The woods of Lothlorien were peaceful and still in the waning afternoon light of Middle Earth. The horse and rider moved smoothly through the long grass toward the city, making no sound as the horse's hooves hit the ground. The beast was silver in color, blending perfectly with the bark of the mallorns surrounding them, the archer clothed in garments of the same nature. They would not be spotted by the Lorien elves until they came quite close to Lothlorien.
The elf was from Mirkwood, sent to Lothlorien for a routine visit and council with the Lord of Lady. Unused to the predominant silver, the elf's eyes shifted back and forth from the trunks of the tall trees to the same silver-colored grass covering the ground. Had he not been so transfixed with the foliage, he would have noticed a dozen Lorien elves watching him from the trees. The horse jerked and sidestepped, and Haldir of Lorien stood in front of the Mirkwood elf, bow drawn and a curved dagger in a scabbard at his hip.
"Reveal your face."
The Mirkwood elf paused, not certain if the archer was friend or foe. But having no other choice, he threw back his hood to reveal the blond hair and blue eyes that were fairer than usually found in Lorien, whose elves had darker hair and eyes. Haldir lowered his weapon and gave a slight bow.
"Legolas of Mirkwood. My apologies. We did not see your face underneath the Lorien cloth." Haldir nodded over his shoulder and four more silver clad elves appeared at his side, bows undrawn. Each one nodded in turn. Haldir smiled, the expression warming his usually cool face.
"Come. Lady Galadriel has been expecting you."
The newcomer watched the quintet as he followed a few paces behind on his horse. The four elves behind Haldir were exchanging glances among themselves and whispering conspiratorially, throwing little glances at Legolas now and then. The Mirkwood elf wondered if he'd done something offending, not having a firm grasp on the policies and culture of Lothlorien. Haldir slowed his pace to walk beside the horse.
"How did you acquire the Lorien garments? Our cloth is not usually traded with outsiders."
"A peace offering years ago from Galadriel to my father, but one that failed to cool his grudge..." Legolas muttered. "Why do they whisper so?"
Haldir didn't answer for a moment. "I cannot tell you, friend, but I wager you shall soon find out."
Inside the royal chambers, Galadriel greeted the newcomers at the door.
"Legolas Greenleaf of Mirkwood. It has been long since one of your kin has been to Lothlorien. Welcome."
Legolas dismounted the horse and bowed respectfully. "Diolla lle, arwen Galadriel. I come for a visit and council only. I hope we shall speak of light matters, and leave the conflict between Lorien and Mirkwood behind for a fortnight."
Galadriel smiled warmly. "So it shall be. Come, we have much to talk about."
Legolas stepped forward to the Lady's side and the two of them made their way to the great hall to reconvene. Haldir let out a sigh of relief and turned to his four companions.
"Let us hope the young prince does nothing to ruin the peace that his coming."
His brother Orophin smirked and rolled his eyes. "The youth is notorious for his loose jaws. This is futile. The war between Lorien and Mirkwood will not end with Thranduil merely sending his brat for a visit. We cannot rest. Our time would be better spent sharpening our knives."
Haldir smiled tersely at his brother's usual cynicism. "Have faith, Orophin. I trust the youth."