Thorn among the Roses
Disclaimer: I do not own Lord of the Rings or its characters the only characters I have made up I own, exe. Phoenix Star and Natalia.
Chapter 2 - Receiving News
As Legolas journeys to Rivendell things begin to stir up in Lothlorien. The entire land was preparing for the departure of their queen.
"My lady is this not wonderful," Laurinnia exclaimed "you have not stepped foot outside of these woods in ages."
"Yes my child, it is wonderful to leave these woods," Galadriel nodded smiling, "for I have not seen my granddaughter in many years."
"Now, I have many things that I must do today," Galadriel stood, "will you please fetch the lady Phoenix for me, and I desire a word with her."
"Of course my lady," Laurinnia smiled as she curtsied and left in search of her friend.
She rushed down the hall, flaxen hair streaming behind her as she ran. Much to her embarrassment she collided with someone when she came around a bend. Standing quickly she looked down at the floor apologizing as she blushed. The deep laugh made her look up and blush even more. Standing before here was Haldir the captain of Galadriel's guard.
"Do not apologize so, fair lady," Haldir bowed to her, "for you did not harm me and it was but an accident."
"Yes, it was an accident my lord," Laurinnia nodded, "now if you would please excuse me. No wait, perhaps you can help me, I am looking for the Lady Phoenix, and do you know where she might be?"
"You should try the practice field or mayhap the gardens," Haldir shrugged, "she was training only an hour ago."
"Thank you good sir," Laurinnia smiled and went to leave but Haldir stopped her.
"Wait my lady; may I have your name?" Haldir cocked his head to the left and smiled.
"Laurinnia," she smiled as he let her go.
"Farwell Laurinnia," Haldir smiled, "I shall see you again."
Laurinnia blushed and fled out down the hall towards the forest floor. Upon reaching the training fields she stopped and took a breath before she went any farther. Surveying her surroundings she quickly found who she was looking for. Phoenix was sparring with a member of the royal guard and winning. Laurinnia waited and watched as Phoenix circled her opponent her crimson hair twirling as she quickly attacked swinging her sword as fiercely as a lion guarding her young. The elf she was fighting was good but did not seem to be able to block her blows fast enough. She spun and swung her sword, left then right. Her opponent started to slow down and seemed to tire. The guard was defeated shortly after by a blow that if properly done would have separated his head from his body. Phoenix laughed and sheathed her sword before bowing to her opponent and leaving the field to grab a towel to wipe the sweat from her brow. Phoenix smiled and laughed as Laurinnia waved her friend over.
"Ah, Laurinnia, it is good to see you;" Phoenix smiled and wiped her face with the towel, "what brings you down here?"
"I have been sent to bring you to the queen," Laurinnia smiled, "she wishes to speak to you, maybe we should clean you up first though,"
Phoenix looked down at her tunic and leggings and laughed, Laurinnia laughing with her as they started to ascend up to the palace among the trees. Laurinnia telling her about her run in with the captain of the guard and her embarrassment. They reached Phoenix's chamber shortly and she took a quick bath and changed into a deep red silken gown that accented the deep rich color of her hair. The only jewelry she put on was a golden filet on her brow. Laurinnia helped pull her hair away from her face into a braid and they left the chamber. They arrived at Galadriel's chamber and parted, Phoenix going into the chamber and Laurinnia retreating down the hall to her own chamber.
"Ah Phoenix, it is good to see you dressed so," Galadriel smiled, "it is better than I could have hoped for, did Laurinnia help you with your garments."
"Yes my lady, I was on the practice field sparing with Milacron when she came upon me," Phoenix blushed, "she was most helpful."
"I can see, now I wish to inform you that you will be accompanying me on my journey to Rivendell," Galadriel smiled softly.
"My lady, it would be an honor to guard you," Phoenix bowed, "when do we depart?"
"Not as my guard my sweetling," Galadriel laughed, "I wish for you to come and present yourself as a lady of my court should, Haldir will be my guard for the trip."
"But my lady." Phoenix shook her head, "I am a warrior not a lady of the court."
"You are of noble birth and must act it my dear," Galadriel frowned, "your dear parents trusted that I would raise you as a lady, who you are but perhaps I let you train too much."
"I am made to be a warrior, I am not fair enough to be a part of your glittering court," Phoenix protested, "I feel awkward in dresses and naked without my sword."
"Though your choice of comparison is amusing, you must do as our Queen wishes Lady Star," Haldir smiled as he stepped out of a curtained alcove.
"Sir, I did not now you were in the chamber," Phoenix blushed, "I would not of spoken so if I did."
