Hello Everyone! I'm back! I've been waiting to post this chapter for over a week now, but I just can't seem to get it just right. There's a lot of information in this chapter, but it will answer some questions and arise some new ones!

Enjoy!

Chapter 13: Long Sought Knowledge

I silently looked around at the city around me. I didn't know what to think or do. It was beautiful and majestic. I was more than aware of the strong arm around my waist now and how Legolas hadn't let go even now that we were stopped. I was not complaining in the least for multiple reasons. One, I was still slightly asleep and the last thing I needed to do was fall off the horse. Two, I loved looking at this place around me. This realm of the elves is completely different from Rivendell, but it is no less beautiful. Where Rivendell was based on stone and water, Lorien seemed to be a place of magic, light, and the woods.

We dismounted and I stayed close to Legolas as stable hands took our horses. Haldir motioned for us to follow him and we started up steps that swirled around a nearby tree. It seemed like the trees touched the skies; tall and unending. The countless platforms that I saw at different levels seemed to be connected through networks of bridges and stairs. This place is an engineering and architectural phenomenon!

We came to a particular platform that held a tent like structure. Haldir went up to an elleth that stood not far from it. He whispered something in elvish that I couldn't quite catch. She disappeared and soon returned to her place after nodding to the Marchwarden. A few minutes later, the curtain was pulled aside and I looked up to see the most beautiful elf I've ever seen. Her long golden blonde hair fell in waves well past her waist and eyes a light blue that pierced your soul. She wore a white velvet fitted gown with pale blue sleeves and belt. Then I noted the silver circlet that sat on her brow. This was the Lady Galadriel, Lady of Light and Lady of Lorien. I put my head down, I felt suddenly unworthy to stand before this being.

'Welcome Evangelina, to the Golden Woods of Lothlorien. We have much to discuss.' I jumped at the voice. I looked up and saw no movement of her lips. So this is what the Lady's powers include. I took a step closer to Legolas until our arms were touching. I had to fight the urge to take his hand.

"Welcome company from Rivendell to my home, the city of Caras Galadhon. Well met, children of Thranduil; your presence is always a pleasant surprise here in the woods. Well met, my Granddaughter Arwen, March warden Haldir, and Lady Alywen; the woods rejoices at your return. Last, I welcome Lady Evangelina of Rivendell. It is a pleasure to meet you and I am glad you came despite injury." I looked up to meet the Lady's blue eyes surveying me.

"The pleasure is all mine My Lady, to just be in your presence." I said bowing to the Elf Queen.

"Your travels have made you all weary. Take rest this night. I will meet you all once again in the morn." The Lady said kindly. Her voice was soft and caring.

"My hand maids will show you to appropriate quarters."

"Of course grandmother," Arwen said nodding and bowing. I had almost forgotten that Arwen was descended from this angel before us. We followed the elleth that was there down a different set of stairs to several talans I believe was the word she was using as she assigned each to their own. I was a level down from where Arwen was. I assumed that she had more permanent accommodations given her frequent visits here to visit her grandparents. I was relieved that Legolas and Friel were on the same level and not too far from mine on neighboring trees. It was just like a tree house that was built around the trunk of the trees. The door swung gently and inside sat a very simple room. A bed, vanity with mirror, a tub full of hot water, and two chairs at a small table. The bath looked very inviting. I turned to see the elleth point to a light purple dress hanging on the vanity and nod.

"The Lady wishes to speak with you before the others; tonight if you are able."

"May I bathe first? I have been traveling for two weeks."

"Yes, I will be at the base of the tree when you are ready." I quickly made work of a bath taking time to scrub as much dirt off as I could. I braided my hair and pulled on the dress and white slippers that sat with the dress.

We walked up the same set of stairs and soon made our way back to the same platform where she then left me to my thoughts. I did not know what to expect. Elrond was unsure what knowledge she had of my life past, present, or future. What would this meeting hold? Does she know anything about my destiny? I was honestly scared. As I stood on the platform, she appeared again before me with a bright smile on her face.

