*~*~*nightfall in Lórien*~*~*

Celeborn looked down from his throne at the young girl. Her head was down-cast and her dirty cloak fell about her shoulders.

"Did she carry anything, such as a weapon?"

"Yes, Lord Celeborn," the first Elf nodded, holding up her sword. He took the weapon from the sentinel and examined it, then looked again to the girl.

"Did she threaten you?"

"She drew her weapon, yes, but she did not fight back when we revealed ourselves. I do not think she knew we were there."

The second Elf looked thoughtful.

"If I may, Lord Celeborn, she has been traveling alone for the entire time we watched her. We do not believe her to be a danger to us."

"I will be the judge of that," Celeborn decided, then walked to the girl and lifted her head. "What is your name, child?"

Drira swallowed. She had heard the stories of Elves and even seen a small group of three pass through Rohan, but having them this close to her was breathtaking. Had she been in the forest on more pleasant matters, she would have cried at its beauty. She cried now for her life. When she hesitated, Celeborn spoke in her head.

You wish to cover your being. I see you using separate titles for yourself. Why.

"I am journeying to clear my head. I wish no harm to any race and am using a different name to ward off those who might try to hurt me."

"Bleak, is it?" he asked aloud. She looked up. I see your name is Drira. And yet there is more to you I have yet to understand. I will call you Bleak if you wish.

"Yes," she nodded, swallowing the lump in her throat. His eyes narrowed to study her, then he nodded.

"Her name is Bleak. Her business is her own, and she is only passing by. However, if we may so extend a welcome, I would like to do so. You are famished and dirty, child. It would suit me if you stayed and revived yourself before continuing. You have a strong heart, Bleak, but are still young and vulnerable to the world. There is trouble in Middle-Earth. We cannot be too careful."

"I will stay, if for awhile," she agreed. "And I thank you infinitely, Lord Celeborn."

"I accept that," he smiled, then directed the second Elf-sentinel to aid her. Galadriel looked to her lord.

"You sense something in her. What is it?"

"I cannot fully explain," he answered, watching as Drira walked away. "There is something in her blood…perhaps I cannot explain because she does not understand."