Chapter 13: The Lady Of The Night
The stars glittered and danced in the sky over the open field, there was only the sound of night birds calling and the rustle of the tall grass, swaying in the light breeze.
Frodo opened his bright blue eyes, blinking a few times to adjust to the lack of light. He sat up slowly and gazed about him, everyone else was fast asleep and dreaming............ all but his elven companion Legolas.
Frodo got quietly to his feet and gazed curiously at the tall elf who was standing, arms folded over his chest, staring up at the sky, singing softly to himself.
He was singing slowly in the language of his people, but Frodo, having learned the elven language from is uncle Bilbo, was easily able to translate and understand the words. He crept a few steps closer, embellishing himself in the song.
Sun birthed moon
Midnight's noon
O Lady Night
She thus creates.
From my darkness I awake
Dance divine
You've come to find
Locked within your heart and mind
Sing to me
That I might hear
Thy voice unspoken
To my ears
Sun birthed moon
Midnight's noon
Whispered softly she,
"You're mine."
Frodo stepped quietly behind Legolas, hoping not to disrupt the beautiful song. Legolas now hummed softly and then closed his eyes, stopping the song completely.
"Evening Master Frodo, I am sorry if my song awoke you." Legolas turned his head and gazed down over his shoulder at the hobbit.
"No, you didn't............... I woke up because I was having a bad dream..........." Frodo's face sank and he starred down at his feet.
"Ah," Legolas nodded, his face sullen as well. "You were dreaming about Gandalf. I know how you feel Frodo...............I miss him as well." Legolas kneeled down, taking one of the hobbit's little hands in his. "But he fell defending us, and had he not............... we would all be dead and the quest would have failed. Do not worry yourself about such things. Gandalf did what he thought was right."
Frodo nodded his dark head and looked into Legolas's piercing blue eyes. "Who is she?"
Legolas blinked. "Who is who?"
"The woman that you were singing about." Frodo eyes were big and questioning.
Legolas took his eyes away from him, turning to look at the sky. "She is the Lady Of Night............... an elf maiden more fair and beautiful that one could ever possibly comprehend. She is the Princess of Lorien, the daughter of Lady Galadriel and of Celeborn."
"I thought that the Lady Of Light was the fairest of elves?" Frodo said.
Legolas nodded. "Ah, yes my friend, she is fair, but her daughter surpasses even her resonating beauty." Legolas's eyes seemed to glass over and it was apparent that he was thinking on this elven maiden.
"Is she someone particularly special to you?" Frodo asked, taking a seat next to the kneeling elf.
Legolas looked softly into the hobbit's face. "Aye, my friend, she is indeed. She is my betrothed............ my future bride."
Frodo's face turned to a look of surprise and shock; he would not have suspected that a warrior like Legolas would be betrothed to the Princess of Lothlorien. "How is it that you are going to marry a princess?"
Legolas smiled slightly. "Because my father is King Thranduil of Mirkwood."
"You're a prince? Elrond certainly did not mention this at the council." Frodo scratched the top of his head, soaking in the information just received to him. Legolas laughed lightly and shook his head, patting the top of Frodo's head. "Aye, Elrond is one of secrecy. You had best get back to bed and try to get some sleep Frodo, we still have a full days journey to the woods of Lorien."
Frodo nodded his head and got to his feet.
Legolas rose and gazed down at him. "And do not think anymore on your dream. Rest well."
"And you as well." Frodo said as he crawled under his thin blanket and fell back into a quiet slumber.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Aragorn and Legolas both sighed in relief when they saw the golden trees of Lorien sprout up in the distance. They had been traveling since early in the morning and it was now close to sunset, they knew that it would be safer to camp inside the safety of the woods. Aragorn glanced back to see how the hobbits were doing; they trudged along wearily, it was clear that they were in desperate need of rest and food. Aragorn turned to face the woods again, he could see Legolas ahead of them about a mile off, he was standing patiently waiting for them. As soon as they began to get closer, he took off again and went further ahead; partly to make sure everything was safe, and partly because of his own eagerness to get to Lothlorien.
