DISCLAIMER: These characters: Legolas, etc., do not belong to me. They are the property of J.R.R. Tolkien, and I am using them for no money-making purposes.

~~~~~~ CHAPTER 3 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

'' -- means thought or a word meant to be ironic

"" -- means spoken words

* -- means that there's a translation or explanation at the end

[] -- means translation from elvish to English -- in this chapter I'm binding Sindarin with Quenya, since they are in Lorien, and Losseas is from Mirkwood

'Creoso, indyo' [Welcome, grandchild] the mental voice of Lady Galadriel of Lothlorien rang clear in her head. 'Mae govannen, nin brennil' [Well met, my lady]  

A smile brightened the older elf's face, as she continued their mental conversation 'Losseas, min pennim o sen...' [Losseas, we spoke of this...]

'Gohena nin, Galadriel' [Forgive me, Galadriel] she answered, a grin spreading across her face.

'Sai anmaer' [Much better] the lady chuckled.

The small company was well within the Golden Woods, and all were in awe at the splendor that greeted them. Faentelch was beyond himself. "Look at these trees!!! I've never seen such a color in my life! What are they called? Please, tell me!" Imlach was preparing to answer, but the youngster didn't stop even for a breath of air. "And what about those flowers? What kind are they? This is a shade of red I never thought existed! The leaves are brighter than Mithril!!!"

"I don't believe you've seen Mithril" Rhimnur mumbled under his breath. They were all exasperated by the non-stop attention that Faentelch was paying to every petal of flower or blade of grass. The worst part was that he was also asking questions. A LOT of them! And they were supposed to answer!?! NO!

'Perhaps it would be best if Haldir would come to meet us. If he does not soon, I fear that Faentelch will not make it unscathed to Caras Galadhon'

'Boe tortho gwaithch, Losseas' [It is necessary to control your people, Losseas] the lady's mocking tone advised.

'Im gerin tortho ti. La tanokn o anim!' [I am able to control them. I am not sure of myself!]

Galadriel laughed, both because she knew this not to be true –her twin grandchildren were the most sound, and composed elves she knew- but also because she was aware of her secret reason for wanting to see Haldir. And if she was right –which, of course, she was- why waste an occasion like this?

'Thenin? Nae, Haldir bant an---'[True? Alas, Haldir went to---]

'Galadriel, im hartha ho...!' [Galadriel, I hope he...!

The princesses's voice was rushed, almost panicked, and definitely hurt. Yes, there was something to talk about when they were finally in the city! But, for now, Lorien's Lady was convinced enough of her grand-daughter's feelings, and immediately stopped her line of thought.

'No, Losseas, I was just teasing' Galadriel spoke, soft as always.

'Do NOT, if you don't mind'

'Dihena. I could not help it' [Forgive me]

Losseas mentally sighed, happy to know that her lover was close to her. But she decided to change the subject, before questions came from the elder. 'Anyway, where is grandfather? I much wish to speak with him'

'Are you hiding something from me?' There was evident concern in those words, but also amusement to that idea. Nobody could keep anything from Galadriel.

'I could not do that, even if I dared' the answer came, mock obedience dripping from every word. Still, no offense was taken, and the game continued.

'But you would, if you could…'

With a deep, melodramatic sigh, Losseas assured the queen 'No, I would not'

The act did little to impress her 'Am I to believe you?'

'Yes'

'A pity, then, that I do not'

Losseas shook her head, and smiled widely. 'This is not going to be easy. We shall discuss it when in safety. I beg that you not take offense at my actions.' Her face grew somber, the gravity of whatever was wrong evident in her fair features. 'Indeed, I must speak to the both of you. I am sure that you already know what of. And for that part, I must, once again, ask for your pardon: I have left Legolas to tend to our father, and taken the easier task. When you hear of what I know, more will become clear'

Then the connection broke, Galadriel remaining with a very strange and uncomfortable feeling, one that much resembled uselessness… 

At that time, Haldir was hurrying to greet the Mirkwood group. 'So long a time has passed since we last saw each other… I missed her eyes' he was thinking, as the five came into his view.

Rhimnur, the only one in the group that fully understood Losseas's feelings, saw the elf approach, closely fallowed by his brother Rumil. Not a second was wasted after the discovery, dying to see the look in his friend's eyes at the arrival. "Ai, finally! Someone comes to rid us of this pestering youngster!" he shouted, receiving harsh looks from all around him, especially Faentelch. But it was worth the effort.

When the group acknowledged the new arrival, smiles broke on each face. Each, except the two most involved in the matter. Instead they dismounted, and took a few small steps towards each other, eyes locked.

'She is more beautiful then I remembered! I love her…'

'His eyes… Those that have never left my dreams. They are even brighter! I love him… '

All thoughts ended, as more steps were taken, until they were inches from another.

*"Silivren penna miriel o menel aglar elenath" [White-glittering, sparkling like jewels, the glory of the starry host slants down]

His whisper was only for her ears, and she could feel unshed tears of joy begin to gather. But she could not cry. "Im meleth chin" Losseas answered, desperately holding back the tears.

"Im meleth chin vithel, bain nin" he said then, and pulled her tight. The magic that held them grew more powerful, in their embrace.

Imlach couldn't hold back a soft chuckle. The sight of the long straying lovers was more than healing for the weary heart. It was something of divine doing. All of Mirkwood was aware of their feelings, since they were barely one century old, and had first met. Most say it was love at first sight, even if the princess always sends the 'rumors' away, with a delicate wave of her hand and a shake of the head. 

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*This is a fragment of the Elbereth hymn, conceived by J.R.R. Tolkien, and not by me