Lisaine remained content to linger in Rivendell. As the weeks passed, hope
for news of her father waned. The princess's thoughts turned more and more
at remaining in Rivendell, as she had longed to do as a child. She took on
as much an appearance of elf as she could. At first, even though she was
welcomed, she could feel all eyes upon her. This was not unlike when she
lived in Irwindal. All eyes were upon her then too, though due to her
ranking in the royal household. In Rivendell, Lisaine felt herself a
stranger amongst friends. Forsaking her silken robes for the earthy toned
browns of the Rivendell elves, she slowly transformed herself. Her golden,
jeweled diadem and her father's signet ring were carefully packed away in
favor of the richly carved wooden barrettes and combs of her hosts. Of
these, Lisaine liked best a comb with colored stones and metal scrollwork
in an array of never-ending circlets. This comb was given her by the elf-
maiden Alnein, who was also displaced from her forest home in the North
territory and come to live at Rivendell. Lisaine wore her long hair
loosely, save for those occasions when she ventured out of her chambers.
Then she preferred the combs given her, and tied her hair as precisely as
she could to look like the other elf maidens around her.
Lisaine, when she walked, carried herself as one to her station, as a princess, with grace and poise. Always was she aware of her shortcomings - being mortal in the presence of immortals - and this was an eternal bane to her. To Lisaine, the elves were not only savior to her life, but she likened them to wonder and beauty, and held them in fascination of their wisdom and skill. So to her poise and grace, she added her full attention to every detail, and when she walked the woods at the sun setting, Lisaine often practiced walking toe-to-heel to seem more graceful. And so skilled was she in her endeavors, she became virtually undetectable as she walked among the elves, and she enjoyed anonymity. Each afternoon when she walked, she would practice throwing her dagger in the forest when she thought no one was looking. It seemed to her this was an exercise unbecoming of a princess, yet a necessary one. The elves, ancient in war and high in skill with their weapons, needed no such training. But Lisaine had no desire to advertise her lack of skill, and thus sought to improve herself in secret.
Lisaine opened her eyes, and breathed in the sweet misty air. As she sat up she could see the first bright rays of the morning sun glimmering through the tree branches outside her window. She pushed back her thick covers and left her cushioned bed, walking slowly over to the terrace to obtain more than a mere glimpse of the sun as it rose over the city. She loved the early morning best, because of the fresh, crisp air and the laziness of just awakening and the anticipation of a new day. There was a small breeze that jumped forth at her face, then stopped, then began, blowing her long hair away from her face, then letting it settle again, then back again. Lisaine smiled and closed her eyes listening to the tree branches gently rocking above her. The sounds of many voices in the courtyard below her window startled her, as if from a dream, and she opened her eyes and looked on with curiosity. Several horsemen had arrived at a gallop, all bearing swords and bows, and were gathered in a huddle and greeting one another with hearty hand clasps. Lisaine strained to hear what was being said, but her hearing was not as acute as her elvish counterparts, and they often whispered in their conversations, being perfectly able to understand one another talking gently even from a distance. One tallish elf came walking up to the company, and Lisaine thought how interesting he was, only then realizing that he was not of Rivendell by the way his hair was tied at the sides and in back of his head. He looked stern and solemn, and greeted everyone with a subdued gladness. He spoke louder than the others, and Lisaine could discern some conversation, although her elvish was still a little rudimentary, even now.
"As far as Euphratas is taken, but we did not tarry. We journeyed here when we discovered the orc army of Rakal means to take Isodor. I must speak with Lord Elrond at once. Legolas has lingered in the gorge below to allow Neonean a long-promised drink. He will come in awhile."
Lisaine breathed a heavy sigh and shut her eyes again.
"Lisaine, what are you doing?"
Spinning around in surprise, Lisaine saw Alnein standing directly in back of her, with a look of curious anticipation on her face. She was dressed in brown, her frock shimmering in the morning sun. Lisaine thought of how perfectly beautiful she always looked, even early in the morning.
"I was thinking of my home," she said at last. Then pointing to Kerrinais below, she said, "That one there was just speaking of Euphratas. That kingdom was but a few days journey from Irwindal, and a greater army of more valiant men there never existed. My father was a great friend of the king, and he was dear to me as my own father. Now I fear they are both dead."
