Disclaimer: Reference the disclaimer from the other chapters because I still have nothing to do with the original writings of Tolkien. James8 is beta-ing for me.

Chapter 15

Elle, Valandil, Haldir, Rumil, and most of the elven guard were ready to ride to Loth Lorien within an hour of being told. Haldir had swiftly set things into motion and orders were followed quickly. Elle had packed mostly, clothing for every day wear, but had also packed proper clothing, which included the dress her mother wore at special occasions bearing the Gaealis family symbol and her elven made dress. There were also the necessities that were needed for proper introductions. Haldir had been nice enough to advise bringing the Gaealis circlet that symbolized the ruling crown of Limduin. She had contacted the council members so they knew Orophin would be standing in her place at any meetings. There were none scheduled, but just in case.

Down the hall from her room, Elle stopped at Valandil's doorway and smirked as he finished packing his things quickly. She knew he was excited to be returning home so quickly, Haldir had said they would be visiting for about a week.

"Elle, I can't wait to show you my home." Valandil swung his pack across his shoulder and joined Elle at the door. He pulled her pack from her shoulder and pushed it onto his shoulder. Her smirk softened into a smile at his eagerness. "You have brought me into your home and there is so much I want to share with you in mine." They began a slow walk down the hall and turned down the stairs. "The Lady of Light will be able to answer all of our questions."

Elle nodded at Valandil. She did not tell him of her fears of meeting the Lady of Light. Elle knew her father had never met her personally, but had been in contact with her different times concerning issues of Limduin. He always spoke highly of her, but Elle was frightened of what she might say. They reached the courtyard where the elves stood waiting. The horses were ready to go and Haldir was just finishing speaking with Orophin. The brothers embraced, then Haldir leapt onto Nimrohspell's back. Elle retrieved her pack from Valandil and fixed her pack around her shoulders so it wouldn't jostle around uncomfortably then pulled herself onto Pharaohirrim. The colt seemed eager to be off as if he knew he was going somewhere new. Valandil sat beside her on his horse looking forward to the start of their journey.

"Fear not Lady Gaealis." Orophin spoke quietly by Elle's side. When he paused slightly longer than necessary, Elle had the distinct impression there was double meaning in his farewell. "I will care for your home as if it were my own."

Rumil chuckled from his horse's back. "Maybe we should leave someone else in charge then, hey Haldir? The manor will be out of food for the winter!" The elves laughed at the jest.

"Lets move." Haldir pushed Nimrohspell into a trot and the travelers moved out of the courtyard into the field towards Loth Lorien.

XxXxX

The ride to Loth Lorien was faster than Elle could have anticipated. The group had completed a little over half the trip in less than six hours at a steady canter with few stops. It was probably due to the use of elven horses. The elves were cheerful company retelling stories of adventures they had shared and had individually. Elle had the suspicion they were talking for her and Valandil's sakes. Valandil had fallen silent only after an hour of travel, apparently they were thinking along the same lines. He had yet to leave her side along the trail though.

Four and a half hours later, Elle and Pharaohirrim reached the top of a small hill and looked for the first time at the woods of Loth Lorien. Valandil's descriptions of his home did not do the forest justice even though he had tried. As she crested the hillside, Elle shivered. She wasn't sure, but she felt as though she had passed through a barrier of some kind. The woods splayed out across thousands of squares miles. They crossed into the thick of the woods after coming down the small hill and across a shrouded meadow. Ten feet into the woods, Haldir halted and whistled out an unusual birdcall. The group halted waiting for a reply. An elf stepped out from nowhere Elle could see.

"Lord Haldir. Galadriel and Celeborn await the news of your arrival." The guard moved back into the woods and was gone from sight. The group continued onward into the heart of the Golden Wood.

XxXxX

Elle settled Pharaohirrim into one of the open stalls in the Lorien stables. She was happy to see no doors, just a stall with an entranceway. Pharaohirrim would not have liked to been shut in. Of course they won't have doors, their elves. Elle joined Valandil in a group of elves near the entrance to the cleared area of the barn. He smiled warmly at her clearly thrilled to be home. They turned to find Haldir speaking to elves about accommodations.

"When does the Lady of Light expect them?" Haldir picked up his pack from the ground and shouldered it.

One of the new guards answered him. "Her Lady requests your group rest this night. She will receive them tomorrow for a lunch in her garden. She has already had dinners sent to your rooms."

Haldir nodded, "Where is Lady Gaealis to be?"

"She has a talan next to the Golden tree. I will be happy to escort her Lord Haldir." The young guardsmen nodded towards Elle.

Valandil stepped forward. "I'd like to go along as well."

The guardsman looked at him, "Lady Galadriel has made the talan next to Lady Gaealis' available to you, Lord Valandil."

"Very well." Haldir glanced at Elle and Valandil. "Please show us the way."

The group walked silently along the paths leading the way deeper into the Golden Woods. Elle felt so small next to the enormous trees, and noticed how the elves seemed to reflect the feeling the woods held. She turned to look at Valandil next to her. He almost looked younger in the glow of the woods. He turned to hold her gaze and smiled at her radiantly taking her hand in his.

