Learning to Trust

by Lady Healer

She wanted to be free. To escape the torture that was her life. She never imaged that she would land in another world. Can she learned to trust again after a life of pain?

12. Chapter 12: Lothlorien

Disclaimer: Own nothing.

Ssam: Consider your words mark. : ) Hope you enjoy the chapter!

Midnight-Insomniac1532: Here's the chapter!

Lady Beriaron: Thank you!

Feanen: Thanks! I know it was evil cliffy, but my theory on cliffhanger is if you are going to write one, then might as well make it evil.

LT: Thank you!! As far Lillian… you'll find out in the chapter… sort of.

Well, hopefully, everyone enjoys the chapter!

                        -Lady Healer.

Very important note.

Anything written *within these marks* is being spoken in Elvish.

And there is a lot of Elvish in this chapter…

Chapter 12: Lothlorien.

With a screech the orc fell dead, an arrow burst forth between its eyes. From her position on the floor, Lillian looked up, meeting the worry eyes of the elvish prince, and forgot the rules of her world in that brief moment. Nodding her head, she silently told the elf that she would be all right. Legolas returned the nod before aiding the other members in fighting the cave troll.

Hissing in pain, Lillian changed position, so she could grab the edge of her cloak and with a disregarded blade she cut it into three long strips. And while the Fellowship killed the troll, Lillian wrapped the bleeding wound as firmly and tightly as she could. She had neither the material nor the time to dress it fully. The injury would have to wait until they were safe. Lillian just hoped she could last that long.

The wound was serious, and if it was left untreated to long, she could die from it. The only advantage the human had was that she had dealt with other serious wounds before and had an inkling how long she could hold. But that may not be enough… Even now she could feel herself growing weaker as the cloth began to soak…

Distantly, Lillian heard a 'thud' as something heavy slammed against the floor. Looking up after finishing the first two make shift bandages, the woman realized that her companions had killed the troll and were checking on Frodo. Their conversation was distant to her ears as she wrapped the third bandage around her stomach. Just as she finished, Lillian felt someone pick her up and a cry of pain escaped her.

Barely she heard Gandalf order, "To the bridge of Khazad-dum!"

Through blurry eyesight, Lillian looked up and realized that it was Legolas who carried her. And for much time, the Fellowship ran as fast as their legs could carry them. But even as they continued on, the shrieking orcs were gaining ground and within moments the companions were surrounded.

Swiftly, Legolas put Lillian behind him, into the protective circle of the Fellowship, and drew his bow, notching an arrow. And for a moment, time stood still, each able member of the Fellowship held their weapon, ready to fight the battle ahead, one that was certain to lead to their deaths. But as quickly as the orcs appeared, they fled.

A bright, reddish orange, light appeared in the shadows. "What is this new devilry," Boromir asked the wizard.

Closing his eyes briefly, Gandalf answered, "A Balrog."

"A demon of the ancient world." Legolas started, fear showing clearly in his eyes.

"This foe is beyond any of you. Run!" The wizard ordered.

Quickly, the elf picked Lillian up once more, running with the group as they headed towards the bridge. The pain in her side started to cloud her mind but she faintly heard Gandalf tell Aragorn to lead them on.

And so the company ran harder then ever before. Down the stairs they went until a gap in the stone halted their progress. With elvin grace, Legolas jumped across the hole, Lillian in his arms. As they landed, Lillian hissed as the action jarred her wound. After walking down several steps of stairs, the prince sat her down, returned to the edge, and with hand gesture, said, "Gandalf."

With one look back, the wizard leaped to the other side and regained his balance with the elf's help. As Gandalf took his place next to the human woman, arrows rained down, missing members of the company by inches. Swiftly the elf and ranger returned the fire with their own bows.

Grasping Merry and Pippin, Boromir jumped the distance, and as soon as his feet left the ground part of the stairway fell away, leaving a larger gap then before. Gripping the back of Sam's shirt, Aragorn tossed him into the other man's waiting arms. Seconds later the ranger went to throw Gimli but halted when the dwarf raised his hand in exclamation.

