Hello... I am back. Here is another one of the chapters I promised. I wasn't really happy with the last one. Something just didn't feel right about it. But whatever! I wish that more people would review, but I THANK those who have been reviewing immensely! Well now I will stop blabbering... Now Read and Review! Love Ya all.
Chapter 9
We're Here... Finally!
We'd been traveling now for a week and My ASS hurts! I have ridden before, but for this long...This long is ridiculous. Legolas and the others insisted on making fun of the fact I could hardly walk. Today wasn't as bad but I am still a sore. Any way the weather has started to cool and my cloak now barely kept me warm. Legolas keeps insisting that I take his, I felt bad about taking it, but every morning I would wake with his cloak wrapped around me anyway, so I just kept it. Every morning he also insisted he braid my hair, he took care of me in a way no one had in a long while, it felt good. I had also become pretty good friends with the rest of our traveling companions. I also began sparing with each one of them. I had beaten Thalion and Angadan but I still had not beaten Arato and Legolas.
Luckily we haven't run into any trouble, such as orcs, wargs of Urks. For that I was very thankful. The land outside of Mirkwood was beautiful. I was going to hate to see what everything looked like after the war was over... If I lived that long. I enjoyed riding through this land as much as I enjoyed the woods near my home.
We were now moving quickly as we drew nearer to our destination, but I was in a hurry and wanted to know how much longer, I wanted answers. If Gandalf wouldn't give them to me then maybe Elrond will.
" When do you think we will arrive?" I asked looking over to Legolas who rode soundly on Randir.
"Around nightfall," He started when he suddenly stopped. Legolas and the others started shifting slightly looking and listening to the area around them. I stopped also.
"Legolas..." I said but never got to finished he cut me off with a lift of his hand to quiet me.
He then looked at his comrades and they all nodded in silent agreement.
" We are being followed, I want everyone to split up except for Gwen you will follow me. Make quickly for the boarders of Imladris." he finished in a hushed voice.
Soon we were off and dashing across the last of the empty plain. This seemed all to familiar to me. I just hoped it didn't end the same way. I kept close to Legolas and didn't even bother to look back. I had an idea of what followed us. Speed isn't needed to out run orcs of urks, you would only need speed to out run wargs.
We finally ended our mad dash as we entered the wood and the guard dropped down before us. I knew who the leader was when he approached Legolas. It was Glorfindel. They started their conversation in elvish, but Glorfindel changed into western when he looked over at me.
"I know why you are hear, but what is the meaning of haste?" he asked patting our sweaty horses.
"We were being followed by wargs just beyond your boarders." Legolas said.
"You are sure?" Glorfindel asked with wide eyes. Legolas nodded.
"We have three others that belong to our company, they have entered at a different area."
"Very well," he stared turning to those in his command. "Fellow Guards, we are going to make our way to the outer most areas of our boarder. I want you to break up in to groups of 3, no more. Find the rest of prince Legolas' company and bring them to the Palace. Slaughter any wargs you come across. Go now and be careful." He nodded in closing and his troops broke up and took off, to take out the orders they were given. Glorfindel turned and nodded, then took off with the rest of his troop leaving Legolas and I alone again. He turned and studied my calm features and raised an elegant eyebrow.
" I'm sorry I didn't tell you what was following us." he said waiting for my reaction. I just nodded and nudged my horse into a walk. He did also.
" That's ok." I said with a shrug of my shoulders. "I had an idea of what followed us." I finished looking over at him.
" How did... I mean was this written in the books you spoke of?" He asked quickly.
"No, I just figured that if speed was needed then something quicker than orcs or urks was behind us. They travel on foot and wouldn't have been able to catch us on horse back. Wargs however could." I said holding his gaze. He nodded and his features visibly softened.
" I just..." Thought he started looking down but I cut him off.
"Legolas I would not hold vital information away from you, especially if it threatened your life."I said looking quickly away. Out of the corner of my eye I saw a slight smile grace his face.
