A/N: I'm sorry about the delay, but I will be writing more soon.  School and finals came up rather quickly, but I should have more time as the holidays are coming around.  Thank you for your patience.

Chapter Five

As they headed to their respective rooms, Gandalf stopped the laughing duo, 'I take it things went well.'

'Yes, very well.  I'm sorry, I must go; Galadriel asked to see me before the banquet.'

The she-elf headed to her rooms, leaving the wizard and elf-Lord in the hallway.  Celeborn briefly related the afternoon's events to the wizard before heading off to his own chambers.  Gandalf simply chuckled to himself as he headed to his rooms.  It seems Phoenix was right after all.  He had had his doubts, but he would need to speak with both rulers of Lorein privately before he left.  Things were running smoothly, albeit a bit slow, but Celeborn would see to that.

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After the banquet, Celeborn, Galadriel, Ronyo and Gandalf retired to the same study that the maid had arrived in three weeks earlier.  The rulers of Lorein and Gandalf carried on in various conversations while Ronyo was unusually quiet.  Now, as their conversation tapered to an end, they all waited for the next to speak.  Gandalf took the lead, 'Ronyo, child, I hear that your lesson went well today.  You seem to have procured your own mount.'

'Aye.  Maquissar, but she choose me.  I…'

'What, little one, voice your thoughts.  I cannot promise to answer them, for I know you wish to question me further on this morning's conversation.  As I said before, I cannot tell you anything directly about your family or your purpose here.  Nor can Galadriel or Celeborn, so don't think about asking them.'

'Too late,' Galadriel quipped, a smile forming at the corners of her mouth.  Ronyo smiled and blushed feeling more at ease.  Go ahead and ask; you have nothing to fear or lose.  Ronyo swallowed and took a deep breath before beginning.

'Gandalf, I'd like to thank you for all you've done.  I know that we'll meet again, but my head just doesn't want to, can't believe it.  There's just so much that doesn't make sense and I'm trying to sort things out.  I understand that you cannot tell me about my family and I must find that for myself.  But I need to know.  I know I'm different; I'm not sure why, but I am.' 

She paused to draw a breath as Celeborn rose and handed her a glass of water.  He placed his hand on her shoulder in comfort.  Swallowing a few sips, she looked at the others and whispered, 'Am I crazy?'

'Crazy?  Child what would ever possess you to say that?' Celeborn exclaimed.

'I…I thought I heard some one calling my name as I put Kotumo in his stall.  But there was no one there when I looked!'

'If there was a speck of madness in you I would have said something,' Galadriel whispered rising to comfort the girl.

'But I know what I heard!' Ronyo said as the tears she'd been holding spilled over.  Celeborn sat down on the couch next to her pulling her into his arms as she cried and shot a dangerous glance at Gandalf who was watching in silence. Gala if he doesn't do something soon I will make him. 

Cel, he's closed his mind off I can do nothing; just be patient.  You know what they say about wizards:  Don't meddle in the affairs of wizards for they are swift to anger.

 Yes but I'm not doing the meddling.  You forgot what they said about meddling in the affairs of this Lord of Lothlorein. You're not the only one with powers around here.  So help me, if he doesn't say something…..

'Ronyo, just what exactly were they saying?' Gandalf questioned.

'I…they….What?!' she said through her tears.

'What were they saying?  You said they were calling your name?'

'Yes I thought I heard someone say 'Ronyo' in next stall.  Also someone else said, 'My Lady,' and all of the horses were looking at me.  I think they were just wondering why I was running around looking like a crazed she-elf.   As I was leaving it seemed the people were whispering.  Do you have guards in that area Celeborn?'

'No, not to my knowledge, but I will check with my Marchwarden to ensure they weren't doing any training exercises today.'

'They were not.'  Galadriel replied, 'I just asked him and there were no posted guards near the stables today for any reason save three that were selecting new mounts near dawn.'

'Gandalf?' Ronyo said looking at the wizard with tears still in her eyes.

'No, Ronyo you are certainly not crazy.  But you know that elves have a strong connection to nature.  Stables are full of horses.' He said smiling slightly at the end.

'Yes, but nature does not say Ronyo!' she exclaimed.  Celeborn rubbed her back glaring at the wizard whose half answers were clearly agitating the she-elf.

'Perhaps, but I would not know as I am only a wizard, not an elf.'

Ronyo, seeing that this was getting nowhere remained silent for a few minutes trying to get her emotions under control.  Well two can play at this game, she thought.  I'm sure they can, so why don't you try changing the subject.  She smiled, hiding it behind a sniffle.

"Gandalf, fine.  So I'm not crazy.  But why did you speak of elves as if I'm were different from them.'

'You said so yourself a few minutes ago; I was simply continuing the thought.'  Gandalf answered cryptically.  Another glare from Celeborn had the wizard wondering about his old friend.  It reminded him of a younger Celeborn in battle when he was slaying the foul creatures of Sauron. He was fondly thinking on those memories when Celeborn interrupted him.  Hear me now wizard.  Speak plainly or not at all.  I may not have the power to read minds as my wife, but I am the Lord of this Land and I do not tolerate visitors tormenting any of my inhabitants, especially those under my direct protection.  That quickly changed Gandalf's mind as he remembered how fierce an opponent Celeborn could be when he wanted to.  Making a mental note to himself and Galadriel, please let your husband know I will speak with him on this later.  This evening to be exact. I have no desire to be on the receiving end of his wrath.  'But enough of these tears.  I do wish to elaborate further on my travel plans so you may reach me if needed.'

So Gandalf started into his plans and suggested that Ronyo travel to Rivendell to meet him in a year from the next Summer Solstice festival.  Celeborn and Galadriel would be there as well, to see their grandchildren and Ronyo could easily travel with the Lothlorien party.

 

TBC in Chapter 6