"Nobody tosses a Dwarf." And with a jump, he landed on the very edge of the other side, leaning dangerously towards the gap. Legolas grabbed his beard, pulling Gimli to safety, his lips twitching when the dwarf muttered, "Not the beard." And after a few tense moments, Aragorn and Frodo joined them.

Boromir took Lillian up this time; the company ran again crossing the bridge that led to their escape. But after they had crossed they stopped, a member of their group had not joined them.

"Gandalf," cried Frodo, held back by the ranger.

 The wizard stood at the center of the bridge, his staff held in front of him as he stood straight. Looking at the demon through narrow eyes, Gandalf called to it. "I am a servant of the secret fire, wielder of the flame of Anor." A bluish color spread from the wizard's staff, creating a sphere of light around him. "The dark fire will not avail you, flame of Udun! Go back to the Shadow." The mist like shield protected the wizard as the demon brought down its fire-whip.

Raising his staff, Gandalf brought it down sharply against the stone. "You shall not pass!" And as the Balrog charged at the old man, the bridge gave way, causing the demon to fall to the pit below.

With a sigh, Gandalf turned and started to walk to the others when the fire-whip shot up and wrapped around his ankle dragging him down with the demon. The wizard held to the ledge by his fingernails and ordered, "Fly! You fools." And then, allowed himself to fall.

"No," Cried Merry and Pippin together as they ran towards their falling companion.

"Legolas," Boromir shouted as he saw the hobbits move. Pushing back the rising grief, the elf grabbed the hobbits and the Fellowship made their way towards the exit. With one last look over his shoulder, the noble of Gondor saw the ranger stilled by shock and yelled, "Aragorn!" Boromir's voice pierced his mind, and he began to make towards the exit, ducking an arrow in the process.

Minutes later the Fellowship stood out side of Moria, standing or lying in shock and grief. Several moments passed as Aragorn took the time to clean his sword before resheathing it, pushing back his emotions as he did so. Looking around briefly, the ranger gave his first orders. "Legolas! Get them up!"

Slowly, the lost look faded from the elf's face as he concealed his emotions and began walk to Lillian's prone form when Boromir cried out in response. "Give them a moment, for pity's sake!"

Looking at Boromir, the exile king replied, "By nightfall, these hills will be swarming with orcs. We must reach the woods of Lothlorien."

The elf prince knelt beside the human woman, and he noticed that her breathing was becoming labored. Gently, he put a hand against her forehead, and found it cold to the touch. Pulling back his hand, Legolas was bombarded with the sour metallic scent of blood. Red, human blood, not the black essence of an orc… And the elf recalled that he had seen fresh blood on the orc blade before he had shot him.

But during the battle, he could not have done anything to help her. Legolas was counting on Lillian to be able to help herself until they were safe. But the elf wasn't sure if she had the strength or practice…

Alarmed, the elvish prince pulled back the cloak, and his eyes widened in horror when he saw the blood soaked bandages. Looking over his shoulder, he saw Aragorn pulling Sam to his feet.

"Aragorn! Come quickly!" Legolas's urgent yell brought the attention of the Fellowship to him and quickly they made their way towards the pair. Lillian's eyes fluttered open as she glanced at the elf beside her before she tried to sit up. But Legolas's hand was heavy on her shoulder as Aragorn bent down towards her.

Studying, the bandages briefly, Aragorn stated, "We must get her to the healers in Lothlorien. I have not the supplies to heal this wound; only a little athelas. And I fear to remove the bindings, for they are the only thing that slows the bleeding." Standing, Aragorn turned to the elf and ordered, "Legolas, take Lillian and make towards Lothlorien, we will follow you, do not wait. Her life depends on it."

Nodding, he placed his weapons on his back, and took the human woman gently into his arms. Legolas ran with all of his speed and quickly the elf distanced himself from the group.

For what seemed to be hours, he raced towards the protection of the Golden Woods. And with every step the elf took, Lillian could feel the pain flare up in her side as the wound was jarred causing her very breath to burn in her lungs. But pain meant she was still alive. Even if she was close to crossing the barrier between realms…

"Focus, Lillian," her impromptu beast of burden warned her. "You must breathe deep."

