Trumpets sounded, the sounds of footsteps running could be heard, from inside her room, Adara heard the commotion from the main square. She finished dressing quickly and opened her door. As she exited, she saw Legolas walking to her.
"What is going on?" She asked.
"I don't know, but what ever it is, it isn't good." Legolas answered. Legolas took her hand and kissed her quickly on the lips, then they ran to see what had caused all of the anxiety. As they rounded a corner, they saw Strider and Arwen, also heading for the square.
As they neared the square they could see many people who had not been in Rivendell for a very long time. Lady Galadriel, Haldir, Gandalf to name a few. They stood and listened, soon all was made clear.
"Something or someone is building an army to which we have never seen before, the eye of Sauron is again atop the tower. All of the free people have much to worry about. War is coming!" Gandalf stated and looked about him.
"Gandalf speaks the truth, Orc armies are all about, not running making their usual mischief, they are now rallied, organized. Woe to the free lands, woe to all." Galadriel stated.
"We must find a way to stop this before it goes any farther. I have a plan, if it works the way I am hoping, we will never have to worry about Sauron again." Gandalf stated.
Adara watched and listened, she had heard these words before. From the mouths of her Fay kindred. Middle Earth was under siege.
"We need to have a gathering, a gathering of all the free people. Representatives of each race. The planning must commence soon, or all will be lost." Galadriel stated.
"Yes a gathering with in the next two years, when preparations are done, the representatives will be gathered." Elrond stated.
Legolas turned to Adara, "I must return to my people, I must talk with my father. I wish for you to accompany me." Legolas stated.
"Yes, of course. I must speak with Grandfather and Strider first. I want to go with you." Adara answered. Legolas smiled and nodded. Adara went to Strider and noticed that he looked much older then he had just a few days ago. She worried that the weight on his shoulders of his lineage was beginning to cause him strain.
"Brother, Legolas must go back to his father, he wants me to go with him. I too want to be with him." Adara smiled at Strider.
"Yes, by all means, go and be safe. Troubled times are coming, we must all strive to help one another. I love you Sister, I will miss you." Strider stated and hugged her close, kissing her forehead.
"I'll miss you, you be careful too. Until we meet again, Brother." Adara kissed his cheek and went to find her Grandfather. He stood with the others in the square, but his eyes were searching, when they lit upon Adara he left the group of elders and went to her.
"Child, you seek me?" Glorfindel asked.
"Yes, Grandfather, Legolas must return to his father. He wishes for me to go with him."
"Yes, it is the right thing to do. He is your other half, you must not be apart for long. Until we meet again, be safe." Glorfindel bent down and kissed her forehead and stroked the side of her cheek. He smiled, then hugged her closely. "Be very careful, you are all I have left of my beloved." Then he turn and walked back to the square.
As Adara was about to return to Legolas, Gandalf touched her on the shoulder. He smiled and bowed his head to her. "So, you have chosen an elf. I thought, you would probably not be able to resist young Legolas. Where do you go now, little one?" Gandalf asked.
"Legolas and I are returning to his father." Adara stated.
"Very good, be vigilant, cautious, enemies of freedom abound." Gandalf warned.
"We will, you be careful as well." Adara stated and gave the old wizard a kiss on the cheek. Gandalf smiled, then chuckled.
"We will see each other again, child." Gandalf stated. Adara turned and went to Legolas. They gathered their belongings and packed them, then secured the packs onto a horse and mounted their own. They rode just a few miles when they heard hooves coming up behind them. Legolas turned and waved, the twin sons of Elrond were to ride with them to Mirkwood.
Adara smiled at her uncles, they smiled in return and winked at her. "We have tidings to bestow on your father from our father. We must hurry, the enemies grow stronger with each passing day." Elladan stated.
They traveled fast and quiet, eating lamas bread and drinking water. It took them well over a week to reach the borders of Thranduil's kingdom. As they entered, they could feel the evil of the forest growing ever stronger. They were greeted and taken directly to Thranduil's throne room. On seeing his son, Adara and the sons of Lord Elrond, Thranduil rose and swept toward them.
