Firstly, as always, I must start by apologising for the lack of updates…
And secondly I must cheer loudly for getting 100 reviews and over 6,000 hits! does a happy dance I really can't thank everyone enough! It's been over a year since I started writing this and I'm currently on 35,000 words and 60 pages! That's almost half a novel! I know I'm slow with updating but I hope you all stick with me, I've had a bit of a shlump on writing but I'm getting back into it so I hope you all enjoy this chapter and the next one will be up soon. No, really.
Elanor hurried back to her room and quickly she removed her finer robes, pulling on her familiar rangers' garb. She grabbed at a piece of parchment on her desk and hastily scribbled a note,
Aragorn has need of his kindred. Let the Dunedain ride to the golden woods and then to him in Rohan.
She carefully folded the note and placed it in her pocket. As she turned to leave she caught her own reflection in the mirror. In the months she had resided here Elanor had worn her rangers' clothes very little. Seeing them once more reminded her of how she once was. She was a ranger now, a dunedain once more. Elanor gather the rest of her things, including the letters Legolas had sent her. Elanor took a deep breathe and walked to her door, pausing as she moved to step through it. Turning slowly her eyes rested on the sheathed sword that still laying unmoved from its spot against her wall. She stood staring at it for a moment before striding across the room, lifted it to her side and finally left her room.
Elanor walked briskly through the corridors down to the courtyard where Lord Elrond sat mounted upon a brilliant grey mare. A few others were saddled beside him including Glorfindel and, to Elanors surprise, Arwen. Lord Elrond smiled down at her,
"I know there is nothing I can say to have you change your mind." He said. "You are too much like my daughter."
Elrond looked over to Arwen as he spoke, his eyes holding both sadness and pride. Elanor smiled,
"You are to ride with us?" she asked, turning to Arwen.
"Only as far as the golden woods." She replied. Elanor nodded and walked towards Aeglos, who stood saddled and waiting. Elanor turned to the stable hand holding her reins and handed him the parchment,
"Send this to my kin in the north." She told him. The elf looked at her and bowed, running off to the aviaries. "I have sent word to Talin and the others." She explained as she mounted her horse, "If war is truly upon us we shall need all the help we can."
Elrond nodded and nudged his horse forward, calling out in elvish for the others to follow. Arwen trotted forward, ride along side her father, with Elanor and the others behind. Glorfindel drew along side Elanor and turned to her,
"He will be there." He said, his eyes watching her carefully, "Both of my Lords' sons reside with their grandmother. If you do not wish it, we do not force you to come."
"No." Elanor said, "I think it is time that we meet."
"Then you are most welcome, Elanor Peredhil." Glorfindel smiled, inclining his head to her, "And know you do not face this alone."
Elanor smiled, finding it strange to hear the new name she was given, stranger still that she did not mind. Together they rode onwards, a hand covering the sword by her side.
Many days of travel passed and even Elanor, who was an accomplished rider, grew weary of the journey. As they left the mountain pass, Elanor sighed in relief as the air grew warmer and the sky lighter.
"There lie the borders of Lorien." Glorfindel said, pointing to edge of tall woodland trees that stood some ways before them. "We shall have rest and warm beds before nightfall."
Elanor tried to laugh but found the noise caught in her throat. Elanor felt her heart clench as she looked into the woods and the warmth of the air could not stop the shiver that coursed through her.
"My Lady? Glorfindel asked her when she did not reply.
"All this time has past. Will he even know who I am?" she asked him, her voice low.
"My lord has sent word to your father. He knows you are coming."
Their company stopped at the borders of the trees and Arwen rode around to stand beside her,
"Are you ready?" The elleth asked her. Elanor took a deep breathe and nodded and slowly they trotted forward, leading the others into the woods.
They rode through woodland paths until they reached a stream that ran across their path. It was here lord Elrond called out for them to stop. As they stood Elanor looked around confused, but paused as she caught the movement of figures in the trees. Instinctively she reached for her sword but Glorfindel lent over and stayed her hand. The figures grew nearer and as the emerged, Elanor heard Elrond call out in greeting. Two elves, both golden haired and clad in silver and white returned the greeting and stood at the other side of the stream.
"The Lady of light bids welcome to the house of Elrond." One elf spoke, bowing low. Elrond nodded and the group moved forwards across the water. As they followed Elanor lent over and spoke to Arwen,
"Should I not be blindfolded?" She asked, remembering what Legolas written in one of his letters. Arwen smiled and shook her head, "Our kin are welcome here."
Elanor gave a small laugh and smiled, trying hard to ignore the rapid beating in her chest.
Before them the path began to widen and great trees appeared. Elanor stared in amazement as buildings appeared in the branches of the trees with large winding staircases leading up around the trunks. Silver lights glowed high above as if the leaves themselves shone with some inner light. As they trotted down the path, a new sudden dread filled Elanor. Soon she would meet him. The one person she had tried to forget. All her thoughts and feelings came back in floods of mixed emotions. Would she recognise him? Would she feel blame towards him? Would he even want to see her?
Their party pulled to a stop at the foot of a large stair case that curved up into the trees. They dismounted and stood patiently, waiting for what Elanor did not know. Then movement at the top of the stairs caught her eye. She stared as two magnificent figures walked down towards them. The soft light from the trees surrounded the pair, illuminating them in an ethereal glow. The background seemed to fade as the two elves stepped towards them.
The background seemed to dull as the two elves stepped towards them. Elanor knew, without any doubt, who they were. She watched as Arwen swept forward, embracing her grandmother and Elrond spoke softly with Celeborn. The Lord and Lady of Lorien met each of their party in turn, moving softly and speaking warmly to each of their kin.
Elanor bowed low as the lady of Lothlorien stood before her, but found she was unable to tear her eyes away from the Lady's piercing orbs. She stood frozen and all thought left her. Voices whispered in her head, but none clearly enough for Elanor to hear. She thought she heard her mother and tried to call out but her mouth would not move. Blankly she stared ahead and a soft voice rang through her head,
"Welcome Elentári of Rivendell."
The Lady had spoke to her but her mouth did not move. Suddenly a warm wave washed over her. Elanor blinked and gasped, as if the function to breathe had suddenly returned to her. The ranger looked around but Galadriel had gone and Arwen now stood beside her smiling gently. The elf took her hand and lead her up the steps, following the others how had already ascended.
"What just happened?" Elanor asked confused, her head still foggy. Arwen smiled reassuringly,
"Do not fear Elanor. Our Grandmother is one of the eldest of our kin and possesses great power. You are safe here."
Elanor merely nodded, not entirely convinced. Instinctively her hand reached to her side where she found the comforting feel of the cold metal of her hilt. She paused before letting her hand drop guiltily. Arwen had told her she was in no danger and she trusted her, but something nagged at her heart. What had Galadriel done to her… and what other powers did she possess?
Was I the only one who found Galadriel a bit creepy? I loved how in the movies she was a force for good but could still be tempted by the dark. I kinda want to play on that a little bit. In case it isn't totally clear, I have kind of gone with the movie for the beginning parts of the story but the ending will be closer to the book, because that has the brothers in it more!
Next chapter: More of Galadriel and hopefully, Elanors fateful meeting with Elrohir.