Yay, another chapter. Wooo, goody! Yes, I am hyper tonight. Cos I'm going to watch Hidalgo, I am 15 on Tuesday, got 2 new cats, THEY RULE! Took them for walks today rou8nd the garden no a harness, bless 'em.
Replies to reviews are below.
Faerlain
Lindele – Silly billy's! Yeah, course he rescued her. Story kinda can't go on without her after all! Thanks for reviewing.
Rayame325 – Nah, no Ents. Cos Merry and Pippin are VERY special! Thanks for reviewing.
ShadowStar21 – Yay! Here's more for you. Thanks for reviewing.
Tiara Shin – Yup, close to Lothlórien. Hence the reason Leggy wasn't too pleased about them being there. Leggy is Superelf! The Superman of Middle-earth! I know I'm lucky. And so are you! Haldir is goooooooooorge.
Leggy: Hey!
Me: Bur not as gorge as you sweety. Kiss.
Leggy: Good. That's what I like to hear…
Me: Legs…not now…there are people waiting for reviews!
…………
LEGOLAS GREENLEAF!
Anyway, yes, we are married, and I am loving married life! And those puppy-dog eyes will be the death of me. Gotta go now, Leggy's getting impatient… Get's dragged away…
Chapter 10: Lothlórien.
"You were lucky."
"It wasn't my fault."
"I know, I'm just saying." I grin up at Celille. She just pokes her tongue out in response.
We're resting by the LimLight. Lothlórien is just a few miles north.
"This needs proper healing," I say, sitting back on my heels and pointing at her leg. There's a long gash in it. "I don't have the herbs we need to stop infection."
"But where are we going to go?"
"There's only one place." I point over the river to the woods.
"Lothlórien!"
I nod. "We don't have any other choice. I don't want to go, but we must. Else…" I grinned evilly. "I might have to chop your whole leg off."
Her face visibly paled. "Really?"
"If it gets infected." I was being serious again. "We have to go."She nodded. "Fine, but won't they send us home? Especially you."
"Probably," I shrug. "I don't know about you, but…I think I've had enough of running away. I want to see my mother. She'll be worried sick. It's been over two months now."
"True. And you'd have to return one day, sooner or later."
"Exactly." I sigh. "I hope Adar and Naneth are ok. I do miss them. I just don't miss being a Prince.""You obviously need a break was all. We all do, once in a while."
"Yes, probably." I stood up and held out my hand. "Come on. Let's get going. The Sun will be setting soon."
We ride towards Lothlórien; Celille sat in front of me again. We cross the LimLight easily, and the borders draw nearer. I feel my breath catching in my throat. I really don't want to enter, but Celille's leg is at risk. I don't want her being hurt even more.
We travel on for ours. We right out in the open here, and the Sun is blaring down. It's still March, yet the weather is acting strange. Surely it should be wetter than this?
It gets dark, and when we reach the borders, the Moon is already high in the sky. Celille is half-asleep, and I can feel my own eyes shutting. I make sure she is well in my grasp, and we enter Lothlórien.
However, as soon as we step under the boughs, my heart lightens, and my fears disappear. I have an overwhelming sense of regret at ever leaving home. Being back in Elven territory…it brings back all the memories of growing up in Mirkwood. The peacefulness is lovely, the air calming and relaxing.
"There are bound to be border patrols around," I whisper to Celille. "Let me do all the talking."
She just nods, and we carry on.
About half an hour later, we find ourselves surrounded. White-feathered arrows are pointing at our chests and throats. The Captain steps forward.
"Lower your hoods," he orders.
We do as he says, and I hear several murmurs pass through the group. Do they recognise me, or are they whispering about Celille being human?
"Prince Legolas?"
"Aye, that is me.""Your parents are worried sick."
"I guessed. Please can we shelter in Lothlórien? This is my friend, Celille. She is badly injured; a huge cut on her leg. I didn't want to risk it getting infected, so came here. Please, will you help us?"
His face softens, and he actually smiles! "Of course you can enter Lothlórien," he says graciously. "I have a feeling the Lady might want to talk to you though your Majesty."
"She can talk to me all she wants as soon Celille is sorted out."
"Very well. Follow me." He gives out instructions to his scout, and they all melt back into the trees as quickly as they appeared.
He leads on through the woods, holding Rodmín's reins loosely. Star-mane is just behind us, another Elf holding her reins. Everyone is silent. I start to feel uneasy again.