" Thank you." He said simply. "We arrive with in the city soon." He finished pointing a head. I lifted my head and was in total awe of the vision before me. We has exited an area of the wood. We were sitting a little ways from a cliffs edge. There was a narrow path that scaled the rocky edges that led to the city. A waterfall was in between us and our destination. The mist washed over us as I stood and gawked. There where bridges that reached over small streams that lead to each area of Rivendell. Homes were built into the rocky walls of this canyon. But the palace was above all the largest building of all. It sat firmly on the ground just on the other side. It was a tall open building. It had many balconies over looking the water falls and streams. Many gazebo looking structures surrounded the palace, along with many gardens. It glowed in the darkening sky. I then heard Legolas chuckle lightly causing my attention to turn back to him. "Beautiful is it not?" he asked with a smile.
I simply nodded, no words that I could say would do its beauty justice.
"Come lets continue." He said and headed for the path along the rocky wall. I followed Legolas down the path that hopefully lead to the answers I sought, but I also wondered if it would also lead to a beginning of a journey.
We entered the gates and the city just got more beautiful. The flowers were perfect and the grass was a lush green. Nothing I had ever seen before compared to it. As we walked toward the palace many elves watched me curiously. I never made eye contact, and it was unnerving to feel there gazes. As Legolas had told me in Mirkwood, 'it was probably because I was different than many they had seen. I was after all, a armed human woman, and I was arriving with the Prince of Mirkwood.' They were curious about me. Soon we had reached the steps and Legolas dismounted and I followed suit. Stable hands came and gathered our horses, I went to reach for my belongings when Legolas stopped me.
" You are a guest here, your things will be taken care of." He said.
I looked at the young looking stable hands and nodded my head.
"Thank you." I said. The boy smiled and walked a way. I looked back at Legolas who was simply smiling. He shook his head and offered me his arm. I gladly excepted it and we walked towards the palace doors. "Where are we going?" I asked as the doors opened.
"We have to go let Lord Elrond know we have arrived."He said.
"Oh." I sighed heavily. Maybe the time had finally come. The time when I found out why the hell I'm here. I really wanted to know what the fuss about my necklace was. It bugged me to know end to not know something others did. Legolas must have noticed my distress. He let down my arm and took a hold of my hand. I smiled and inwardly blushed. I couldn't help it. We started down the hall and took many turns within the building. We hadn't talked since and I was becoming more and more nervous. Soon we came to two large wooded doors. The inside of this building was beautiful. Many tapestries hung from the walls and elaborately painted murals hung also along the corridors. The many windows where draped lightly in satin curtains of blues and silvers. Legolas knocked and a voice bid us to enter. I couldn't help but notice that he still held my hand as we entered the room. I looked up and saw Lord Elrond. He was sitting behind a beautifully carved wooded desk. The top was covered in scrolls and parchments. His hands where laid upon the desk. He smiled as we entered and gestured for us to have a seat, his dark hair moving from the slight breeze.
"It is good to see you Prince Legolas, I have not seen you in decades." Elrond said. At that Legolas released my hand and greeted the elven Lord.
"It is also good to see you, My Lord." he said grasping Elrond's shoulder. Then Elrond's eyes drifted to my figure, where I stood behind Legolas. He smiled.
" Hello Lady Gwen." He said. He approached me and I bowed. I wondered how he already knew my name.
" Hello, Lord Elrond" I said as I arose. He nodded and smiled.
"You may take your seats." He bid and we did so. He took his seat again behind his desk. I watched him and decided to ask.
"How is it you already know my name, My Lord." he just smiled and his eyes drifted to the door.
"That would be my doing." Came a voice form behind. I whipped around and saw that Gandalf had entered the room. He came over and sat beside Elrond.
"Hello, Gandalf." I said looking at him pointedly.
" Hello to you to, Gwen, Legolas." he said simply nodding. Legolas nodded in response.
"We have just come to tell you we have arrived." Legolas said looking at Elrond.
" I see that." he answered leaning deeply into his chair. " But that is not he only reason that you have come." He finished looking at me. Legolas looked at me in confusion. I looked down and sighed.
" No it isn't." I said. " I have questions I want to ask you. I need answers." I looked up at Elrond.
" I also have questions to ask you. I would like you to come to me tomorrow afternoon" he said looking over at Legolas. " And it will have to be alone." I noticed the look he sent in my friends direction. Elrond knew more about me than I thought and I twas probably because of the wizard sitting to his right.
" My Lord I have already told Legolas that I know... Things, I just haven't told him the exact things" I said.
"Still I wish for you to come alone." he finished a little more strongly.