Barely did the elf's voice reach her clouded mind; but it did. She gave a slight nod and began struggling to take deeper breaths.

And stopped when coughs began to rack her small frame. Without breaking stride, the elf looked down at his small charge with worry. She was slowly fading... Her breathing was become shallower by the moment. Legolas knew that the being in his arms was starting to give up the fight for her life... He had to find something to get her to hold on...

Lillian's sight was slipping into darkness. No longer could she see the blue sky or the light from the sun. For a brief moment the world faded from her mind. And the human woman retreated within herself, seeking escape from the pain.

Legolas saw her eyes close, almost surrendering to the grip of death. Grief tugged at his heart for a second time that day. They had not known each other for long, but she was a companion... The shadows had already taken one of the Fellowship, it could not have another. As he ran for the distant woods, the elf's mind battled, thinking of anything that would call Lillian back to the light. Moments later, he began to mutter in his own tongue.

"*Wake up*, mellon. *Wake up*" Dimly the words reached her spirit through the dark wall that separated her from the world above. But Lillian's soul clung to one particular word.

Mellon. The first word she had learned in this world and the one, which had brought her hope. Slowly, pushing against the pain that bound her, Lillian struggled to open her eyes, taking a strangled breath in the process.

Hope crossed the elf's face as he saw the movement beneath his charge's eyelids. Looking up briefly, Legolas was relieved to see the Golden Woods in all their glory. Soon he would meet the patrols that guarded the elvish city within; soon Lillian would receive aid. "* Hear my voice, my friend. *"

Again Lillian struggled against the darkness, but with each moment, she lost more strength as the blood dripped from her body. It was becoming harder to put it at bay...

Looking down at his charge one more time, Legolas recalled the words that Elrohir had muttered to Lillian on the day they left Rivendell. And as he entered the woods he whispered them to her once more.

"*Do not give up on living, Lillian, for if you do, you will truly be dead. *" Pausing for a moment, the Elvish prince added his own words, "*Fight, Lillian. My friend. Let others see the strength that the Fellowship has seen in you. Live. *"

And as they ran deeper into the golden woods, Legolas's words reached the human woman. And with several more struggling attempts, Lillian opened her eyes, revealing them to be dark blue, tinged in a gray of pain.

Gasping for breath, Lillian rasped, "Le…Legolas..."

"I am here, mellon. Hold on." He continued running with all the speed he possessed, and barely noticed her weak nod.

"Daro! (Halt)" A voice cried from above them. Surprise flittered across his face and the elvish prince halted as the Lorien elves surrounded him.

"*What,*" a haughty voice drawled, "*could an elf of Mirkwood be doing in Lothlorien that requires a human to bleed all over him?*"

'*We are in need of your aid, *" he replied, careful not to hiss. "*She has been stabbed by an orc blade, and has bled too long. *"

"*You carry to few provisions, even for a single pair,*" the same aristocratic elf commented. "*Where could the rest be?*" Legolas was aware of Lillian's tiny body growing colder as the guardsman interrogated him.

"*If you mean to hold me, go ahead. But you must take her to a healer!*" The other elf strode around the prince and his charge. He leaned down closer to her face, noting each smudge of dirt and every drop of cold sweat with his blue gaze. Letting a sniff of almost distain escape, he lifted her chin and judged her eyes. Their dull gray flickered just enough.

"*She will need to be blindfolded,*" he announced at last. Legolas bristled at the comment. But before he could say anything, Lillian came to her own defense.

"If the mighty," she croaked. "The mighty nobleman says so, I must be truly dangerou..."  Her barb was cut short as a new bought of coughing wracked her body. She tasted blood in her mouth and knew that one of her ribs had punctured her lung during the long run.

The fact did not go unnoticed. At a signal, two of the other border guards stepped up and took her from Legolas. Carefully they shifted her position so she was resting somewhat comfortably in the taller of the two elves' arms. Looking at the human girl briefly, elf leader, ordered, "*Make to the healers without rest.*"

Looking up through hazy eyes, Lillian made out the leader as a tall blond elf. And in her near death state, she let go of the rules of her world.  "What… no blindfold?"