"Do not fear me my dear. You are welcome here. You were born in these woods, many years ago. It brings me great peace knowing you have returned at last." I gasped at the words. I was born in Lorien. One question answered.

"Did you know my parents?"

"I can tell you much you wish to know. Be sure you are ready to listen for it is a long tale and holds much you may not be ready to hear."

"I have resided in Middle Earth for nearly a year and know nothing of my life. I think I am ready." She nodded. I was relieved that she spoke in the common though; it made sure that I understood.

"Your parents Buieruwen and Anessen, or Rebecca and Joseph as you know them, were residents of Lothlorien during the Third Age of Middle Earth. I still miss them so. Your mother was my personal hand maiden and closest friend for nearly three centuries. Your father, a humble elf of a long-standing Lorien line, was the Marchwarden of his time, a fierce warrior and determined leader. They both served the golden woods well beyond what was expected of them, especially your mother having not been born here. Your mother was born and raised in the Grey Havens like her parents before her and their parents before them. She was from the high line of the Havens." Wow, I did not expect any of this. My dad was a Marchwarden and my mom the Lady's personal handmaid!

"She lived by the sea?" I asked remembering my vision standing on the beach. If she lived in the Havens it made a little more sense.

"Yes, you also loved the water as child, when they traveled to visit her kin. Your grandfather, Dorainen, was Lord of the Havens and your grandmother, Ithilwen, his Lady. They ruled justly much like the other elvish royals, until your mother was born in the Second Age. It is a joy to think back to your parents' courtship. Your father had just become a low ranking captain in our guard when he first met your mother, while she was on a trip to meet me for the first time. He feared he was not worthy once he learned of her status. However, he was persistent working his way up through the ranks, just to impress her. Soon enough her parents accepted and they were bound but you were not born until many centuries later."

"So when was I born?"

"In this realm, you were born in the 2189th year of the Third Age. But what is truly intriguing is the fact that you claim to be only 21 summers old, you were nearly 50 summers old when you and your parents disappeared." She stayed quiet for some time as she turned to stare off into the forest. If I was born over 700 years ago, why do I only account for 21 years? My head spun with incomplete possibilities and explanations.

"We may never know the purpose of the time lapse or why you disappeared all those centuries ago. However, there is more to a person's story than their lineage is there not? Your mother left the ring on your finger. For that stone is the keeper of your destiny and holds many answers, but you already know this." She asked. I nodded.

"I had a vision some time ago it made no sense at the time. I was by the sea but if I have roots in the Havens…"

"It was a gift from your ring most likely trying to give you direction and pieces of your past and future. I foresee it doing that in the future when you are ready for more answers."

"Why me? Why did she leave it to me?"

"You were chosen to be the next bearer of the Elemental Ring of Water the moment you were born. Your mother was the bearer before you and her mother before her. The Elemental Families are the only ones where a female will never take her father or husbands name. Any daughters you have will retain the surname Neniel (Daughter of Water) no matter their paternal lineage. For only females can harness the power of these precious stones. The story of the elemental rings is another tale you should hear."

"I want to know about this ring!"

"That is no ordinary ring. When Sauron first came to power and rings of power forged, we elves met as a great council where all colonies were represented. We joined our natural magic together to create rings of our own. For we did not trust the world at the time, we did not know if our three rings would be enough to protect us in the coming times. Elves have always been in tune with nature and it has been our greatest ally. So we drew on that power to create further protection. We had the dwarves find us the finest stones at the time, an emerald, a sapphire, a ruby and a diamond. We offered them a commission even they could not refuse. Once we had the gems, we had our best smiths craft four identical bands where we set the stones. We infused magic into the stones that have the bearer power over the element around them; emerald for earth, sapphire for water, ruby for fire, and diamond for air. The finished products were only viewed by myself and Saruman the white. Each had a unique power set in addition to this. Yours has healing and shielding powers. My personal favorite of the four rings. The hardest part was choosing pure heart bearers that would not be corrupted by the power or use it for personal gain. Your grandmother Ithilwen was an easy choice, as Lady of the Havens she loved the sea. After being blessed and anointed the Band of Water, she became Ithilwen Neniel and her line carried the name as appropriate. Your formal name now my dear that you hold this information is Maersiniathwen Neniel." She stopped to look down at her hand where my ring lies.

