her grandfather came back up, now that the company was safe. "It happened while in Moria, protecting us from a great evil." Serenity finished explaining what she could holding her head up high, but those with good hearing could hear the pitch change as her voice signaling her emotions were trying to come out as she spoke more on the topic. Legolas who happened to be standing next to her, quietly took her hand into his to silently comfort her in their time of grief. Serenity gratefully took the comfort no matter how small the gesture was.
"He was taken by both shadow and flame. A Balrog of Morgoth." Legolas added on knowing Serenity could not speak any more of their loss.
"We needless led into the net of Moria." Amarie added sadly to the group, her own purple eyes holding sorrow in them.
"Needless were none of the deeds of Gandalf in life. We do not yet know his full purpose." Lady Galadriel said wisely to the group.
"Tell me, what has happened on your quest?" Celebron asked the group looking to find answers. Aragorn step up and in retelling of the company's journey from the caves to the borders of the elves' home land. While Aragorn spoke of the tale Lady Galadriel went into each of the companies minds to speak to them individually. Serenity could feel Galadariel in her mind and gladly let her in, knowing that she could not hide anything from her.
'Welcome Serenity Princess of Gondor and of the Moon kingdom.' Serenity heard her in her mind. Serenity nodded her head just slightly before answering back.
'Thank you for your hospitality.' She said respectfully.
'You are not surprised of what I know.'
'Of course not. You are Lady Galadriel. You helped Gandalf, and were more likely aware of our past life's connection.' Serenity stated wisely back with a small smile on her lips.
'That I do. I feel your sorrow for Gandalf, but do not let that weigh you down. Remember love is your greatest strength. Do not shy away from it, for you deserve it with all you have been through.' Was the last words Serenity heard in her mind, before she disappeared for good. Serenity stood pondering on what Lady Galadriel's words could mean.
Amarie stood in the back on the opposite end of the group from Legolas and Serenity. As she stood she tried to tune out what Aragorn was recounting to Celebron. As she stood there she could feel a sudden presence within her mind.
'Lady Amarie princess of Saturn.' she said wisely to the woman before her. Amaire's eyes grew wide in worry at realizing her best kept secret was no longer a secret. She knew of her Galadriel's powers, but knew of ways to keep things hidden, or so she thought.
'But how….' She questioned her.
'I can feel your powers, now that they have awakened. Just as I can feel Serenity's power flowing through her.' She said simply enough, but before Amarie could ask her about that, Galadriel continued on. 'There is another who wish to be there for you. Let him in, you deserve love, as you will be the only one who can save him.' Galadriel stated cryptically then she was gone out of her mind once more.
"What now becomes of this fellowship? Without Gandalf hope is loss." Amarie heard Celebron asked the group as his shock dissipated of the news of Gandalf's death. Amaire realized that Aragorn had finished telling the tale and looked to see what the Lord and Lady had to say.
"This quest stand upon an edge of a knife. Stray of but a little and it will fail to the ruin of all. Yet, hope remains while the company is true. Do not let your heart be trouble. Go now and rest for you are weary with sorrow and turmoil. Tonight, you will sleep well." At hearing, they would get to rest the company sighed in relief at the news.
The company was led back down the stairs after their meeting with the Lord and Lady of Lothlorien. While they had been speaking to Galadriel and Celeborn the elves had put up a pavilion by the base of the trees with couches for the company to each have to sleep on. The four hobbits as soon as they saw the make shift beds made their way over to claim one, happy at the prospect of not sleeping in a tree. Serenity turned to Haldir who had led them to their sleeping area. She thanked him quietly in elvish. Aragorn nodded his head in respect as he heard his sister thank the elf for all that he had done. Haldir took his leave so that the group could get some rest after the long journey they had made. Serenity turned to see the four hobbits had all claimed a bed next to one another. Serenity had a small smile at the scene before her.
The rest of the company each found a couch to claim as their own to sleep on. The four hobbits took the couches closes to the base of the one tree. At the base of the next three Serenity took one with Amarie claiming one as well as Legolas too. In the next pavilion, Aragorn, Boromir and Gimli took the next set of couches. After putting their things away and getting comfortable on their couches, it was not long before sleep over took the company.
Once Serenity was asleep as well as the hobbits, Amarie got up from her couch she was relaxing on. As she was making her way out of the pavilion she took note of Boromir sitting alone at the base of the tree that was across from their sleeping companions. She had noticed earlier during their time with Galadriel and Celebron he seemed upset. She had brushed it off at the time as to do with losing Gandalf, but now she wondered if that was really the case. The young elf maiden quietly walked over to him.