The elf's eyes met hers and Lillian thought they were an icy blue color, but was not sure as his figure continued to blur. Lifting her chin, the leader studied her eyes further.  "You're to near death to bother with it." And with a signal, the two border guards ran towards Lorien, the woman with them. As they disappeared, the leader heard the last sarcastic comment made by Lillian, before they disappeared from sight.

"And… I …wasn't before?"

For a moment the elf just stood there, staring off to the distance, intrigued by the dying human. For a being so close to death, she had an admirable fighting spirit. He was mildly curious, if she was this feisty when she is in full health… He did not have the chance to ponder long. The Silvan was questioning him even now.

"*Peace*," he said, one hand raised to ward off the other's words. "Mae govannen, Legolas Thranduilion." Legolas frowned.

"*You knew who I was, and you still saw fit to question me on a mission for aid?*"

Haldir drew himself up with importance, easily slipping into the flowing rhythms of the courtly tongue. "*It is my duty and right to halt all who would walk upon the soil of Lothlorien. Even if they be of Orophor's line.*"

The elvish prince bit back his comment. He knew that the other was right, but it did not help his nerves in the slightest. And for a brief moment, Legolas closed his eyes and let his thoughts race back home to talks he had with those who had visited Lorien before. In Mirkwood there was talk of the Marchwardens of Lorien, some praised and some scorned. Especially when it came to its captain... Snapping his eyes open, the prince studied the elf before him. His attitude and appearance matched the descriptions that were given to him by others... If what he assume was true then Legolas knew his opponents identity. It was time to turn the tables. "*I believe there were other questions you wished to ask me, Haldir of Lorien?*"

The captain's eyes widened slightly before he regained his composer. "*Indeed, *" Haldir stated, watching the elf before him for a moment. "*Are there not others in your company?*" Nodding slightly, the prince of Mirkwood answered simply.

"*Yes, there are.*"

"*Where are they now?*" Demanded Haldir.

"*Making their way here as we speak,*" Legolas replied, leaning against a Mellyrn tree. Because he was in another territory, he had to follow the captain's orders to a point, but that didn't mean he had to make it easy. The earlier confrontation had irked his nerves, but now that Lillian was being rushed to the healers, turnabout was fair play.

He couldn't rightly refuse to do anything reasonable… he was in their province after all… However there was one trick he picked up from his father. Sometimes the way one answered the other question was enough to annoy the other. "*How many of your companions are on their way here?*" asked Haldir.

"*All of them,*" answered Legolas. Haldir glared at the elf before him, his eyes becoming mere slits, and Legolas return his glare with a look of mock innocence.

"*How many is all?*"

"*Seven.*"

"*Who are these seven?*" Haldir asked.

"*Members from a few different races.*" Replied the prince. The captain of the Marchwardens felt frustration beginning to rise in him as he continued his inquires.

"*Which races are these travelers from?*"

Looking at Haldir, Legolas allowed a small smirk appear on his face as he answered, "*The free races of Middle-Earth. *"

The other elf groaned mentally at the comment. Looking around briefly, he nearly groaned out loud as he saw the amusement displayed by his kindred's faces. "*Which free races of Middle-Earth travel with, you and how many of each?*"

"*Two humans, four hobbits, and … one dwarf, *" Legolas said slowly.

Haldir eyebrow arched as he exclaimed, "*A dwarf? We have not had dealings with the dwarves since the Dark Days.*" Looking Legolas straight in the eye, the elf continued, "*they are not permitted in our land. I cannot allow him to pass.*"

Silently the two elves stared, studying the other for several moments before Legolas argued, "The dwarf is from the Lonely Mountain, one of Dain's trusty people and friendly to Elrond. It was with Elrond's blessing that he is one of our companions. And since setting out he has been brave and faithful.*" Again the two elves glared at each other for a brief moment before a distinct voice reached their elven ears.

