Chapter Two—the Nightly Events

Haldir peered down curiously and regarded Legolas. Though it was nearly dusk and the trees threw dark shadows over the faces of the strange company, he could still easily make out their features. It was time to make a start.

"What is your purpose here in the woods of Lórien?" he asked, not unkindly. Legolas blinked twice and looked behind him to one of the men. The man, a tall, dark-haired ranger Haldir thought he was, nodded his consent and Legolas once again turned.

"We are on a quest of the utmost importance," he finally said, breaking the awkward silence. I say "awkward" because it was. Haldir noticed for a moment that the birds had ceased their singing and even the ever-present wind was silent, as if listening. However, the elf just barely perceived this.

"If I and this young hobbit were to come up, Haldir," continued Legolas, "we might explain in a better fashion."

Haldir thought a moment and then nodded. This would be interesting. He reached for the silvery tangled clump of rungs and rope that was the ladder and tossed it down adeptly. Legolas caught it and leapt lightly up without hesitation. Haldir moved aside and stood, allowing the elf to pass. He glanced down and noted that the "hobbit", as Legolas had dubbed the strange small creature, was climbing far more slowly and with more care. Another hobbit came after the first, breathing heavily and clutching at his chest. From the looks of their faces, Haldir assumed that they did not like heights. Soon, they were both up. Orophin bid Legolas sit and he did. Rúmil lit a bronze lamp and the shifting, shadowy darkness was lessened. He approached the two hobbits and held the light to their faces. Haldir went to his side, welcoming them and introducing himself and his brothers in the common tongue. Then he turned to Legolas.

"How many are in your company?" he asked, even though he already knew. He would feign complete ignorance, he decided.

"Eight," Legolas replied softly. Haldir watched the dim light of the lamp dance upon his face. "Myself, four Hobbits, and two men, one of whom is Aragorn, son of Arathorn."

"We know of Aragorn," said Haldir, counting to himself. He discovered a slight error and wondered if Legolas had purposely omitted a name. "All is well by me. Nevertheless, what of the eighth? You mentioned only seven."

"The eighth is a dwarf," said Legolas simply, as if he were ashamed to say it.

Haldir stiffened. "A dwarf?" he said. "That is ill news. Much against my liking. What was the use of bringing a dwarf on your 'quest'?"

Legolas lowered his head in thought.

"I cannot allow him to pass," finished Haldir.

Legolas looked up at the words. It appeared that he was going to say something, but Frodo beat him to it.

"He has proven himself faithful to our cause and is as trusty as any of the others," the hobbit stated. "Elrond of Rivendell selected him for the task."

"Elrond?" Haldir questioned thoughtfully. "What has he to do with your quest?" Legolas stepped forward and put a hand on Haldir's shoulder, taking him a ways off, turning to him as if to speak privately.

"Since I can see you are no enemy," he whispered, "you can be taken in to our counsel. As you can guess, the weapon of the enemy has been found. Elrond chose a company of nine companions to take it to Mount Doom to destroy it—"

"Where is the ninth?" Haldir cut in.

"Mithrandir," sighed Legolas quickly, as if he didn't want to talk about it. "He was lost in Moria."

"Mithrandir is dead?" asked Haldir in surprise. "I never thought I would see the day. 'Tis a shame. But tell me more of your quest."

Legolas made known to him the most prominent events and answered questions en masse. As the nature of the quest called for complete secrecy, Legolas made him swear that he would not tell a soul that he could not trust with his life. Haldir agreed. After this, the issue of the dwarf was brought up again. Some discussion followed and a solution was agreed upon. Haldir would allow the dwarf if Aragorn and Legolas would guard him and if, (Legolas thought that Gimli would be outraged by this but said nothing), Gimli would be blindfolded upon entering the vicinity of Lórien. To this Legolas agreed, seeing as there really was no other choice.

"Now," said Haldir finally, turning to the others. "You must stay here for the night. However, you cannot remain on the ground, for fear of wandering Orc bands. There has been talk of Orcs about recently. There is another talan over in yonder tree," he pointed to his right, "that you, Legolas, and your remaining companions may rest in to-night. The four hobbits will stay here. Tomorrow early, we will depart for Lórien. I am certain the Lady will wish to hear of your quest and perhaps aid you if at all possible."

Legolas nodded as he turned and went down.

"Have an eye on the dwarf!" Haldir called after him in good humor. He went to the southern edge of the flet and brought out the large pile of fur blankets and sleeping-ware that was always kept there. Shortly afterward, Haldir heard the soft padding of bare feet as the other two hobbits came up top. Haldir turned and tossed a few blankets their way. He noticed that they seemed unsteady on their feet, as the others had been, as if they were not used to heights and were frightened. They were hauling two blankets each. Apparently they had brought the other Hobbits' blankets, (Legolas had called them Frodo and Sam), as well as their own.

"Are your other belongings hidden?" asked Haldir, shouldering his bow once more.

One of the young hobbits looked up from the bed that he was making and nodded. "Strider hid them in the bushes and under some leaves," he answered, unrolling a blanket.

"Very well," responded Haldir. He turned and went down the rope ladder. The stars were all out by then. They were visible through the makeshift roof of living leaves and were glimmering brightly already, so that, along with the moon, the night was fairly bright. Rúmil and Orophin sat, listening for a moment, and then spoke in hushed tones. They were, in fact, discussing how silly hobbits looked, what with their small size and strange hairy feet, but none of the Hobbits could understand Elvish well enough to be offended, so all was well.