Finally, I can get this chapter up. I decided to speed it up a little…
Chapter 4--Arrival In The Golden Woods
After a long journey, though luckily an uneventful one the five companions arrived at the borders of Lothlorien. They hadn't gotten to far into the forest when sentries with drawn bows stopped them.
"What is your business in the Golden Woods?" one demanded.
"We are here by the permission of the Lady Galadriel to visit Legolas of Mirkwood," Aragorn said boldly.
The Lorien Elf frowned, seeming none to pleased. He gave them all a disdainful look, especially Gimli, but nodded. "She is waiting, follow me," he said.
They did and soon they were in a clearing, but none of them could have said how they'd gotten there. Lady Galadriel stood before them. She was as beautiful as stories said and you could feel the power she wielded. Aragorn, Qui and Boromir bowed immediately. The Lady smiled. "Welcome to Lothlorien, the young prince has been waiting for you. We will talk tomorrow," she said and gestured to the sentry. "Take them to Legolas, he is by the lake then you may return to your post."
The sentry bowed. "Yes, my Queen," he said. "Follow me." He showed them to a lovely lake then left.
They could see Legolas sitting at the water's edge. "Legolas!" Aragorn called as they hurried towards him. Legolas turned and smiled when he saw them. He got to his feet and met them.
Aragorn had planned to clasp his friend's hand, but changed his mind and hugged him. "It is good to see you and you look well," he said.
"I am all right now," Legolas said.
Boromir gave his shoulder a friendly squeeze. "Good to see you, healer," he said.
"You as well, Boromir," Legolas said.
Syri hugged him as well. "I knew you were stronger then you look," she whispered.
"I am glad to see you too," Legolas said.
"Guess it is good to see you, elf," Gimli muttered.
"Well, thank you, master dwarf," Legolas teased.
Qui moved forward, eyes sparkling and swept Legolas into a bear hug.
"Ouch! I missed you too, but take it easy!!" Legolas laughed.
Qui released him then they settled down by the lake to catch up on everything that happened while they had been separated.
At dusk a sentry arrived to fetch them. "Dinner will be served in a couple hours, perhaps you would like to get ready," he said.
"Of course, we all are a mess from our journey," Aragorn agreed.
They were led to the castle where servants showed them to their rooms so they could bathe and change clothes.
Servants escorted them to the dining hall where they were seated at the table of the Lord and Lady of Lothlorien, a honor by all standards. Legolas was all ready there.
"This is my husband, Lord Celeborn," Galadriel said.
They started to rise to bow, but Celeborn shook his head. "That is not necessary here, please enjoy your meal," he said and smiled.
"Indeed and there will be music and dancing afterwards," Galadriel added.
The food and wine was delicious. The travelers ate hugely after their journey. Soon the elves began drifting out onto the floor as the music started. The celebration lasted long into the night and none of them would ever forget the beauty of it.
Eventually they grew weary, though long before the Elves did. They returned to their rooms and slept deeply for the first time since they'd left on their journey.
Aragorn woke before anyone and went to find Legolas. After a lot of searching and asking servants he found the Elf out on the archery range. He paused to watch the Elf notch his sixth arrow, five all ready decorated the bulls eye and the sixth joined them.
"Good morning, Aragorn," Legolas said, looking over at him. "Care to join me?"
"No, I wanted to talk to you in private if you do not mind," Aragorn said.
They sat down on a stone bench. "What is it, Aragorn?" Legolas asked though he was sure he knew.
"I wanted to say I am sorry for what Arathorn did to you, I would have died if it meant sparing you that," Aragorn said. "I feel that it was all my fault."
"It was not, you could not stop him and neither could I, but it is over and I am all right now, thanks to the Lady Galadriel," Legolas said. "Let the guilt go, my friend. It is over and done, nothing will change that."
"Agreed, I am glad you are well," Aragorn said.
Legolas stood and tossed Aragorn a bow and quiver. "Now shoot with me, certainly you could use some practice," he said.
"I am sure you are right," Aragorn agreed and joined him…..