When Legolas himself had reached the boarders of Lorien, he climbed up to a low branch on a tree and waited for the others to arrive.
They soon came, and the hobbits looked as though they were ready to drop.
Merry and Pippin flopped down onto the leaf-covered ground and sighed in relief.
"Finally, a spot of rest." Merry sighed as he stretched out on the ground, scratching his stomach and closing his eyes.
Legolas jumped down from the tree, Aragorn took his elven friend by the arm and pulled him to the side speaking in elvish so that only the two of them could hear and understand the conversation.
'Do you think the Lorien guards will permit us to pass?' Aragorn whispered huskily, leaning in close to Legolas's right ear; his eyes darting from tree to tree, as if expecting something to come charging out from behind one.
'I do not know, they certainly would not bother a company of elves traveling through, but we are a strange bunch, and I doubt very much that they will like the fact of having a dwarf with us.' Legolas motioned his head over to the stout; harry little man that stood with his hands resting on the top of his ax.
Aragorn took a moment to consider this before replying. 'We must risk it, it is not safe to stay this close to the outside world, we must go further in.'
'Do you think that the hobbits will last that long? Look at them, they are weary and I doubt very much that they can travel any further.' Legolas glanced at Frodo, who leaned now against a tree, his hand clutched to the ring, eyes closed, breathing heavily.
Aragorn too looked at Frodo. 'They must, we have no choice. If any of them fall we shall have to carry them, but we cannot stop here.'
Legolas nodded and looked up into the trees. 'Very well then, we had better get on the move.' Legolas moved away from Aragorn and walked a few steps ahead, waiting patiently for Aragorn to rouse the rest of the group. With Borormir's help, they picked up the hobbits and nudged them along behind Legolas, who led them all deeper into the woods.
"I don't think my feet can take much more of this, can't we just stop here? Why couldn't we have just stayed where we were?" Pippin said groggily as he stumbled along behind Sam.
"Because it is not safe, young master Pippin." Aragorn replied.
At that moment, Legolas stopped short, and Frodo, who was behind him, nearly ran into him.
Aragorn and the rest of the fellowship started and tried to see infront of the elf. Legolas stood as still as stone and would not move another inch.
Aragorn moved to the front to try and see what Legolas had stopped for. 'Legolas, what is wrong? Do you see something?" His words died off as he came up beside his companion and saw that before Legolas, stood another elf, his bow up, and a sharp arrow poised and mere inches from the Mirkwood prince's face. Aragorn glanced around him to see many other elves emerge from the trees and surround the fellowship, keeping them at bay with their arrows.
'Do not move or you shall be shot.' Legolas told them calmly.
A tall, muscular elf stepped up to the company and scanned his blue eyes over them, he smiled at Legolas with a look, that Frodo thought seemed as though he knew the elven prince.
'Mae govannen, Legolas Thranduilian.' The elf bowed low and his eyes glittered playfully.
Legolas nodded and smiled as well. 'Mae govannen, Haldir a Lorien.'
"What are they sayin'?" Sam whispered to Frodo.
"They know eachother, I think." Frodo replied, never taking his eyes off of the elves.
Haldir nodded his head and the other Lorien guards lowered their bows and took a few steps back. Everyone breathed a sigh of relief.
Haldir glanced at Aragorn and smiled, placing his hand on the Ranger's shoulder. 'Welcome Aragorn, ranger from the North, it has been long since my eyes have looked upon you.'
Aragorn bowed slightly. 'I am glad to see you my friend. Our fellowship is in need of your help, we need a place to stay that is safe.'
Haldir glanced over at Frodo, and his eyes hardened, he took Aragorn by the arm. 'That halfling brings a great and powerful evil with him, I cannot allow you to pass.'
Legolas stepped up to his old friend, placing a gentle had on Haldir's shoulder. 'Please, my friend. The lady Galadriel must know that we are coming, she must at least have an inclination. We must pass.'