"They say that a great sorceress lives in these woods. An elf-witch … of terrible power. All who look upon her … fall under her spell; and are never seen again." Legolas nearly groaned as he heard Gimli's voice and mentally cursed his audacity. Looking at the elves around them he saw both amusement and anger in their eyes. Seeing Haldir's raised eyebrow, the elvish prince shrugged.

"*I never said he was wise.*" Nodding once, Haldir motioned for one of his fellows to stay with their Northern kindred.

Looking back at Legolas, he commanded, "*Stay here. We will go greet your companions.*" Sighing, the elven prince agreed.

'I'm going miss a couple weeks worth of material to jeer at,' he thought to himself.

            Swiftly and silently, the elves blended back into the trees above them and moved towards the traveling company. As the Fellowship came into their sight they stopped, removing their bows from their backs, slipping an arrow as they did. And as they waited for their leader's command, they watched the company below.

Gimli looked to both sides of him as he continued on with his little speech; "Well, here's one dwarf she won't ensnare so easily. I have the eyes of a hawk and the ears of a fox. Oh!" The company stopped in their tracks as arrows appeared at their chins, surrounding them.

Stepping out from behind one of his fellow elves, Haldir commented haughtily, "The dwarf breathes so loud we could have shot him in the dark." A smirk graced his lips when he saw Gimli scowl.

With raised hands, Aragorn said, "*Haldir of Lorien, Greetings. I am Aragorn, son of Arathorn. My companions and I are need of your aid… But first, please tell me if you have seen our two companions. A Silvan elf from Mirkwood; Legolas Thranduilion, and a human woman known as Lillian. Lillian was gravely injured and Legolas was sent ahead to get her to Lorien for treatment.*"

'Aragorn, son of Arathorn? This human has the favor of the Lady.' Haldir thought before he raised his hand saying, "*Put your mind to rest, Aragorn son of Arathorn. We have met your companions and Lillian is on her way to the healers as we speak.*" Sparing a glance to the other confused members of the Fellowship, Haldir ordered, "Come, we shall unite you with your elven companion."

"Elven companion?" questioned Pippin, "What about Lillian? Is she alright?"

"She is being taken to the healers as we speak, Pippin." Aragorn translated. And for several moments they traveled in silence until they met back up with the elvish prince of Mirkwood, while Haldir and Aragorn debated the matter concerning the dwarf.

When they reached Legolas, Haldir turned to face the Fellowship as a whole and began to explain in the common speech, "Seldom do we use any tongue but our own; for we dwell in the heart of the forest and do not willingly have dealings with other folks. There are some of us still who go abroad for the gathering of news and watching of our enemies, and they speak the languages of other lands. I am one. Haldir is my name." Gesturing to two elves beside him, Haldir continued. "My brothers, Rumil and Orophin, speak little of your tongue."

The captain of the Marchwardens paused as he studied the group before him before he said, "We heard rumors of your coming, for the messengers of Elrond passed by Lorien on their way home up the Dimrill Stair. For many a long year, we had not heard of hobbits, of halfings, and did not know that any yet dwelt in Middle-earth. But you do not look evil! We are willing to befriend you, as Elrond asked; though it is not our custom to lead strangers through our land, since you travel with an elf of our kindred."

Slowly Haldir switched his gaze from each member of the Fellowship until he came to rest on the dwarf. Silently the captain stared at Gimli before he began to talk once more. His voice taking on a colder edge.

"With the dwarf, however, it is different. By our law they are not permitted into our land."

"Only because you are jealous of our culture," Gimli all but shouted in retaliation.

"It is because of your culture that we have not had dealings with dwarves in many centuries." Haldir told Gimli.

Gimli glared at the elf before him and said, "You know what this dwarf says about that? Ishkhaqwi ai durugnul (I spit on your grave)."

Anger entered Haldir's blue eyes as he glared at the 'creature' before him. Behind the captain of the Marchwardens, Legolas shook his head cursing the dwarf's mouth for the second time that day.

Clasping a hand on Gimli's shoulder, Aragorn told the dwarf, "That was not so courteous." And minutes passed between the two groups at they stared at each other, until it was broken by Haldir.

