Disclaimer: I don't own it, I don't want any money, and this is all just a figment of my overactive imagination.please don't sue me, I can barely make the rent money.

Chapter 2: Arrival at Lórien

The guard proved unnecessary. Although there were a few sleepless nights where the sounds of orcs could be heard in the distance, the company was never approached. The elves were well aware of their entrance into Lórien; however, it was less obvious to Ohtar. To him it just seemed that the forest had grown eyes, and he glanced about him nervously.

Hesitantly, he asked, "Have you ever felt like the forest is watching you?"

A few scattered chuckles and amused glances met his question. Elrond spared Ohtar a glance, but all he offered was this uncomforting thought: "I am told it can be so."

More chuckles ran through the group, and Ohtar glared at the elves. Suddenly ahead of them, three elves appeared in their path, seemingly from nowhere. They had drawn bows, which were aimed at the company. One of the elves stepped forward towards the company, and asked, "Who travels into these woods?"

"Haldir, it can't possibly been so long that you do not recognize me, can it?" Elrond replied.

Haldir remained firm. "Identify yourself," he said.

Elrond sighed. He had hoped Haldir wouldn't have been so formal about this meeting. Elven formality could crack a diamond in that elf's hand, when he wished. Elrond stepped away from the group. He motioned behind him with his hand for the company to remain still. He turned slightly to give Ohtar a stern look.:: If I get shot today on account of his stupidity..:: Elrond let the thought trail off unfinished.

He refocused his attention on Haldir. Slowly, he gave a half-bow allowing his eyes to drop down, away from Haldir for a moment, indicating his trust in Haldir to not shoot him. He straightened and said: "I am Elrond Peredhil, and I bring forth this company, from Imladris, for a meeting to determine what is to be done with the shards of Narsil. My messenger, Araquárëiel, should have preceded me."

Elrond paused, waited for Haldir's reply. Haldir lowered his bow and his companions followed his lead.

"I apologize for the formality, but it was required. You are expected, Elrond Peredhil. Please follow us and we will lead you into Lórien." He paused, noticing Ohtar. "Why is he here?" He asked, a trace of venom in his voice.

Elrond answered, "He brought the shards of Narsil to Imladris. I believe he has a right to say what happens to the shards."

Haldir looked to Elrond, then to Ohtar, and back to Elrond again. "Very well then, I will trust your judgment." He bowed slightly, eyes cast downward. "Follow me, but keep alert. These are the safest woods in all of Middle Earth, yet even they are not as safe as they once were." He turned to one of his companions, and said, "Rúmil, move ahead of us, and make sure that a place has been prepared for them." Rúmil nodded and sprinted away. Haldir turned to his other companion. "Orophin, walk behind them, and make sure there are no stragglers." Orophin gave a slight bow, and then melted into the trees. Haldir then began to walk into the forest, leaving the company to follow.

Despite Haldir's reservations, the party didn't have any problems traveling through the woods to the heart of Lórien. Although Elrond was rather proud of his tracking skills, he was lost by the time Haldir had lead them to a secluded grove. The only signs of civilization were the ladders leading upward into the treetops. Haldir bowed to the company, and took his leave of them, promising to return soon.The elves dismounted and began unpacking and washing down the horses. Elrond paused when he heard Ohtar sputtering behind him in indignation.

"Is there something wrong, Ohtar?" asked Elrond, already well aware that the Númenorian had found something to complain about. Ohtar was staring in disbelief at the rope ladder that wound up the tree trunk.

"I thought these were civilized people!" Ohtar exclaimed. They want us to sleep where?" He asked incredulously.

Elrond signed, and began unpacking his camping gear. It was obvious Ohtar wasn't going to be climbing trees anytime soon. He sighed. :: This is going to be a long stay. ::

The company was left on their own for two days before Haldir returned to inform Elrond and Ohtar that the meeting had been arranged.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

The meeting was held on the third morning after their arrival. As Elrond looked upon the elves already gathered in the clearing, he began to get an anxious feeling in the pit of his stomach. ::This is going to be painful:: he thought.

The clearing was enclosed on three sides by mellyrn. The fourth side looked out upon the Misty Mountains and the Anduin River. There were seven kneeling blankets, all along the wood-enclosed area. There were three blankets facing opposite the Misty Mountains, and two facing in on either side to make a "u" shape, with the opening of the "u" facing the mountains. To the left sat Thranduil and Celeborn, and on the right sat Círdan and an empty blanket. Sitting in the middle, from left to right, were Galadriel, Amroth, and an empty blanket.

When Elrond and Ohtar arrived, Amroth stood, and the other elves followed his lead.

"It is an honor to have you here, Elrond Peredhil. Would you please be so kind as to introduce your companion?"

"Elrond gestured behind him, and Ohtar came forward. "This is Ohtar, Isildur's squire. He delivered the shards of Narsil to Imladris from the Gladden Fields. I believe, since he has traveled so far to protect the shards, he has a right to have a voice in determining what happens to them now."

"Very well. Do the rest of us gathered agree?" There were nods of assent all around. "Good. Well come, then, to Lórien, Ohtar. Have a seat and relax, for you are with friends." Ohtar inclined his head and sat next to Círdan, leaving the empty seat in the front of the group to Elrond.

