Author's Note: I'm back! And I would like to apologize for the considerably amount of time that has passed since my last update. I have been vacationing for the later part of August and now I am busy with the beginning of school. Also I have been struggling with writer's block and it was quite a challenge to write this chapter. Thank you all so much for your patience and absolutely wonderful reviews. I am so sorry this chapter isn't longer. I would also like to say a special thanks to my beta, for her infinite patience and wonderful help. Thanks again! Enjoy!

Disclaimer: I do not own Tolkien's work.

Chapter 13 News

Imladris, Four Months Later

A slight breeze tickled a pair of silver chimes hanging in a window. Flowers sprang from a neat garden outside and the air was filled with their scent, mingling through the open courtyards and buildings. An older elleth sat by an ornately carved desk, her lips pursed and brow furrowed as she gazed serenely at the beautiful valley outside. She was quite a beautiful elf, with long golden hair and a thin, lovely face. Her eyes stood out as a calm blue, reflecting off the hue of the sky, Ethuil, her name meaning the glorious season of spring. The elleth's thoughts strayed from her peaceful surroundings in Imladris to that of Lothlorien. It would be soon that their escort would arrive, sent by Lady Galadriel herself to guard Lord Elrond, Lady Arwen and the many members of their house along their journey. For Lady Arwen's begetting day was drawing near and a great celebration was to be had at her grandmother's dwelling. Ethuil would be among those to travel to the heart of Elvendom on earth and there she would finally meet with her nephew after many long years, the March Warden himself. Of course she had two other nephews, but they had been less successful in their careers, amounting to nothing but mere guards. But the March Warden! He would surely make her proud. His good looks and kind nature would see him married well. In fact, she was hoping that a courtship may be established between him and the Lady Arwen. She had hinted such to Arwen and her father, Lord Elrond. But both seemed oblivious to her suggestions. Oh well, it was no matter now. They would arrive in Lothlorien and time would see to such things.

"Naneth! Naneth!" an enthusiastic voice rang through the halls as the door was flung open. In rushed a young elf maiden, her hair a delicate silver and her eyes a stormy gray.

"I hear you Hirien," Ethuil swerved in her seat to face her daughter fully. "Have the guards arrived yet?"

"Yes," she breathed the word excitedly. "Mayhap they can be seen from the window!" And with that she rushed forward, craning her thin neck to gaze past the gossamer curtains. "Oh, they are so dashing!" The guards standing amidst the green quickly broke their ranks and went in search of loved ones or family members. Their silvery tunics stood out when compared to the colorful attire of the residents of Imladris, and even though they were kinsman, they moved and walked quite differently. One guard broke from his comrades and headed towards their own dwelling. Hirien squealed in excitement as she observed the old family friend drawing nearer. "Tinduin is coming, Naneth," she announced moving to the door to greet him. "It will be so wonderful to see him after all these years!" The dark haired guard was indeed glad for his arrival and he greeted them happily.

"Tell me, Tinduin, what news do you bring from Lothlorien?" Ethuil asked, her blue eyes now alight with excitement. "How is my nephew, the March Warden?"

"Well," Tinduin said with a nod. "His career as Captain has been a successful one thus far. And as his personal life goes, I would say he is very happy."

"What do you mean?" the elder elleth questioned, suddenly suspicious.

"A few months back," he continued quietly. "I observed your other two nephews Rumil and Orophin, speaking with a maiden. It seems that the March Warden has been courting her."

"Courting a maiden?" Ethuil's face hardened considerable. "Who is she?"

"I believe her name is Elenwen," he replied. "She's a member of the guard."

Elenwen's POV

"So your aunt and cousin are expected in Lothlorien?"

"Yes, they should be arriving within the week. I cannot wait for you to meet them!"

"Aye," I clasped Haldir's hands, feeling his excitement pass onto to me. It had been several weeks past that we had learned of Lord Elrond's expected visit to Lothlorien. A great celebration was planned for Lady Arwen's begetting day and many citizens of Imladris were expected to come. Haldir had told me of his aunt and cousin, his only remaining family members that were sure to be with the party. So enthusiastic was he, that I was hard put not to be caught up in his happiness. After all, when I myself was so content, everything in the world seemed right. Haldir had been courting me for almost six months now and with each passing day I felt my love for him grow. Yes, I was truly in love with this elf. I lived for his soft kisses and gentle words. Now I had found my place in this world. Now at last, I felt a sort of peace. Even though my training for the guard was less than good and improvement was a rare thing, I did not feel bothered by it.

"It will be so nice to have the family together," Haldir continued on. "It has been years, I daresay, since we have been in each other's company."

"Do you think they will find my company agreeable?" I bit my lower lip, willing my foolish anxieties to be gone. Haldir loved me and his brothers also seemed to have taken a liking to me. Why shouldn't they?

"Of course, they will love you!" he said confidently, smiling warmly down at me. The garden we were sitting in was deserted. Many elves were at their flets, busy preparing for the arrival of loved ones. It was in this moment, while the rest of Caras Galadhon was in chaos, that we had slipped away to sit in silence. I let my gaze travel upward to the crystal clear blue sky. A single silver note, blaring from a trumpet caught our attention.

"Well," Haldir's smile grew. "They are here."

Naneth: Mother