AN: Ask and you shall receive! I am keen to update because adventures! Please continue to follow and review if you like this story, one of my favourite things is to hear from you dear readers! This chapter is entirely from Tauriel's point of view.
Tauriel POV
The elves of Eryn Lasgalen were efficient and swift in their tasks of preparation. True to Legolas' word, the company of around thirty elves were ready to set out from the Keep on the long journey to Ithilien.
There was a detectable hum of excitement from those that had wished to follow Legolas, Tauriel and Gimli. Many of the elves had not the opportunity to see much of Arda for the days of darkness had been fraught with danger. The Eldar were a patient race and would simply wait for safer days to travel such as now, in the time of peace.
Tauriel was mounted upon her horse Aranel, a tall chestnut mare with bright inquisitive eyes and a star upon her brow. Tauriel had previously spoken to the King and arranged for half of the Guard to accompany them to Gondor, before returning back to the elven-King's halls. It was unlikely the protection was needed but the King would not risk his people. The guards were dispersed throughout the party, whilst Tauriel and Legolas rode at the front with Gimli who looked very unhappy upon a young, small silver mare named Nesseldë.
Tauriel smiled as Nesseldë stamped her silver foot in impatience when a muttering Gimli tugged upon her bridle to get her to move closer to Legolas who was mounted upon the great white back of Arod.
I have the impression Nesseldë is equally unhappy about a dwarf riding upon her back.
All eyes turned and the elves stilled respectively as Thranduil rode out to the gates upon Ortherion, inclining his head at his people as he passed them in farewell.
Thranduil reached where they waited and paused in front of Gimli, Ortherion towering over his small mare.
'You are…welcome back here. Gimli, elf-friend.' Thranduil said in his cool, neutral voice.
'I thank you for your hospitality, elven-King.' Gimli replied equally as neutrally.
Without another word, Thranduil moved to position himself alongside Legolas and Tauriel.
The Captain inclined her head and touched her hand to her heart. 'Until we next meet, hîr vuin.'
Tauriel knew that Thranduil would not show emotion to her in front of so many eyes so she just smiled in acknowledgement as Thranduil's icy blue gaze captured her own green eyes for a lingering moment.
He said his farewell to me the other night, in his own way. I do not deny that I will miss him greatly.
Too soon, Tauriel felt, the moment passed and Thranduil laid his hand over his heart and extended it to Legolas, who mirrored the gesture.
'Go with the blessings of our people and the Valar, ionneg. The forest awaits your return.'
'Namárië, Ada.' Legolas replied warmly.
It was then that the company departed the halls of the elven-king and began their new adventure.
A while later Tauriel noticed that Gimli was no longer riding beside her and Legolas. She looked back from Aranel and saw multiple elves with bemused expression passing Gimli as he nudged Nesseldë who stubbornly refused to move forward and held her ears back in irritation to Gimli's use of Khuzdul. Legolas noticed the direction of her gaze and looked back from Arod, before his perfect mouth twitched into a smile.
'I should have let him ride upon Arod with me, such as we used to. Yet the journey is so long, I thought he would be more comfortable this way. I fear I was wrong.' Legolas looked remorseful and Tauriel decided to take pity upon Gimli.
'Nesseldë, tolo.' Tauriel called back from the head of the column.
Nesseldë instantly pricked her ears forward at the sound of Tauriel's voice, and pranced forward to come alongside Aranel, utterly obedient as if nothing were amiss.
Tauriel chuckled as she reached over to pat Nesseldë's silver neck and Gimli muttered angrily.
'Ungrateful creature this one.'
'Do not take it to heart, dear Gimli. Nesseldë is young and prefers the company of elleth. She will grow to trust you in time.'
Nesseldë snorted as if to say 'I think not' as Gimli harrumphed in annoyance. Tauriel sighed.
This will be a long journey.
Each night the elves would camp and tend to the horses and sing songs to pass the time. The guard remained vigilant as Fin-galad was with them but there was little need for the lands were now peaceful and quiet.
Legolas hummed with growing excitement the closer they got to Gondor and even Gimli became merrier despite Nesseldë's indifference to him. Tauriel noticed that the other elves had detected the Prince's eagerness and they became infused with his anticipation.
One evening around two-thirds through their long journey, Tauriel scooped Fin-galad up from where he was watching Serilla inspect her healing herbs. Serilla smiled at Tauriel before fixing her dove grey eyes upon her son's that so mirrored her own.
'Be good my little one.' She said in a very motherly tone.
Fin-galad beamed at his Mother in response just like his Ada would.
Tauriel wandered to the crest of the hill they were camping by so that Fin-galad could see the stars shining above them. Fin-galad clung to her neck in happiness as Tauriel began to softly tell the story of Varda lighting the way for the Eldar to one day find their way back to Valinor.
The Captain looked down after a while and noticed Fin-galad had snuggled closer into her curtain of auburn hair and fallen into his waking dreams. Tauriel smiled and continued her contemplation of the ethereal beauty above her.