"Take some rest. These borders are well protected." She said quietly and calmly to him.
"I will find no rest here. I heard a voice inside of my head. She spoke of my father and the fall of Gondor. She said to me even now there is still hope left. But I cannot see it. It has long been since we had any hope."
"It was Lady Galaderial speaking to you. You should not give up hope. It is there, you just have to look for it." Amarie said in a soft reassuring voice.
"My father is a noble man, but his rule is failing. And our people lose faith. He looks to me to make things right. I would do it. I would see the glory of Gondor restored. I just..." Boromir stopped himself unsure of what else to say. Amaire could tell as she sat next to the man before, was visibly shaken by what information Lady Galaderial told him with his voice being shaky and the obvious look of guilt/worry in his eyes before he put his head down to stare at his hands.
"Just what Boromir?" Amarie questioned softly trying to coaxed him to keep talking to her. He looked up from his hands to see her purple eyes looking at him with concern for him, while her lips were pressed in a thin line as she waited patiently to hear his answer. Boromir was surprised at how Amarie was speaking to him and seemed sincerely concerned about him. He would not have expected this from the elf maiden that sat before him since she always seemed to keep a distance between him.
"I don't know how to restore Gondor's glory." he replied softly back to her. Amarie nodded her head in understanding a soft smile forming on her lips.
"Boromir, I may have only known you a short bit of time, but in that time, that I have spent my company with you, I have learned quit a few things. First, you are a brave warrior who would give his life for any of the members of this journey. Second, you care for your family, home and people of Gondor so much, that you would give your life if it met restoring Gondor. Do not worry about the unknown, for when the time comes, you shall know what needs to be done. You are a born leader, and have been all of your life. Trust your instincts. They have never failed thus far." She said to him in an encouraging voice. Boromir could not help, but feel a little better at hearing such kind words from Amarie, until he remembered what the voice said. Amarie saw Boromir's spirit start to lift and his eyes had started to light up. She noticed they suddenly clouded for a brief second as if he remembered something.
"But the voice said..." he started to say to her. Amarie realized quickly where Boromir's line of thinking was going towards. She hastily put her hand up to stop his speaking.
"Lady Gladariel is very powerful and wise. However, she does not know all. She can see the past, the present and what has yet not come to past. Yet, just because she may see what has yet not come to past, does not mean it shall be. It can change, and it will, you just have to believe in it yourself." She finished saying to him in an encouraging tone of voice full of confidence.
"You speak as if you have been through such a matter. Have you?" he asked her curiously. Amarie chuckled lightly at the question. She was not surprised that he caught on to her words.
"Yes, I have with Serenity. She has found a way to make what has yet not come to past stay as that." She said fondly thinking back on all that they had been through over the years. Boromir noticed how her purple eyes look to the distant as if seeing something only she could see. But suddenly she stopped herself from getting lost in memories and turned to Boromir that sat before her. She stood up while putting her hand out to him so as to help him up. Boromir took the nice gesture, happy to have learned more about the elf maiden. He put his hand into her, feeling how soft they were as she help pull him up on his feet.
"Now, I think you need some sleep after the long journey we have had." She replied to him politely as she pointed to the direction of his bed. "After all, you are no good at protecting the company if you lack sleep." She finished stating simply with a smile on her lips.
"Very true. Thank you for listening to me and for your encouraging words." he replied in a regal tone of voice bowing his head slightly in respect to her. Amarie appreciated how respectful and grateful he was being towards her, but knew it was not necessary.
"That is what friends do for one another." She replied simply trying not to make a big deal. Boromir's eyes widen in surprise at her use of word of friend. However, he thought it best not to address the comment.
"Of course. Good night, Amaire." he told her, kissing her hand lightly on his lips, earning a blush on her cheeks and seemingly bashful suddenly.
"Th..thank you." She started with a slight stutter before continuing. "Good night, Boromir." She finished quietly. Boromir smiled at seeing this new shy side of the elf before him. He had never seen her so unsure and shy. She had always been full of confidence and in control, that it was new to see this side of her. He chuckled lightly at her behavior, but thought best to again not point it out since it could mean getting on her bad side. He nodded his head one more time, before releasing her hand, and taking his leave to his sleeping arrangements.