"What has happened, you all looked so haggered?" Thranduil asked.
"Father, Sauron has returned, his power is great. Armies of Orcs and wild men are reeking havoc over the free lands." Legolas stated. Thranduil then looked at the sons of Elrond.
"What tidings do you bring from your father?" Thranduil asked.
"We bring news your Majesty, our father Lord Elrond beseeches you to send a group to represent your kingdom in the Gathering that is to be in Rivendell. Lord Elrond, hopes that you are well and wishes you only the best." Elladan stated and bowed to the Elven king.
"A gathering of all the Free Lands. Yes I figured things were coming to that. The murmurs from the forest and the actions of Dol Guldur are intensive, war is not far from us. Tell your father that when the Gathering starts, a delegation will be there from the Woodland Realm." Thranduil stated and watched as the twins bowed and left quickly. Then he turned and walked down the steps and straight to Adara. He looked her over and smiled. "I am glad to see you well and with out any marks. Tell me, how is your heart fairing these days?" He asked.
"Very well, your majesty. My heart is on the mend, thanks to your son." Adara stated. Thranduil smiled and put his arms around both of their shoulders.
"I am so glad to see the both of you. It has been many years. Now let us retire to the table, a feast for the return of my children." Thranduil stated and smiled.
Legolas and Adara talked with Thranduil and the other guests. They learned that the Orcs were indeed up to something. The darkness over the forest was becoming more dense. After the feast, Thranduil sat with them in his living quarters and thought quietly. Then he looked at his son.
"You wish to go to the gathering, both of you?" Thranduil asked.
"Yes father, Strider will need friends about him." Legolas stated.
"Very well, but three of my best guards will accompany you to the gathering." Thranduil stated.
"Thank you father, we must leave by no later then fall, until then we will reside here. There is much to do." Legolas stated.
"Adara, you are welcome to remain here. Although, I surmise that you will go where ever my son goes." Thranduil stated.
"Yes your majesty." Adara stated.
Legolas and Adara remained for several months with Thranduil, as the first hint of winter came they readied their mounts and headed back to Rivendell. When they arrived they met a scouting party from Rivendell and returned with them. Several days later the gathering began and Adara stood next to Legolas in the square. She looked about and saw several races present.
She had talked with old Bilbo Baggins and he was amazed to see her as young as he had fifty years in the past. He introduced her to his ward Frodo and the other Hobbits. She then introduced herself to the Dwarfs, she told them that she had accompanied their kin and talked of Thorin and the others. Gimli could not believe his ears when she told of her time spent with his father Gloin and the others. He had been told about the lovely young woman who had helped them on the journey. Gimli had always been intrigued by the woman they called Beauty.
As the day of the Gathering commenced she stood watching and listening. Elrond greeted all, then told how some one needed to volunteer to destroy the ring. When Frodo stepped forward quietly and took the burden, she smiled. For one so small he was more brave then most.
When Legolas swore his loyalty to Frodo, she also swore hers and offered her swords and bow to aid him. The following morning the Fellowship left Rivendell. Nine in the fellowship, not ten, for Elrond stated that Legolas and Adara were two halves of a whole.
As the they began their journey, all were quiet. When at last they stopped and made camp for the night, Adara was introduced to Boromir of Gondor. He was rude and did not like that a woman was with the group.
Legolas and he instantly disliked one another. Making Legolas less an enemy to Gimli then the Dwarf would have thought. Gimli did not like or trust the man of Gondor. Something was off about him.
"Brother, what think you of Boromir?" Adara asked Strider now known as Aragorn, as they took the first watch.
"He is brave, gallant, caring and a bit confused. He means no harm to you Adara, just feels that a woman should be taken care of, not to be in warfare." Aragorn stated.
"Do you think that he will be come less of an annoyance after he sees how well equipped I am to fight?" Adara asked still feeling quite miffed at the snobbish Steward.
"I can only hope, I like Boromir, but something about him makes me wary. The ring can corrupt even the most pure at heart." Aragorn stated.
