Disclaimer: I own nothing except The Black Lady and The White Marsh

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Chapter 1

Merry sank to the ground, thoroughly soaked. They had been travelling east for three in the cold rain. It was night-time and the sky was coated in thick black clouds and they occasional bolt of lightening lit everything up to reveal in the far distance a wood of what looked like golden brown trees. Then the light would be gone and all Merry could see was a murky black shadow to the east.

"On your feet Merry. Its not far to go now. Can you see the woods of Lothlorien? There they are, to the east of us." It was Gandalf, towering over Merry looking out of place in his bright, white robes.

Merry hauled himself to his feet and answered, "It looks so different at night. Sort of sinister and dangerous."

"And don't you ever forget it Master Meriadoc. Elves are generally known as kindly folk and people forget that they are also powerful. Not all elves use their power for good." Gandalf smiled at Merry suddenly, a bright, brilliant smile and strode off to talk to Aragorn.

Merry turned to Pippin and frowned. Pippin shrugged heavily.

"I do wish they'd just tell us what's going on. It's all getting very annoying what with all the mysterious faces round here."

Don't worry Merry. I daresay we'll find out what's going on once we reach the Golden Wood."

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On entering Lothlorien they were escorted to a large platform where they were told that the Lady Galadriel had been expecting them.

They waited for what seemed like ages until the Lady of Light arrived. Unlike the first time Merry had met her she entered alone without her husband Celeborn at her side.

"Welcome my friends, to Lothlorien. You have travelled far and are weary I can see but you will not be shown to your chambers quite yet. There is a matter of urgency we must address."

Merry shifted uncomfortably. He dreaded the moment when Galadriel would turn her sea blue eyes to him so instead he stared hard at the floor. It seemed that he was finally about to find out what was going on.

"You intend to seek out the Lady of the White Marsh. I can help you there. But first I must stress that by doing this you are putting your lives on the line. She does not willingly let strangers enter her domain."

For some reason Merry noticed her eyes lingered on Legolas, as though waiting for his reaction. He stood perfectly still no trace of emotion visible on his face. He seemed tense and it was apparent to Merry that he would rather not be there.

"We know the risks my Lady. We are willing to take a chance. But you are the only one who knows the whereabouts of the Black Lady's kingdom and we need you to lead us there." Gandalf spoke with firm resolve.

"Very well. Tomorrow at first light you and your companions shall be blindfolded and we will take you to the White Marsh. The Black Lady would kill you for certain if she thought you knew how to find her kingdom."

"You may retire now. Gwalaith! Show our guests to they're chambers."