Alnein walked up to Lisaine and put her hand on Lisaine's shoulder.
"I heard the city was taken by emissaries of the Dark Lord. I thought not to trouble you with such news, as I did not know you were so close to that house. I am sorry for your losses. More and more of our Kindred are arriving here daily. It worries me that there is not some new mischief we must fret over. But surely you are not concerned with those things that you cannot change. You have not sought help to retake your kingdom, and you might live as an elf now, in the safety of Imladris." Lisaine turned again to look down at the company.
"No," she said at last, "It does not concern me. Besides, there is nothing left there for me. My family is gone, my house is broken, and those who were not slaughtered in the attack, if there are any left, are hopelessly scattered about the countryside. I only miss my father." And after another long moment Lisaine continued,
"I find it amazing that it has taken so long for the elves to notice that other kingdoms are being plundered. But then, my father's house was small...of no real consequence to anyone." She faltered again before continuing,
"Alnein, how is it when the wolf howls on the other side of the wood, no one takes notice? But when the wolf howls at your door, you jump to your feet with great fear and concern...but not for that which he has already devoured."
Alnein put her hand on Lisaine's shoulder again, and the two friends stood watching the gathering until they had begun walking up the long, stone stairway to Lord Elrond's house. When the last was gone from the square, Alnein left Lisaine in her room.
Lisaine sat down on the edge of her bed, staring blankly out into the sky, brooding. Her mood had changed with the arrival of the strangers, and she thought to seek out the tall, grim elf to attempt some additional information from him. But it seemed unwise to interrupt his parley with Lord Elrond or simply to walk up to him to ask questions of a stranger. Perhaps, Lisaine thought, she could be introduced somehow. She sat contemplating these thoughts for some while, when she detected the faint footfalls outside her door again. She turned to find Alnein walking into the room.
"You're still here," Alnein said in surprise, "I thought you had left. I looked for you in the great hall and on the trail leading to the woods. Are you sure you are all right? You look pale." Alnein walked to Lisaine and put her hand on her cheek. Lisaine smiled and stood up. She felt stiffness in her legs from sitting so long without moving, and wondered what time of day it was.
"Quite alright," she replied, "I have only stayed indoors too long this morning."
"I am going to help prepare an afternoon meal for the new arrivals. There are elves come from the great Woodland realm to the northeast and from Lothlórien. I thought perhaps you would join me. It may take your mind from your father for awhile."
"I think not," Lisaine told her walking over to her gown that hung from a small wooden hook that protruded from the wall. Lisaine pulled off her long, flowing nightshirt and began to dress. Although Lisaine had dressed in front of Alnein many times, she always felt some awkwardness about it, as though she was laying bare all her mortal inequities. But these were only imagined. In truth, Lisaine's skin was as alabaster as Alnein's. Her stature was only slightly shorter, and perhaps more well rounded than Alnein's. Otherwise the two were very similar in look, hair, and all manners of beauty.
"I will go to the gorge today," Lisaine spoke with a new determination in her voice, "There is a small rabbit that I am trying to befriend. I almost have him where I can lay a gentle hand on him. Perhaps he was abandoned. I am trying to see what good I can do for him. It is late in the morning, but I think I may see him yet."
After securing her dress from behind, Lisaine went directly to a small wooden basin that contained some small, wild carrots and crunchy apples. She picked up some carrot shoots, then plucked the two ripest pieces of the red fruit and dropped them into a green pouch, and tied it around her waist. She also picked up a thin, silver dagger from the table. This Lisaine fitted into her belt. The forest surrounding Rivendell was host to many plants and herbs, and flowering ferns, and green cool mosses. Lisaine often walked in the forest in search of seeds or fruit that she could use to strike up a friendship with a passing bird or other animal. On one such journey, she caught site of something that she had not seen since the days that she ambled carefree in the small woods of Irwindal. A large, knarled tree, bearing the sweet, juicy red fruit which she now held at her waist. It was as if finding a treasure that was long lost, and she sparingly picked the fruit only for special occasions. Lisaine collected the barren sticks of apple wood and used them on cooler nights to warm her room. On these nights the fruity scent permeated her clothes and her hair as though it were perfume, and the sweet odor reminded her of the roaring fires of the same wood in her father's vast council room, where she would sit and play quietly while he would hold serious debates or other councils.
