Chapter 7
Maegquareiel walked slowly through the palace to answer a summons from the Lord Elrond. Her countenance was peaceful and blank, but inside, her mind followed the currents of Bruinen, speeding about in a turmoil. The chance meeting with Mirkwood's heir had awakened old questions of her history. She was different, there was no doubt of that, but why? That single word plagued her thoughts until, at last, she reached the garden where she was to meet Lord Elrond.
He stood, resplendent in the sunlight, his silver crown glistening, a reminder of his position in their Elven society. He turned to her, not smiling, for he rarely did, and watched as she approached, her steps sure and smooth.
"You called for me?" she asked, when at last she reached him.
"Yes. I have received a message from Lothlorien."
For some reason inexplicable to her, the name Lothlorien made her heart leap in what could only have been described as joy. This emotion was replaced by one of fear, which was even more strange than the first. These passed in a moment and were forgotten as soon as they had.
Elrond continued. "I must send a company of Elves to Lothlorien, and you must lead it."
She fought the urge to recoil in surprise at this shocking news. "Ada(father or dad) this news is unexpected and I am not sure what to say aside from why me?"
"Because it was you that was asked for," he answered.
"Me? But why? I know naught of Lothlorien nor the way to get there. I have seen little of battle and have scarce left these walls."
Her voice became somewhat frantic and Elrond was taken aback. Maegquareiel was never flustered, but here was acting like a frightened child.
"You do yourself injustice, Maegquareiel. You have been trained extensively in the ways of combat. Besides, you will not be alone. I have already spoken to Ascafeniel and Haeorewen who will join you, and I'm sure you will find friends along the way."
There was little more she could say, so she nodded in acquiescence, and turned to leave. As she walked, the question of when sprang to her mind. To her surprise, Elrond answered from behind her.
"Three days. You should be ready to leave by then."
"How did you know I would ask that?" she asked, puzzlement in her voice.
"Because I heard you say it, as you walked from me," he said, an equal amount of confusion in his voice.
She concealed her surprise at his response, curtsied, then walked from the garden, her thoughts plaguing her. She knew for a certainty that she had not spoken, but Elrond had heard her question. Could she have mastered telepathy? No, surely not. This odd talent would have surfaced millennia ago, along with her elemental abilities. Elrond had the power of foresight, perhaps telepathy as well. Yes, he had heard her thoughts. That was all it was.
So troubled was she, she rounded a corner in the hall and walked right into a passing Elf. She sputtered an apology only to look up into the face of Legolas. He had heard her coming and had moved out of the way, just enough to catch her should she be completely caught off guard. And she was.
"An Elf caught off guard? I am surprised Lady." Mirth crept into his voice.
"My thoughts are troubled, Prince. I fear I forgot myself for a moment."
He looked intently at her face, noticing how her emotions were plain to see. Few Elves were so easily read. His mirth was replaced by concern.
"Are you alright, Lady?" he asked, turning her face to look at him.
"My father.........Lord Elrond has decided to send my sisters and I.........my friends and I to Lothlorien. I know not why, but I fear the journey." She moved her face from his hand, and returned his stare.
"I assume you mean Haeorewen and Ascafeniel?" he asked, and continued at her affirmative nod. "And it will just be you three?"
"I imagine so. We are all combat-trained, so I fear little in the way of battle. I can not place it, but an unknown threat shadows my conscious. I can feel its pressure all around me. It is a burden, that, even now, weighs on me, and I only just learned of it." She put her head in her hands, trembling visibly.
He moved to put a hand on her shoulder to comfort her, but she lifted her head before he could.
"I must go to the river to think on this. Thank you for offering your comfort, Legolas." She smiled warmly. "I'm sure Ascafeniel misses you. I am sure she does," she said, emphasizing 'sure'. She smiled one last time and headed in the direction of the Loudwater.
