They start toward Gladriel's palace. They start to talk contentedly as they made their way through the trees. Fenix stopped suddenly and felt a hand creep onto her mouth, making sure she couldn't scream. The hand pulled her into the dense forest.
"I wonder where Alrena is?" he mused. He turned around and found Fenix gone. He muttered an Elven oath and went in pursuit.
Fenix looked at the hand covering her mouth, preventing her from screaming. She noticed it wasn't an Orc. It was human. She studied the peculiar ring on the hand. It was Elven made!
"Hey, Fenix." Said a cheerful voice.
Fenix pried the hand off of her mouth. She gaped at the person she saw when she turned around. "Arlena!"
They turn around as they hear a twig snap. Legolas comes into the little clearing, bow string taut, arrow fit.
"Arlena! That was not funny!" he let his bow down as he saw the other grinning. He studied her. "You haven't changed a bit."
The Elf smiled. She had long black hair, and bright violet eyes.
"I'll take that as a compliment, Legolas." She said, grinning.
Fenix looked at both of them. "We need to get to Gladriel."
Legolas and Arlena nodded. They started walking again toward Gladriel's palace. Fenix led the way, trying to get there before dawn. When they arrived, they found Gladriel waiting for them on the steps. She handed them each some food and Lembas. She smiled at Arlena. "I thought you would be joining them on this little expedition." Arlena smiled and took the food and Lembas gratefully.
When they had everything packed, Gladriel bade Fenix to follow her. Fenix trailed after, curious. Gladriel stopped by a small pool of water and turned to face Fenix.
"I want to give you a warning, it may not make sense yet, but it will in time." She paused. "Be wary! 'Tis no telling what evil lurks in the dark." Gladriel looked at Fenix's shocked face. Fenix nodded and turned to return to her companions.
"Let's go. We need to get a good start." Fenix said simply to the others. They nodded and followed Fenix to the edge of the Lorien River. Fenix turns back to see Gladriel and some of the Elves of Lorien.
"Goodbye, Fenix. Be safe and heed my warning."
Fenix smiled and then nodded. "I will, I will."