NOTE: Sofia, all I'm saying is that you're warm. This chapter is a bit short.

Chapter Five: Síriel's Encounter with the Lady

Legolas sat for some time thinking over what the Lady told him before he began to wonder again where his wife was. He rose and left the glade in a hurry, his mind now racing over the location of Síriel. The Prince did not go far before he saw Celebrindal approaching, supporting his wife with her arms wrapped around her shoulders. The two friends had strange expressions on their faces, which vanished immediately.

"Where have you been?" Legolas asked Síriel anxiously.

She took a few moments to reply.

"For a stroll, as I told you." she said.

He looked her over worriedly.

"Legolas, are you alright?" Síriel asked him.

He started.

"I am. Why do you ask?" he answered.

"You look…shaken, as if you heard something disturbing. Is my sire alright? Has something befallen him?" she said.

"Your sire is fine. I have not heard anything about him."

"Then why do you look so?"

He did not reply at once.

"It is naught, my beloved. Rest assured." he told her gently.

She nodded, but did not look convinced.

"Celebrindal, go and rest." Legolas told the silver-haired maiden.

"Very well, hîr nín (my lord)." she replied. "Maer fuin (goodnight)."

Legolas and Síriel watched her leave.

"Come, I wish to sit with you." Legolas told his wife.

She turned and smiled at him, her emerald eyes shining.

"It has been some time since we have been together. I did not pay you much attention while we were at the Beornings. I apologize. And we have been travelling ever since we left them." she said.

"I am not upset because you spent little time with me while we were guests of the Beornings. I understand completely." Legolas told her.

They went to the Mirror's glade, where the Prince seated himself on the grass beside a running stream. Then he pulled Síriel onto his lap, making sure she was facing him. It had been some time since last they were this close together. Their eyes roved over each other. They needed no words to communicate with each other at all.

"Something is amiss with you." Legolas said softly.

Síriel gave a small laugh.

"I am fine." she said.

Legolas placed both his hands on the sides of her face.

"Do not think me ignorant. I know that look in your eyes only too well, Síriel. Tell me, what troubles you." he told her gently.

The half-elf froze. She knew she could not hide what was troubling her any longer. After taking a deep breath, she spoke.

"I knew it was useless to attempt to try and hide something from you, but it was worth a try. I had nothing to lose and everything to gain. I am indeed troubled with something. I know not how to begin." she said.

"Well, you must begin somewhere." Legolas smiled.

She nodded and sighed.

"Indeed, Legolas." she agreed.

She looked around her, as if fearful they would be overheard.

"There is no one here." Legolas assured her.

She turned her emerald eyes upon his fair face.

"There are those who know all that comes to pass." she said.

Legolas nodded, indicating he understood.

"Yet, she will not delve into our thoughts unless there is dire need for her to do so. You spoke to her, then?" he whispered.

She nodded.

"Do you remember me leaving the feast to go for a stroll? She called me. I did not know at first. I kept hearing someone calling me inside my head. Only when I left you and saw her standing before me did I know that she was the one who summoned me." Síriel began slowly.

Legolas placed her head on his shoulder.

"What did she say?" he asked anxiously, keeping his voice calm.

"She greeted me and welcomed me to Lothlórien. She talked about my whole life, every single detail as if she lived with me. 'No doubt you miss your sire,' she said. I told her that I did. 'He misses you too, but is happy nonetheless. Are you happy with Legolas?' I replied that I am. She smiled in a strange manner—somewhat sadly. It made me feel frightened, and she sensed that. She smiled again, but this time warmly. 'You have nothing to fear, Síriel. Legolas loves you dearly. There is only one thing I wish to tell you: be wary of your innate nature.' She left me after that to ponder over her words. For how long I stood there I know not, but I became aware suddenly that Celebrindal had come, and I told her what happened. She was unusually quiet, but listened rather intently, almost eagerly. Then we left together, and you found us." Síriel said.

Legolas stroked her head as he thought over what he had heard.

'So, you warned her as well.' he thought.

He debated over whether he should inform Síriel what the Lady had told him when his wife asked in a soft tone:

"I am uneasy, Legolas. What do you make of her words?"

The Prince decided not to inform her. He was afraid she would become so anxious that their unborn child would come to harm.

"Avo 'osto (worry/fear not). I am sure it is nothing important." he told her.

And so he hoped.