Haldir gazed long into Legolas's eyes, he then sighed, and nodded. 'I shall permit you to pass, but you must to straight away to the Lady and Lord.'
Gimli's voice boomed and broke the conversation. "So much for the legendary 'courtesy' of the elves! Speak words we can all understand!"
Haldir looked upon Gimli for the first time, his eyes steeling over and his face hardening. He walked slowly up to the dwarf, holding his head high as he gazed down coldly. "We have not had dealings with dwarves since the dark days."
Gimli glared and opened his mouth to speak something that would no doubt have been rude and the wrong thing to say, but Aragorn placed a hand on his shoulder and whispered. "I would hold my tongue if I were you. Do not frown so lightly upon his courteousness."
Gimli growled low, but did as he was told.
Haldir glared once more at the dwarf and then turned, speaking to his fellow guards. "Anloth, Markanen, you shall come with me to the city. Narmainen, you go ahead and bring word to the Lord and Lady of our arrival. Then rest of you go back to your posts." He walked infront of the fellowship and stood next to Legolas. "Come, we shall take you into the city."
Haldir and Legolas both walked side by side, leading the way to the city of Lothlorien, the fellowship filed in behind them and the two elven guards, took up the rear, making sure that no one fell behind.
They reached the fair city after night fall, the sight was a wonder to see, the whole city was glowing with an ethereal silver glow, and elves walked freely around the ground, and high up in the tree tops city as well. There were buildings and bridges on the ground, but most of the city, and the houses where the elves dwelled were high up in the trees.
Legolas smiled as he climbed up the stairs, he knew where he was going and did not need Haldir to guide him.
They came to a large flat, where two elven guards stood clad in armor, and holding long spears. Two intricately carved white chairs stood infront of them, and just directly behind the chairs were steps leading up to the royal house, where Lord Celeborn, Lady Galadriel, and their daughter Aireromen lived.
"Wait here," said Haldir. "The Lord and Lady will be here shortly." He turned and gave Legolas a quick embrace before heading down the long spiral staircase.
A bright glowing light flooded over them all, and they stood amazed as Lord Celeborn and Galadriel descended down the stairs to them. Frodo and the others were speechless, the beauty and light of Galadriel was far past any they had ever heard of or seen in their lives.
The discussion between them all was long, and by the time they had retold the story of their quest, and the fall of Gandalf, and all else that had occurred up to that point, the hobbits were practically having to grip the legs of their taller companions to keep from falling over. Celeborn dismissed them to rest and Haldir reappeared to escort them to their encampment.
The hobbits fell into the soft beds that had been made for them, and they slept almost immediately. For Boromir, Aragorn, and Gimli, the process took much longer. Legolas did not sit long in his bed; he soon was to his feet and walking away from the fellowship.
"And where does he think he's going?" Gimli said gruffly, shifting a bit in his bed.
Aragorn smiled and shook his head; he knew where his elven friend was headed to.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Frodo awoke one night soon after their arrival at Lothlorien to find himself restless; he could not sleep because he was still haunted by the vision of Gandalf falling to his "death". He sat up and rubbed the back of his head.
"Can you not sleep Frodo?" came Aragorn's deep voice.
Frodo looked to the Ranger, who sat a few feet away from him, reading an elvish book that he had no doubt picked up from the grand library that was in the Royal house. Aragorn was an elf friend, and could go wherever he pleased in the elven city.
"No, I can't. Not tonight." Frodo stood and stretched his legs, yawning a bit. He gazed dreamily out at the trees surrounding them; he walked down a ways to a little brook that flowed near by, splashing his face with the cool, crisp water. He heard a branch snap and saw a black shape moving through the trees on the other side of the brook. Frodo's eyes widened in terror, he saw a giant black horse walking slowly to him. He fell back and was scooting away in fear. "Aragorn! A black rider! A black rider!"
Aragorn jumped quickly to his feet and ran quietly to Frodo, sword in hand. He stood protectively over the hobbit and glared at the black shape approaching them.
The horse stopped a few feet away and cocked his head to the right; his blood red eyes glowed softly. The horse let out a low nicker.