"Perhaps your elven companion would like to take back the words he uttered in your defense, dwarf." Surprise entered Gimli's eyes, but before he said anything, Legolas began to talk.

"Nay, I will not take back my words, Haldir of Lorien. But I wish to apologize on Gimli's behalf for his foolish words. Though is brave and faithful, he is quick to anger and often opens his mouth when it is best to remain silent." And as he finished his speech, the elvish prince glared at the dwarf, who returned it in full.

For a couple of moments, Haldir remained silent as he reflected on his thoughts. Giving a slight nod to Legolas, the captain of the Marchwarden began to discuss with him and the ranger in the elvish tongue.

After several moments of arguing Haldir stated in the common tongue, "Very well. If Aragorn and Legolas will guard him, and answer for him, he shall pass, even though it is against our liking. But we cannot debate any longer. Your folk must not remain on the ground. We have been keeping watch on the rivers, ever since we saw a great troop of orcs going north toward Moria, along the skirts of the mountains, many days ago. If you have indeed come from Moria, the peril cannot be far behind. Tomorrow we will continue on."

With a gesture to two trees behind him he continued, "In these trees are talans. The four hobbits can climb up and stay with us. The others can refuge in the talan in the tree beside it. You, Legolas, must answer to us for them. Call us, if anything is amiss! And have an eye on that dwarf!" And with that the elves and their new companions climbed up to their resting spots.

Throughout the night the Fellowship slept, some of them peaceful, others slept restlessly. Slowly as the pale dawn rose they awoke to the sound of complete silence. Not even the leaves seemed to make sound. As the hobbits opened their eyes, they saw Haldir kneeling alongside a gray-cloaked elf, watching the ground below them.

Looking back at the young companions, the captain said, "The night before I spotted a creature which was not orc, it fled as soon as I touched the tree-stem. It seemed to be wary, and to have some skill in trees, or I might have thought that it was one of you hobbits."

Pausing, the elf reflected on his thoughts before continuing, "I did not shoot, for I dared not arouse any cries: we cannot risk battle. A strong company of orcs has passed. They crossed the Nimrodel- cursed their foul feet in its clean water! - during the night and went on down the old road beside the river. They picked up some sent, and they searched the ground for a while near the place where you halted. The few of us could not challenge a hundred, so we went ahead and spoke with feigned voices, leading them on into the wood."

Standing up, Frodo walked towards the two elves and sat by the leader while asking, "What will happen now?"

"Orophin has now gone in haste back to our dwellings to warn our people. None of the orcs will ever return out of Lorien. And there will be many elves hidden on the northern border before another night falls. We will take the road south as soon as it is fully light."

As daylight came, the group made its way to the west side of the Silverlode and continued south, noticing the prints of orc-feet that lay in the earth beneath them, until Haldir stopped on the bank of a river that was shadowed by the trees. A moment passed as Haldir stood there before he gave a low whistle, sounding like a call of a bird. As the sound faded an elf, cloaked in gray, appeared out from behind the trees and caught the rope that Haldir had thrown.

"Celebrant is already a strong stream here, as you see and it runs both swift and deep, and is very cold," the captain of the Marchwarden said, looking over his shoulder. "We do not set foot in it so far north, unless we must. But in these days of watchfulness we do not make bridges. This is how we cross!"

As he fastened the rope, Legolas commented, "I can walk this path, but the others have not this skill. Must they swim?" Shaking his head, Haldir answered.

"No. We will fasten two more ropes, one shoulder-high and another half-high. Holding these, the strangers should be able to cross with care." And slowly the group made their way across. Once everyone was across the river, Haldir stated, "You have entered the Naith of Lorien, or the Gore, as you would say, for it is the land that lies a spearhead between the arms of Silverlode and Anduin the Great. We allow no strangers to spy out the secrets of Naith. Few indeed are permitted even to set foot there."