The guardsman stepped up onto a platform and led the way up and around the large tree. He halted in front of a doorway. "Lady Gaealis, your talan. Lord Valandil, your talan is the one to the right."

Elle smiled at the guardsman before entering her dwelling for the week. She heard Haldir exchange a few words with him. Elle continued to look around the large sitting room and found her way into the bedroom off to the left hand side.

Valandil followed Elle through the talan to the bedroom. "I will be sleeping on the other side of that wall." He pointed to where the large bed rested against the back wall. "If you require anything…"

Elle grinned, "I'll just have to knock."

"Elle."

They turned towards the doorway at the voice.

Haldir stood just outside the door. "Rumil would like to check your bandages, but suggested you take a bath so he can wrap it for the evening."

"That does sound like an idea." Elle placed her pack on the floor.

"I'll have hot water sent to your bath then. Until then, why don't you and Valandil eat." Haldir motioned out towards the sitting room. "Lady Galadriel has already sent a dinner."

Elle and Valandil returned to the sitting room. "Will you be joining us?" Elle glanced at Haldir, Rumil, and the guardsman.

"Not this eve. The water will arrive shortly. I suggest you get an early night then Lady Gaealis. It has been a long ride and Rumil is worried about your shoulder." Haldir grinned at his brother.

"Nonsense. Lady Gaealis, I will return in an hour to dress your wound. Lady Galadriel had a special ointment prepared to help you heal faster." Rumil closed the talan door behind them as they left.

Elle and Valandil had a leisurely dinner before the water arrived for both of them. "I will come say goodnight after your bath." Valandil went to his talan to clean up.

Elle slipped into the hot water gently. She leaned her head back allowing the scented water to relax her tired muscles.

XxXxX

The light danced across her eyes waking her. Elle stretched in the bed and pushed the light blankets away. She rolled her wounded shoulder and was pleasantly surprised to feel only a slight twinge of pain. It feels more stiff than wounded. Elle sat back against the headboard. It has to be the Woods. She stepped out of the bed to wash and dress before the day began. She had just pulled her shirt over her head when someone knocked on the talan door.

"Lady Gaealis?"

Elle grinned as she pulled open the door. "Good morning Valandil."

He smiled in return. "I thought we'd take a walk before our luncheon with Lady Galadriel."

"As long as we're back here in time for me to change into proper clothing." Elle pulled her cloak over her shoulders.

The couple followed the path down to the forest floor. They walked about the city of Loth Lorien with Valandil pointing out sites for Elle's benefit. She saw the practice fields, the libraries, and great halls. To her surprise, Elle found they had been out and about for over two hours when they reached the stables. Pharaohirrim nickered across the stable yard at seeing them approach. He trotted up and shook his head at Elle.

"How are you this morning my kingly horse?" She ran her hand down his neck affectionately. "Are the elves spoiling you?"

"Lady Gaealis. Lord Valandil." An elf guard approached them. "Lord Haldir asked me to deliver a message that you are to prepare for your meeting with Lady Galadriel. Immediately." He bowed to them and left.

"Isn't it amazing how Lord Haldir's messages always seem to be reproving even when he doesn't give it himself?" Elle rolled her eyes.

Valandil nodded. "He is right of course. We do not want to be late for our luncheon with the Lord and Lady of the Golden Wood." He offered his arm to Elle and they wove their way back up the path to their talans. "I will change then wait here for you." Valandil opened her door for her.

Elle blushed slightly. "Thank you. I will try to be quick." She did not move to enter her talan though.

"What is it?"

"Haldir said there would be a big dinner tonight because I am here…" Elle faltered.

"Wear your mother's dress for this eve's dinner." Valandil seemed to read her mind. "Just wear your ruling crown to lunch with one of your other dresses."

Elle bit her lip in a smile. "Thank you. I didn't want to insult Lady Galadriel."

"You better change." Valandil reminded her trying to ease her thoughts.

Elle pulled open the closet where she had her dresses hanging after washing up. She didn't hesitate to grab her elven made dress. She brushed out her hair and set the crown onto her head as she watched in the mirror. She wanted to appear respectful, but also as a ruler. Elle opened the door to find Valandil waiting for her as he said he would.

His eyes glowed at her appearance. "You look lovely Lady Gaealis."

She blushed at his compliment and formality then noticed he wore robes instead of his normal guardsman leggings. "You look distinguished as well."

Elle accepted his arm allowing him to lead her to a great hall. They walked through the guarded doors and followed rows of columns to a large balcony prepared with a set table. Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel were standing at the edge of the balcony looking over the Golden Woods and speaking quietly. They turned as they came into view. Valandil stopped in front of them with Elle and bowed. Elle followed his lead to show her respect.

"Lady Gaealis. Welcome to the Golden Woods of Loth Lorien." Celeborn addressed Elle by bowing his head slightly. "Lord Valandil. It is nice to see you again."

Galadriel moved forward taking Elle's hands in hers. "Lady Gaealis. It is nice to finally meet you."