The sound of light footsteps made her turn softly to see Legolas a short distance away from them, smiling lovingly. The stars illuminated the Prince and his sea-blue eyes captured their light, causing Tauriel's heart to beat quickly at the sight.
He is so handsome, like a great King of old.
'Legolas' she called warmly in greeting.
The Prince looked from the stars, to her, to Fin-galad before gracefully moving forward to embrace them both in his strong arms.
'You would make the most beautiful Mother, meleth nîn.' Legolas reached between them to gently caress where Fin-galad's chestnut locks had entwined with her own auburn mane.
The comment shocked Tauriel and she hoped the dark of night cloaked her expression.
Me? A mother?!
Tauriel chose a safe reply. 'I should return Fin-galad to his parents so that he may properly rest for the journey tomorrow.'
Legolas looked down at the young elfling. 'Posto vae, little one.'
Tauriel was relieved as the company reached the lands of Gondor and home of King Elessar and Queen Arwen. The city of Minas Tirith made Tauriel gasp in awe. She had seen paintings and knew the history of the City of Kings but to actually see it in person was something else entirely.
It is magnificent. A true demonstration of the skill of mortal hands.
Tauriel looked across the great plains and saw that Ithilien was located a short distance from the White City, nestled along a beautiful curving river. The elves rode in graceful formation as their banners of the elven-king fluttered in the slight breeze.
A company of men flying banners of the White Tree was riding out from Ithilien to meet them and Legolas paused the company of elves between Minas Tirith and Ithilien to wait for them. Gimli clapped his hands together in joy as the riders drew closer. Far away though they were, Tauriel's keen eyes noticed a figure riding at the centre, robed in white and with golden hair flying back in the breeze.
The riders halted in front of the elves and a man clothed in the armour of Gondor rode forward to greet them.
'It is good to see you again, Prince Faramir of Ithilien.' Legolas extended his hand warmly.
'Aye laddie it is!' Gimli enthused.
'Welcome to Gondor, Prince Legolas, Lord Gimli and the elves of Eryn Lasgalen. On behalf of King Elessar and Queen Arwen, may I say that we are deeply honoured by your arrival and the King and Queen extend their greetings. They eagerly await you in the White City with a banquet held in your honour.'
'Hannon le. May I introduce you to my wife, Tauriel, Captain and Princess of Eryn Lasgalen.' Legolas smiled proudly at her, causing Tauriel to beam before looking back to Faramir.
Tauriel looked in Faramir's blue eyes and sensed a just and fair-minded man just as Legolas and Gimli had described to her. She knew that she would like him.
Faramir bowed and Tauriel was warmly surprised when he greeted her in the elven fashion. 'Mae g'ovannen, my lady. Like you, I am Captain of Gondor, I sense that we will have much in common to discuss.'
Tauriel smiled. 'I look forward to it, Captain Faramir.'
'May I introduce, Lady Éowyn of Rohan and princess of Ithilien, along with our son Elboron.' Tauriel felt warm at the utter love in Faramir's gaze as he turned to his wife who had a small bundle cradled against her chest.
Children of Rohan were always comfortable upon horseback, no matter how young they were. Rohirric horses like elven horses, would never let their riders fall, so the child was quite safe.
Éowyn was beautiful with her pale golden hair framed by her flowing white robes. Tauriel saw that she carried a sword and a shield painted with the white horse of Rohan upon her saddle.
A Shieldmaiden!
Legolas turned to the white lady of Rohan beside Faramir. 'It is good to see you again, Lady Éowyn, and congratulations, Elboron is fortunate to have such fearless and loyal parents as yourselves.'
Éowyn smiled and returned the greeting to Legolas and Gimli before fixing her blue eyes upon Tauriel. 'Greetings Tauriel of Eryn Lasgalen. I am honoured to meet you and look forward to hearing tales of your life as Captain, if you are willing to indulge me of course.'
Tauriel sensed a kindred spirit in this woman of Rohan.
'I am honoured to meet a Shieldmaiden of Rohan, Lady Éowyn, slayer of Nazgûl.' Tauriel said excitedly.
Éowyn blushed and gave a modest smile in return.
'So much for formalities, where is the salted pork? These elves are happy to nibble a root and be content but Aragorn sympathises with the plight of a dwarf with elves for friends!' Gimli announced under his bushy eyebrows and Tauriel sniggered.
Legolas laughed and shot a sympathetic glance at Faramir who seemed to take it all in stride.
'Apologies, my Lord Gimli. Let me lead the way to the halls of the King whom I know has made every effort to prepare for your stay.' Faramir countered.
'Good good, thank you Faramir. It has been a long journey I tell you.' Gimli sighed.
Nesseldë gave a low whicker as if in confirmation and Tauriel had to bite her lip in amusement.
Tauriel rode in between Èowyn and Legolas as they turned towards Minas Tirith, the companies of elves and men merging as one, polite talk passing between the two peoples.
Conversation flowed easily between Tauriel and Èowyn, who every now and then caressed the little one tucked against her chest.
The silver trumpets of Gondor sounded their approach to the City and Gimli roared in delight as the great Gates of the King opened to welcome their arrival.