Dreamflower
Book One: Lalaith (Laughter)
"A star was bound upon her brows,
A light was on her hair
As sun upon the golden boughs
In Lórien the fair.
From the Song of Amroth-J.R.R Tolkien
Prologue:
January 17, 3019 Third Age, Lothlórien.
"Sit now beside my chair, Frodo of the Shire!" said Celeborn. "When all have come we will speak together."
Frodo bowed low and took a seat beside the Lord of Lórien. Glancing about he took in his surroundings as the rest of the Fellowship greeted their hosts and took their seats.
The chamber was filled with a soft light and many Elves were seated there. One stood out in particular as she gazed upon Frodo with wide sorrowful eyes. She sat in a place of honour beside the Lady Galadriel herself. Her beauty was keen as a knife—easily the equal of Galadriel or Arwen Undómiel. If the Lady of Lórien was the sun and The Evenstar the night then this Lady was the moon.
The song Legolas sang before the stream of Nimrodel came to mind. Her hair was long and honey gold shot with silver, her eyes as green as sunlight shining through young leaves and a star was bound upon her brow.
As if in a dream, Frodo attended the conversation around him.
"Your quest is known to us," said Galadriel, looking at Frodo; and he was plunged back into the present.
One by one, Galadriel held them with her eyes, boring silently it seemed into their very souls. Only Legolas and Aragorn could long bear her glance. Frodo studied his hands as they rested in his lap. Feeling eyes upon him he glanced up to find the green-eyed lady gazing at him.
'Tell me Frodo of the Shire, if this burden were not yours to bear what would you now be doing? What would be your life?'
Frodo glanced around but know one else seemed to have heard the Lady speak. All were attending the Lady of Lórien. Frodo turned back, regarding the woman.
'Well Ringbearer? What sort of life would you otherwise lead but for the Quest?'
She spoke to him directly as did Galadriel, her lips never moving. Frodo considered the question. 'I know not my Lady. I suppose I would go on as always, content to live quietly in my home in Bag End amidst my books and my garden.'
'And a good life that would be. Alas, fate has conspired against you and its winds have blown you far from home. Fear not for now, Frodo Baggins. While beneath the boughs of the Golden Wood, you may set aside your burden. Enjoy the peace of the Wood and may it heal you of your sorrows.'
"Go now!" said Celeborn, breaking Frodo out of his trance. "Now you will rest, and we will not speak of your further road for a while."
The Company rose to their feet and bowed to the Lord and Lady as they prepared to take their leave.
"Who is she Strider?" Frodo asked the Ranger.
"Who?"
"The golden Lady with the star upon her brow."
"Ah," Aragorn sighed, "that is Lady Anaríel Alfirinól —the "Dreamflower of Lórien" she is Lady Galadriel's Favourite, chief among her maidens."
Frodo digested this information noticing the Lady's gaze now fell upon Legolas. Surprised, he saw the Elf's eyes grow bright with unshed tears as he held the Lady's gaze until it seemed he could bear it no longer. Ducking his head, he followed Gimli from the chamber, Aragorn and Frodo following behind Boromir.
"How is it that Legolas knows her—they seem familiar to one another?"
Aragorn shook his head sadly, "That my good Hobbit is indeed a tale worth telling."