"My lord, do you know where we are?" asked Vendlin tentatively, as the small group of Mirkwood Elves halted their horses at a fork in the winding path. Legolas had been silent during their long travels, speaking only to offer the occasional direction or when one of his companions tried to make conversation with him. Vendlin wondered what had happened, Legolas had been greatly looking forward to their journey up until the morning of their departure. He had joined them after speaking with the King, his face grave and eyes troubled. When they had asked what burdened him Legolas had shaken off their questions, always insisting that he was worried about the growing darkness in Mirkwood. But Vendlin knew his friend better, there was something more to his weariness. He was grim, far too much like his father.
"I have not the slightest idea. It has been decades since my last trip to the valley. At that time I was accompanied by one who knew the way," said Legolas. They had been traveling for well over a month now and although his companions were eager to reach the Last Homely House he himself was not looking forward to the visit. The one inhabitant whom he wished to see would not be there. King Thranduil had sent them for the Council as well as to bring the news of Gollum's escape. Legolas grimaced, the thought of the incident still brought a surge of anger to his stomach. Two elves had been killed in the attack and they had been unable to track the miserable creature.
The prince looked up at the high rock walls surrounding them. It was proving difficult to find their way into the valley and his ears strained to hear the far off roar of the waterfalls. He turned to the other elves, trying to decide which path to take. "Well the voice of the river seems to be louder to the right side. So unless any of you object I think that is the road we should take," he decided. His three companions nodded and mounted their horses, urging them into a trot.
Above them, three elves watched their movement and two of them looked towards their leader for instructions. Eredhel smirked, the guard of Imladris had been trained to move effortlessly and without a sound. She raised a hand, indicating for them to follow their guests from the treetops. They silently ran along the branches, soon overtaking the horses. The Mirkwood Elves knew nothing of their presence and continued riding. Suddenly Eredhel motioned for her comrades to halt. She pointed to the trail and drew her bow.
Back on the ground, Legolas and his escort had paused once again, unsure of the path. Suddenly they were surrounded by three archers, standing in the shadows of the trees. Legolas whipped around and found that Vendlin did not have a weapon pointed at him but his friend seemed unsure of what to do. "Hail the messengers from the Woodland Realm." Legolas' heart leapt at the soft welcome, at first thinking his ears were deceiving him. It couldn't be, he had not thought he would hear her voice again in Middle Earth. He turned towards the figure beneath a thick pine tree. "I would not recommend continuing on this path for it leads to a dead end at a rather steep cliff."
"Eredhel?!" Legolas' eyes strained to discern her from the darkness as he restrained himself from taking a few steps towards her.
"Yes, of course. Did you expect another?" She stepped into the light and chuckled at the surprised expression on his face. Legolas' solemn demeanour vanished, replaced with a playful grin.
"No, I am just offended you did not inform of us of our mistaken path before we spent half an hour debating our course. Not a very courteous way to greet royalty," he added, earning a snort from the elleth.
"I'm getting even for that first welcome I received in Mirkwood. But where are my manners?" She shook her head and indicated for her guards to lower their bows. Eredhel pulled back her hood and gave an exaggerated, sweeping bow. Legolas' eyes found the dark hair that tumbled past her shoulders and the familiar smirk that suggested she knew every thought he was thinking. Her grey eyes could always reassure him and he realized his memory had not done her justice. The other elves found her appearance familiar but it took their leader's introduction for them to realize who she was.
"My friends this is Eredhel, eldest daughter of Lord Elrond and Captain of the Guard of Rivendell," he explained warmly. They dismounted and led their horses towards her.
"Welcome to Imladris." She greeted each of them as Gaelring and Tirithon joined them.
"My lady, as always it is a pleasure," said Vendlin. He was a good friend of the prince and had met Eredhel in Mirkwood. He bowed as well and the others followed him. Legolas however hugged her tightly, relief spreading through him at her weight in his arms.
"Though this is a glad meeting it is unusual for you to be in Rivendell. Why have you taken up your old duties?" he questioned, noticing the pin on her tunic.
"I replaced Glorfindel at the post this morning. Elladan and Elrohir have rode north so I was asked to perform my old watch. One of my companions will show you the rest of the way. My father is healing one of our... guests so Lord Erestor will greet you once you arrive," Eredhel replied.
"Alas, are you sure you can't come with us?" suggested Legolas.
