Chapter 6
Gimli awoke to find himself in front of a beautiful gate of gold. Arrow had ridden all night and led them to some place where Gimli would find help. Gimli had never seen the palace of trees before him, but felt as if he had strayed into a dream.
Mist filled the air and the clouds above looked pink and lavender. The gate glimmered and a serene melody could be heard from afar. It sounded like the angels above had come to sing for him.
"Arrow, where have you led us?" Gimli whispered.
Then a tall, slender man came from the side and walked towards Gimli. Gimli sat frozen and knew the man was an elf. Gimli did not like the elves. He thought them snooty and untrustworthy.
"Well Gimli, son of Gloin, you have made it."
"And who are you elf?"
"I am Haldir, and you are in Lothlorien."
"Lothlorien…where she lives?"
"I shall assume you are speaking of Galadriel, and she does indeed. She has been expecting you for quite some time now." Haldir answered and helped Gimli off of Arrow.
"I don't want to speak to some witch of elves! This is a mistake!"
"Aren't you full of yourself, the one true elf queen wants to see you and you refuse her?"
Gimli looked at his feet and kicked at the ground.
"I guess I can speak a moment, but I do not like this!"
Haldir ignored his last comment and led Gimli to a winding silver staircase that intertwined with the trees. They walked up and didn't stop until the very top, where the most incredible woman Gimli had ever seen stood.
Mylea and Legolas were now on the outskirts of Fangorn forest and decided to sit and rest for they had been traveling for what seemed like many days.
"He's in Isengaurd, I know it." Mylea spoke then sipped some water.
"Yes, I have felt his presence grow stronger as we have traveled."
Mylea nodded and started to put her water away. Legolas looked at her and she felt his eyes cut across her skin. She suddenly lifted her head and met his eyes.
"What does that look mean Sir Greenleaf?"
"There is no look…I do not know of what you speak. And please call me Legolas, if I had wanted a title I would have stayed at home."
"Where is home? Why do you have a title?"
"I'm from Mirkwood, and am heir to the throne."
"So you are a prince. What is a prince doing on a mission like this?"
"What is a princess doing?"
"I am no princess."
"You were raised by Elrond, treated as one of his own. Doesn't that make you one?"
Mylea shook her head and smiled.
"Arwen is the only true princess there."
"By blood, but you know they believe you just as important."
"They should not, I'm in their debt. I could never be as regal and strong as Arwen."
"You already are Mylea."
Mylea shot her head up and looked at Legolas carefully. How could he know her so well after one day? The only assumption she had made of him was that he was very selfless and held much valor. He was also very strong in will as well as in physicality.
Gimli gaped at The Lady Galadriel. She wore a pure white gown that shimmered. Her face had no age upon it, but her eyes told Gimli that she had seen much in her life. Her golden wavy hair hugged her waist and she wore no expression on her face at first glance.
"Gimli, son of Gloin, you have come at exactly the right time. Two others have already begun the journey for Aragorn and you are not so far behind."
"My lady, who is looking also?"
"The elves Mylea Monimeil and Legolas Greenleaf."
"Huh…two elves of course…" Gimli stammered.
Galadriel did not retort to his comment but merely looked at him. Gimli now wished he could take back what he had just spoken.
"I'm sorry my lady, I did not mean…"
"No apology is needed, I know in your heart that you do not bear hostility."
"Shall I accompany him my lady?" Haldir suddenly joined the conversation bowing to Galadriel.
"Yes Haldir, Arrow will lead you both the way towards the others. You shall join them. They will need all the help they can get."
Haldir nodded and stood as Gimli made a low growl at Haldir. Galadriel then bent down to Gimli and took his hand. Gimli became entranced with her wise eyes.
"Gimli may the blessings of the elves follow you." She spoke this with a smile that reassured him.
Gimli knelt down before her and bowed his head. She stood and nodded to Haldir who tightened his bow to his back. Gimli stood and gazed upon Galadriel once more. She whispered goodbye and Haldir and Gimli left for Arrow.