"I will meet with you later then," said Alnein as Lisaine swept past her. Lisaine turned at the door and smiled before pivoting gracefully on her feet and leaving. As she made her way down the slope past the waterfall, Lisaine felt a sense of relief. She really hadn't wanted to talk to anyone, and she was hoping that Alnein could understand her refusal to help prepare quarters for the "newcomers". Thinking about her father had left her feeling depressed. Rivendell seldom entertained new guests, and Lisaine supposed that the visit must be of some weighty importance, and undoubtedly the exacting rituals and protocol that would be adhered to during that first supper would be intolerable for her this day. She was not entirely sure that her presence would not be frowned upon either. Most of the meals were served by elf-maidens alone. Yet, she had never been shut out of such dinners with strangers before. She entertained thoughts that justified her excuse, and thought of what to say should her presence be missed. Lisaine made her way down the trail, next to the stream, stepping carefully over rounded mossy stones. Looking for the best route to cross, she lifted her dress and waded into the knee-deep water around the rocks and crags and went further down to her favorite spot. The cliffs on either side of the river jutted vertically 100 feet, and the only way to get there was to walk directly in the water. The sun was high above her head now, and its rays warmed the slate bedrock and that in turn, warmed the water where she now stepped. The very edges of the river were lined with lush greenery, and the rocky cliffs tapered off until the whole stream had widened, and its banks opened up to the outskirts of the forest.
Here she sat down beneath a large tree, whose roots grasped at the soil to all directions. She settled down between the two largest roots and laid her head against the massive tree-trunk, gazing into the blue sky beyond the extensive branches that hung down as if burdened by the weight of a great snow. The leaves glowed with all colors of green in the sunshine, but now had lost their morning dew, and Lisaine chided herself that she had waited so long to come that day. She enjoyed the early morning smell of fresh air, and the droplets of water on the leaves would shimmer and sprinkle everything around her with light. She sat up abruptly at hearing a small rustle in back of her. Thinking her small rabbit had appeared, she hurriedly untied her satchel from her waist and pulled out two small carrots. However, it was not the rabbit, but only a gust of breeze, come down from the mountain to jostle a young flowering bush beside the tree. Still, she wasn't sure, and she leaned over, stretching her arm to leave the tender carrots beneath the bush. For a few minutes Lisaine stay perfectly still, scrutinizing the bush's every movement in hopes of seeing the baby, but it did not appear. Disappointed, she sat back, closed her eyes and began singing softly to herself.
Lisaine dozed awhile in the warm afternoon sun before the soft wetness of something nuzzled the side of her face, pushing her over. The princess opened her eyes, and scrambled over the tree roots in fear. The startled girl looked back to see four sturdy, gray hoofs straddling where she had been sleeping. She looked at the huge horse with wonder. Its mane was long past its shoulders, and her eyes sparkled with a fiery blue that Lisaine had never seen the like of before. Neonean towered above her, even when grazing, and she was heavy enough that her hooves sank slightly into the soft embankment of the stream. The horse had found her carrots by the bush, and was munching on them unconcerned of Lisaine's presence.
"You must have wandered down the trail in search of an afternoon meal," Lisaine said rising slowly, "Would you like one of these?" Lisaine reached in her satchel and produced one of the ripe apples. As she held it in her hand, Neonean's held shot up and the horse looked at her, but did not move as if it were unsure about taking it.
"Try it," Lisaine smiled, "They're wonderful. I eat them myself."
Lisaine took a small bite, and the crunch made Neonean's ears perk up towards her. She held the fruit outwards again. The horse backed itself up slightly, as if it had finally decided to try the offering, and took two small steps forwards. Lisaine did not move, and Neonean strained her lips forwards to take the fruit. Neonean's eyes grew wide as she crunched into the juicy fruit, and the horse walked up and pushed Lisaine, who laughed. The horse sniffed at the satchel that hung at Lisaine's waist, and nudged her expectantly.