"Yes, my lord." I replied folding my hands into my lap.
"You may go Gwen, there are things that I wish to discuss with Legolas." He must have figured I already knew what he was to talk about so he was politely dismissing me. I nodded and got out of my seat and headed out the way I had come. "My daughter will tend to your needs and see you to your room." he finished at my back. I turned and nodded.
" Thank you." and then stepped out of the doors. When I came out and started walking the way I had came I was intercepted by an elf. I noticed who it was and smiled. It was Arwen. She was even more beautiful then in the movies. He hair was so black it was almost blue. She stood about an inch taller than me. She was clad is a silver silk dress that brought out her grey eyes. She smiled in return and came to my side.
" Hello, My lady" she said. "You must be the Lady Gwen my father told me about." I nodded. "Well I will see you too your room if you follow me."
"Thank you My lady." I said.
" Please just Arwen will suffice." I nodded and she led me the rest of the way in silence.
We soon entered the room I would be staying in and it was gorgeous. There was a balcony that over looked the areas of Rivendell and there was a large four-poster bed along on of the walls. The windows were all clad in silken cloth. There were many candles that lit the room, because night had finally fallen. There was a bath that was sitting in front of the large fire place. That looked most inviting of all.
" I hope that everything is to your liking." she said.
" Yes very much so, thank you" I said happily. She then looked me over. Then around the room.
"It appears that your belongings have yet to be brought to your room. You will need clothing to attend dinner within the hour. I will lone you one of my many gowns for tonight" she said brightly. I looked at her in shock.
"You don't have to do that." she just shook her head and laughed.
" No, trust me it is quite alright and you look to about the same build as I. You may bathe and I will bring it to you." She finished in a matter-o-fact manner. I was about to protest when she raised her hand. " are you going to argue with the kings daughter" she said mockingly and a bright mischievous smile graced he lips. I laughed and shook my head.
" No I guess I shouldn't argue" She laughed and turned to leave.
" Thank you very much" I called to her back.
"You are welcome" was her reply as she exited my room.
I sighed and walked over to the tub. I quickly took off my clothes and entered the warm water to wash a way the grim form travel. I washed with the provided soaps and came out of the bath feeling refreshed. I walked over and sat on the bed. My body ached still but that was all. Travel took a toll on my body. Soon there was a knock at the door. I prayed to god that It was not Legolas.
" yes" I called
"It's Arwen, can I come in." I sighed in relief.
" Yes come in" I said. She opened the door and slid in holding a garment in her hands. She turned and smiled after she shut the door behind her.
" Here is the dress you can wear tonight." She said hold it up. I gasped. The dress was beautiful. It was a royal blue silk. The straps where small and came over the shoulders. The neck line was low but modest enough. The back of it dipped low and stopped just above where my waist would be.
" I could not possibly where this" I said running my hand over the material. As I did so I found that there where small diamonds scattered over the fabric. " This is far too beautiful, it is only dinner isn't it"
"Nonsense, you can where this and no it is not just dinner, we are here to honor the arrival of our many guests." She said and it all then made sense as to why she would have me ware this.
" I guess, I can where it." I sighed.
"That's the spirit now lets get you ready." she said with a giggle. I think that I had just found a great friend to be in the princess of Rivendell.
45 minutes later
I was standing in font of the mirror and couldn't believe what I saw. I didn't look like me. My hair had been brushes and dried in front of the fire and laid strait down my back. She then took small pieces of my hair and twisted it then pinned it behind my head making small ringlets. The dress fit like a glove and accentuated every curve I had. It made my eyes look brighter. Arwen had given me matching slippers as well. My necklace hung there completing my outfit. I looked beautiful and It was all because of Arwen. She had left right before I had put my dress on so that she could make herself presentable as well. She told me to wait here and she would go to dinner with me. Soon there was a knock at the door. I went over to it and answered it. It was Arwen. She smiled when she saw me.
"You look wonderful" she exclaimed.
"Yeah well it was all because of you." I said giving her a hug. " Thank you." She hugged me back.
" Well lets go before we are late, many have gathered already including my father they are waiting for me." I nodded and we made our way down the halls to the dinning room.
We walked down the halls to the dinning room arm and arm chatting like two old friends. We came to two large doors that were guarded. They nodded to us and quickly opened the doors. When we entered our names where said a loud.
