Chapter 3: Meeting Galadriel

I spent the next few hours enjoying the sights and sounds of the ancient city. Rumil and Orophin adopted the thought that I always needed a tour guide and or bodyguard, and I was never left alone. After a quick lunch and bow practice, Haldir came over, regally demanding that we were to see the Lord and Lady.

Haldir's POV

We entered the throne room with a bow, Athenia imitating us perfectly. She unsettled me, made me feel like I wasn't in control. Lady Galadriel glanced up at me, and I bowed my head. Don't underestimate her, she is more powerful than you believe, and has been through much. You will need each other. The Lady's words surrounded me, inside my head; I listened carefully, but didn't pay it much mind.

"So Haldir, would you like to give your report?" Celeborn asked, adjusting his robes. I mentally gave him a re-account on everything that happened the week before. Orophin and Rumil made their silent reports. Athenia and Lady Galadriel had been talking, and Athenia bowed, agreeing with something she had said.

Celeborn got in on the conversation, and after several minutes, a decision had been reached. "Haldir, Rumil, Orophin, you will be accompanying Lady Athenia to Minas Ithilien in two weeks time, for now she will stay in the healer's care until her injuries are fully healed."

Athenia burst into stubborn protest, insisting that she could work during the course of her stay. "What do you propose to do?" Lady Galadriel asked, eyes sparkling. "We have all of the masters of the crafts necessary in this city."

Athenia paused thoughtfully. "There were two or three horses in your stable that are new and untamed. I could train them during my stay to pay for my lodgings." Celeborn conferred with his wife, and they came to an agreement.

"Only once you are healed, you are still quite weak after your ordeal." Celeborn relented. Athenia nodded, and with a bow left the room. My brothers and I followed warily, wondering exactly how interesting the next two weeks would be.

Athenia's POV

I entered the hall only to see two of the most beautiful people I had ever met. Lady Galadriel and Lord Celeborn were every inch perfect rulers, with infinite Elven wisdom.

"Hello Athenia." A voice entered my mind, easily slipping through all barriers protecting my thoughts. I stepped back, looking at Lady Galadriel. She smiled slightly, enlightening me. I bowed as the three soldiers did, and I heard Haldir confidently report. "You have a message for my husband and I, don't you?" Galadriel asked. I nodded, and replied silently.

"I am one of the Keleri, as you know. We have noticed that the power of the dark Lord Sauron has been steadily increasing within the past hundred years, and realized that without an alliance of elves and men, Middle Earth wouldn't stand against the force opposing us. I have just came from the Halls of Edoras, and corruption has already begun by Saruman." I paused, trying to recollect my thoughts enough to continue.

Galadriel silently processed the information, and replied swiftly. "Men are starting to dominate the earth. Many of the Elves are starting to cross the Silver Sea, back to their homeland. Your race has always been immersed in shadow, and I know that your parents were some of the best mercenaries that Sauron ever employed. Who sent you? And wouldn't you have soldiers, guards to protect you?" Galadriel quieted, patiently waiting for my response.

A stopped, slightly angry that Galadriel believed that my people, now nearly extinct, would still fight for their old master. "I was sent with four soldiers and a handmaiden to send the word to the remaining strongholds of men and elves. They were all killed along the journey, my handmaiden and two guards were shot down in Moria. A high council of the remaining pieces of my people sent me as a diplomat to warn the colonies."

I turned back to Haldir, slightly interested in his report. He had finished, and Orophin and Rumil were standing by the door. After an encouraging smile from Lady Galadriel, I turned and left the room.

Legolas: BORING!

SE: And why is that, dear Legolas?

L: Because I'm not in it!

SE: You are in the next chapter, so don't worry.

L: Do I get another cookie?

SE: (Another smile.) Perhaps.

So, people, hit the button. Not like you've got anything else to do. Come on, please, I like having people actually say what they think. PLEEEEEEEEEEEASE????????????????????