- Chapter 8 -

Bright blue eyes looked over the riding clothes that had been placed on her bed one evening and Shyloh gaped at them. Here she'd spent the last three months donning dresses when she could have been wearing these instead. Who knew that dark brown leggings, a deep blue tunic and tan leather boots could make someone so excited. Quickly flinging the soft blue dress she wore on the bed, she changed into the new clothes and almost giggled like a little child.

The tunic was long sleeved, and it fitted her through the bodice and waist until it hung loose past her hips, reaching her mid-thigh. It was a little longer in the back and the sleeves had white stitching up the arms that made her think of white tree branches. The short collar curved up around her neck but didn't lay flat against her shoulders.

The boots were probably the softest leather she ever felt in her life and as she laced them up, she instantly thought about how she'd hate to get them dirty, because they were simply that nice and comfortable. The leggings outlined her awkwardly bowed legs and she recalled how Mack always used to make fun of her for them, joking that she would fit better on a horse than on her own two feet. She'd grumble and roll her eyes at him.

"That's it, I'm never wearing a dress again," she announced to herself. Heading to her mirror, she took a good look. Her white hair still made her feel salty, hating the way it made her look so pale. It stood out brightly against the dark color of her shirt, only making her frown.

She admired the clothes for another moment before Élane softly knocked and let herself in without waiting for her to answer. Shyloh was slowly growing accustomed to the elf's constant presence at her side and leaned on her heavily for advice, but also because aside from Gilraen, she was the only other female here that Shyloh knew. Many of the others ellith tended to avoid her and honestly, she was alright with that. Her two new friends always made her feel welcomed though. Estel was always shadowing her in the library too. He'd invited her to his training lessons also, so to appease the boy she went and despite the stares from others that were also there training, she made the best of it by watching Estel maneuver his bow and practice with Glorfindel.

The first time she went, she overheard one of the captains that worked with Glorfindel chide a small group of ellyn who apparently forgot their lesson at hand and took to staring at Shyloh with wide eyes. She felt her face redden as she caught the eye of the captain who gave her an apologetic look. The chastised elves were quick to get back to their lessons, so she didn't give them another thought as she watched the little kid in front of her.

Now, Élane looked at her with approving eyes and then reached for her hairbrush.

"We're just riding horses, my hair is going to get tangled anyways," Shyloh protested but Élane ignored her.

"You are a Lady of the house of Lord Elrond," she reminded her briskly. "It is your duty to always be presentable."

Shyloh rolled her eyes and stifled a groan, letting her handmaid tend to her hair by running a brush through it and pulling the sides back into a clip to keep it out of her face. Apparently, ponytails weren't 'normal' hairstyles for elves, so she sat patiently while she was made 'presentable.'

When Élane was done fussing, Shyloh looked at her with pleading eyes.

"Alright," the she-elf huffed, "you are free."

Bouncing up from her chair she thanked the elf and all but ran out of her room. Estel was waiting for her in the hall, looking as eager to get to the stables as she was.

"You look happy," he said, almost sounding surprised and it caught her off guard so much that she frowned.

"What do you mean?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.

He shrugged a little and then turned his face away as he spoke. "You always look sad."

His comment stung but she kept her face blank as they walked. She sighed inwardly, her shoulders sagging a little and her stride just a tad bit slower. And here she thought she was putting on a brave face that it took a little kid to call her out on her poor acting.

Estel noticed her change of pace and then looked apologetic, casting her a glance that told her he didn't mean to sound insulting. To cheer him up, she gave him the best smile she could muster.

"So!" she breathed. "Where are we riding to?"

Shyoh had never been in the stables before. Its vaulted ceiling, polished wood stalls and smooth floors made her jaw drop. It was like stepping into a dream. Why had it taken her so long to wander down here to get her fill of horses?

Boss, the voice in her head whispered and she felt a sharp stab of pain go through her. You miss Boss.

The stable was immaculate in every way and everything she could possibly imagine. Already gleaming, the horses pricked their ears up at the two of them as they walked down the length of the aisle. The last stalls were the fanciest and largest and she guessed this was where Lord Elrond's horses were kept. Two stalls were empty, and she briefly wondered if it were the twins' horses that were missing. She didn't have time to ponder the question because soft footsteps approached from behind and they both turned.