"No, I'm afraid not mellonin. Though I doubt any men shall arrive today I cannot be sure of the dwarves and we don't want them wandering about on their own," said Eredhel and he nodded in understanding. The elves of Mirkwood particularly disliked the shorter folk and their mountains.
"I will just have to occupy myself until you have been relieved."
"I will return tomorrow at midday. For the moment find Aragorn, he arrived with me yesterday," she said.
"Ah, he is here as well then!" Legolas was looking forward to seeing the Ranger. They had met years ago and become great friends. "I should have known. But who are these other guests you speak of and why is one of them injured?"
"They traveled with Aragorn and I from Bree and we met some misfortune on the road. That is all I will say for the moment. Everything will be explained in time." She gave him a quick glance and he understood that what she had to tell him was not for the ears of everyone.
"Very well, so Gaelring will show us the way?" Legolas asked hopefully. He had often noticed how the dark haired ellon was quick to smile at Eredhel and he stood closer to her than he did to the others. Legolas hated the fact that it bothered him so much but he would far rather leave Tirithon with her. Eredhel gave him an odd look but shook her head.
"No, I'm afraid Tirithon has a rather low tolerance for dwarves, much like that of you and your kin." She chuckled as her guard gave her a look of mock indignation.
"Eredhel, I have no idea what you're talking about," he said, with a hint of a grin. His captain shook her head and gave him a gentle push towards the Woodland Elves before turning to Legolas. "Aragorn will explain more of what has happened. Now, I'm sure you are weary, I will see you tomorrow." He nodded and remounted his horse as Tirithon took the lead. Legolas cast a last look back at the lonely pair beneath the trees before he turned around a bend and they were lost from sight.
When they arrived at the Last Homely House Legolas' companions went their separate ways and he sought out Aragorn. His friend looked more worn and haggard than ever, much to the amusement of the elf. They passed a large amount of time speaking about recent events and wandering around the garden paths. When Legolas finally retired to the chambers he had been given he had a great deal to think about. He was looking forward to seeing Eredhel the next day and hoped she would be able to answer a few of his questions. A crisp breeze blew into his room and he smiled, slipping into the waking dreams of the elves.
It was approaching dawn and at the lookout Eredhel remained awake. She and Gaelring were perched in a large pine tree and the other elf was watching her intently. She turned towards him, her eyebrows arching as she met his eyes. "What do you want to ask me?" she said with a small chuckle.
"How do you know I want to ask you something?" He smirked.
"Because that's the same look you give everyone when you are trying to figure out what they're thinking."
"Ah, you've caught me, I confess," he held up his hands in surrender. "I want to know if you're staying for good this time." His question caught her off guard, she had been expecting him to ask about their current task or why a group of irritating dwarves was entering their valley. Eredhel turned to him, trying to read his thoughts.
"I do not know, most likely not. I intend to go North to search for the Dunedain and my brothers or head back along the East West Road. Why do you ask?" The sun began peaking over the hill, throwing deep orange rays across their faces. Gaelring frowned slightly and took a moment to respond.
"Have you ever considered it? Just staying here, being Captain of the Guard, living life among our people? If not here then somewhere else, Lothlorien or Valinor?" Eredhel studied her friend, wondering where this sudden interest was coming from. While she could tell a liar from an honest man in a heartbeat, the aspects of friendship were often lost on her. Gaelring read the confused expression on her face and shook his head, chuckling. "Forget I asked, it was simply curiosity." He patted the branch next to him and she sat, leaning her back against the tree, her thoughts still on the elf's odd question. A half an hour later she sat up, suddenly hearing the sound of heavy footsteps. A small group of travelers were trying to navigate through the ancient cloven rock. Soon Gaelring heard them as well and their footsteps and whispers grew so loud that even a mortal would have noticed them. It was the dwarves, four or five of them from what she could guess and they were noisy. Though she knew little of their language Eredhel could tell they were cursing the confusing network of trails and those who had created them.
She slipped to the ground and Gaelring followed her but they stayed hidden, waiting for the dwarves to appear. The moon's light cast grey shadows over the ground, making everything seem eerily darker. Finally the mountain dwellers came into view. They were being led by Glóin whom Eredhel recognized from the Company of Thorin Oakenshield. His once fiery beard had now greyed but other than that his appearance had not changed. Behind him came four others, one of which Eredhel could only guess was his son for he was almost identical to the leader. "Well?" the son demanded, "which way?"