We walk on for what seems like hours. The Moon moves overhead and it starts getting light again. We come to a stream, and the Elves stop. The Captain turns to me. "This is the Nimrodel," he tells us. "The water will wash away your aches and pains. Feel free to walk straight through."
I dismount, and life Celille down carefully. We remove our boots, and step into the cool refreshing water. It runs over our tired feet like silk, and we feel instantly relieved. No more hard riding, no more worrying about Orc attacks. We can have a bath and be clean for once.
"We must move on," the Captain says as we reluctantly step out of the water. We just nod and agree. We're falling asleep on our feet.
"Prince Legolas, I'll ride with you," he offers. "You can sleep as we go. Someone else will ride with Lady Celille, ok?"
"Thank you," I whisper. We mount Rodmín, and he sits behind me, holding the reins. I feel sleep overcoming me, and I drift off. The last things I see are the silver and gold leaves of the trees around me, and the last thing I hear, are birds softly singing.
"They've found him!"
"Who's found who?"
"Prince Legolas! The Lothlórien Elves found him on their Southern border!"
Maenherdir stared at the breathless messenger in front of him, who had just leapt off a horse, and was gripping a piece of parchment, sealed with the Lothlórien hallmark. "Is what you're saying true boy?" he asked.
He nodded. "Aye, it is Sir. Here, it's written right here. And he's got the girl with him!"
Maenherdir snatched the letter out of his hand and read it. He breathed a sigh of relief. "Thank Eru," he murmured. He smiled at the messenger. "Hannon lle. Go to the kitchens and get something to eat and drink. You must be exhausted."
"Hannon lle Sir." He smiled and ran into the palace.
Maenherdir looked out toward the woods. He was stood on the palace steps, the parchment fluttering in his hand. The Sun was just setting, and the forest was calm and quiet.
"Thank Eru," he repeated, and hurried inside to find the King.
Mmm…comfy bed…
Wait a minute…bed!
I sat bolt upright and looked around me.
I was in some kind of room. And yes, I was on a bed.
A very comfy bed actually.
Pale sunlight came in through a small window in the wooden wall, and I could see golden leaves fluttering down outside.
I swung my legs over the edge, and stood up. Then I realised I wasn't wearing my clothes. I was in some sort of long white shirt. Where were my clothes?
Ah, there they were. Folded neatly over the back of a nearby chair. I got changed, and was pleased to find they had been washed. And I smelt clean!
I peeped out the door. I was in a…tree house, I guess you'd call it. A small hut built on a flet. I had a small veranda, and when I looked down, I found I was halfway up a mallorn tree.
I decided to have a look around, so went down the stairs. I met no one, so carried on. I wondered where Celille might be. They wouldn't put her halfway up a mallorn tree, would they?
I wandered on, looking at my surroundings with interest. I had heard many stories about the Woods of Lothlórien, but had never dreamed I'd end up going there.
The leaves of the tall mallorns had turned gold back in the autumn, and were now falling to the floor, carpeting it with their colour. The trunks were tall and silver, and when I looked up, Lothlórien had a roof of gold as well. The leaves that had not yet fallen created this, as did the yellow flowers that blossomed along the boughs. It was an incredible sight. One which I was to remember all my life.
"Legolas!"
I turned, and Celille flung herself into my arms. I laughed and held her close. We stood there together, getting showered with the golden leaves.
"I thought you'd never wake up," she whispered as I pulled away a little.
"What do you mean? How long have I been asleep for exactly?"
"Two days!"
"WHAT!"
She nodded, grinning all the while. "I woke up sometime yesterday, but when I came to see you, you were still asleep. You must have been absolutely exhausted."
"Yes, I was quite tired. But I didn't think I was that tired."
"Oh well, you're all recovered now. As am I. The Elves say I might have a small scar, but it should heal perfectly." She lifted the bottom of her skirt up to show me where the cut had been. There was now only a small mark.
"Good. Have you seen the Lady yet?"
"No, we were waiting for you to awake my Lord," said a voice.
I turned and looked at the person who had spoken. He was tall, with silver hair and grey eyes. He smiled warmly at me. "I am Haldir my Lord," he said, bowing. "I am to take you up to see Lady Galadriel now."
I smiled in return. "Thank you Haldir."
He took us along a leaf-strewn path, and then halted at the foot of silver stairs, leading all the way up round a huge tree trunk. "There are many hundreds of steps," he told us. "If you wish to stop and rest at any time, just say so. The Lady's flet is right at the very top." Celille and I had to crane our necks to see all the way to the top. It was a long way up.
