Chapter Nine

The Undying Lands greet me with its usual whisper.I moved swiftly towards Lady Galadriel's chambers,not even stopping to see Sylvia.For I recognised the urgency in Gandalf's voice when he summoned me here.I know Middle Earth is once again,enshrouded in darkness.

"Legolas.You have come."The lady of light spoke softly.Her golden mane sparkled under the gently light.Legolas dropped to his knees in awe and respect.

"Milady,I bring urgent news from Lord Gandalf."

The Queen elf merely nod her head,as if she had foresee this coming.

"I know.I have seen him,even talk to him in my dreams."

Legolas stood up."And you know of this matter then?"

She nodded,her blue eyes were as clear as that of the sparkling waters.

"Then I need not explain."Legolas said hastily."Of what shall we do now?"

"There is little we can do,Legolas."

"But…"

The lady elf walked gracefully towards Legolas."Have we not retire to the Undying Lands for this one purpose?So that we shall not meddle with the matters of the Middle Earth again?"

"Lady Galadriel…"

"My dearest Legolas,"She smiled kindly down at him."There are some things that are meant to be."

"But I cannot…I cannot let this pass."

She smiled knowingly.He knew she could read his mind.

"Your strength and will evolved from your feelings for this human girl."

He was not surprise that she should know about Harmonia.Few things escape her eyes.

"Harmonia faces danger.I cannot leave her alone for I shall help bear her burden."

"And how well do you know Harmonia?"

"Well enough to lay down my life for her."

The lady was pleased."Then you shall have my honor,and my blessing.I will aid you in this battle."

Legolas looked up at the Lady with gratitude."Many thanks,Milady."

"But a word of caution,my young elf.Do not expect a quick victory,nor a harsh one.This journey that you are about to embark will be a very difficult one.One that will test your strength,will and determination."She paused.And her eyes suddenly seemed sad."One that may ruin you,if you shall be unwatchful."

The elf prince bowed graciously."Your advice is impeccable.You have my word that I shall be ever watchful."

The lady nodded."Before you leave,tell Gandalf that the answer to the riddle lies in the fires of Mount Doom."She smiled a little."And tell him to make sure that when the time comes,be certain to look out for falcons,for the beautiful and dangerous beasts can foul the plan."

Legolas nodded."Yes Milady.I will tell Lord Gandalf exactly that.I take my leave now."

Legolas moved quickly towards the lake.A glance at the sky tell him of night to come.He would have to move twice as quickly if he should reach Gandalf's abode before night fall.

But his progress was stopped shortly when a whisper amongst the trees called to him.He turned around quickly and most anxiously.

"You have return to us,and yet you leave us again so soon."She said,her melodious voice just above a whisper.

"Sylvia…"

"Legolas,I have many dreams of you.And fearful ones they are.What have you got yourself involve this time?"

"I have not the heart to tell you."He said softly."For I fear it will strike more pain and anxiety to your heart."

She moved closer to him.So that he could see her long flow of golden hair.Her eyes gleamed brightly under the moonlight.Somehow,those same sliver eyes were sad.

"I have dreamt of this moment.I only wish you can tell me the truth,so that I shall not speculate any longer."

"I have to go,Sylvia."

"To where?I overhear you and Lady Galadriel…"

"You were listening?"

She nodded sadly."Yes I was.I could not bring myself to see you in person with lady Galadriel in the room."She looked away."Who is this Harmonia?"

Legolas took her hand.They were soft and almost frail.Nothing like the rough,firm labour hands of Harmonia.

"She is in danger,Sylvia.Even as we speak now.I must go to her swiftly."

Her eyes glitter,perhaps there were tears."You promised me."

He looked at her gently."The promise…"

"Will you take me to see the world one day,Legolas?"She asked,looking anxiously into his own silvery blue eyes."Will you come back to me and take me away with you on your journey?"

He did not replied.Instead,he let go of her hand gently and moved slowly away from her.

"Empty promises hurt more than anything."He whispered."So I shall promise you nothing."

The sparkle was very clear in Legolas's eyes when he watched tears slid down Sylvia's cheeks.Even his heart ached to see her in pain.

"So it is true.It is as Lady Galadriel had said."She shook her head."You have fallen for her."

And to that,he denied nothing.For he could not find the right words to say so that it should lessen Sylvia's pain.Because he know she was right again.

He was in love with Harmonia.