"I have only one more," Lisaine said still brushing her muzzle with her fingers. The horse nudged her again, harder, throwing Lisaine off her balance. She staggered back two steps, and laughed.
"Now. Now. We'll have none of that. I would leave this last one for my pet rabbit, since you've seen fit to eat his lunch for him. But I don't suppose you'd just let me leave it on the ground, would you?" Lisaine looked into the horse's eyes. The horse shook its great head, as though to reply, her mane falling in sweeps around her sparkling eyes. Lisaine was pensive for a moment.
"Very well, you can have the last one when we get back up the hillside," she said at last starting away up the embankment to the forest, "We should find your master. We'll take the road. It will be easier for you than traveling up through the falls again." Neonean stood where she was, watching Lisaine make her way up the embankment. As an inducement, the princess turned around and took the remaining fruit from its pouch, holding it up. The horse's eyes grew wide again. Shaking her great head, the horse limped towards her. Lisaine instantly looked downward to the horse's hooves, frowning.
"What's wrong with your leg, my friend. Is your hoof bothering you? Let me see." Lisaine stepped back down to the embankment, replacing the fruit to the satchel and bent low to examine the horse's legs. Satisfied that her legs were sound, Lisaine turned herself towards the back of the horse, bending her knees slightly, the princess squatted as she slowly lifted the horse's great leg onto her bended knee. Neonean whinnied in disapproval, but did not jerk away.
"Steady now, " Lisaine whispered tossing her hair to one side, "I think you've picked up a stone in your hoof." Without moving her body, Lisaine reached to her belt and pulled out the silver dagger. Gently, Lisaine worked the knife until the sharp stone popped out.
"There. You'll feel better now," she said soothingly. Putting down the mare's hoof, Lisaine began to stand up when she heard someone behind her whistle and say,
"Come Neonean!"
Lisaine turned her head and stood up abruptly. There, across the water she saw a tall elf, with long flaxen hair, tied in the same manner as the grim looking elf she had that morning from her terrace. His quiver of arrows and bow still fixed to his back. He wore a long green suede tunic and elegantly scrolled leather vambraces on his arms. He balanced perfectly upon a slippery, moss-covered rock in the middle of the stream, and the sun's rays, which were now beginning to fade into late afternoon, shown all about his head in a perfect halo. The water reflected a hundred rays of sun, and a rainbow of color seemed to dance all around him, as one looking into a precious gem under a radiant light. Lisaine let out a small gasp under her breath, trying not to be overt at her reaction, but she felt that she had truly never seen an elf more fair or noble than this. His eyes sparkled blue, like the horse, but he neither smiled nor spoke. He only looked at Lisaine as though he were trying to make out whom she was, and why she was there. The great mare looked over at her master, though her mind was still focused on the fruit in Lisaine's satchel. Neonean was 20 times Lisaine's weight, and was more powerful than most other horses her own size. With a sudden jerk of her head, the horse nudged the girl forcefully once more. Lisaine was caught off guard again, and tumbled backwards over the tree stump into a small clump of bushes. She picked herself up quickly, half expecting the elf to be laughing at his mischievous friend, but instead he just stared at her clumsiness with disdain. Lisaine brushed herself off, becoming vaguely aware that her dress was muddied, and her hair was tangled. Seldom did Lisaine feel embarrassed, but as the awkward silence grew, her stomach began to twinge uncomfortably. Finally, Lisaine gathered her strength, and spoke to the stranger.
"I am Nevariel, is this your steed?"
The elf's demeanor eased a bit at hearing her voice. He looked somewhat surprised that she had an elven name. At last he answered,
"Yes. She travels with me."
"Are you one of the newcomers to Rivendell then?" Lisaine said, now recovering from her embarrassment, "For I am sure I have not seen you here before."