We started climbing, and Celille soon found her legs were hurting. So I carried her. Then she walked for a bit more, and then I had to carry her again.
After a lot of climbing (and carrying on my part), we reached the top, and Haldir lead us onto a large silver flet. There were small lamps hung on the surrounding branches, and the whole place was amazing.
"I am glad you think so," said a smooth voice. Inside my head! That was rather worrying…
Then, the most beautiful women I have ever seen (apart from Naneth, no one is prettier than she is), came down some steps. She was walking through the light, and so I couldn't see her clearly at first. Then, as the light faded, and she came into view, I had to catch my breath.
She was tall, taller than me, taller than Haldir, and I've got a really bad feeling she was even taller than Adar. She had long blonde hair that reached her waist, and she wore a pure white dress, decorated with lace and tiny beads. She stopped just before the last step, and smiled at us.
"Mae govannen Ernil," she said graciously. (Prince.)
I bowed my head to her, and saw Celille copy me. "Hannon lle Arwenamin." (My Lady.)
"You are most welcome in Lothlórien Legolas," she told me. She turned to Celille. "As are you, little Lady."
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Celille smile, and give a little curtsey. "Thank you my Lady," she replied.
"Please, sit." Seats were offered to us, and we sat down with her. There was no sign of Lord Celeborn.
"Now, we need to decide what to do," she started. "Legolas, we must get in touch with your father. It is most urgent that we do so."
"I understand that completely my Lady," I replied. "I think it's about time I went home."
She smiled. "I'm glad you realise that. After all, it has been three and a half months."
"That long? I never realised."
"It is not only the fact that you are Prince that you have to return to Mirkwood. You are needed there."
"How do you mean my Lady?"
She smiled again, a secret smile. "Your family need you."
"They miss me?""Of course, but there is something else.""What? Is something wrong? Is Naneth ill or something?"
"Not in a bad way, no."
"Then what do you mean my Lady?" I felt fear creep into the pit of my stomach.
She smiled and told me the news.
Celille squealed as Legolas promptly passed out, slumping down onto the floor. Haldir hurried to his side, and she followed.
"Don't worry," Galadriel assured them, kneeling beside the Prince. She felt his forehead with the back of his hand. "It's just a bit of a shock."
"Will he be ok?" Celille asked, taking his hand.
"He'll be fine," Galadriel replied, getting to her feet and sitting back down. "Sit on the floor with him in your lap Celille. Haldir, fetch them some water."
Legolas awoke a couple of minutes later. Celille had him propped up against her, and was still holding his hand. Haldir passed him some water. Legolas thanked him and sipped it.
"How are you feeling Legolas?" Galadriel asked.
"Dizzy."
"Just sit still. Celille's got you."
"Did I hear rightly my Lady? You said my mother is expecting a…child?"She smiled and nodded. "Yes. Aren't you happy?"
"Of course I am! Its great news." He sat up a bit straighter, the world starting to come back into focus. "I need to get home."
"Once you are rested and well again," she told him firmly. "I have already sent a messenger to your father. He will know you are safe by tomorrow evening."
"Thank you my Lady."
"It was no trouble at all. Haldir, please escort them back to their rooms."
"Yes my Lady." Haldir helped the Prince to his feet, and they went back down the stairs.Celille watched Legolas carefully as they walked down. She still gripped his hand tightly, fearing he would suddenly faint again.
He caught her looking and smiled. "Don't worry Celille, I won't faint again, I promise."
"You don't know that," she answered. "I'm not risking you breaking your neck."They reached the bottom, and Celille ran off to her own chambers. Haldir helped the still light-headed Legolas up the stairs to his flet. They talked on the way, and Legolas found out a lot about the Elf.
Haldir was still young, though not quite as young as Legolas. He had two brothers, Orophin, and Rumil, who were younger than him. He was training as a warrior, and hoped one day to do as his father was doing at present.
"Marchwarden?" Legolas asked in disbelief. "That would be an achievement."
"I know," Haldir replied, smiling. "I would love to do as my father has done, and achieve his dream."
He left him to rest, and Legolas flopped down on his bed. A baby! His mother was pregnant?
"Why do these things always happen to me?" he moaned out loud.
Answers in a review please. Why do these things always happen to Legolas? Next chapter coming soon. See ya!
Faerlain