Aragorn rolled his eyes and sighed, sheathing his sword. "Morwing."
Frodo glanced from Aragorn to the horse, confused. "Morwing? You know this creature?"
Aragorn nodded and helped Frodo to his feet, brushing him off. "He will not harm you, he lives here." Aragorn held out his hand and Morwing jumped nimbly over the brook to stand proudly next to them. "He is the Lady Aireromen's horse."
Frodo held out his hand cautiously to the giant horse, letting him sniff his hand. Morwing licked his face lightly and began using his lips to play with Frodo's long dark hair. "He looks like a Nazgul steed" he said, gazing into Morwing's red eyes.
Aragorn nodded, patting the horse on his powerful shoulders. "He is the son of a Nazgul steed, his father was Dimmernil, and his mother was Annun Fennas, one of Lord Elrond's mares.
Morwing shook his head and his long wavy black mane fell to either side of his neck.
"He is far prettier and more graceful looking than a Nazgul steed." Frodo commented, now unable to take his eyes off of the beautiful creature.
"Aye, he is built very much like an elven steed." Aragorn nodded.
Morwing stomped his foot and snorted, turning now to walk away from them.
"Where is he going?" Frodo asked, watching the horse leave.
"No doubt he is off to find Aireromen, the two are rarely seen without the other............" Aragorn smiled after the horse and turned, heading back to the encampment and lying down on the soft ground to rest. "I think I shall get some sleep now. Good night Frodo."
"Good night." Frodo replied.
The hobbit was not tired and so he took it upon himself to go for a little walk, he marveled at the beauty of this elven refuge, he found it even more beautiful than that of Rivendell. It was too bad that his uncle could not see this place, he would have loved it.
Frodo walked on until he came to the base of one of the trees that led up to the main city. He stopped short of the stairs because his eyes were drawn to something that struck him as being even more beautiful than Lady Galadriel.
There before him, walked an elf maiden, clad entirely in white, her hair was long and shone bright gold, here steps were light and graceful. She moved with poise and agility. The train of her gown passed over leaves, and yet never made so much as a rustling noise.
Frodo knew right away who this beautiful maiden was............... Aireromen. He was setting eyes upon her for the first time and he saw clearly what it was that Legolas was talking about. She was like a dream.
Frodo noticed another elf walking beside her in a silver tunic, it took him a moment to realise that it was Legolas as he was still taken aback by the beauty of Aireromen.
Aireromen turned her head and looked straight on at Frodo, her lips formed into a little smile and she nodded her head, stopping to beckon him closer.
Legolas smiled and waved at Frodo, telling him it was alright.
Frodo approached the two beautiful elves sheepishly, part of him was a little embarrassed that he was caught starring.
Aireromen kneeled before him and took hold of his hands, 'Greetings Frodo Baggins of the Shire. I have wanted to meet you since I heard of your arrival.'
Frodo nodded and smiled at the elf maiden.
'Will you walk with us a little?' Legolas asked.
'Of course, thank you.' Frodo bowed.
Aireromen laughed and pulled him up, 'There is no need to bow for us, relax and be comfortable. Let us walk and friends, for friends we are.'
Together, the elves and the little hobbit, walked up the stairs and up still higher into the tree top city, Frodo was amazed at the beauty and architecture. The elves of Lothlorien were the most reclusive of all the elven people, there land seemed to be trapped in an ever-constant autumn. The leaves on practically every tree were golden, red, and orange. There were even a few silver trees.
They walked for another hour or so, Frodo's eyes began to droop and he began to lag behind a little bit.
'Perhaps we should take him back to his bed, he is far too exhausted to continue on.' Aireromen looked back at Frodo, and stopped.
'Aye, I will take him back. Come here little Master, let us get you into bed.' Legolas bent down and picked Frodo up, carrying him over his shoulder.
Aireromen followed him to the encampment and helped tuck the little hobbit in, Frodo was fast asleep before his head even hit the pillow.
Legolas and Aireromen smiled at eachother, and turned, walking off hand in hand into the night.