"I am Legolas from Mirkwood," he answered politely, but Lisaine could still see the mild contempt on his face. Legolas fixed his attentions at the gray mare, and he called to her. The horse turned and ambled away through the water, until it reached its master. To the horse, his demeanor changed. His expression softened as gave the horse a pat on its muzzle. Without further discourse, the elf turned to walk away, up the steep slope. Lisaine watched Legolas and the mare make their way through the stream with almost no effort. Thinking to advise the stranger in favor of the main road, Lisaine decided against delaying him further. He seemed in a hurry to return to the city, and she suddenly felt coarse and unrefined. She looked on until the elf and his steed were out of sight. Lisaine stood at the base of the great tree, unmoving until the sun began to sink in the sky, and the first shades of pink and purple covered the vast blueness overhead. Then, thinking it was getting late in the day, she turned and made her way through the woods to the road.
Lisaine, when she walked, carried herself as one to her station, as a princess, with grace and poise. Always was she aware of her shortcomings - being mortal in the presence of immortals - and this was an eternal bane to her. To Lisaine, the elves were not only savior to her life, but she likened them to wonder and beauty, and held them in fascination of their wisdom and skill. So to her poise and grace, she added her full attention to every detail, and when she walked the woods at the sun setting, Lisaine often practiced walking toe-to-heel to seem more graceful. And so skilled was she in her endeavors, she became virtually undetectable as she walked among the elves, and she enjoyed anonymity. Each afternoon when she walked, she would practice throwing her dagger in the forest when she thought no one was looking. It seemed to her this was an exercise unbecoming of a princess, yet a necessary one. The elves, ancient in war and high in skill with their weapons, needed no such training. But Lisaine had no desire to advertise her lack of skill, and thus sought to improve herself in secret.
Lisaine opened her eyes, and breathed in the sweet misty air. As she sat up she could see the first bright rays of the morning sun glimmering through the tree branches outside her window. She pushed back her thick covers and left her cushioned bed, walking slowly over to the terrace to obtain more than a mere glimpse of the sun as it rose over the city. She loved the early morning best, because of the fresh, crisp air and the laziness of just awakening and the anticipation of a new day. There was a small breeze that jumped forth at her face, then stopped, then began, blowing her long hair away from her face, then letting it settle again, then back again. Lisaine smiled and closed her eyes listening to the tree branches gently rocking above her. The sounds of many voices in the courtyard below her window startled her, as if from a dream, and she opened her eyes and looked on with curiosity. Several horsemen had arrived at a gallop, all bearing swords and bows, and were gathered in a huddle and greeting one another with hearty hand clasps. Lisaine strained to hear what was being said, but her hearing was not as acute as her elvish counterparts, and they often whispered in their conversations, being perfectly able to understand one another talking gently even from a distance. One tallish elf came walking up to the company, and Lisaine thought how interesting he was, only then realizing that he was not of Rivendell by the way his hair was tied at the sides and in back of his head. He looked stern and solemn, and greeted everyone with a subdued gladness. He spoke louder than the others, and Lisaine could discern some conversation, although her elvish was still a little rudimentary, even now.
"As far as Euphratas is taken, but we did not tarry. We journeyed here when we discovered the orc army of Rakal means to take Isodor. I must speak with Lord Elrond at once. Legolas has lingered in the gorge below to allow Neonean a long-promised drink. He will come in awhile."
Lisaine breathed a heavy sigh and shut her eyes again.
"Lisaine, what are you doing?"
Spinning around in surprise, Lisaine saw Alnein standing directly in back of her, with a look of curious anticipation on her face. She was dressed in brown, her frock shimmering in the morning sun. Lisaine thought of how perfectly beautiful she always looked, even early in the morning.
"I was thinking of my home," she said at last. Then pointing to Kerrinais below, she said, "That one there was just speaking of Euphratas. That kingdom was but a few days journey from Irwindal, and a greater army of more valiant men there never existed. My father was a great friend of the king, and he was dear to me as my own father. Now I fear they are both dead."
Alnein walked up to Lisaine and put her hand on Lisaine's shoulder.
"I heard the city was taken by emissaries of the Dark Lord. I thought not to trouble you with such news, as I did not know you were so close to that house. I am sorry for your losses. More and more of our Kindred are arriving here daily. It worries me that there is not some new mischief we must fret over. But surely you are not concerned with those things that you cannot change. You have not sought help to retake your kingdom, and you might live as an elf now, in the safety of Imladris." Lisaine turned again to look down at the company.