I could not bare it any longer.The lady's words were fresh in my memory and Sylvia's accusations were proven correct.How foolish am I to fall into that doomed path when I had witnessed its daunting effect on friend Aragorn and Lady Arwen.How foolish am I to feel so much for a girl I can still barely understand.How foolish am I…

Legolas hurried up the stoneslabs.He pushed past the heavy doors,did not even glance at the guards and literally ran into Gandalf's private room.

"Gandalf,I bring urgent news!"He called out.And to that,he received no response.

He glanced around the room quickly,taking everything in his eyes.Gandalf was not in the room,nor could he sense him anywhere near.

The door creaked slightly behind him and he was quick to spun around.

The familiar gleam of that emerald green eyes delighted him so much,he could not stop himself from smiling cheerily,for he rushed to her side.

"Harmonia!"

They embraced and it was at this moment,that Legolas held her closer to his heart than ever.It was at this moment,that he accepted his fate and destiny.

"Where have you been?"She whispered.

He pulled away from her and look closely in her eyes."You carry the look of a wary person,Harmonia.Have you been well?"

She nodded,though her eyes betrayed her,for they look tired and upset and most uncomfortable.

He took her hand."Where is Gandalf?I need to speak with him."

"He's left."

"Left?Where?"

Harmonia shrugged."He did not tell me.But he instructed me to stay here and wait for you."

Legolas nodded."And we shall wait for his return.I regret to tell you I have learn nothing on my trip to see Lady Galadriel."

The girl nodded sadly."Contrary to you,I have much to tell."

He looked into her green eyes."Then tell me."

"It is a long tale."She smiled sadly."We will talk whilst we eat."

He agreed to that suggestion.He realized he had not had a proper meal for quite some time.

They ate quietly,with Legolas glancing at Harmonia from time to time.He could tell she was hiding something from him.But he did not know what.He would have to wait for her to tell him herself.

"Did Gandalf provide any insight to your problems?"

She looked slightly amused."What problems are you referring to?The whereabouts of my family or of the dark voices I hear?"

He smiled."Both perhaps."

She shook her head."Regretably,even the most powerful wizard could not help me."

He shook his head firmly."We will find the truth somehow,Harmonia.Have patience."

She sighed."Legolas…I…"

"What?What is it?"

She faltered."I..I do not know…"

"Tell me,Harmonia?What troubles you?"

She looked up at him.And Legolas knew something was very wrong.

"You must bring me to Mordor,Legolas."

He was surprised."Did Gandalf say that?"

She paused,thinking for a moment."Maybe."

"Harmonia,tell me the truth."

"You must get me to Mount Doom."

"Mount Doom?"

The girl nodded.Her eyes brightened up."Yes! That is the answer! Bring me to Mordor!"

"Harmonia,I fear I do not understand…"

"If you will not go with me,at least,show me the way.I will go on my own."

"No! That is dangerous.The mountain is crawling with orcs even as we speak!"

"Then bring me there!"She insisted."And quickly!We do not have much time left."

Legolas paused."I think we should wait for Gandalf's return.We should discuss this with him."

"But we do not know when he will return to us!"Harmonia took his hand."Please,trust me for this once.Bring me to Mordor."

Legolas looked away."Even if I shall wish to bring you to Mordor,I fear my strength alone is not enough.If there were thousands of orcs there,we will be walking towards our deaths."

"That will not be a problem,young Legolas."

The two of them turned around to face the old man.He smiled kindly down at them.

"Gandalf! I had prayed for your safe return."Legolas smiled.

"And I did the same for you,Legolas.Have Lady Galadriel any message for me?"

Legolas nodded."Yes.She told me the answer to the riddle lies in the fires of Mount Doom."

Gandalf paused for as moment,then glanced at Harmonia,who nodded quietly at him.The old wizard cleared his throat.

"Well,I believe we should bring Harmonia to Mount Doom then."

Legolas stood up,frowning."Why Gandalf?Is not Mordor too dangerous?"

"I strongly believe that the orcs have not multiplied themselves just yet."Gandalf muttered,looking at Harmonia."For I know the OneRIng had not yet awaken itself."

"The OneRing…?"Legolas was confused."Then you know its whereabouts?"

Gandalf shook his head."Well…let's just say the ring is near.I can feel it."He walked towards the door."Come on now,young ones.Get ready for our journey."

Legolas was about to protest,but Harmonia hushed him.

"You say we can trust Gandalf."She reminded him gently."And I trust him with my very life,just like I trust you with it."

"Harmonia…"

She smiled."Let us go to Mount Doom.I am sure,like Lady Galadriel say,the answer will be clearer there."

The elf nodded reluctantly.