"Give me a moment Gimli, tis been many years since I walked through these hills," answered Glóin.
"Leave it to the elves to invite us to a place which is nigh impossible to find!" grunted one of the others. Eredhel heard an irritated snort from the elf next to her and rolled her eyes. Unlike their actions with the elves of Mirkwood, they did not raise any weapons against the mountain dwellers. They stepped silently onto the path, and Eredhel called to them.
"Welcome to the valley of Imladris my bearded lords!" One of them jumped at the unexpected appearance of elves but quickly recovered himself. The others grumbled about their hiding in the trees. Dwarves were not particularly fond of elves, their singing or their amusement at beards. Glóin alone seemed happy to see them.
"Greetings elven lady, my eyes seem to be acquainted with your face yet I am unable to match it with a name," he said.
"It has been long since you visited the Last Homely House Master Glóin. We met when you were traveling with the Company of Thorin Oakenshield. I accompanied you and your companions to the mountain pass and also fought in the Battle of Five Armies. I am Eredhel, and this is Gaelring."
"And what are you doing out here?" asked Gimli. He did not so easily trust elves and suspected they were up to some sort of trick.
"To show you the proper path. You seem a bit lost for we have heard your voices for a good while now," Gaelring replied, his eyes narrowing.
"Ah yes, Eredhel! The years have been long and my memory is not what it once was. Your help would be most appreciated." said Glóin and he bowed. Eredhel nodded and indicated for them to follow the two elves. They would lead them all the way, their position being filled by Glorfindel in a few hours' time. It would be unwise to send the dwarves on their own for it would be easy for them to stray off the elven trail.
The sun continued to rise as they walked, tinting the clouds a pale pink. Leaves on the trees shone with dew and small trickles of water ran down the rocks. Eredhel occasionally talked with Glóin, asking of the Lonely Mountain and the remaining members of Thorin's Company. The dwarf was eager to recount tales of rebuilding and various side quests of the companions. The other dwarves said very little, only muttering amongst themselves. Gaelring was completely silent and when Eredhel looked over at him she saw he was deep in thought. When they started down the steep hill into the valley she heard several gasps from behind her. The sun was just cresting over the hills, its light catching in the waterfalls' mist. Through the haze of rainbow the Last Homely House was nestled peacefully into the cliff. They came out through the same stone archway that the Company had passed through and Eredhel was surprised to see her father waiting for them. He nodded, indicating that she and Gaelring were free to go. They excused themselves from their guests and wound their way along the stone walkway that surrounded Rivendell. Near the main gardens they parted ways, the other elf only murmuring a goodbye before turning towards the central buildings.
Eredhel continued in the opposite direction until she came to a dense group of trees. She was now far away from the main gardens and few passed along the path. Here the trees were mainly evergreens, their needles covering the ground. They grew tall, reaching to breach the shadows thrown across the valley from the cliffs above. Eredhel had not returned to her room for she knew that would be the first place anyone would look for her. She was tired to the point of exhaustion, having not rested in weeks. But sleeping was not something she was looking forward to.
Glancing around, she grabbed a low branch then began to climb a thick pine. She found a comfortable nook and settled herself between the tree's strong limbs. Eredhel took a deep breath, allowing the smell of pine and mountain air to calm her and fixed her eyes on the horizon. Soon she slipped into a waking sleep, her mind filled with the peace of the forest and sound of wind in the trees. She breathed a sigh of relief and her muscles relaxed.
Eredhel stared vacantly at a raven overhead as soft flute music began to play and the unified marching of feet could be heard from the west field. A cold breeze tugged at her hair and brought the smell of freshly turned earth. It was an aroma she often craved when she was forced to remain inside for any amount of time, but not today. Today she would have given anything to be anywhere else, to be drinking wine with her brothers or inhaling the smoke of a campfire. She would have given anything to not be burying hundreds, if not thousands of her people, to not be burying him.
Beside her, Glorfindel was looking to where the procession had begun to wind its way through the crowd. They were standing closest to the burial pit, being of high rank. A deep sadness was in his usually light eyes as he turned to study the elf next to him. Her dark hair was still in the half braid she had worn to battle and the scratch on her face had oddly not yet healed. Her skin was usually slightly tanned but the events of the past few days had turned it a pale white. What concerned him most however, was her eyes. They were looking upwards but did not seem to see, as if she was somewhere far away.