She was reminded once again just how short she was compared to her cousins. The twins made her feel so small as they walked, broad shouldered and confident. Upon their backs were their quivers and bows, swords at their hips. The sight of the weapons made her uneasy and sent flashbacks flooding through her mind of headless orcs. They noticed the look cross her face, but Estel just watched the two warriors in awe.

"Ready for our trip?" Elrohir asked, crossing his arms over his chest.

"Where exactly are we going?" she wondered, hoping that someone would tell her what the deal was. All she knew was that she was going for a ride, and no one would say anything more about it. She felt nervous but excited at the same time; having missed the smell and company of horses but also because she was beyond ready to get out of the confines of the house and gardens and to step away from lessons with her uncle.

Elladan shrugged. "You will have to wait and see."

Irritated by the cryptic answer, she pressed her lips together, but they would say no more. Gilraen appeared just then, coming around a corner with a bundle in her arms. Shyloh supposed she had come to see her son off, but the woman's eyes were on her, and she gave Shyloh a quick smile.

"I brought you a little something for your trip," she said, handing the bundle she held to Shyloh. "The nights are still cold, and you will need it."

Fumbling with the bundle, Shyloh let it fall open, revealing a deep gray cloak clasped together with two twisted hooks at the throat.

"Wow, it's beautiful!" Shyloh said, blinking in surprise. The material was actually lightweight and soft in her fingers; the hood was large and deep. "Did you make this?"

Gilraen smiled proudly. "Yes, I help the seamstresses occasionally. We had the smiths design the clasps especially for you."

Shyloh's fingers grazed over the smooth metal, admiring the intricate details that were inlaid into each clasp. The pattern swirled like tree branches, and she thought it was ironic how much it looked like the stitching that went up the sleeves of her tunic.

"Thank you," she breathed and then pulled Gilraen into a hug, making the woman laugh warmly.

A thought occurred in Shyloh's head just then as she pulled away and faced the twins. "How long are we staying away? I thought we were just going for a ride."

"Just overnight," Elrohir said. "We will be back before the midday meal on the morrow."

Elladan led two horses into the aisle way, both already saddled. While he led them down the aisle, Gilraen turned to her son and gave him one last kiss on the top of his head. She didn't have to bend down far to reach him. Seriously, the boy was growing like a weed.

Thanking her friend again for the wonderful gift, Shyloh looped it over her arm and followed her cousins out of the stable and into the cool evening air. Elladan passed the reins of a tall gray horse to her after checking the saddle once more, making sure it was snug.

Reaching a hand up, she placed it on the soft muzzle of the gray, looking up into his deep, dark brown eyes. His ears pricked forward, and he sniffed her palm curiously. She looked over at Elladan just then, her eyes lingering on the weapons he held. Sensing her gaze, he caught her looking at the bow and frowned.

"Our borders are well protected," he told her quietly as the others approached. "We will not be leaving them so no need to worry."

"So, better safe than sorry?" she wondered, and he nodded.

"We will be perfectly fine."

Feeling a little better, she turned back to the gray and shifted the new cloak in her arms, wondering how she would attach it to her saddle.

"I will take that," Elrohir said as if reading her mind and reached for the cloak. She let him take it and watched as he rolled it up and buckled it into the straps behind the saddle.

She'd been riding plenty of times, practically growing up on the back of a horse, but camping overnight with horses was a new one for her. The gray was tall, but he lowered his head for her to swing the reins over his ears. He stood quietly while she mounted too, and she praised him for his impeccable manners. Once she settled herself into the saddle, flashbacks of falling and hitting her head settled on her mind. Sensing her tenseness, the gray sidestepped.

Elladan lifted Estel onto his horses back since he was so much shorter than the tall bay mare he would be riding. He looked at ease in the saddle though, like he'd been born to ride as he took up his reins confidently. The twins mounted their already waiting horses and Shyloh let out a quiet sigh.

I'm ready for this, she thought, and forced her shoulders to relax as she let her body flow naturally with the rhythm of the horse she rode. Gilraen waved goodbye one last time and they were off down the path towards the main bridge, the shod hooves clopping on the stone as they went: the echo of it sending an exhilarated shiver up her spine.

Lord, did she need this!