" The Lady Arwen and Lady Gwen." said a voice from the right of the door. I blushed crimson when all attention came to us.
Legolas POV
I had sat down next two Gandalf when I noticed the seat next to me remained empty as
the hall filled. I looked at Elrond and noticed the seat for his daughter was vacated as well. She was probably still with Gwen, and Gwen was probably seated beside me. I continued to study the hall and noticed the variety of people in the hall. There where dwarves, men and small child like people whom Gandalf told me were Hobbits. My thoughts then turned back to my missing friend. I looked back at Gandalf. He nodded to me.
" Gandalf, I am worried." I said looking at the old wizard cooly. He furrowed his brow in confusion.
"Well, that is to be expected with the news you have received about the evils growing in the west." He stated. I just shook my head.
"That is not what I meant, I am worried about Gwen." I finished ,understanding flitted across his face. "I mean she wants to know why she is hear, she is lost." Gandalf sighed.
"I know she is, but some information I have is not mine to tell she will find out soon enough. Many choices lie ahead of our young guest."I nodded. I was about to carry on when I heard the voice of the sentinel ring about the hall.
"Here are Lady Arwen and the Lady Gwen"
I looked up at the door and my breath caught. She was even more beautiful than she had been in Mirkwood. Her dress fit her like a glove and accentuated every curve. Her hair was long and flowing. I couldn't believe it was her. I wasn't the only on for the rest of our company who had arrived from the woods, was seated across from me, all they could do was stare. She looked like a she-elf standing up there with the Lady Arwen. I t was the first time I had seen her beauty rivaled by anybody. This human was indeed blessed with the beauty of the valar. She saw me and smiled and was lead by Arwen to her seat beside me. I heard Gandalf chuckle and It snapped me out of my daze.
"Good evening Legolas." she said sweetly as she moved her chair in. "You look great tonight."
I collected my composure and smiled back at her.
"Thank you, you look stunning this eve." I said smiling as she blushed.
"Yes, well that was all Arwen's doing." she said modestly and I just shook my head. Then the dinner bell rang. Servants from the side doors came pouring into the room with food and drink. They sent it down on the tables and as quickly as they entered they left. I looked back at Gwen and she looked as if she was about to begin speaking when Elrond's voice rang out amongst the hall.
"Good evening to all who have gathered here in my hall. Tonight dinner is in honor of the guests we have, whom have traveled from distant lands. Please eat tonight and become friends with those you do not know." he finished and raised his glass. Everyone in the hall stood as well lifting there glassed high. "To friendships!" he said and the hall repeated his closing. All drank and retook there seats. Everyone began to fill there plates. Gwen reach forward and filled her plate. I smiled when I saw the heaping amounts. She looked over at me.
" What?" she asked Laughing. " A Girl can't eat." At that I laughed as well.
"Yes you can eat alright." I said as I started eating my food. We quietly talked until we ate all on our plates. Another bell rang and servers came and quickly cleared the tables. After that music began to float through the air and many got up and moved out onto the dance floor. I looked over at Gwen who seemed to be entranced by the sights of those around there dancing. She followed their every movement.
" Would you like to dance?" I asked my voice snapping her out of her daze.
" Who me. Don't be silly! I don't know the dances." she said laughing. But I could see the longing in her eyes.
"Come, I will teach you." I stated standing and offering her my hand. She nodded smiling and she tentatively took my hand. I smiled and she stood and we walked out on to the dance floor. Many watched us as we made for the dance floor and she seemed to notice because she tensed almost immediately. I took her lightly into my arms as a slow song began. She seemed nervous.
"What is the matter?" I asked.
"Why is everyone looking at us?" she questioned looking at me. I just smiled.
" Because they do not know you, and..." I paused looking at her. "Because you rival the beauty of there evenstar" I finished looking into her eyes as we moved across the dance floor. She just laughed and poked me in the shoulder trying to hide her blush.
" That is not true and you know it."
" What ever you say." I finished as I danced with the beauty in my arms. We continued to dance until she tried to stifle a yawn.
"Come I will walk you to your room." She nodded and we said our goodbyes to Lord Elrond, Gandalf and Arwen and left the hall. I walked her to her room listening to her talk about her evening. I couldn't help but stare at her. She was almost a different person. I hadn't even noticed we had arrived until I heard her voice calling my name.
