I apologize for not writing for such a long period of time. Life is so busy for my husband and I right now. Our son is now just over a year old and is becoming more independent every day; hopefully this will lead to more time to write!

Preparations

Over the next several days, Legolas helped Maura prepare for the journey to Rivendell. Lembas was prepared stored in leaf wrappings. A seamstress took Maura's measurements and wove her beautiful tunics, leggings, and a cape to clothe her during the journey. Maura insisted on wearing her own riding boots as they were well broken in and were as comfortable as boots come. Both Legolas and Haldir insisted that Maura carry a weapon, against Maura's resistance, so a small dagger and sword was ordered from the smithy. When the weapons were handed to her, the blades were etched deeply with elegant elven script. Legolas told her that the script read "One who walks between worlds". Maura thought this was appropriate; she didn't know where she belonged or who she belonged to.

The preparations were almost final, even Folly was fitted with new shoes. The blacksmith thought that metal shoes on a horse was ingenious and copied the design of the old shoes to create the new ones. Folly had become quite an attraction in Lothlorien, horses were never used for pleasure before, only for necessity. Small groups of elves gathered early in the morning when Maura hacked Folly to keep him in shape. At first there were smirks from the elves; who would use a horse simply for their own selfish pleasure? But as a few days passed, those smirks were transformed into smiles of appreciation. The elves could see the unbreakable bond between Maura and Folly as they galloped through the trees, changing leads as they bent around corners, and soaring over downed trees and brush. While Maura was riding, it was as though she were deaf again. No sounds could be heard, the only things that existed were Folly's warm, strong body, the movement of his strides, and the path that lay at his hooves. It was heaven on earth.

During her stay, Legolas attempted to help Maura learn the Elvish tongue. However, she found the language difficult; her time living in silence had erased any prior knowledge of the language if any had remained. She couldn't force her tongue to create the beautiful words and the sentence structure was completely foreign, her hands couldn't help her. Although she could not speak or understand the language, Maura enjoyed listening to the elves tell stories at Twilight, when the sun was just a sliver of light on the horizon. The stories were music to her ears, tones and syllables became the notes and rhythm of songs. After living in silence for twenty years, it was hard to believe that there were so many sounds in life that Maura had missed out on.

Finally, all the bags were packed and the preparations were made. A traveling group of Legolas, Maura (and Folly of course) and a male elf warrior named Daeron. Daeron was young in elvish terms, only 1,003 years old, but was fierce with a sword and had deadly aim with a long bow and arrows.

On the eve of their departure, Galadriel held a feast in their honor of their journey's purpose. The food was aromatic and delicious, the mead and wine lay sweet upon the tongues of its drinker. The speeches were heartfelt and joyous, full of laughter and smiles.

Maura and the elves of Lothlorien were so enveloped in the occasion that none felt a shadow fall over them, but Folly did. His panicked whinny pierced the music and laughter and its high pitch brought terror to the hearts of all that heard. Panicked whispers erupted as the elves scanned the darkness beyond the light of the party. Galadriel quieted the crowd with a slash of her hand through the air.

"Legolas, you must take your party and depart now! I fear darkness has come and will continue to follow the quest at hand! Leave now and ride toward Rivendell, only there will you be safe for a while. A deadly force released by the finding of the one ring has is sweeping through Middle Earth, soon none will be safe. Folly did not scream in fear, but in warning. We must take heed!"

Legolas stood at once, sweeping his cloak to cover his shoulders in one swift movement. He did not speak but nodded with his head to Daeron and Maura who understood at once. Folly and two chestnut geldings were quickly saddled and the packed bags tied to saddles. Maura slipped her feet into her boots and raised the hood of her traveling cloak over her bound hair. To Rivendell!