The next morning Serenity woke to the sun just starting to shine for the day. Signaling a new day had begun. The princess sat up on her bed as she looked around to see if anyone else was awake yet. As her blue eyes scanned the area, she noticed both beds next to her were empty. She looked over to the hobbits to see they were sleeping peacefully. She then turned her attention to her right to see that Aragorn and the others were also asleep.
"Everyone is still peacefully asleep except for you." She heard a quiet familiar voice speak to her in elvish. Serenity whipped her head around to find Amarie sitting on the base of the tree they were under with an amuse look on her features. Serenity stared at her friend with a frown.
"And did you get any sleep?" Serenity questioned her friend back in elvish knowing how tired Amarie had been lately.
"You know I don't need nearly as much sleep as you do." She replied back simply as if I this was an obvious answer. Serenity rolled her eyes at hearing the response.
"I am well aware of that, but I also know both you and Legolas have been running low on sleep by letting the rest of the company get rest and keep watch most nights. Yet, you both still need some sleep." Serenity huffed back as she looked at her friend seriously for an answer. Amarie just smiled knowing Serenity was only looking out for her wellbeing and that Serenity seemed to be getting closer to Legloas too.
"Yes, we both slept. We are much better." Amarie replied with an understanding glint in her purple eyes. The Princess of Saturn noticed upon answering Serenity how she relaxed suddenly.
"Good, after all, if anything would happen to you, Amara would kill me." Serenity muttered dryly as she started to stretch her muscles for the new day. Amarie giggled lightly at the comment knowing full well that it was true. Amarie then started to get up from her spot.
"Would you like to get cleaned up?" Amarie asked her with a smile on her lips. Serenity lite up at those words. That was when she noticed Amaire was wearing a light purple flowing dress, her black hair let loose and no footwear on her feet.
"Yes, I would." She replied in a matter of fact tone. Amarie nodded her head in understanding before signaling the princess to follow her. Amaire took her to a building that was a little distant away from their camp site. Once inside the building she found a warm bath already made for her with a light blue dress hanging on the wall. Serenity smiled happy at the thought of getting clean for the first time in a while.
Not long later Serenity emerged wearing the new light dress, her hair left swaying behind her, feeling refreshed from the bath. She noticed that Amaire was nowhere to be found. Not wishing to return to the camp just yet, the blonde beauty decided to take a stroll while looking at her new temporary home. As she walked around her thoughts started to darken as she recalled the day of her grandfather falling into the abyss before her. Her pace slowed down as she replayed those moments in her mind. She thought she could have helped him, had Legolas not stopped her. Yet, she knew there was a risk of her falling with him if she failed, then the group would have been down two members instead of one. The creature's power was strong, and if she had to use the crystal then they would have been in a worse situation with no help.
'I should have been quicker at thinking of something.' She thought sorrowfully to herself as she realized she stood starring at her own reflection in a small pond before her. As she stood there replaying those moments over in her mind, she felt this strong emotion of grief surfacing in her.
"I do not like to see you with such sadness on you face." Came a soft elvish voice that was above her. Upon hearing the new voice, break the blonde out of her thoughts, she whipped her head up to see Legolas starring down at her from a branch in the tree above her. He jumped down landing on his feet gracefully not far from the princess. He took two steps and was in front of her looking into her blue eyes that were swirling with grief and unshed tears in them. He noticed one tear had escaped her eye and was slowly trailing down her cheek. His finger lightly wiped the tear from her cheek as it tried to roll further down.
"What were you thinking about?" he asked her calmly never taking his eyes away from her.
"Gandalf." She said simply. Legolas had been watching Serenity slowly make her way over to the pond completely in her own world it seemed. He had noticed she had washed up and given clean clothes to wear, which he appreciated seeing her in this simple, but beautiful gown on her. Yet, what he could not stand to watch anymore was how her features became more stricken with sadness. While looking in his eyes, she could see he was upset over the same topic too.
"You should not let such matters weigh your heart down so much. We could not save him." He stated in a reassuring voice staring at her with his own grim look upon his features.
"I just keep thinking had I thought of something maybe I could have." She replied to him simply looking defeated as she stared down into the ground. Legolas pulled her face up by putting his finger underneath her chin so that his eyes met with her blue eyes.