Pausing a moment, glanced towards the river once more and was please to see that the rope bridge had removed, before he looked towards the Fellowship and continued talking, "As was agreed, I shall here blindfold the eyes of Gimli the dwarf. The others may walk free for a while until we come nearer to our dwellings, down in Egladil, in the Angle between the waters."

"The agreement was made with out my consent! I will not walk blindfolded, like a beggar or a prisoner. And I am no spy. My folk have never had dealings with any of the servants of the Enemy. Neither have we done harm to the elves. I am no more likely to betray you than Legolas, or any other of my companions," argued Gimli.

Haldir stared at the Dwarf for a moment before he replied, "It is our law. I am not the master of the law, and cannot set it aside. I have done much in letting you set foot over Celebrant."

Firmly, Gimli planted his feet before saying, "I will go forward free or I will go back and seek my own land…"

"You have entered the realm of the lady." Haldir interrupted sharply. "You cannot go back. Now that you have come this far you must go before the lord and lady of Lorien. They shall judge you; to hold you or to give you leave as they will. If you try crossing the rivers now, the secret sentinels will slay you before you even saw them."

As Gimli raised his ax, Haldir and his fellow elves strung their bows. Seeing their standoff, one that the dwarf was surely to lose, Legolas intervened. "A plague on dwarves and their stiff necks!"

Lowering Gimli's ax, Aragorn stated, "It is hard on the Dwarf to be singled out. We will all be blindfolded, even Legolas." Gimli laughed.

"A merry troop of fools we shall look! Will Haldir lead us all on a string like many blind beggars with one dog? Yet I will be content, if only Legolas here shares my blindness."

Glaring at first at the ranger then at the dwarf, Legolas argued anger in his voice. "I am an elf and a kinsman here!"

"Now let us cry: 'A plague on the stiff necks of elves,'" Aragorn said toward Legolas before turning his attention towards Haldir, "But the company shall all fare alike. Come, bind our eyes, Haldir!" And Legolas's complaints and mutterings were ignored as the Lorien elves blinded the Fellowship. And for several hours the company traveled until a messenger met them with news from the lady and lord. Accepting it with a nod, Haldir removed the blindfolds, starting with Gimli, explaining that it was the lady of light's wish for them to walk freely.

A few hours later the Fellowship found themselves standing before Lord Celeborn and Galadriel, the lady of light. And in that brief moment mixed emotions swirled within the company. Both the ranger and the prince gave the elvish leaders a slight bow out of respect, while the others looked upon them in awe.

As the couple reached the bottom of the stairs, the lord said, "The enemy knows you have entered here. What hope you had in secrecy is now gone. Eight are before me; the ninth lies in the house of healing, yet ten set out from Rivendell. Tell me, where is Gandalf? For I much desire to speak with him. I can no longer see him from afar."

At the mentioned of the ninth member, the Fellowship felt a weight on their shoulders lift, as they realized Lillian was still alive. But sorrow's grip on their hearts constricted again as they thought of Gandalf's death. As Lady Galadriel met Aragorn eyes, she whispered.  "Gandalf the Grey did not pass the borders of this land. He has fallen into Shadow."

Grief and anger could be heard from Legolas's voice as he replied. "He was taken by both Shadow and flame. A Balrog of Morgoth." The elven prince only paused a moment before adding, "For we went needlessly into the net of Moria."

The lady switched her gaze to Legolas as she replied, "Needless were none of the deeds of Gandalf in life. We do not yet know his full purpose." Again her gaze moved until it stopped on the dwarf, and smiled gently down on him. "Do not let the great emptiness of Khazad-dum fill your heart… Gimli, son of Gloin. For the world has grown full of peril…" Shuffling his feet, lightly, Gimli looked to the floor tearing his gazed from the she-elf, overwhelmed by her beauty, as the lady continued. "And in all lands… love is now mingled with grief."

Galadriel rested her gaze on the noble of Gondor. And during those few moments, Boromir felt unease under her eyes. And as the silent conversation in his mind grew, a look of suffering appeared on his face. Finally seconds later, the noble man from Gondor diverted his gaze elsewhere…

Turning her attention back to the whole Fellowship, the lady of light warned, "The quest stands upon the edge of a knife. Stray but a little and it will fail… to the ruin of all." Briefly the she-elf glanced into Sam's eyes as she said, "Yet hope remains while the company is true." Lastly she gazed at Frodo and continued her speech. "Tonight you shall sleep in peace for you are weary with sorrow and much toil."