By now the procession had started to pass them, the bearers dressed in silver and white. The lays each carried three bodies, which were then lowered down into the earth. Six pits had been needed and there had been far more for the men. Eredhel saw the red tunic and dark grey armour making its way towards her and averted her eyes, once more searching for the raven. When all of the fallen had been placed in the ground, a prayer was said to Namo for their passage into his halls. It was not custom among the Eldar to bury their dead with treasures or tokens to protect them. It was known that their spirits would return to Valinor and there would be judged for reincarnation.
Even so, once the singing had finished many elves moved forward to toss flowers or leaves into the grave. Eredhel's fingers curled into a fist around the blue petalled iris she had picked that morning. He had on countless occasions left identical flowers on her window sill back in Rivendell. Eredhel stepped forward and Glorfindel's hand caught her arm, his eyes pleading. He had warned her against it, told her it would only mar her memory to see his body broken. But she had already seen it, already felt his last breath escape his lips. Eredhel shrugged off his arm and slowly walked along the edge until she came to Ivoron's body, laid in the outside row. Her eyes burned as she saw the gaping hole in the chest-plate of his armor, still stained red from his wound. Her own armor still held the evidence of his death from when she had held him, desperately trying to keep his life in her hands. She let the flower slip from her fingers and turned away. As she headed for the plains flashbacks from the battle assaulted her eyes. The yells of the orcs, the dying cries of elves and men, the red sun rising above the mountains and the clashing of swords. She was snapped out of it by someone's hands on her shoulders, their voice calling out her name.
Eredhel shook her head and found Glorfindel standing in front of her. But his face was blurry and Eredhel realized there were tears in her eyes. She angrily brushed them away, cursing herself for being such a fool. "It should have been me," she said flatly.
"No mellon-nin, it should not have. We were victorious, and Ivoron would not have you grieve. It was his time, you know this. Be glad you still have life." Eredhel turned on him, her eyes bright.
"Why? Why does any of it matter? I have walked the world for nearly 2000 years and seen far too many people die to be glad for life, to be glad of something that is so easily ripped away. Why am I named as a guardian when I cannot even save a single elf who should not have gone to battle in the first place? I know it was his time Glorfindel, I know it is what was meant to be. But why can't I stop seeing it? Is it my time to go also, I am supposed to succumb to this grief?" Again the visions flashed in front of her eyes, Eredhel saw the crude spear hit its mark, the orc laughing madly. She cried out in pain before her vision blurred and went black.
She felt herself falling and became aware that she was slipping down the tree towards the ground. Throwing out her arms, she roughly caught herself on a branch. The impact sent pain shooting through her wrist and she dropped to the ground, trembling. Footsteps crunched on stone to her left and she spotted Legolas coming down the trail. She wanted nothing more than to fall to her knees, to crumble inwards and stay there until the grief burned out of her. But that kind of weakness would not do, and she neutralized her festurrs as he approached. His eyes widened when he got closer to her. "Eredhel are you alright?" he asked, taking a few quick strides towards her. She looked down and found her hands were still shaking. She flexed her fingers and took a slow breath before forcing a smile.
"Of course. Why do you ask?"
"I heard a scream only moments ago and then saw you practically fall out of a tree. What is wrong?"
"Nothing, all is well," she attempted to assure him. He was directly in front of her now and saw the long scratch on her arm from the fall. He frowned as his calloused fingers gently traced the mark.
"You are lying." His piercing blue eyes searched her face, trying to find what she was hiding from him.
"I was resting in that tree and must have had a bad dream, nothing to worry about," she insisted. Before Legolas could reply they were interrupted by the thump of heavy feet on the trail. A moment later the group of dwarves came around the bend. They seemed to be quite lost and their heads swiveled from side to side, looking for some indication of where they were. Spotting Eredhel, Gloín started towards her but stopped when he realized who she was with. A scowl crossed his face as the blond elf turned towards him. Eredhel felt her friend tense and his eyes darkened.
"My apologies my lady, we did not know you were occupied," said Gloín and he glared at the prince.
"Yes, I think I prefer her earlier companion. Perhaps," suggested Gimli, "the Mirkwood elf is trying to persuade her to lock us all up." Legolas took a step towards the dwarf menacingly and Eredhel caught him by the arm.