Elle bowed again at Galadriel's small embrace of her. When she looked up to meet the friendly gaze, Elle could swear stars reflected in the queen's eyes. Haldir and Rumil joined the group minutes later. Celeborn and Galadriel greeted them as well. Elle smiled at them, but watched the interactions of the elves carefully.

Celeborn's voice broke through her thoughts. "Let us sit down to lunch."

Lunch was a happy event. Neither Galadriel nor Celeborn mentioned what Elle and Valandil had come to Loth Lorien for. Haldir and Rumil did not seem to be in any hurry to bring the subject up either. The conversation centered on Limduin and what Elle's plans were for the future. Celeborn listened intently to Elle's ideas and would then ask questions to understand the full meaning behind the idea. Haldir also helped to discuss events going on in the town. Elle also asked questions and was pleased to receive so much help from the rulers of Lorien. Galadriel sat silently most of the time, but occasionally would join in. Elle had the distinct impression Galadriel and Celeborn had already discussed some of the Limduin issues with Haldir. Lunch ended some time later and they sat about talking.

Galadriel's voice broke through the discussion. "My lords." Everyone quieted immediately. "I believe Elle and I will go for a walk in the gardens to converse about other matters."

Elle rose at the suggestion smiling. Elle followed Galadriel walked towards the stairway off to the side of the balcony. They moved into the gardens below and followed the stone pathway slowly. Elle was amazed at the flourish of herbs and flowers. The plants almost looked as if they reached for Galadriel as she pointed out different ones and explained their uses. Elle was growing aggravated at her lack of plant knowledge.

"Most of the plants in here do not grow anywhere else in Middle Earth." Galadriel explained to Elle. "That might be why you don't recognize a lot of these."

Elle started. "How did you know?" She had heard of Galadriel's powers.

"You looked like you were getting frustrated." Galadriel smiled. She moved under a hanging tree and sat down in a garden chair. She motioned for Elle to join her. "I believe there is a matter we need to discuss."

Elle nodded, but held Galadriel's gaze. "Lord Valandil and I have been thinking about bonding."

"So I have been told." Galadriel smiled relaxing Elle. "You have questions though."

"Questions and concerns really." Elle waited, but Galadriel did not speak. "I have heard the stories of elves dying by lost love." She stopped unsure of what to say next. She didn't know what to say next.

"Yes. Elves have died because of lost lovers. It is called fading and nothing can be done to stop it if the heart is broken. The elf must give up their immortality so to speak. It is the ultimate sacrifice for an elf to make to a human." Galadriel could see what she was saying was bothering Elle, but she planned to make things crystal clear so the girl would understand completely. "Valandil will die after you do."

"But he is immortal." Elle tried to argue.

"His heart will break when you die." Galadriel answered back.

"I do not want to be responsible for his death." Elle blinked back tears.

Galadriel's pale eyebrows rose. "You would not cause his death."

"But I would!" Elle tried not to glare at Galadriel. "It would be my fault if he died. There is no argument to it. He would give up his immortality to marry me and it would be my fault. You even said it was the ultimate sacrifice for an elf to give to a human." Elle wiped at the tears running down her cheeks. "I lost my parents and it was unbearable for me. I will not allow Valandil to go feel that kind of pain. Not for me." She rushed to a halt, but began again. "I will tell Valandil this must not go on anymore. I will leave Loth Lorien. I ask that he not be allowed to come to Limduin any more. It will free him from what he has promised me. He should be able to find an elf easily. Let him marry and love her and live without pain for a human." She almost spat out the last word. She heard laughter from the balcony far above them and looked up to see Valandil next to the stone banister. More tears threatened.

A cool hand closed around hers. "Lady Elegain, I see now why Lord Valandil is so taken with you." Galadriel smiled. "You are selfless. You would give up your own happiness for Valandil without thoughts for yourself even though it would probably hurt you as much as losing your parents did." Galadriel sat back in her chair. "You have met with my approval."

Elle shook her head. "No. It isn't right."

"Lady Elegain you do not want to cause Valandil pain." It wasn't a question, Galadriel waited for a response. Elle shook her head. "Then do no deny him your love. That would break his heart as well." She allowed Elle to think about it for a minute. "It would have broken your heart also. Humans have been known to fade." She pushed the matter further. "You will be together in the next life. The gods are not unkind."

Galadriel waited until Elle pulled herself together then led the way back up to the balcony. Celeborn, Haldir and Rumil looked as though they had just finished speaking with Valandil about the same subject. Elle met his eyes.

"Lady Gaealis, I will see you later this night for dinner." Galadriel excused herself from the group. "Will you join me Celeborn?"

Celeborn nodded then turned to bow to the others. "Thank you for joining us." He offered his arm to Galadriel and they moved away.

"Elle, would you like me to walk you back to the talans?" Valandil asked quietly. None of the elves failed to notice the red around Elle's eyes and the slight blush to her skin.

"Yes, please." Valandil and Elle bowed to Haldir and Rumil.

Haldir turned to Rumil after the couple had left and were out of hearing range. "It's their decision now."

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