The afternoon sun was warm despite the cooler breeze, even when they crossed over the rushing river under the main bridge and took a path to the right into the trees. She couldn't help the smile that came over her face as she was reminded of riding in the woods as a child. She looked down the straight and narrow path they took, wondering what it would be like to take the trail at a run instead of a simple walk.

Estel seemed to have the same idea because he cast her a mischievous look before urging his horse forwards suddenly, a laugh escaping his lips as the horse took off ahead of them. Shyloh wasn't one to be left behind, so she gave the gray his head and raced after Estel. Elrohir and Elladan accepted the silent challenge and the four of them let their horses run.

She shoved aside the nervous warnings in her brain as she leaned forwards in the saddle and collected her reins, feeling the wind in her loose hair fly behind her. Elladan pulled his horse alongside her and gave her a sly grin, challenging her to go faster.

Shooting him a smirk, she let the reins go slack and nudged the gray faster after his horse. They raced full out, all four horses keeping in rhythm with each other, and she couldn't help but let loose a laugh. Estel was still in the lead, and he twisted his head around to look at the woman that rode behind him. He grinned at the look of utter enjoyment on her face, glad they had found something that finally made her smile reach her eyes.

They let the horses settle into a steady canter as they rode in silence. Shyloh marveled at the beautiful trees they passed and the waterfalls that cascaded alongside the trail; emptying into crystal clear streams that sparkled like diamonds over glittering rocks. It was like a dream.

Moss covered rocks and tree trunks passed them by, casting the earth around them into a sea of wild greens that showed golden in the sunlight. The trees were alive in the soft breeze, their branches swaying gently, leaves rustling. The sound mingled with that of the horses' hooves was music to her ears, and she closed her eyes for a moment, raising her face to catch the rays of the sun that peaked through the treetops. She missed the smiles her cousins gave her as she drank in the freedom of being horseback again.

Riding horses was her therapy, and for the first time since arriving in Rivendell...no...in Middle-earth...she felt the peace she longed for these last few months. Before too long, they let the horses settle into a steady walk. They followed the trail as it dipped down and then back up, coming to a ridge that overlooked the valley.

Her lips parted in awe as they paused at the edge of the ridge to take in the view. It was like nothing she had ever seen before. Rivendell was its own amazing paradise and she had absolutely no words to describe what she was seeing. Elrond's house was tucked into the roaring hills of the deep valley before them, a vision of stone and polished wood among a sea of green trees and blue rivers. It literally took her breath away.

Now she knew that this was a view she would never grow tired of.

Silently, the other three turned their horses and she followed suit, bringing up the rear of their small party as they walked down the trail some more. The sun was almost ready to fall behind the hills and the long shadows began blending together as one. She shivered a little, and then smiled at the thought of her new cloak that was tucked in right behind her. It seemed silly to wear a cloak, while all her life she'd simply pull on a sweatshirt whenever she needed one. Now, she headed her mother's words; this was very much like the renaissance, and sweatshirts simply didn't exist in the world she currently lived in.

It didn't take them much longer to reach their campsite. The path opened up into a small clearing before them. They were protected on one side by the tall trees while the rest was opened to show another spectacular view of the Hidden Valley.

Dismounting, she felt her knees buckle a little underneath her. She couldn't remember a time she had gone so long without riding and felt slightly out of shape as she straightened herself, placing a hand on the gray's neck. Estel slid down off his mare, landing on his feet as if he did this every day. They unsaddled their horses, setting their tack on a fallen trunk and turned the horses loose. She worried they would wander off and leave them to walk back but the horses simply flicked their tails and went to grazing.

"What do you think?" Estel asked, while the twins busied themselves with building a fire. She walked with Estel to the edge of the ridge, not daring to get too close to the edge and she smiled at him.

"It's incredible."

Satisfied, Estel followed her gaze before leaving her alone, collecting stray twigs as he went for the fire. She stepped a little closer to the edge before sinking down to the ground, spreading her legs out before her. She should probably have helped set up camp, but she didn't think she would be able to tear her eyes away from the view.

Sunset brought with it a striking sea of colors, ranging in pinks and oranges that flowed in waves across the sky as the sun sank down slowly. Little flickers of light dotted the House, telling her that the evening lanterns were being lit. The sky became a velvety blue-black and the stars came to life before her eyes as the last light of twilight faded.