"The Balrog was very strong. Had you gone after Gandalf, we may have lost you as well." He responded honestly hoping the answer may make her feel a little less upset over the matter. "It is no more your fault than mine for I failed in my promise to you to help keep all of those within our fellowship safe." Serenity had forgotten about the promise they had both spoken of so long ago until now. She hated to see he also felt responsible for Gandalf. Serenity sighed heavily, pulling away from the elf before her, knowing this was something not so easily to move out of any one's heart. She noticed a wooden like bench next to the pond. She sat down on it to be more comfortable. Legolas watch the princess before him curiously as she made her way over to the bench before following her to sit next to her.
"You seem unhappy with my words." He said simply. Serenity nodded her head in agreeing with him as she looked at him.
"Yes, I am." This confession from her surprised Legolas which he was not expecting at all.
"Why?" he asked wanting to know why she felt this way. He did not like the idea of having upset her more and wanted to make it right.
"Because you did your best trying to protect us all in my eyes. There was nothing more you could have done." She stated with a simple smile on her lips. Seeing the small smile on her lips to try to cheer him up with her words made Legolas feel better. He now understood why she was upset with his words, also happy that she thought so highly of his abilities.
"True, but the same for you too." He started to say to her with a small amused look in his eyes which did not go unnoticed by Serenity.
"Oh, how so?" She asked curiously.
"Seems Gandalf knew more about your abilities then the rest of us did, and if he had just told you to flee, then he himself was aware you were at your limit regardless that you are the Princess of the Moon." Serenity just chuckled lightly with an amused look twinkling her blue eyes as the grief swirled less in her eyes. Again, Legolas was surprised by the blonde's beauty's reaction before him. He had expected her to be upset that he knew her secret, but instead here she was laughing. It seemed she could always amaze him.
"I wondered how long it would take you to put all the pieces together. I presume the story of my past gave me away." She said with a raised eyebrow. Legolas smiled back at hearing her words.
"At first, no, although you seem to know more than you were telling. But after our travels through the mountains I saw you use a bit of fire, then of course the day we were in the mines." Serenity nodded her head in understanding.
"I thought so. I was unsure of the day when I spoke in the language of the Moon that was your clue." She told him.
"Ah, it was beautiful what you spoke. Does Aragorn know about your true past?" Legolas asked her. Upon hearing the question, Serenity's head went down starring at her hands as a fresh wave of guilt and shame came through the blonde from the mention of her brother. Legolas noticed Serenity just starring down at her hands in her lap and what little of her face he could see she seemed to be upset. He reaches out with his one hand taking hers into his. The action cause Serenity to look up to meet his gaze again, which show concern for her. Legolas could see the shame and guilt easily and knew it had to do with her brother and her past. "What is it Serenity?" He asked her quietly. The blonde beauty took a deep breath before answering him.
"If Aragorn learns of my past on the moon he will think I chose to leave our family here in Middle Earth to be with those of the moon. He will hate me for such an act of abandonment." She explained to him with fresh tears ready to fall out of her blue eyes once more. Legolas heart broke at seeing Serenity so upset at the idea of losing her brother over such matters. He used his free hand to cup Serenity's cheek gently rubbing his thumb against her cheek.
"I do not believe your brother would think that because that is not in your heart. He loves you too. But when the time comes that he learns of it, speak to him about the matter." He said to her in a reassuring tone of voice. At hearing his words, Legolas could see hope returning to her beautiful features on her face.
"I hope you are right. Thank you for listening to me." Legolas return her a smile of his own that Serenity found charming and causing her to blush a little. The two just sat there gazing at one another in silent both entrance. Just then they heard a light cough just behind them. The noise broke the silent and gaze between the two startling them at the presence of another. They both jumped up out of surprise and out of habit. Legolas stood in between Serenity and the foe before him ready to protect her. Upon realizing it was another kin of his he relaxes his position. Serenity also relax noticing it was just an elf as well before them. She had a slight blush on her cheeks in embarrassed for reacting so poorly in the company of the elves who had graciously let them in.
"I am sorry for intruding, but Lord Celeborn and Lady Galdariel have requested that you accompany them for lunch." He informed them respectfully.
"Of course. We would be honor to join them." Serenity stated back respectfully with a warm smile on her lips.
"Please follow me. I will show you the way." He replied simply. Legolas nodded his head in agreement to follow his kin. Although he would not admit it out loud he was disappointed that his time alone with the blonde beauty next to him was ending so soon. The two gracefully followed the elf to their destination both thinking back on the bit of time they had alone together.