"No," she said at last, "It does not concern me. Besides, there is nothing left there for me. My family is gone, my house is broken, and those who were not slaughtered in the attack, if there are any left, are hopelessly scattered about the countryside. I only miss my father." And after another long moment Lisaine continued,
"I find it amazing that it has taken so long for the elves to notice that other kingdoms are being plundered. But then, my father's house was small...of no real consequence to anyone." She faltered again before continuing,
"Alnein, how is it when the wolf howls on the other side of the wood, no one takes notice? But when the wolf howls at your door, you jump to your feet with great fear and concern...but not for that which he has already devoured."
Alnein put her hand on Lisaine's shoulder again, and the two friends stood watching the gathering until they had begun walking up the long, stone stairway to Lord Elrond's house. When the last was gone from the square, Alnein left Lisaine in her room.
Lisaine sat down on the edge of her bed, staring blankly out into the sky, brooding. Her mood had changed with the arrival of the strangers, and she thought to seek out the tall, grim elf to attempt some additional information from him. But it seemed unwise to interrupt his parley with Lord Elrond or simply to walk up to him to ask questions of a stranger. Perhaps, Lisaine thought, she could be introduced somehow. She sat contemplating these thoughts for some while, when she detected the faint footfalls outside her door again. She turned to find Alnein walking into the room.
"You're still here," Alnein said in surprise, "I thought you had left. I looked for you in the great hall and on the trail leading to the woods. Are you sure you are all right? You look pale." Alnein walked to Lisaine and put her hand on her cheek. Lisaine smiled and stood up. She felt stiffness in her legs from sitting so long without moving, and wondered what time of day it was.
"Quite alright," she replied, "I have only stayed indoors too long this morning."
"I am going to help prepare an afternoon meal for the new arrivals. There are elves come from the great Woodland realm to the northeast and from Lothlórien. I thought perhaps you would join me. It may take your mind from your father for awhile."
"I think not," Lisaine told her walking over to her gown that hung from a small wooden hook that protruded from the wall. Lisaine pulled off her long, flowing nightshirt and began to dress. Although Lisaine had dressed in front of Alnein many times, she always felt some awkwardness about it, as though she was laying bare all her mortal inequities. But these were only imagined. In truth, Lisaine's skin was as alabaster as Alnein's. Her stature was only slightly shorter, and perhaps more well rounded than Alnein's. Otherwise the two were very similar in look, hair, and all manners of beauty.
"I will go to the gorge today," Lisaine spoke with a new determination in her voice, "There is a small rabbit that I am trying to befriend. I almost have him where I can lay a gentle hand on him. Perhaps he was abandoned. I am trying to see what good I can do for him. It is late in the morning, but I think I may see him yet."
After securing her dress from behind, Lisaine went directly to a small wooden basin that contained some small, wild carrots and crunchy apples. She picked up some carrot shoots, then plucked the two ripest pieces of the red fruit and dropped them into a green pouch, and tied it around her waist. She also picked up a thin, silver dagger from the table. This Lisaine fitted into her belt. The forest surrounding Rivendell was host to many plants and herbs, and flowering ferns, and green cool mosses. Lisaine often walked in the forest in search of seeds or fruit that she could use to strike up a friendship with a passing bird or other animal. On one such journey, she caught site of something that she had not seen since the days that she ambled carefree in the small woods of Irwindal. A large, knarled tree, bearing the sweet, juicy red fruit which she now held at her waist. It was as if finding a treasure that was long lost, and she sparingly picked the fruit only for special occasions. Lisaine collected the barren sticks of apple wood and used them on cooler nights to warm her room. On these nights the fruity scent permeated her clothes and her hair as though it were perfume, and the sweet odor reminded her of the roaring fires of the same wood in her father's vast council room, where she would sit and play quietly while he would hold serious debates or other councils.
