Disclaimer: *puts characters on borrowing machine* ok we've loaned them out already, from the Middle Earth National Library;-)!
Chap 3: It Begins
Legolas and Gimli crept through the woods of Lorien with as much stealth as they could muster, Legolas's sleek, light steps barely making a mark on the ground or a sound while Gimli's heavy dwarf-boots trampled the grass, flattening it and emitting muffled noises.
"Cannot you be more quiet?" Legolas hissed.
"I am trying," Gimli shot his companion a withering look," but I am wearing boots and not shoes and I cannot glide like you do!"
Legolas shook his head and then stopped suddenly.
Standing in front of them, was one of the Elves of Lorien.
Elrond was silent as he contemplated his next course of action. Everything was so normal, so quiet, so serene. For many years, his people had lived in peace; the fair valley untainted by the evil that was reaching its long fingers all over; the haven he had painstakingly created basked in the contentment brought by a simple life.
"Perhaps there is not a need to do anything," Elladan finally broke the silence, as he looked to his brother, and his father, for affirmation. "Perhaps all we need to do is to be more vigilant, from this moment."
Elrond looked at his son for a while, then nodded and turned away. His eyes wandered down to the ring on his finger again, which was now bathed in a faint blue glow.
"You are far from Caras Galadhon," The elf commented, looking at Gimli.
"I am merely showing my friend the dwarf around," Legolas thought quickly. At first glance, there seemed naught wrong with this seemingly-casual comment. However, one could never afford to be careless.
"Fully packed, as for a long journey?"
Gimli and Legolas exchanged a quick look.
"We have had news that all is not well at home. We hoped to go back to see if we could be of aid," Gimli finally put in. It was partly true, at least. "I wished to take a last look at this fair land ere we left."
"And of course the Lord and Lady knows of this," Legolas blurted out.
"Truly? I have had no news of this." A silky voice interjected. Where formerly it had been so musical, so pleasant, it now sent shivers down the spines of the two guests.
Looking down at his ring once again, Elrond sighed. The nagging fear in his heart had not dissipated yet. The lord of Imladris rarely worried that much, but past experience had proved that any strong worries were not entirely unfounded. It was as if the halfelven had a sixth sense that enabled him to sense things that many others would not.
Vilya emanated a strong glow again.
Elrond made a swift decision. He sought his sons.
"The Lady of Lorien will move swiftly. You must lead a host out."
Galadriel's eyes probed the eyes of her guests, forcing Legolas to make eye contact with her. Her eyes, once kindly and wise, were cold and hard. Legolas' eyes widened and he froze there, like an animal caught in a trap, unable to break the net.
She held his eyes for a long time, saying no word, and a cloud of confusion passed over his face.
Gimli looked from one to the other, wondering what to make of it.
The Lady of Lorien turned around, and behind her three elves came up. One held a bow and a quiver of arrows, of Lorien-make, for Legolas, The second bore a belt of intricately carved gold leaves, set with white and green gems, for Gimli. The third bore two sets of folded clothing---cloaks with hoods, made of light, silken fabric woven by the Galadhrim themselves.
"Namarie. Go if you must," Galadriel said, her eyes meeting Legolas's again. The cloud in the latter's eyes dissolved as quickly as it had come.
Legolas nodded, if a little vigorously. He grabbed Gimli's arm and the two companions continued through the forest again.
As Galadriel turned away, there was a hint of a satisfied smile upon her face.
"That was…frightening," Gimli breathed when they were sufficiently far away and he decided that they were out of hearing. "Did you see her smile; it sent shivers up my spine." He glanced at his companion. Legolas was still holding to his arm.
Legolas's eyes, usually lively, and yet intense at the same time, were glazed, blank.
"Legolas?"
"Speak no evil of the fair Lady," Legolas growled through clenched teeth.
His blue eyes had suddenly sprung to life again, but they were filled with seething, storming rage. His now vice-like grip was beginning to hurt Gimli's arm.
Galadriel could not resist the smile that tugged at her lips. The time was ripe now.
She had moved her pawn.
Next, she would send her bishops, knights and rooks, all-out, to capture her opponent's King. There would be no stopping, until it was a checkmate.