The stars glittered and danced in the sky over the open field, there was only the sound of night birds calling and the rustle of the tall grass, swaying in the light breeze.
Frodo opened his bright blue eyes, blinking a few times to adjust to the lack of light. He sat up slowly and gazed about him, everyone else was fast asleep and dreaming............ all but his elven companion Legolas.
Frodo got quietly to his feet and gazed curiously at the tall elf who was standing, arms folded over his chest, staring up at the sky, singing softly to himself.
He was singing slowly in the language of his people, but Frodo, having learned the elven language from is uncle Bilbo, was easily able to translate and understand the words. He crept a few steps closer, embellishing himself in the song.
Sun birthed moon
Midnight's noon
O Lady Night
She thus creates.
From my darkness I awake
Dance divine
You've come to find
Locked within your heart and mind
Sing to me
That I might hear
Thy voice unspoken
To my ears
Sun birthed moon
Midnight's noon
Whispered softly she,
"You're mine."
Frodo stepped quietly behind Legolas, hoping not to disrupt the beautiful song. Legolas now hummed softly and then closed his eyes, stopping the song completely.
"Evening Master Frodo, I am sorry if my song awoke you." Legolas turned his head and gazed down over his shoulder at the hobbit.
"No, you didn't............... I woke up because I was having a bad dream..........." Frodo's face sank and he starred down at his feet.
"Ah," Legolas nodded, his face sullen as well. "You were dreaming about Gandalf. I know how you feel Frodo...............I miss him as well." Legolas kneeled down, taking one of the hobbit's little hands in his. "But he fell defending us, and had he not............... we would all be dead and the quest would have failed. Do not worry yourself about such things. Gandalf did what he thought was right."
Frodo nodded his dark head and looked into Legolas's piercing blue eyes. "Who is she?"
Legolas blinked. "Who is who?"
"The woman that you were singing about." Frodo eyes were big and questioning.
Legolas took his eyes away from him, turning to look at the sky. "She is the Lady Of Night............... an elf maiden more fair and beautiful that one could ever possibly comprehend. She is the Princess of Lorien, the daughter of Lady Galadriel and of Celeborn."
"I thought that the Lady Of Light was the fairest of elves?" Frodo said.
Legolas nodded. "Ah, yes my friend, she is fair, but her daughter surpasses even her resonating beauty." Legolas's eyes seemed to glass over and it was apparent that he was thinking on this elven maiden.
"Is she someone particularly special to you?" Frodo asked, taking a seat next to the kneeling elf.
Legolas looked softly into the hobbit's face. "Aye, my friend, she is indeed. She is my betrothed............ my future bride."
Frodo's face turned to a look of surprise and shock; he would not have suspected that a warrior like Legolas would be betrothed to the Princess of Lothlorien. "How is it that you are going to marry a princess?"
Legolas smiled slightly. "Because my father is King Thranduil of Mirkwood."
"You're a prince? Elrond certainly did not mention this at the council." Frodo scratched the top of his head, soaking in the information just received to him. Legolas laughed lightly and shook his head, patting the top of Frodo's head. "Aye, Elrond is one of secrecy. You had best get back to bed and try to get some sleep Frodo, we still have a full days journey to the woods of Lorien."
Frodo nodded his head and got to his feet.
Legolas rose and gazed down at him. "And do not think anymore on your dream. Rest well."
"And you as well." Frodo said as he crawled under his thin blanket and fell back into a quiet slumber.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Aragorn and Legolas both sighed in relief when they saw the golden trees of Lorien sprout up in the distance. They had been traveling since early in the morning and it was now close to sunset, they knew that it would be safer to camp inside the safety of the woods. Aragorn glanced back to see how the hobbits were doing; they trudged along wearily, it was clear that they were in desperate need of rest and food. Aragorn turned to face the woods again, he could see Legolas ahead of them about a mile off, he was standing patiently waiting for them. As soon as they began to get closer, he took off again and went further ahead; partly to make sure everything was safe, and partly because of his own eagerness to get to Lothlorien.