"I will meet with you later then," said Alnein as Lisaine swept past her. Lisaine turned at the door and smiled before pivoting gracefully on her feet and leaving. As she made her way down the slope past the waterfall, Lisaine felt a sense of relief. She really hadn't wanted to talk to anyone, and she was hoping that Alnein could understand her refusal to help prepare quarters for the "newcomers". Thinking about her father had left her feeling depressed. Rivendell seldom entertained new guests, and Lisaine supposed that the visit must be of some weighty importance, and undoubtedly the exacting rituals and protocol that would be adhered to during that first supper would be intolerable for her this day. She was not entirely sure that her presence would not be frowned upon either. Most of the meals were served by elf-maidens alone. Yet, she had never been shut out of such dinners with strangers before. She entertained thoughts that justified her excuse, and thought of what to say should her presence be missed. Lisaine made her way down the trail, next to the stream, stepping carefully over rounded mossy stones. Looking for the best route to cross, she lifted her dress and waded into the knee-deep water around the rocks and crags and went further down to her favorite spot. The cliffs on either side of the river jutted vertically 100 feet, and the only way to get there was to walk directly in the water. The sun was high above her head now, and its rays warmed the slate bedrock and that in turn, warmed the water where she now stepped. The very edges of the river were lined with lush greenery, and the rocky cliffs tapered off until the whole stream had widened, and its banks opened up to the outskirts of the forest.
Here she sat down beneath a large tree, whose roots grasped at the soil to all directions. She settled down between the two largest roots and laid her head against the massive tree-trunk, gazing into the blue sky beyond the extensive branches that hung down as if burdened by the weight of a great snow. The leaves glowed with all colors of green in the sunshine, but now had lost their morning dew, and Lisaine chided herself that she had waited so long to come that day. She enjoyed the early morning smell of fresh air, and the droplets of water on the leaves would shimmer and sprinkle everything around her with light. She sat up abruptly at hearing a small rustle in back of her. Thinking her small rabbit had appeared, she hurriedly untied her satchel from her waist and pulled out two small carrots. However, it was not the rabbit, but only a gust of breeze, come down from the mountain to jostle a young flowering bush beside the tree. Still, she wasn't sure, and she leaned over, stretching her arm to leave the tender carrots beneath the bush. For a few minutes Lisaine stay perfectly still, scrutinizing the bush's every movement in hopes of seeing the baby, but it did not appear. Disappointed, she sat back, closed her eyes and began singing softly to herself.
Lisaine dozed awhile in the warm afternoon sun before the soft wetness of something nuzzled the side of her face, pushing her over. The princess opened her eyes, and scrambled over the tree roots in fear. The startled girl looked back to see four sturdy, gray hoofs straddling where she had been sleeping. She looked at the huge horse with wonder. Its mane was long past its shoulders, and her eyes sparkled with a fiery blue that Lisaine had never seen the like of before. Neonean towered above her, even when grazing, and she was heavy enough that her hooves sank slightly into the soft embankment of the stream. The horse had found her carrots by the bush, and was munching on them unconcerned of Lisaine's presence.
"You must have wandered down the trail in search of an afternoon meal," Lisaine said rising slowly, "Would you like one of these?" Lisaine reached in her satchel and produced one of the ripe apples. As she held it in her hand, Neonean's held shot up and the horse looked at her, but did not move as if it were unsure about taking it.
"Try it," Lisaine smiled, "They're wonderful. I eat them myself."
Lisaine took a small bite, and the crunch made Neonean's ears perk up towards her. She held the fruit outwards again. The horse backed itself up slightly, as if it had finally decided to try the offering, and took two small steps forwards. Lisaine did not move, and Neonean strained her lips forwards to take the fruit. Neonean's eyes grew wide as she crunched into the juicy fruit, and the horse walked up and pushed Lisaine, who laughed. The horse sniffed at the satchel that hung at Lisaine's waist, and nudged her expectantly.
"I have only one more," Lisaine said still brushing her muzzle with her fingers. The horse nudged her again, harder, throwing Lisaine off her balance. She staggered back two steps, and laughed.
"Now. Now. We'll have none of that. I would leave this last one for my pet rabbit, since you've seen fit to eat his lunch for him. But I don't suppose you'd just let me leave it on the ground, would you?" Lisaine looked into the horse's eyes. The horse shook its great head, as though to reply, her mane falling in sweeps around her sparkling eyes. Lisaine was pensive for a moment.