Taking a step forward, Aragorn made a request. "My lady, my lord. Our companion Lillian, you said she rests in the house of healing. Will you give us permission to visit her? I believe it will set some of our worry at ease."

Nodding, Celeborn answered. "You may. Haldir will guide you there." Stepping out from the shadows, Haldir bowed to lord and lady before turning towards the Fellowship and with a gesture began to take them to their destination.

Several minutes later the Fellowship found themselves standing in the room where Lillian lay on the bed, deathly pale. Walking to the elvish healer Aragorn began to discuss with him about her condition. Many minutes passed as they stood there, sadness hanging in the air in a thick haze, all of them except Legolas, who was following the conversation, waiting for Aragorn to tell them the news.

As the conversation ended, the ranger turned back to the company and Pippin asked, "She will live, right?"

Grimly, Aragorn shock his head and replied, "They are not sure… She was nearly dead when she arrived to them and they did everything in their power to save her." Looking down to the sleeping figure on the bed, sadness seeping into his eyes, Legolas finished reciting the conversation.

"The healers say that if she manages through the week then she will live." As the Fellowship watched as the healer change the cloth on Lillian forehead, the feeling of dread settled on their hearts as they realized that they might yet lose another companion and friend.

It was a thought that none of them were happy with. Slowly the company returned to their rest area as a healer shooed them out of the room. Several minutes passed as silence spread among the Fellowship like a heavy haze. Each took a spot to sit, and ever so faintly they began to hear elvish voices singing in a tongue that most could not understand.

Looking up to the trees, Legolas stated, "A lament for Gandalf."

From his sitting position, Sam asked, "What do they say about him?"

Looking to the young hobbit the elf replied. "I have not the heart to tell you, for the grief is still to near."

And again silence grew among the Fellowship, as each was lost in their thoughts and emotion until it was broken once again by a hobbit. Slowly, Frodo put his grief to halting words.

"When evening in the Shire was grey
his footsteps on the Hill were heard;
before the dawn he went away
on journey long without word.

From Wilderland to Western shore,
From northern waste to southern hill,
Through dragon-lair and hidden door
And darkling woods he walked at will.

With dwarf and hobbit, elves and men,
With mortal and immortal folk,
With bird on bough and beast in den
In their own secret tongues he spoke..

A deadly sword, a healing hand,
A back that bent beneath its load;
A trumpet-voice, a burning brand,
A weary pilgrim on the road.

A lord of wisdom throned he sat,
Swift in anger, quick to laugh;
An old man in a battered hat
Who leaned upon a thorny staff.

He stood upon the bridge alone
And Fire and Shadow both defied;
His staff was broken on the stone,
In Khazad-dum his wisdom died."

"Why, you'll be beating Mr. Bilbo next!" Sam said, encouraging.

"No, I am afraid not." Frodo replied, "But that is the best I can do yet."

"Well, Mr. Frodo, if you do have another go, I hope you'll say a word about his fireworks," Sam stated and he pause a moment in thought before continuing, "Something like this:

"The finest rockets ever seen:
they burst in stars of blue and green,
or after thunder golden showers
came falling like a rain of flowers."

Shacking his head, Sam exclaimed, "That doesn't do them justice by a long road."

             Once more silence filled the area and in the stillness of sound, the Fellowship struggled against their own emotions. And throughout the night the group rested, but few delved into restful sleep, for grief and dread kept them well awake.

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I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving!

Well, I got one exam out of the way, and I three left to do. I'll be glad when the next two weeks are over with.

I'm sorry it took so long to get this chapter out. But sadly I'm not sure when the next chapter will be out. However I think it will be soon, for I have most of it written.

The next chapter…

Chapter 13: Strengthening of Bonds.

Like? Hate? Please let me know!