When Legolas himself had reached the boarders of Lorien, he climbed up to a low branch on a tree and waited for the others to arrive.
They soon came, and the hobbits looked as though they were ready to drop.
Merry and Pippin flopped down onto the leaf-covered ground and sighed in relief.
"Finally, a spot of rest." Merry sighed as he stretched out on the ground, scratching his stomach and closing his eyes.
Legolas jumped down from the tree, Aragorn took his elven friend by the arm and pulled him to the side speaking in elvish so that only the two of them could hear and understand the conversation.
'Do you think the Lorien guards will permit us to pass?' Aragorn whispered huskily, leaning in close to Legolas's right ear; his eyes darting from tree to tree, as if expecting something to come charging out from behind one.
'I do not know, they certainly would not bother a company of elves traveling through, but we are a strange bunch, and I doubt very much that they will like the fact of having a dwarf with us.' Legolas motioned his head over to the stout; harry little man that stood with his hands resting on the top of his ax.
Aragorn took a moment to consider this before replying. 'We must risk it, it is not safe to stay this close to the outside world, we must go further in.'
'Do you think that the hobbits will last that long? Look at them, they are weary and I doubt very much that they can travel any further.' Legolas glanced at Frodo, who leaned now against a tree, his hand clutched to the ring, eyes closed, breathing heavily.
Aragorn too looked at Frodo. 'They must, we have no choice. If any of them fall we shall have to carry them, but we cannot stop here.'
Legolas nodded and looked up into the trees. 'Very well then, we had better get on the move.' Legolas moved away from Aragorn and walked a few steps ahead, waiting patiently for Aragorn to rouse the rest of the group. With Borormir's help, they picked up the hobbits and nudged them along behind Legolas, who led them all deeper into the woods.
"I don't think my feet can take much more of this, can't we just stop here? Why couldn't we have just stayed where we were?" Pippin said groggily as he stumbled along behind Sam.
"Because it is not safe, young master Pippin." Aragorn replied.
At that moment, Legolas stopped short, and Frodo, who was behind him, nearly ran into him.
Aragorn and the rest of the fellowship started and tried to see infront of the elf. Legolas stood as still as stone and would not move another inch.
Aragorn moved to the front to try and see what Legolas had stopped for. 'Legolas, what is wrong? Do you see something?" His words died off as he came up beside his companion and saw that before Legolas, stood another elf, his bow up, and a sharp arrow poised and mere inches from the Mirkwood prince's face. Aragorn glanced around him to see many other elves emerge from the trees and surround the fellowship, keeping them at bay with their arrows.
'Do not move or you shall be shot.' Legolas told them calmly.
A tall, muscular elf stepped up to the company and scanned his blue eyes over them, he smiled at Legolas with a look, that Frodo thought seemed as though he knew the elven prince.
'Mae govannen, Legolas Thranduilian.' The elf bowed low and his eyes glittered playfully.
Legolas nodded and smiled as well. 'Mae govannen, Haldir a Lorien.'
"What are they sayin'?" Sam whispered to Frodo.
"They know eachother, I think." Frodo replied, never taking his eyes off of the elves.
Haldir nodded his head and the other Lorien guards lowered their bows and took a few steps back. Everyone breathed a sigh of relief.
Haldir glanced at Aragorn and smiled, placing his hand on the Ranger's shoulder. 'Welcome Aragorn, ranger from the North, it has been long since my eyes have looked upon you.'
Aragorn bowed slightly. 'I am glad to see you my friend. Our fellowship is in need of your help, we need a place to stay that is safe.'
Haldir glanced over at Frodo, and his eyes hardened, he took Aragorn by the arm. 'That halfling brings a great and powerful evil with him, I cannot allow you to pass.'
Legolas stepped up to his old friend, placing a gentle had on Haldir's shoulder. 'Please, my friend. The lady Galadriel must know that we are coming, she must at least have an inclination. We must pass.'
Haldir gazed long into Legolas's eyes, he then sighed, and nodded. 'I shall permit you to pass, but you must to straight away to the Lady and Lord.'
