AN: Hey… look at that… another chapter out for you guys. ^_^ It's short… sorry! Enjoy!
Chapter 4: Lothlórien
Derek stared up in awe at the beautiful palace before him. Of all his thirty-four years on Middle-Earth, this was his first in Rivendell. "Father," he asked, "Why have we not ever been here before?" His father began to explain but Derek tuned him out as he caught sight of a beautiful dark-haired elf. "Father," he said, unwittingly cutting Legolas off, "who is that?"
"That is Arwen, daughter of Elrond."
She began to approach them a kind smile graced her lips. "Welcome to Rivendell."
"Arwen, it is good to see you again."
She nodded her head in response, "Come, my friends. I am certain you wish to speak with my father." She led them through the elaborate halls of Imladris to a large room. Elrond sat on a chair beckoning them to enter and Arwen left them.
"Legolas! Is this your son?" he gestured to Derek. "He has grown greatly. I remember meeting you, young lad, when you reached but to my knee. Quite the aversion to clothing, I might add."
Derek turned a bright shade of pink. "Yes, sir."
"Who might this be?" questioned Elrond.
"I am Haurion," the apprentice said meekly. He had been in silent awe until now. This, too, was his first time in Rivendell and Elrond intimidated him.
The elf Lord wrinkled his brow. "Is this not Haurion?" he said pointing to Derek.
"Yes," Legolas supplied, "little Derek was named after Haurion, Gandalf's apprentice."
"How peculiar… So, what business has brought you here today?"
"We are in urgent need of Gandalf. We were told he was heading to the west, and thus believed he might pass through Rivendell."
"Aye, he has. But he is gone now, headed to The Shire." Legolas sighed; this was turning out to be very wearisome. "He stayed a mere moment before he was off again. He left just yesterday."
"We've missed him again, father?" asked Haurion and the Mirkwood elf nodded.
"Surely, you will all rest here for the night? I will set about the making of your rooms now."
"We are grateful."
* * *
Derek peeked from behind a pillar to gaze at the Lady Arwen. She was sitting peacefully staring out from the great balcony at the pinewoods to the north of the valley. "Beautiful…" he whispered.
"That is Lady Arwen, the Evenstar of our people."
He was startled and stumbled backward to the floor. Looking up he saw a young elf in her late thirties standing over him. "I am Riniel." She held out a hand to help him up. "What is your name?"
"I am Haurion," he said getting up, "but you may call me Derek."
"Nice to meet you, Derek. But I do not think you should become very attached to her," the girl said thrusting a thumb in the direction of Arwen.
"I do not know what you are talking about," he said and she raised her eyebrows. "…Why not?"
The girl giggled. "Your reason has just entered." Derek watched a tall brown-haired man come up behind Arwen. She didn't make any move to acknowledge him, even when he began to speak. He couldn't hear what was said but the message was clear. She turned to him gracefully in a sweet embrace.
"Who is that man? He is no elf."
"That is Aragorn… Dúnadain. A King of the west" The girl frowned at the expression on the boy's face. "We should let them alone." She left the beautiful hall with Haurion sulkily in tow.
The two arrived at a small bedroom. "Come now," Riniel said turning to the boy, "did you really believe that you could win her heart? She has been sought out by many and you are but a young elf." Derek was taken aback; Riniel was very blunt. "You are a handsome elf. Your eyes are unlike any I have ever seen… they are a very deep brown…"
Derek took a step back, a look of displeasure on his face. The girl had come up to him as she scrutinized his features.
She blushed a light shade of crimson and covered her cheeks. "Oh! I apologize! I have been known for my forward behavior… you will have to excuse me."
"That is quite alright…" He patted her on the head and looked about, "Where are we?"
"We are in my room."
"Pardon me?"
"My room. We are in my room."
He began to shift uncomfortably as she locked the door. "Why?" he squeaked.
"Not many elves my age come often to Rivendell…" she giggled taking out a green dress from her closet. "This shade of green, I imagine, would bring out the color in your eyes…"
The little elf dropped his mouth in shock and for the first time in his short life, he felt true fear.
* * *
Elyssa sat in a little room where the elves had lead her. They had taken away their horses and one of them was now standing guard near the entryway. She rolled her eyes as Courtney tried to flirt.
"So are you seeing anyone?"
"Courtney, stop that! Seriously… it's not funny anymore."
"Ignore her," she whispered, "She's on her monthly… if you know what I mean."
"Courtney!" Elyssa was half in her mind to not tell her, "That is a female elf."
Jumping back Courtney laughed nervously. "Ehe… nothing funny. My bad." Everyone in the room was interrupted when another elf entered the room.
"The Lord and Lady wish to see you."
Lord… Lady…?
Both Elyssa and Courtney were led up a long ladder and brought to stand before a beautiful golden haired woman and silver haired man sat. Courtney turned to Elyssa. "I want hair like that!" she whispered.
"Why have you come to Lothlórien, Elyssa of Mirkwood forest?" she asked. But her voice seemed distant and near simultaneously. It seemed there were two, one overlaying the other.
"Lothlórien?" Elyssa whispered. "We are in Lothlórien… I thought we were in Rivendell!"
"Oh my god, Elyssa! She's in my head!" a look of astonishment was evident on the girl's features… but it quickly changed into a devilish grin. "Hmm… Can she really see everything that I think?"
Elyssa watched in horror as Courtney flew backward, her face contorted in… amusement? "What the hell was that?" Elyssa mumbled.
"I don't think I'll be trying that again any time soon…" Courtney got to her feet dusting herself off and looking up at the golden-haired woman. "Sorry about that."
"We are lost," Elyssa said trying to ignore the other girl. "Please, can you tell us how to get to Rivendell?"
The man smiled and nodded. "We will help you."
* * *
How was it? Any good… or craptastic? Thank you to everyone who reviewed! =) Looks like I won't be stopping any time soon… Please review… Constructive criticism/flames are welcome! I know that by now, I've deserved quite a few flames... Heh.