Well here's the third chapter! Finally! Unfortunately Fanfiction.net is updating my chapters pretty slowly, so be patient – not that any of you aren't anyway.

If I've missed any reviews, thanks for them. I really appreciate the fact that people can be bothered to come and read my stories.

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Mithmír met the Lady Galadriel late that eve. She was taken to Caras Galadhon late that night, when the light of the stars was brightest. The forming dew made the elanor flowers sparkle like dropped jewels, and the mallorn trees swayed a little in the light breeze. There were many elves there, in the main "city" of the place. Some sang, some played harps or flutes, some danced, and many just talked. The mood of the place was so peaceful it quieted all her fears, at least for a while.

Tirathnavir led her to the meeting-hall, which consisted of but a roof and pillars, where she would meet the Lady Galadriel and the Lord Celeborn, her husband. Mithmír was nervous, despite her peaceful composure, and fiddled with the sleeve of her white robe. Tirathnavir noticed, and smiled kindly.

'Few are so calm as you, grey-stone, when they are about to meet the Lord and Lady.'

Mithmír smiled a little, relaxing. 'My thanks for that, friend.' The elf bowed deeply, and then led the way again. Mithmír noticed he walked slower, giving her time to prepare herself for the meeting. She was thankful again, but this time said nothing. She tried to think peaceful thoughts, envisaged how the meeting would be – but all the while she could not forget that this was something she had dreamed of all her life.

Tirathnavir stepped under the pavilion-hall before her, and said in his lilting voice, 'my Lord Celeborn and my Lady Galadriel, may I present to you Mithmír, the daughter of elves and men, ranger of the North, of the line of Númenor.'

It was when he stood aside, and motioned her forward, that Mithmír had her first sight of the beautiful Lady of Lothlorien, who had seen so many ages past, and would see many more. She was dressed in the purest white, but it shimmered silver and gold as it moved in the candle light. Her crown was of twining silver, and on her finger was a Ring of Power, one of the Elven Three. Celeborn stood beside her, tall and stately, but his shoulders drooped a little, as if he bore a great weight. Mithmír dropped to her knees in awe, bowing her head as was proper – and natural.

'My Lord and Lady,' she said breathlessly.

'Stand up, Mithmír, grey jewel,' the Lady ordered gently. The woman obeyed soundlessly, staring – while trying to be polite – at these magnificent, ancient elves.

'Do you know why we summoned you here?' Asked Celeborn, his eyes bearing into her.

She shook her head, and instantly she felt another presence inside her mind. You do know, a voice said. It was Galadriel, definitely, but more sinister, more a being of power. I can see, Mithmír. Lie not to me. You are powerful for a mortal, and I but wish to help you, but there is no time to waste.

Before Celeborn could speak, Mithmír broke in. 'I do know, in fact, Lord. You wish to let me play my part in delivering all of Middle Earth from the Shadow that looms.'

Celeborn looked at her oddly, but nodded, and out of the corner of her eye she noticed the Lady Galadriel nodded too, lightly.

'In two or three days,' continued Celeborn, 'the Fellowship of the Ring are due to arrive. Do you know of them?'

'No,' admitted Mithmír, instantly interested.

Celeborn was about to speak but Galadriel, calm as always, came forward and took Mithmír by the hand. 'Will you come to the eve meal with us, mortal? It is a long tale, and the telling should not be cut short.' So the three departed for the clearing where the meal was to be had, and that night the Daughter of Elves and Men heard a story of bravery and hope for all the peoples of Middle Earth.