Gimli's voice boomed and broke the conversation. "So much for the legendary 'courtesy' of the elves! Speak words we can all understand!"
Haldir looked upon Gimli for the first time, his eyes steeling over and his face hardening. He walked slowly up to the dwarf, holding his head high as he gazed down coldly. "We have not had dealings with dwarves since the dark days."
Gimli glared and opened his mouth to speak something that would no doubt have been rude and the wrong thing to say, but Aragorn placed a hand on his shoulder and whispered. "I would hold my tongue if I were you. Do not frown so lightly upon his courteousness."
Gimli growled low, but did as he was told.
Haldir glared once more at the dwarf and then turned, speaking to his fellow guards. "Anloth, Markanen, you shall come with me to the city. Narmainen, you go ahead and bring word to the Lord and Lady of our arrival. Then rest of you go back to your posts." He walked infront of the fellowship and stood next to Legolas. "Come, we shall take you into the city."
Haldir and Legolas both walked side by side, leading the way to the city of Lothlorien, the fellowship filed in behind them and the two elven guards, took up the rear, making sure that no one fell behind.
They reached the fair city after night fall, the sight was a wonder to see, the whole city was glowing with an ethereal silver glow, and elves walked freely around the ground, and high up in the tree tops city as well. There were buildings and bridges on the ground, but most of the city, and the houses where the elves dwelled were high up in the trees.
Legolas smiled as he climbed up the stairs, he knew where he was going and did not need Haldir to guide him.
They came to a large flat, where two elven guards stood clad in armor, and holding long spears. Two intricately carved white chairs stood infront of them, and just directly behind the chairs were steps leading up to the royal house, where Lord Celeborn, Lady Galadriel, and their daughter Aireromen lived.
"Wait here," said Haldir. "The Lord and Lady will be here shortly." He turned and gave Legolas a quick embrace before heading down the long spiral staircase.
A bright glowing light flooded over them all, and they stood amazed as Lord Celeborn and Galadriel descended down the stairs to them. Frodo and the others were speechless, the beauty and light of Galadriel was far past any they had ever heard of or seen in their lives.
The discussion between them all was long, and by the time they had retold the story of their quest, and the fall of Gandalf, and all else that had occurred up to that point, the hobbits were practically having to grip the legs of their taller companions to keep from falling over. Celeborn dismissed them to rest and Haldir reappeared to escort them to their encampment.
The hobbits fell into the soft beds that had been made for them, and they slept almost immediately. For Boromir, Aragorn, and Gimli, the process took much longer. Legolas did not sit long in his bed; he soon was to his feet and walking away from the fellowship.
"And where does he think he's going?" Gimli said gruffly, shifting a bit in his bed.
Aragorn smiled and shook his head; he knew where his elven friend was headed to.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Frodo awoke one night soon after their arrival at Lothlorien to find himself restless; he could not sleep because he was still haunted by the vision of Gandalf falling to his "death". He sat up and rubbed the back of his head.
"Can you not sleep Frodo?" came Aragorn's deep voice.
Frodo looked to the Ranger, who sat a few feet away from him, reading an elvish book that he had no doubt picked up from the grand library that was in the Royal house. Aragorn was an elf friend, and could go wherever he pleased in the elven city.
"No, I can't. Not tonight." Frodo stood and stretched his legs, yawning a bit. He gazed dreamily out at the trees surrounding them; he walked down a ways to a little brook that flowed near by, splashing his face with the cool, crisp water. He heard a branch snap and saw a black shape moving through the trees on the other side of the brook. Frodo's eyes widened in terror, he saw a giant black horse walking slowly to him. He fell back and was scooting away in fear. "Aragorn! A black rider! A black rider!"
Aragorn jumped quickly to his feet and ran quietly to Frodo, sword in hand. He stood protectively over the hobbit and glared at the black shape approaching them.
The horse stopped a few feet away and cocked his head to the right; his blood red eyes glowed softly. The horse let out a low nicker.