The stars were like diamonds, and they glittered in the sky above them, just like in her dreams with her mom. Her heart felt heavy in her chest at the thought. Her mom had said the dreams would stop; she just wasn't expecting them to stop so suddenly. Perhaps she knew all she needed to know, even though she felt like there were large gaps and many questions remaining unanswered.

Soft footsteps behind her brought her attention back to the camp and when she looked up, Elladan held out her cloak for her. Standing, she accepted it gratefully, only just realizing how cool the air had become. Her tunic wasn't the warmest and without the warmth of the sun on her skin, she shivered. She felt a little silly as he swung it around her shoulders and clipped it; something she knew she could have done easily by herself.

It was long, pooling a little on the ground at her feet and she silently mused that she would have to make sure she didn't trip over that now too. She reached behind her, pulling her hair from under the cloak and her three companions marveled quietly at how the color of it mirrored the shade of the moon's glow above them. She didn't notice though as she turned back to face the hidden valley one last time.

"I don't think I could ever tire of this view," she said quietly, and she missed the knowing smile her cousin gave her.

"Now you sound like an elf," he murmured softly before leading the way back to their fire.

Finally turning away from the sky, she followed him back and sank down to the ground, pondering his words. She looked like an elf, but she was far from being as graceful as one, she mused to herself as she watched the flames lick the short logs that made up the fire.

She listened to the twins' stories, answering Estel's questions about other lands, particularly the elvish lands of Lothlorien. There they spent the night, the four of them, with the sound of crickets singing in the background and a starry filled canvas sky above them.

"Now in Sindar," Elrond said as he set his glass down in front of him on the wooden table. He looked over at Shyloh expectantly as her eyes flicked back to the page of poems she just translated into Quenya. His fingers grazed the stem of the wine glass and slowly twisted it on the tabletop.

She swallowed but felt determined as she switched her brain over as if flipping a switch and repeated the same poem that was written in Westron, into Sindarin out loud.

"Remember your annunciations," he reminded her gently after she read the first two lines. She tried not to wince.

When she was done, he nodded approvingly.

"Much better," he said. "You've come a long way in the last year."

She sighed inwardly and set the book on the table, still opened to the page she read. Elrond was a tough teacher and didn't hand out praises very often so she soaked it up while she could and grinned a little. Her elvish speech was near perfect, aside from an occasional error on her part, she could happily say she had certainly progressed.

"Any dreams?" he asked suddenly, drawing her attention away from the book she was staring at.

"No," she sighed, and her face fell. Once a month, he asked her the same question, and each time, she said no.

She'd given up hope of having anymore. Elrond looked at her with pity, so she turned her gaze elsewhere. She'd grown very fond of her uncle during her time in Rivendell but sometimes she felt like he looked at her as if he was waiting for something and it set her on edge.

"It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live," he said, reminding her of a conversation they had only a few months ago when she had a small breakdown. Getting cut off from her old life so abruptly had taken its heavy toll on her and for the longest time she battled inner demons that Elrond feared would consume her little by little.

Twice reborn, he thought to himself, and yet twice as lost.

As she stared out the open window, lost in her own thoughts, he watched her carefully from across the table. She was still too skinny, and the small bruises under her eyes seemed to be a permanent feature on her pale skin. He hoped that after being reunited with the horses all those months ago would help ground her a little more, but it also seemed to bring her more pain and memories from her old life. The thought of her fading had worried him for quite some time but the young elleth hadn't reached that point yet, and he was doing everything he could think of to help bring her joy.

She had grown better accustomed to life as an elf, and he doubted she realized the changes in herself. She carried herself more gracefully, accepted her new role as a member of his family with more dignity by following the examples of his house, and was a hard worker. Not to mention she was an exceptionally fast learner. He marveled at how quickly she learned both elvish languages, speaking them almost flawlessly. In fact, her speech was sometimes better than those that lived under his house for centuries instead of a year. It was like she had spoken it her whole life.

Her white hair was still wild and rippled in waves and curls down her back; her eyes shining like two deep pools of water. He smiled inwardly, thinking about how the beauty of his daughter Arwen and the beauty of his niece rivaled each other.

The White Princess: that was what his kinsmen were calling her. Whether she knew about this title or not he wasn't sure, but her heritage was slowly leaking though the outer layers of defense she had built up for herself, and it almost pained him how much she reminded him of his long-lost brother, Elros. Her eyes were quick to flash like her grandfathers, and even the way she sometimes spoke brought back bittersweet memories for Elrond.