Amroth re-centered his attention on Elrond. "I give the floor over to you, Elrond, to explain to us why we are gathered here today." Amroth sat down, and the other elves and Ohtar followed his lead, leaving Elrond alone, standing.

"First, so that we are all introduced," he paused. "Ohtar, to your right is Círdan, the shipwright. To my left, here," he pointed to the seat next to him, is Amroth, the Lord of Lórien. Beside him is Galadriel, her husband, Celeborn, and lastly, Thranduil, King of Greenwood the Great." Ohtar nodded at each elf as they were introduced to him.

"Now, to get on to business," Elrond continued. "Ohtar arrived at Imladris with the shards of Narsil. We have brought them here to determine the best course of action to take." He paused. "I offer to hold the shards at Imladris until such a time when an heir can reclaim the throne. It would make the most sense, seeing how Valandil is already in my care." Again, he paused, to allow the information to settle. "I will open the floor for any other suggestions." With that said, he sat down on his blanket.

Thranduil immediately rebutted Elrond's offer. "Absolutely NOT! I offer to bring them to Greenwood the Great, where I can protect them in the inner reaches of my caverns."

Elrond shot back: "With what will you protect it? You have no ring."
"But the sword is Númenorian," interjected Ohtar, before Thranduil could respond. "It should stay with a Númenorian."

::Oh, here we go again:: thought Elrond.

"I, for one, don't want it," spoke up Círdan, before Ohtar could start ranting. "I am too busy as it is to have to worry about protecting some slivers of broken metal."

"And perhaps, Círdan is the wisest of us all," spoke up Galadriel, softly. Although her voice was quiet, everyone in the grove heard her. They stopped bickering and turned all of their attention to Galadriel. She continued. "This is not about pride, or to whom the sword belongs. It BELONGS to an heir of Isildur. However, seeing how Valandil is not of age to take ownership of the sword, and the responsibility that comes with it, that option is not feasible at this time. This sword represents the future, and we must safeguard that future. This is, I repeat, not about WHO the shards belong to, but who will protect them best from the forces which may rise against us."

Elrond spoke. "Would you take it?" He asked her.

Galadriel set him with a piercing stare. A century seemed to pass before she answered. "No, I will not take it. I think that in the future, our role" she paused, and gestured at Celeborn-"will take a different path then where these shards need to be. Like Círdan, we shall find ourselves too busy to protect them." She gave all of the participants a resolved glance, and then sat back, obviously finished speaking her piece.

Amroth stood up. "Let's take a break for the midday meal. I think we have a good deal of food for thought. We will return here in an hour's time." Quietly, still solemn from Galadriel's words, the participants each left the meeting place and went their own way, until reconvening later that day.

End of chapter 2

A/N YAAAAAYYY people reviewed!! Woo hoo!!!! As I write this little author's note, it is Sept. 1, 2003, and I cannot get onto fanfic.*grrr* so, whenever this is posted, It's NOT MY FAULT.I'm sure you all understood that anyways *grinz*. Anywhos, if there's anyone who as even gotten this far.YES, this all leading somewhere that has something to do with the original premise of the story *notes that it is listed a psudo-romance, despite two chapters and no romance yet to be seen* also, I originally had the meeting with the members sitting on chairs, but then that seemed silly, to have random chairs in a clearing in the middle of the woods.so now the kneeling on blankets.not exactly what I wanted, but I thought better then sitting on chairs...(and I'm very nervous about how I portrayed the personalities of the other elves here.do u think anyone is really off base? Please tell me!!!)

ANYWHO.I am trying very hard to keep with canon, whenever possible. I am taking some liberties here and there, but hey, if I didn't, there wouldn't be a story, right? Right. Well I say so, anywho, and I'm the author there so HMPH! *raspberry* *oie, I need to get out of this HOUSE!!!!* anyways...

Shirebound-you were not the only one to notice the modern phrases.thank you for pointing them out, I totally had not noticed them.As for Isildur, he did have sons, only one of which survived.you have no idea how painful it was going through the dumb lineage stuffs.*EEEK* that stuff CONFUSES me.*reginabean personally presents shirebound with a cookie of her choice and milk for her enjoyment*

Xsilicax-thank you for pointing out the modern phrases, I am trying to keep them in check.but..well..ARRGGHHH.anywho, you want memories? Hang in there! *grinz* * reginabean personally presents xsilicax with a cookie of her choice, and milk, for her enjoyment*

Eirual of the Nightrunners-yes, yes, the dang modernisms.who knew they'd be so dang hard to root out!!!! Anywho, I did do some research on the whole Isildur's heirs thing, and it almost gave me a headache.but in any case, I think that I should not have to go into much detail there, cause soon the focus of this story will be.oh.hmm.nevermind.ANYWAYS, thank you very much for the background info, all that stuff is OH so confuzzling to me.anywho, thank you sooo much for the review, it is greatly appreciated *reginabean personally presents Eirual with a cookie of her choice, and milk, for her enjoyment!*

Nilmandra-reviews are always accepted, no matter how long it takes you to respond *grinz* *carefully looks up her sleeve* hmmmm.it does kinda look like there's something wriggling around up there.but it might just be my arm, I'm not sure yet *grinz* anyways, if fanfic ever lets me sign in.I can get this dang story.up.*grumbles* meanwhile, though *reginabean personally presents Nilmandra with a cookie of her choice, and milk, for her enjoyment*