Aragorn rolled his eyes and sighed, sheathing his sword. "Morwing."
Frodo glanced from Aragorn to the horse, confused. "Morwing? You know this creature?"
Aragorn nodded and helped Frodo to his feet, brushing him off. "He will not harm you, he lives here." Aragorn held out his hand and Morwing jumped nimbly over the brook to stand proudly next to them. "He is the Lady Aireromen's horse."
Frodo held out his hand cautiously to the giant horse, letting him sniff his hand. Morwing licked his face lightly and began using his lips to play with Frodo's long dark hair. "He looks like a Nazgul steed" he said, gazing into Morwing's red eyes.
Aragorn nodded, patting the horse on his powerful shoulders. "He is the son of a Nazgul steed, his father was Dimmernil, and his mother was Annun Fennas, one of Lord Elrond's mares.
Morwing shook his head and his long wavy black mane fell to either side of his neck.
"He is far prettier and more graceful looking than a Nazgul steed." Frodo commented, now unable to take his eyes off of the beautiful creature.
"Aye, he is built very much like an elven steed." Aragorn nodded.
Morwing stomped his foot and snorted, turning now to walk away from them.
"Where is he going?" Frodo asked, watching the horse leave.
"No doubt he is off to find Aireromen, the two are rarely seen without the other............" Aragorn smiled after the horse and turned, heading back to the encampment and lying down on the soft ground to rest. "I think I shall get some sleep now. Good night Frodo."
"Good night." Frodo replied.
The hobbit was not tired and so he took it upon himself to go for a little walk, he marveled at the beauty of this elven refuge, he found it even more beautiful than that of Rivendell. It was too bad that his uncle could not see this place, he would have loved it.
Frodo walked on until he came to the base of one of the trees that led up to the main city. He stopped short of the stairs because his eyes were drawn to something that struck him as being even more beautiful than Lady Galadriel.
There before him, walked an elf maiden, clad entirely in white, her hair was long and shone bright gold, here steps were light and graceful. She moved with poise and agility. The train of her gown passed over leaves, and yet never made so much as a rustling noise.
Frodo knew right away who this beautiful maiden was............... Aireromen. He was setting eyes upon her for the first time and he saw clearly what it was that Legolas was talking about. She was like a dream.
Frodo noticed another elf walking beside her in a silver tunic, it took him a moment to realise that it was Legolas as he was still taken aback by the beauty of Aireromen.
Aireromen turned her head and looked straight on at Frodo, her lips formed into a little smile and she nodded her head, stopping to beckon him closer.
Legolas smiled and waved at Frodo, telling him it was alright.
Frodo approached the two beautiful elves sheepishly, part of him was a little embarrassed that he was caught starring.
Aireromen kneeled before him and took hold of his hands, 'Greetings Frodo Baggins of the Shire. I have wanted to meet you since I heard of your arrival.'
Frodo nodded and smiled at the elf maiden.
'Will you walk with us a little?' Legolas asked.
'Of course, thank you.' Frodo bowed.
Aireromen laughed and pulled him up, 'There is no need to bow for us, relax and be comfortable. Let us walk and friends, for friends we are.'
Together, the elves and the little hobbit, walked up the stairs and up still higher into the tree top city, Frodo was amazed at the beauty and architecture. The elves of Lothlorien were the most reclusive of all the elven people, there land seemed to be trapped in an ever-constant autumn. The leaves on practically every tree were golden, red, and orange. There were even a few silver trees.
They walked for another hour or so, Frodo's eyes began to droop and he began to lag behind a little bit.
'Perhaps we should take him back to his bed, he is far too exhausted to continue on.' Aireromen looked back at Frodo, and stopped.
'Aye, I will take him back. Come here little Master, let us get you into bed.' Legolas bent down and picked Frodo up, carrying him over his shoulder.
Aireromen followed him to the encampment and helped tuck the little hobbit in, Frodo was fast asleep before his head even hit the pillow.
Legolas and Aireromen smiled at eachother, and turned, walking off hand in hand into the night.