She sighed through her lips as the warm summer air blew through the open hall, bringing with it the fragrance of flowers and pine. Her eyes closed and she drank in the fresh smells. Whether to her knowledge or not, she was becoming a fine young elleth. Now, if only he could help her with her grief, would he finally be satisfied. Unfortunately, loosing family was not something you got over in such a short amount of time. He only hoped as the years passed, she would come to terms with her new life and accept herself wholly.

She could feel him staring but she didn't turn to catch his gaze. He wasn't waiting for an answer to a question she hadn't heard, nor was he waiting for her to speak. She'd come to accept his stares even if she sometimes felt the weight of them overbearing. She was the reminder of his long-lost brother, her grandfather, and someone he had once been very close to ages ago. She wondered how different life would have been for the brothers, had Elros chosen immortality instead of a mortal life. Would she have come to know her real parents? Would the prophecy about her come to light still, or would she simply have grown up knowing this life instead of the one on Earth? Would she have even been born?

You couldn't change the past, that much was certain, and her future was rooted in Middle-earth now. Still, the loss of her family was overwhelming at times even if she'd grown fond of her uncle and cousins. Sometimes, it was all too surreal and there were plenty of times that passed where she didn't know how she was going to manage without them. She accepted the constant ache in her chest and figured it would never go away. There would never be closure and maybe there would never be understanding either. How do you move on from that?

A horn blew, drawing the attention of both Elrond and Shyloh. She looked at him, but he didn't meet her gaze as he lowered his chin a little and finished his glass of red wine in one swallow.

"Our guests have arrived," he said, and she looked at him questioningly.

"What guests?"

"Our kin from Lothlorien will be joining us for a short period of time, or have you forgotten?" he raised an eyebrow at her and her face sobered.

Yes, she had forgotten.

Frowning, he made a point to look at the tunic and breeches she was wearing. Her bare feet shifted on the cool stone floor under the table when she realized what he was looking at.

"They have just passed the borders. You have time to change and look presentable. They will be here by supper."

She looked down at the boots she'd tossed aside earlier, preferring the freedom of going without for a little bit while the two of them sat together reading poems. She frowned a little at the horsehair that dotted the front of her tunic and then nodded. This was definitely no way to greet important guests. She had a couple of hours yet before they arrived, but she knew this was important, so she closed the book in front of her and grabbed her boots from off the floor.

Before she could stand though, he turned to her once more.

"Perhaps you will do the seamstresses a service and wear the white gown that has been hanging in your closet for some time now? They are beginning to think you don't like their handiwork."

Her face reddened. The white gown had been sitting there for over a year now, untouched since the moment it was hung up. She never felt there was a special enough occasion to wear it before.

"Are you sure?" she grimaced. "It's not that it isn't beautiful it's just..."

Her hesitation made him raise an eyebrow. "Do you not think you will look nice in it?"

"No... well yes, but...it's just...how am I supposed to keep it clean?"

He laughed. "That is a fair question, but if we keep you out of the stables and you remember your impeccable manners, I am sure you will have no problem."

Stifling a groan, she took the hint and slouched in her seat. Élane would be thrilled at the news. She had been pestering Shyloh to wear the gown for months now, but the girl down right refused. She guessed now with their important visitors coming, it was time to shake it out and suck it up.

"Alright," she said, giving a little nod she stood and was almost out of the hall when he stopped her again. Standing, he crossed the hall in only a few strides and came to stand in front of her.

"Do not for one moment, think that you are any less than those that are coming. They are representatives of the Lady Galadriel and Lord Celeborn and speak on behalf of Lothlorien. While they are Lords, you my dear niece, are a Princess, and as such, they will address you appropriately, and you, them. A first name basis asked for on your part, will not be accepted by me."

Her face paled a little by the title he'd just laid upon her shoulders. Ah yes, her title: Princess Shyloh, daughter of Antanalcar, son of King Elros. It weighed on her ever since he'd spoken the words the first time and she had recoiled at them. She felt herself grow a little irritated by the thought of being addressed by anything other than her first name, but the look on her uncle's face didn't allow room for argument so she nodded curtly.

Satisfied, Lord Elrond swept from the room, his long robes flowing behind him as he left her.