The Red Elf
Chapter 4: Meetings with the Lord and Lady
The elegant white gates of Lorien again passed into view. Azure silently giggled when she heard William gasp at the beauty of the city, and it was only a small section of the panorama. Haldir pulled his horse to a stop at the foot of the gates and hopped down expertly. He turned and reached to help Zoë down, but much to his dismay found she'd already climbed off the other side. He frowned slightly and took his horse back to the elf that had originally got it. Azure, too, halted her horse and allowed William to descend the horse, before doing the same. Another elf came up and took the white stallion from her grasp, following the other. Haldir turned back to the three and spoke.
"If you would now follow me, the Lord and Lady are expecting you. They were told earlier of your arrival… and the mishap, and are waiting in the city for your attendance." William having been keeping to himself for a very long time now, finally said something.
"Who is this Lady… and this Lord that you keep speaking of?"
"The Lady Galadriel is the queen of the elves and the Lord Celeborn is her husband."
"Ah." This was all William could muster in response, but he surprised everyone again when he continued.
"Why would this Queen, care to see us then? We can't be that important."
"I know not of her ways, though you must be of importance. For she will not see just anyone." Haldir smiled again, with that same look of knowing. It was truly driving Azure mad. She knew he was holding something back. Yet, by the time she could even think of a way to ask him what it was he knew they'd nearly reached the Lord and Lady. Azure slowly took in her surroundings as she trekked up the stairs behind the others. She was, or rather, had just climbed the largest and tallest staircase she'd ever seen in her life. Though it felt as if she'd been walking on a flat surface. 'Oh well,' she thought dismissing it. She noticed the rest had stopped and detected a relatively bright light entering her eyes. She turned her head up, and saw the lady. She was draped in a radiant white gown, with long, hollowed sleeves, that met the ground. Her golden blonde hair fitted about her face perfectly, and her aura gleamed a pale white light. Beside her stood a tall, handsome man. His hair was such a harsh blonde; it appeared to be almost silver. Though his silvery white garments, accented his complexion well, they seemed to be in a fierce battle with his locks for the command of an onlooker's eye. Galadriel looked at each of the three guests in turn, she then took a step towards them.
"You have traveled from quite afar. It is time for you to rest, for though you cannot see; you are weary from the trip. But, I fear, it shall not be for long. I have much to share with you, and shall do so in turn. So leave now, Haldir will show you where you are to go."
Haldir bowed his head to the Lord and Lady and then turned around, motioning for the others to follow him again. As they walked Azure took in many of the beautiful sights. Her mind was racing, trying to remember each intricate detail. Towards the end of their journey, a stream of crystal clear water came into view. It curved and bended gracefully, before arching over a few eroded rocks and into a gentle fall. Azure paused and quickly peered down to where the water had 'disappeared'. She saw that the floor gave way, and stood at the edge inspecting. Below she saw a large hollowed area. On the other side, there were grey stone steps leading down. A few trees and plants decorated the area near the fall's pond. However what had really grabbed her attention was the small pedestal that stood alone in the centre. Atop of it lay an empty, shallow, silver basin. She had no more time to study the lower level, since she'd nearly lost sight of the party. She hurriedly jogged over to them, noticing that they hadn't even realised she'd stopped.
When the group halted, they were standing in front of a massive tree. There was a steep staircase that coiled up around its trunk, separating it into several floors. At each landing there was a door, with a total of four. Haldir lead them up the stairs, stopping at the first he said:
"It is the Lady's wish that you stay here…" he held is hand out again to Zoë, realizing he had never asked her name. She quickly caught on to his dilemma and finished his sentence, smiling.
"Its Zoë."
"Ah, Lady Zoë, it is the Lady's wish that you stay in this room until she speaks with you." Zoë nodded, and went to open the door but stopped short.
"Thank you, Haldir of Lorien." William raised his eyebrows at this, but stopped when Azure hit him lightly on the arm rolling her eyes in his direction. He shrunk back slightly at her action, but still continued smiling at himself…stupidly. Zoë finally went in and closed the door gently behind her. Haldir stood there silent for a second, a similar smile on his face.
"No matter what species, men are all the same." She muttered barely audible. At long last, Haldir reassembled himself and they continued up the stairs. Once they came to the second door, the halted yet again.
"This is your room lord…"
"William."
"Yes of course, of course. The Lady wishes you to stay here."
"Very well."
There was no waiting this time after William entered his room. So Azure and Haldir went up the stairs swiftly and silently. Haldir led her straight past the third door and to the fourth.
"And last but not least, Lady Azure, this is your room."
"Haldir, does someone occupy the third room?"
"Yes milady, Prince Legolas is recuperating in that room. All the honoured guests of the Lord and Lady stay within these rooms. It is her wish."
"Oh…"
"Rest well milady, rest well." Called Haldir, heading back down the stairs. 'Honoured?' thought Azure, 'what does he mean by that? …'
