Disclaimer: The Lord of the Rings is property of Tolkien and there are many references throughout to Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time series. I only own what you do not recognize. The character Chinky is not meant to cause offence and is named after a real horse whose name has been shortened from a Fiat Cinquecento (Chinky – Chento).
Chapter 6: A flicker of something else
Amy stared in wonder as a blinding light filled the ornate gateway. Once the light had faded they were faced with Galadriel, the lady of light. Galadriel and Gandalf slid off their horses and stood regally next to them. Before she realised what was happening both the horses were on their knees with their heads down, apparently bowing.
Galadriel and Gandalf smiled before bowing as well. It took a minute for Amy to realise that they were bowing at Chinky; queen of the Mearas.
"She has been found. The daughter of the mighty Shadowfax here. A worthy companion for the child of Onlee." Gandalf said patting Chinky's nose.
Both horses came out of their apparent bow as Amy dismounted and stood next to Aragorn. "Galadriel, we are honoured of your presence in Rivendell." Amy said ducking her head slightly.
"No, young one. I am honoured to be here with you." Came the reply. "Now if you would kindly point me in the direction of Lord Elrond, I would very much like to speak with him."
Amy shrugged to Aragorn and Legolas as she hopped on Chinky's back and led the way to where Elrond was seated.
Legolas took Shadowfax and Galadriel's mare to the stables. As Amy walked to the stables following the elf she couldn't help but look at Galadriel. She really was as fair as dawn. Long golden hair rippled down her slender back. Her eyes the very reflection of the sky its self. Shaking her head she ran to catch up with Aragorn, the books had said no wrong, she was beautiful.
BREAK
"Well that was odd!" Aragorn said brushing off the grey mare.
"Yeah she came all the way from Lothlorien to see out Little Warrior then wanted to talk to Elrond!" Legolas said encouraging Shadowfax into a stall.
"Its no use Legolas he isn't going anywhere without Chinky." Amy said watching Legolas leaning with all his body on Shadowfax's side to get him into the stall.
'Let me be with my father, I haven't seen him in years.' Chinky said into Amy's mind.
"Legolas bring Shadowfax into Chinkys stall, they want to be together." Amy said opening the door to Chinky's stall, which was easily larger than all the others.
Aragorn and Legolas watched in wonder as Shadowfax calmly trotted into Chinky's stall. Amy shut the door behind them and watched them sniff each other over and rub noses.
'Thank you elf boy,' Legolas heard Chinky say.
"Amy why does she call me elf boy? I have a name!" Legolas said indignantly leaning on the door.
"Amy you can talk to Chinky? But only elves can talk to the Mearas." Aragorn said looking confused.
Amy just nodded and shrugged her shoulders as she walked out to where Elrond and Galadriel were talking. She sat down on the stone bench next to Elrond and rested her head on his shoulder. Subconsciously he reached up and stroked her hair.
"Well little one, we have much to discuss. But that will all be seen to after dinner. You may wonder why I want to talk to you. You are very special as your sword and mount suggest. I will give you something to think about though. What I want to talk to you about is something to do with your little lock trick." Galadriel said before touching Amy's cheek and walking off.
At her last words Amy sat up suddenly her eyes as round as saucers. No doubt she would have fallen off the bench if Legolas had not put his arm round her back.
"Thank you Legolas, I was just a bit shocked. I don't know why." Amy said regaining her balance.
Elrond considered Galadriel's last words carefully. 'Lock trick' he thought to himself. He had seen Amy's obvious reaction to her words and so obviously knew what the older elf was talking about, he was about to stop her falling until he saw the Mirkwood elf catch her. He looked over at the blonde elf that a month ago thought would be perfect for his Evenstar, he saw the elf look at Amy, and for a brief moment he was sure that he saw a flicker of something other than friendship in his eyes.
"Estel, Legolas, Amy. Dinner will be served at seven; I want none of you to be late." Elrond said standing up. "Amy," he said turning his attention specifically to the dark eyed girl, "I expect to see you in my study at nine, now have fun. And don't get into trouble!" He said with a smile as they ran off.
He walked slowly back to his quarters to contemplate everything that had happened recently. He knew she would be coming, but part of him thought that she would be a he. It had confused him greatly when the child of Onlee turned out to be a girl! Not that it mattered. She defiantly was the one. All the signs were there. He shuddered despite the warmth of his room. The legends were true. Children in this land were told them as bedtime stories. He remembered at time when he had sat on the end of Estel's bed telling him. The child with the blade of the dragon, eyes as dark as pitch, and a heart as fair as sun.
He smiled inwardly as he thought of Amy, the child he had taken for his own, she had only been here two weeks yet she had brought happiness that Rivendell hadn't seen in a long time. She had made a smile appear on Estel's face after Arwen had gone to visit friends. Not even Legolas had managed that. Legolas, what had that expression been in his eyes? What had it meant?
Elrond sighed and lay back on his bed. Galadriel would tell her the truth, the truth about her heritage and her future. Amy would be taken away from him, he knew it from the start, yet he couldn't help but pray for her to stay for a while.