"You are a great warrior and a fine lady Phoenix," Haldir nodded his fair head, "you must prove to everyone you are not just a pretty face, I understand this but please, is it not time that you found a husband?"
"I have not given it much thought my lord," she shook her head, "I can not be tied down, I enjoy my freedom and I do not believe a husband would approve of having a warrior as a wife."
"Be that as it may you surely will find a man worthy of your skills," Galadriel spoke, "maybe a fellow warrior, one who understands your passions."
"I do not know any man who would do so," Phoenix frowned, "most of the guards treat me as an equal or a little sister not as a potential bride."
"Do not underestimate your appeal my dear," Galadriel smiled knowingly, "I know of at least one elf who would like your hand in marriage if you would have him."
"Surely you jest," Phoenix frowned, "I have not been informed of this, why does he not come forward and ask to court me?"
"Because my lovely little warrior," Haldir smiled, "I did not believe you would never give this old man the time of day."
Phoenix's eyes widened and her mouth hung open in disbelief. Haldir is one of the most handsome elves in the land, not to mention one of the best warriors, what would he want with a short, stubborn elf like me? Phoenix thought to herself. Oh what on earth should I do? Do I accept and let him court me? She looked at Galadriel for help knowing she would know what to do.
"I would let him court you my dear," Galadriel smiled, "he is the bravest elf I know not to mention he would treat you right."
"If Galadriel consents than you have my permission to court me," Phoenix smiled, "now, if my Lord and Lady would permit it I wish to retire to my chamber, I have much to do before supper."
"Of course my lady," Haldir smiled as he took her hands in his and kissed them, "shall I escort you to supper tonight?"
"Umm. Yes, that sounds wonderful," Phoenix flashed a nervous smile, "'til tonight, my lord."
Phoenix hurried out of the chamber and towards her own; halfway there she heard Laurinnia's sing song voice calling her name. Laurinnia rushed down the hall to Phoenix's side.
"I'm so glad I caught you," Laurinnia smiled, "what did she want to talk to you about?"
"I am going to Rivendell with the court," Phoenix frowned, "'and to speak about marriage."
"Why frown I thought you wanted to travel and see Rivendell," Laurinnia frowned, "and what is wrong about finding a husband you are over 1000 years old, most women are married when they are 800 you're a bit behind."
"I do not enjoy having to act like a proper lady, nor are suitors lining up to court me," Phoenix shrugged, "besides one that is."
"WHAT!!!" Laurinnia shrieked, "who, who wants to court you? Did you consent it; is Galadriel pleased? Tell me please!"
"First, it is Lord Haldir," Phoenix took a deep breath as her friend shrieked again, "second; yes I consented because Galadriel was pleased."
"You are so lucky." Laurinnia sighed, "think about it he is the most eligible elf in all of Lorien."
"You do have a point there," Phoenix giggled as they entered her chambers.
"Does this mean you will be wearing more gowns and training less?" Laurinnia asked as she settled into a chair by a window.
"No, he knows I refuse to give up on my training," Phoenix shook her head as she sat down in the chair opposite on her friend.
"Well, I guess you are lucky," Laurinnia laughed, "maybe you have found your other half,"
"Be silent, I will have no more of it," Phoenix put a hand up to silence her, "we have other matters to discuss, like what am I going to do about my hair for this evening?"
They both laughed and talked about what they could do with Phoenixes long locks. After settling on having them put up and twisted into small intricate braids, bound by sapphire and ruby barrettes. The gown for the evening would be elegant with long flowing sleeves; the bodice would be low, made out of deep blue velvet with scarlet birds embroidered on the sides. It flowed to the floor in the same blue only satin. The birds were her namesakes and her eyes sparkled, the light blue with its streaks of dark blue throughout and lining the edges of her irises. Haldir was speechless when he collected her for the meal. Never had he seen her dressed so, her hair and eyes standing out, she was truly the most beautiful elf he had ever seen.
"Is there something wrong my lord?" Phoenix frowned when he did not respond, "my lord?"
"What, oh, no," Haldir replied regaining his composure, "nothing is wrong, and please, call me Haldir."
"Yes my. Haldir," she smiled and took his arm, "'you may call me Phoenix."
"You are truly beautiful Phoenix," Haldir smiled, "You are like a rose among a patch of thorns."
They slowly made there way to the banquet hall a silence falling between them, before entering Phoenix frowned and turned to Haldir.
"I think you will not believe so when we enter the hall," Phoenix looked down, "compared to the other ladies in the court I am but a thorn among the roses."
Author's notes: I hope you liked this chapter; I am going through all of them and revising them. Thank you all who have reviewed and let me know if the changes work!