"Yes, I noticed how he stared at it during the council of Lord Elrond. We must keep an eye on him and two on Frodo, especially when he is nearby." Adara stated.
"I agree, tell Legolas that I wish to speak with him and Gimli, do it without drawing any attention from Boromir. Then talk with Gandalf, we must all be vigilant." Aragorn stated and watched his sister walk back to the camp. He watched her go up to Legolas and smiled when she sat on the elf prince's lap. Legolas smiled wide and hugged her to him. She kissed his earlobe and Aragorn new that she was telling him of their conversation. Legolas' smile did not falter.
When Adara rose, she kissed him softly, but the kiss lingered. Aragorn was happy that she had let Legolas in her heart fully. He was the perfect other half of his sweet adopted sister. Aragorn then looked at Boromir and the look on his face, Aragorn did not like. Adara's beauty was always at the forefront, and now Aragorn could see that, Boromir was not just merely against having a woman along, but he was against her being with an elf. Aragorn shook his head, he would have to explain to the man from Gondor, that Adara was part elf herself.
As Adara left Legolas, unwillingly so, she went to sit next to Gandalf. He smiled at her and puffed on his pipe.
"What is the matter child, you look like you are about to cry?" Gandalf stated and smiled at his beautiful friend.
"Aragorn and I are worried, Boromir, held his gaze on the ring far to long and his wanting to use its power makes us uncomfortable for Frodo." Adara stated inhaling deeply at the end of her speech.
"Yes, I had noticed as will. What do you propose?" Gandalf looked at Adara and waited.
"We want to be vigilant in keeping Frodo from being with Boromir alone, even now he watches him constantly." Adara stated.
"No, not only Frodo, his eyes have been on you as will. I believe that he must be informed of your Elven heritage before he makes a scene with your Legolas. I believe Boromir thinks you are full human." Gandalf explained, he looked at Aragorn and nodded as the ranger nodded to him. "I am sure that Aragorn, will be setting him straight where you are concerned."
"Boromir, is attracted to me? No! I don't even like him. He makes me feel like my flesh is creeping." Adara stated and grimaced.
"Never the less, he is a man, and you are a beauty." Gandalf stated.
"I'm going to sit with the hobbits, Merry and Pippin are cute and funny. Frodo is sweet, and Sam, Sam is all about taking care of Frodo." Adara stated and rose.
"Be careful though, they might be hobbits, but Merry is quite taken with you already. I believe he will make sure you know he is interested very soon. Pippin, he also swoons every time you smile at him. Sam, you are right, he thinks only of his master. Frodo, noticed you too, but his burden is too great." Gandalf stated and smiled at the hobbits.
"They are a brave people. I remember how Bilbo saved me several times. I missed him, when he went away all those years ago." Adara stated and wiped at an unshed tear.
"Yes, they are brave, kind, and everything else good in the world, but even their kind can be corrupted." Gandalf stated.
"Yes, I remember the story you told me of Gollum. It is very sad." Adara stated and turned, walking toward the hobbits. When she came with in hearing distance, she called out to them and they all smiled and Frodo waved her over.
"Lady Adara, would you like something to eat, drink?" Sam asked kindly.
"Yes Sam, a cup of calming tea would be excellent, and perhaps some lamas bread." Adara accepted.
"Lamas bread, no you won't, I have biscuits and sausage enough for you and any others who would like them. Lamas bread, I don't know what elves see in it." Sam stated then went off mumbling as he made her tea and a plate of food.
"Don't mind Sam, Lady Adara. He is somewhat of a mother hen." Pippin stated.
"I think it's very sweet. I think all four of you are equally sweet and kind. Bilbo always made sure I was comfortable when we walked with the company of Durin. I missed him when he returned to the Shire." Adara stated.
"I can't believe you were the beautiful woman that Bilbo always told us about, how you could entrance even an Orc." Pippin stated.
"He exaggerated about my beauty, I have never entranced an Orc. Nor would I wish too." Adara stated and looked like she wanted to vomit.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to upset you, I know about your lost love. I'm so sorry." Pippin stated looking at her with tears about to slip from his eyes.
