Haldir led the Fellowship along the wandering paths of Lothlorien, getting ever closer to the center. Aragorn and Frodo led the way, with Natasha and Legolas close behind. Merry, Pippin and Sam followed closely behind though they had to be pushed a couple times by Gimli who was following them, when they stopped to stare in wonder at something or other. Boromir brought up the rear, though he too occasionally had to jog to catch up.
Arwen, Haldir's wife met them along the way, with quick refreshment before they climbed the tall, winding staircase to speak to the Lord and Lady of the Wood. She greeted her foster brother with a hug and kiss to the cheek, but said not a word, as she guided them up the staircase. As the Fellowship climbed, they could see that trees as far as the eye could see had staircases winding around their trunks, connecting the talans above to the ground below. Each talan was then connected to other talans with bridges, so much so that one could potentially get around the city without once touching the ground.
The way up was long and Haldir courteously stopped several times to allow all to recover slightly before carrying on, but eventually all the members of the Fellowship stood on the first talan of the tree that was the home of Lady Galadriel and her husband, Lord Celeborn.
"Welcome to Lothlorien." Lord Celeborn said.
Aragorn bowed slightly, and the rest of the Fellowship followed suit. The hobbits stared in wonder at the woman before them, for she was more beautiful than anything they had seen yet. The Lady Galadriel seemed to glow with an inner light, but it was her eyes that were the most fascinating thing. For in them, one could see the light of the stars, even when the stars were not out. They were old, very ancient eyes, and very wise. But they were kind eyes and so the hobbits felt at ease when she turned her attention to them.
Lady Galadriel gazed at each member of the Fellowship in turn, listening to what Aragorn was reporting to her husband, of the way from Rivendell, and the fall of Gandalf in Khazad-dum. Natasha met her gaze, and felt a brief touch on her mind and allowed the Lady entry.
You have suffered much with the passing of Mithrandir. The Lady said in her mind. But I see a time when that suffering will end. You need not feel sorrow forever. Instead rejoice in the beauty and joy of today. For it can be taken away as quickly as Mithrandir.
I hear you, Lady. But the pain is great, without the tea the healer gave me, I would not now be able to think enough to permit such speech. Natasha replied, bowing her head slightly, and blinking back tears. I do not know if this pain shall ever go away.
It will. And in the way you least expect. But does not your pain leave, and your mind clear when Legolas or Aragorn are near? The Lady smiled knowingly, chuckling softly in her mind when Natasha blushed. Do not be embarrassed, young one. There is a reason for this, but you will need to discover that reason for yourself.
Aragorn had finished his report, and all of the Fellowship had spoken with Lady Galadriel in their minds, as Natasha was to find out later, but now the Lady simply extended her arms and welcomed the Fellowship to her lands, inviting them to stay and rest before they must continue on their journey.
Haldir led them away to a pavilion where they would be able to rest, on the ground so as to be comfortable for the hobbits, with separate rooms for each. Food and drink had been laid out for them, and the hobbits fell to with gusto, complimenting the dishes they enjoyed and eating to their hearts content. Natasha smiled fondly but as the night passed, the ache in her mind renewed itself to the stabbing pain. She lost her focus and sat staring at nothing as she tried to deal with it and the pain of losing her mentor.
Seeing this, Aragorn gently took her elbow and led her away from the rest of the group and pulled her into his arms once they had reached a secluded spot. The dam broke but a moment later, and Natasha was sobbing into his shoulder. Legolas soon joined them, wrapping his arms around both of them and they shared their grief. Natasha's mind was clear of pain and haze and she reveled in it. She buried her nose in Aragorn's neck, and kissed it where a bit of skin was exposed. His breathed in surprise, and held her tighter, rubbing his hand against her back while the other stroked her hair. Legolas too was running his hand along her side, kissing her neck softly. Raising her head, Natasha leaned up and caught Aragorn's lips gently. She did the same with Legolas and then sat down upon the grass, smiling gently up at them, and patting the ground beside her. Legolas and Aragorn were quick and soon she was surrounded by warmth on both sides as their hands wandered over her body and each others, as her hands touched whatever she could. Both of them kissed her with vigor, dueling it out with each other to get to her, and enjoying every minute of the duel. She watched them kiss over her, feeling warm and wonderfully turned on, and she ran her fingers along each of their ears as they kissed each other. The two elves groaned in unison, their legs entwining with hers.
But the road had been long and emotional, and try as she might Natasha could not stop the yawn that escaped her mouth. Legolas and Aragorn, as though following the cue, yawned as well, smiling sheepishly.
"Perhaps we might finish this when we have rested a bit." Aragorn suggested, gently kissing her lips.
"I'd like that very much." Natasha grinned back, kissing him and Legolas in turn. "Stay here with me?" she asked, cuddling closer to Aragorn and pulling Legolas behind her, wrapping his arm firmly around her waist.
"Allow me to get us some blankets so that we are more comfortable." Legolas chuckled, and dashed away, returning quickly with pillows and blankets and arranging a bed of sorts for the three of them. "There now we will want for nothing in the night, as I for one, have no intention of moving away, or of letting either of you out of my reach for the foreseeable future."
Natasha and Aragorn chuckled and snuggled closer to Legolas under the blankets he pulled over the three of them. Soon all three were sound asleep, joining together in their dreams. Unbeknownst to them, a fourth person was hidden among the bushes. Hard, cold eyes watched the trio as they slept peacefully, envy in his heart.