"Yes" I asked.
"Are you ok I have been calling your name for a while." she asked furrowing her elegant eyebrows. I smiled.
"Yes I am fine, just tired from my travels." I lied.
"I am too, well good night Legolas." she said as she hugged me. She then turned and went into her room shutting the door behind her. I turned and walked slowly down the hall as words came to my mind, the words my father had told me. 'Remember she is human and a guest here and will be nothing more'. I frowned. What have I gotten myself into now? I thought as I headed down to my room. Unaware of Gandalf's all to knowing gaze.
the next morning
Gwen POV
I had been awake since just after dawn this morning. I had just gotten dressed and was
readily making my way down the hall because I had a meeting with Elrond this morning. Maybe I would get some answers. I have been wanting answers for a while, but today that was the last thing on my mind. Lat night I had been plagued with thoughts of Legolas. Last night had been...amazing. He had been amazing. I just didn't know what to think. I laughed at myself. I was falling for an elf. An elf that I could never have. With that thought I entered Elrond's study. He motioned me to the chairs in front of the desk. I gladly sat.
"Good Morning My Lord" I said smiling at him. He smiled as well.
"Good morning, Gwen. Did you have a good time last night?" He asked
"I did thank you for asking" I finished twiddling my thumbs. He sighed.
"Well as you know I have brought you here to talk." I nodded and He continued. "So to begin I need you to tell me how you got here and what you know about this place."
"Well I can tell you how I arrived here but I can not tell you all the information I know about this place because it could change the outcome and trust me you do not want to do that." He laughed
" Well then tell me how it is that you came to be here in middle earth." I nodded and spoke of what I knew. I Also told him about the books written in my time. When I finished his face was unreadable.
" You say it was your necklace that brought you here." I nodded "May I see it." I nodded again and unclasped it from around my neck and handed it to him. He opened his hand and looked at the necklace he held and his eyes widened and he looked from me to the necklace.
"Where did you get this?" he asked harshly.
"I got it from my mother when I was younger." I said a little scared.
"How is this possible." He said in barley more than a whisper.
"How is what possible." I asked trying to pry information out of him. He shook his head and tried to calm himself. He looked at me and his face was again unreadable.
" It is not my place to tell you what this is." he said. I was now pissed. Every time I have been told this. I am no closer to answers than I was in Mirkwood.
"Then why am I even here!" I seethed. "No one seems to want to tell me who I am or what the hell that is! WHY WON'T ANYONE TELL ME!" I finished breathing heavily.
"Enough!" He exclaimed. " Calm your self child you will get the answers you seek in time." He said composing himself again. I looked up at him and found pity in his eyes. I was lost and he knew this. A tear ran down my cheek. I looked back down at my hands in my lap.
"I'm sorry." I said softly. Elrond sighed and got up from his seat and made his way over to me.
"You do not have to be Sorry, you are lost and are having trouble finding the answers you seek. Your frustration is understandable. But trust me when I say you will find out in due time." He finished clasping the necklace back around my neck. Then he knelt before me lifting my chin.
" You are burdened far more than you should be and unfortunately I will only add to this with what I am about to ask of you." I had a feeling what he was going to ask and I then knew where my path would lead me. "I would like you to join the meeting we are holding on the morrow. You know what is to come and having you there may be helpful." He finished looking into my eyes.
"I will go, but I would like to hide my identity so that I will not offend anyone present. Some men do not take kindly to women being where only men should." He nodded in understanding.
" That would be wise, I will have a cloak made for you." I nodded
"That would be good, but please do not tell Legolas I will be there. He is protective of me as it is."
He nodded and smiled. "You have my word I will say nothing."
"Gwen you may go now if you wish." he finished standing. " I will see you tomorrow then?"I sighed rising from my seat.
"Yes tomorrow you will see me, good day My Lord." he just shook his head.
"Just call me Elrond, you need not use formalities with me." I just stared at him and then nodded dumbly. What bought about that change I wondered. I then Turned and left his room behind for breakfast.
Today I was to spar with Legolas and the rest of the company I had arrived with. Then I would retire for the day. I left the study behind now knowing what I had thought upon arrival was true. This was the beginning of a journey and a hard one at that.
Well there you go another one done. That was a long chapter. I hope you liked it please r/r.
