Of Ring and Thieves Chapter 4

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Rivendell.

Lord Elrond are having a bad day.

Or a bad week rather.

He was short on people to help him prepare for the party, he had recently been informed that the invitation to Lothlorien never made it and to top it all off; he had a headache.

Elrond sighed and rubbed his eyes. He didn't even notice that his maid, Nevcawen was standing at the door.

She smiled evilly, and quickly left before she was detected. This would be fun, she thought.

Nevcawen hurried down the hall and outside to a large tree.

She reached up and held onto a low hanging branch. With her other hand placed on the trunk of the tree, Nevcawen gracefully pulled herself up.

Now where is it!?. She hissed and felt around the branches

Her fingers soon landed on a small hole in one of the tree's limb.

Nevcawen smiled and carefully put her hand inside. Her fingers closed around a small vial. She put it in a black velvet bag and alighted from the tree.

If she would have only seen the note attached to the vial, everything would have been different.

Someone would die because of this. The question is who?

Nevcawen was sure she knew differently, but she was wrong. Oh so wrong.

She tied off the bag and walked quickly back to the house.

Elrond would be wanting his nightly cup of tea soon.

Nevcawen laughed out loud at the thought.

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Lanawen was laying on her stomach looking over the edge of her talan.

Lothlorien was such a nice place to live. The trees, the everlasting glow of the lady of the wood, the birds, Haldir...

She laughed to herself at the last thought.

Lana was hoping that he would ask her to go with him to Elrond's party.

The invitations had not arrived yet but Galadriel was sure the were still invited. The Lady was always correct.

Lana sighed happily. She should have been sleeping but the chance to stare at Haldir, was too good to pass up.

Lana pushed a lock of light blond hair behind her ear and rested her chin on her hands.

She was so concerned with what she was doing that she didn't hear her brother sneak up behind her.

He shouted

Lana jumped and let out a shriek, Endil! Why on Middle Earth did you do that!?

Her older brother laughed, You should have see the look on you face!

Lana rolled her eyes and ignored him. She continued to watch Haldir.

You should be sleeping Lana. If Naneth caught you awake at this hour, she would not allow you to go to the party. Especially after the episode last night. What, I wonder, is so interesting? Endil asked and looked to see what Lana was so taken by

Her brother laughed, Stop staring at Haldir and go to bed.

Lana frowned and continued what she was doing.

If you don't, I will call him over here and tell him what really happened to his cloak. Endil warned

Lana narrowed her eyes, You wouldn't.

Oh yes I would. Endil replied

She rolled her eyes and didn't move.

Endil smiled evilly at his sister, Haldir! Come over here!

Lana's mouth fell open and she stared wide eyed as Haldir looked up. Right at her. Then to her horror he started walking over!

I told you that I would! Endil laughed

Lana shrieked and stood up quickly. She franticly tried to fix her hair and smooth the wrinkles in her dress.

Do I look okay!? she asked

You look like an Orc sat on you. Endil replied

I'm serious Endil!

So am I.

ENDIL! I-

You wanted to see me? Haldir said appearing on the edge of their talan

Lana gasped loudly.

Yes Haldir. I think I know what happened to your cloak. Endil replied and smiled at his sister, Notice what Lana is wearing.

Sure enough. Lana had the cloak.

Haldir looked at her, And why do you have my cloak?

I..I..I didn't know it was yours. Lana said and mentally kicked herself for the stupid lie

It sounded more like a question.

Haldir saw how nervous she was, and felt too amused to be angry.

He walked over to her and stopped when he was right in her face.

May I have it back? He asked with a raised eyebrow

Lana blinked several times before she nodded and gave it back. She didn't want to say anything because she was sure that she would mess up the words and say something stupid.

Haldir smiled, Thank you Lana.

Then he turned and walked away from her.

Was that all Endil? he asked

Endil was trying to contain his laughter and failing, Yes, that's all.

Haldir rolled his eyes. Apparently he was involved in some joke between Endil and Lana.

He said goodbye to both of them and left quickly.

Lana narrowed her eyes and glared at her brother. After a few seconds, when she was sure Haldir was far enough away, Lana screamed and tackled Endil.

I CAN'T BELIEVE YOU DID THAT TO ME!!! she screamed and pulled his hair You are terrible! Y-

Haldir appeared again, Lana, I forgot to ask you if you wanted to go to Elrond's party with me?

Yes! I wouldn't go with anyone else! Lana exclaimed

Haldir smiled and left.

Lana squealed and hugged her brother, I'M SO HAPPY YOU DID THAT! You are wonderful!

Sure Lana, now you are happy with me! Endil hissed

Well of corse! Lana said and let him get up

Now will you go to sleep? I would hate for you to miss the party now.

Lana didn't answer but happily skipped to her room.

Lana thought she was going to have a wonderful time at the party.

She thought wrong.

*****

Lady Galadriel was brushing her long golden hair when she suddenly stopped.

The brush clattered to the floor and she stared blankly at the mirror infront of her.

Celeborn called appearing behind her

She turned quickly to face him, Someone is going to die at Elrond's party.

Do you know who? asked Celeborn

That question is yet before us. Galadriel replied and picked up her brush

As the Lady of the Wood said, Someone is going to die. The question still remains...

Who?