"Very well, you can have the last one when we get back up the hillside," she said at last starting away up the embankment to the forest, "We should find your master. We'll take the road. It will be easier for you than traveling up through the falls again." Neonean stood where she was, watching Lisaine make her way up the embankment. As an inducement, the princess turned around and took the remaining fruit from its pouch, holding it up. The horse's eyes grew wide again. Shaking her great head, the horse limped towards her. Lisaine instantly looked downward to the horse's hooves, frowning.
"What's wrong with your leg, my friend. Is your hoof bothering you? Let me see." Lisaine stepped back down to the embankment, replacing the fruit to the satchel and bent low to examine the horse's legs. Satisfied that her legs were sound, Lisaine turned herself towards the back of the horse, bending her knees slightly, the princess squatted as she slowly lifted the horse's great leg onto her bended knee. Neonean whinnied in disapproval, but did not jerk away.
"Steady now, " Lisaine whispered tossing her hair to one side, "I think you've picked up a stone in your hoof." Without moving her body, Lisaine reached to her belt and pulled out the silver dagger. Gently, Lisaine worked the knife until the sharp stone popped out.
"There. You'll feel better now," she said soothingly. Putting down the mare's hoof, Lisaine began to stand up when she heard someone behind her whistle and say,
"Come Neonean!"
Lisaine turned her head and stood up abruptly. There, across the water she saw a tall elf, with long flaxen hair, tied in the same manner as the grim looking elf she had that morning from her terrace. His quiver of arrows and bow still fixed to his back. He wore a long green suede tunic and elegantly scrolled leather vambraces on his arms. He balanced perfectly upon a slippery, moss-covered rock in the middle of the stream, and the sun's rays, which were now beginning to fade into late afternoon, shown all about his head in a perfect halo. The water reflected a hundred rays of sun, and a rainbow of color seemed to dance all around him, as one looking into a precious gem under a radiant light. Lisaine let out a small gasp under her breath, trying not to be overt at her reaction, but she felt that she had truly never seen an elf more fair or noble than this. His eyes sparkled blue, like the horse, but he neither smiled nor spoke. He only looked at Lisaine as though he were trying to make out whom she was, and why she was there. The great mare looked over at her master, though her mind was still focused on the fruit in Lisaine's satchel. Neonean was 20 times Lisaine's weight, and was more powerful than most other horses her own size. With a sudden jerk of her head, the horse nudged the girl forcefully once more. Lisaine was caught off guard again, and tumbled backwards over the tree stump into a small clump of bushes. She picked herself up quickly, half expecting the elf to be laughing at his mischievous friend, but instead he just stared at her clumsiness with disdain. Lisaine brushed herself off, becoming vaguely aware that her dress was muddied, and her hair was tangled. Seldom did Lisaine feel embarrassed, but as the awkward silence grew, her stomach began to twinge uncomfortably. Finally, Lisaine gathered her strength, and spoke to the stranger.
"I am Nevariel, is this your steed?"
The elf's demeanor eased a bit at hearing her voice. He looked somewhat surprised that she had an elven name. At last he answered,
"Yes. She travels with me."
"Are you one of the newcomers to Rivendell then?" Lisaine said, now recovering from her embarrassment, "For I am sure I have not seen you here before."
"I am Legolas from Mirkwood," he answered politely, but Lisaine could still see the mild contempt on his face. Legolas fixed his attentions at the gray mare, and he called to her. The horse turned and ambled away through the water, until it reached its master. To the horse, his demeanor changed. His expression softened as gave the horse a pat on its muzzle. Without further discourse, the elf turned to walk away, up the steep slope. Lisaine watched Legolas and the mare make their way through the stream with almost no effort. Thinking to advise the stranger in favor of the main road, Lisaine decided against delaying him further. He seemed in a hurry to return to the city, and she suddenly felt coarse and unrefined. She looked on until the elf and his steed were out of sight. Lisaine stood at the base of the great tree, unmoving until the sun began to sink in the sky, and the first shades of pink and purple covered the vast blueness overhead. Then, thinking it was getting late in the day, she turned and made her way through the woods to the road.