"It's alright, yes my love fell. Fili was so dear to me, as was his brother and uncle. I have found a new love, although Fili will always be my first. I miss him every moment of everyday, but Legolas is my new love and my best friend. He will never take Fili's place in my heart, his has its own place. My heart is large, I have room to love both." Adara stated and felt the tears begin to slide down her cheeks. Merry stood and walked to her and sat next to her. He handed her a pretty white handkerchief, then kissed her gently on the her hand before she could move it to her eyes. Adara smiled at him, he reminded her of Fili. Quiet and kind at times and fun and playful at others.
"What did you do!" Sam yelled at the others. "Why is Lady Adara weeping?"
"They just brought back memories, Sam. Some happy, others sad." Adara stated and wiped her eyes.
Aragorn watched from the other side of camp, he, Legolas and Gimli stood talking. "I believe you have some competition, Legolas."
Legolas turned and glared toward Boromir.
"Not Boromir, Merry." Gimli chuckled. As they watched the tallest of the hobbits stand and take a handkerchief to Adara, then kiss the knuckles of her hand, making her blush.
"Great, it's always the quiet ones." Legolas laughed and rolled his eyes. "First a dwarf and now a hobbit." He smiled and slapped his hand in a friendly manner on Gimli's shoulder.
"Careful elf." Gimli joked back.
"I will take Frodo and Sam with me as we start off, Gimli you take Merry and Pippin. At half day we will let Frodo and Sam go with Adara and Merry and Pippin with Boromir. He is not interested in anything, but their well being. Gandalf will take Frodo and Sam the following day and so on.
"Do you think that I need to worry about the hobbit?" Legolas asked Aragorn.
"You never know, but I believe that she loves you Legolas. Fili will always be her first love. First loves are always there. Merry is mischievous, as will as a charmer." Aragorn teased.
"Thanks, I think." Legolas stated and went to take his watch on the other side of the fire.
"Are you worried about the hobbit leading her astray?" Gimli asked Aragorn.
"No, I just like to keep Legolas on his toes." Aragorn smiled and clapped the dwarf on the back. They both laughed.
As Adara chatted with the hobbits and sipped her tea and ate the delicious meal, she smiled and giggled. Legolas watched constantly out of the corner of his right eye. He swallowed dryly every time Merry touched her arm, brushed her hair back, touched her hand, smiled at her. He couldn't believe it, he was jealous of a hobbit!
After another hour, Adara thanked them and rose, Merry rose as well and took her hand and kissed it gallantly, then bowed to her. She smiled and touched his shoulder, then turned to walk back to her brother.
"I think you should know, that Legolas is jealous. He never let his eyes move from you, even though he kept guard as always." Aragorn told his sister.
"What did you tell him? He wouldn't have even noticed I was with them if you hadn't mentioned something." Adara stated her hands on her hips.
"I only told him what I saw, he has competition." Aragorn smiled.
"Don't be ridiculous, we were only talking." Adara stated defensively.
"Oh, and young Merry doesn't remind you of a certain blonde dwarf?" Aragorn stated and winked.
"How do you do that? How do you always know what I'm thinking?" Adara stated and shook her head.
"Because sister, we think alike. And I know you love Legolas. I told him that too." Aragorn stated.
"But?" Adara stated tapping her foot.
"But, I told him you never know. I just don't want him to take your relationship for granted." Aragorn stated and smiled sweetly.
"You know, sometimes, I could just kick you!" Adara stated and stomped toward Legolas. Who quickly acted as though he hadn't been watching and listening with his marvelous Elven hearing.
"Legolas, don't worry. I love you. Merry is sweet, but you are mine." Adara stated in a whisper behind him. When Legolas turned around he was smiling.
"I know and I love you, and you are mine. Aragorn likes to keep me thinking." Legolas stated and took her hands, pulling her into his embrace. He kissed the top of her head and caressed her shoulders. "Sh' mai."
The next morning they headed out, Legolas and Boromir bringing up the rear. Frodo, Sam and Aragorn in the front, Gimli with Merry and Pippin next then Adara and Gandalf.