"Only once have the rings fallen and each ring holds its mark." She looked closely at the ring.

"During the War of the Ring, the bears, one from each of the four realms, came to help in the battle. But not being war ready proved their down fall. Each bearer was killed and so a crack formed at the base of the stones. Luckily, the rings were collected with the bodies and the next female of each family took it on as new bearers. If you look close enough, you could see it on your own. With each bearer that dies, the crack grows for the stones powers are linked to its bearer and vice versa. That is why you feel weakness now when you take it off."

"Is my grandfather still alive?"

"He sailed long ago before you were born, the grief was too much for him with the loss of your grandmother. With your mother's death the ring has been passed to you."

"Who are the other bearers?"

"Alassiel, Queen of Mirkwood, Cuilwen of Rivendell, and Sidhiel of Lorien; however, not even their spouses know of their rings. That is why Elrond knew not of your ring's origin but it still looked familiar to him. Cuilwen is Lord Erestor's wife and bears the Band of Air"

"Legolas had asked me if it was a betrothal ring because his mother wore one of similar design..."

"But he knew not the purpose."

"I…what do I do now?"

"You can do one of three things. One, you can stay here and I will help you train with the ring and its powers. Two, you can go back to Rivendell and return when you are ready. You cannot deny your destiny. This ring is something you cannot hide from, your powers will manifest soon. How I wish your mother was here to pass this information on in my stead. I miss her very much so."

"What is my third option?"

"There is one piece of your life I have left out during my tales. You could travel to the Havens and meet your older brother Nendir, who is Lord of the Havens."

"I have a brother?" I am not alone as I thought I was…

"He was born 150 years before you and was training to take the Havens from the advisors when your parents disappeared with you."

"Does he know about me?"

"Of course, but he believes you dead. You have been missing for nearly 700 years. He gave up hope long ago."

"So I could go see him?"

"That is your third option; to go to him and then return as you feel ready."

"Can I take time to think please?"

"Of course my dear, take all the time you need. I have bestowed a lot of information on you However, bear in mind, once you tap into this magic you will never be the same."

I slowly walked back to my talan and sat on the small bed. My head was whirling around all the Lady had told me. I still couldn't believe it. This ring was a ring of power so to speak, a natural power. To think when I was little, I almost threw the ring away when I was younger. Then there was the fact that my father was previous march warden and my mother the Lady's personal handmaid. And I HAVE A BROTHER!

I leaned back on the bed and stared at the ceiling. I should stay right? Elrond seemed to be encouraging of me finding my destiny. Apparently, this ring is my destiny. I sighed. But I want to meet my brother. Perhaps, I could travel there then return to train with it?

I wish I could talk to someone besides the Lady. Many faces popped into my head: Arwen, Elrohir, Elladan, Lord Elrond, and rested on Legolas. He couldn't know about the nature of my ring. No one could. I have to make this decision by myself.

Soooo… there it is? Confusing? Make absolutely no sense? Or is it okay? Like I said, every time I tried to get everything down, I remembered something else. I'm not too happy with the chapter personally, so let me know what you think. (But be gentle, I've already been hard on myself.)

I promise next chapter will be good! I'm excited for it. I just had to get past this chapter. It is important to the plot but it was just a lot of information to get into 2500 words…

Feel free to leave a review, follow, or favorite!

Until Next Time,

-B