"Gentlemen, I can assure you the prince was doing nothing of the sort," said Eredhel, her eyes narrowing dangerously. "I would suggest you mind your words. Now is there anything I can help you with?" They hesitantly turned their eyes to her.
"We were given directions to the Hall of Fire but they were rather inaccurate," explained Gimli grumpily.
"Maybe you just heard them wrong. Your people do have a habit of wandering into places you have no business being," snapped Legolas and the dwarf growled. Eredhel shot the elf a glare and turned to Gimli.
"You could have simply taken a wrong turn. I will show you the way," Eredhel nodded at Legolas then turned to lead them back towards the dining hall. The dwarves filed after her, many of them throwing her companion dirty looks as they passed him. He sighed in frustration at both Eredhel's stubbornness and the interruption of the annoying mountain dwellers.
Legolas stared after her then shook his head and turned back down the path towards the heart of Rivendell. He would wait until she was done with the dwarves and then get his answers. He passed the day speaking with his companions and exploring the grounds until finally he decided she would have returned to her room. Taking a right he headed for her chambers. Several elves passed him, each bowing low; much to his exasperation. He reached the short hallway and hesitated, unsure which room was hers. After a moment he remembered and rose his hand to knock but found the door was open. He stepped inside and was surprised to see Aragorn standing with his back turned. The man was thumbing through an old book but looked up when Legolas entered. "I'm guessing Eredhel's not here," said the elf.
"You are correct mellonin, I've been waiting for half an hour," answered Aragorn.
"I left her when she had to show the dwarves to the Hall of Fire. I was looking for some answers for I did not wish to go to the Council ignorant of current events," explained Legolas as he took a seat on the couch. He surveyed the familiar room with interest. Though it was now rarely used there still remained several indicators of the elf to whom it belonged. The walls were an off white, with warm wood panelling. Numerous books were stacked on several shelves, works of history, poetry and common flora. Two bows were hung on the wall and Legolas removed the shorter one, testing the string curiously. It was a training weapon, used to strengthen the arm and make it feel easier to shoot a standard bow.
"And I'm sure she was less than cooperative when you asked her." Aragorn grinned, "But what answers were you searching for?"
"Well Eredhel mentioned that you traveled here with some companions and met trouble on the road. I assume this trouble has something to do with the cause for the council. To be honest I did not expect to meet her here, I was discussing certain ah- intentions with my father before I departed and he told me she had sailed." He replaced the weapon and returned to his place on the couch. Aragorn raised an eyebrow skeptically, confusion filling his face.
"That is odd indeed. You know as well as I she has been fighting with her father about that for the past hundred years. What are these intentions you had?" He grinned mischieviously and Legolas groaned, immediately regretting his words.
"Yes, which why I was reluctant to believe it. It doesn't matter, I am just glad she has not departed," said Legolas, hoping to put an end to the matter.
"That act may work on King Thranduil my friend but you'll have a harder time convincing me. Personally I think you should have told her years ago. I don't know why you haven't."
"Aragorn, are you ever going to let this go?" asked Legolas exasperatedly. "You are the most stubborn, determined man I've ever met!"
"Yes he does tend to be quite stone headed about things. What in particular is he being difficult about?" said a voice from the window. Legolas' stomach dropped and he cursed his friend who was now fighting to hold back his laughter.
"Nothing in particular... how long have you been there?" demanded Legolas. Eredhel raised an eyebrow at his question as she swung over the balcony, her feet landing silently on the wooden floor.
"Only a moment, what are the two of you doing here?"
"But it's a twenty foot drop, how did you even get up!?" asked Legolas.
Both of his friends gave each other identical looks and laughed at his surprise.
"Well it isn't all that difficult if you know how to climb and have the strength to pull yourself up," said Eredhel simply. "Aragorn and I used to do it all the time. Now answer my question." Legolas was tempted to bring up her incident but decided it was best not to mention it in front of Aragorn so he settled for the obvious route.
"Well earlier I was looking for an explanation of your journey from the Shire but I was interrupted by the dwarves. I decided to come looking for you but found Aragorn instead," he explained hastily.
"And I was here to tell you that Frodo is doing well and there were also a few matters that I wanted to discuss," finished the man.
"Yes I know, I've just shown Gandalf to him. He arrived only a short while ago and requested I take him to see the hobbit immediately." Eredhel took a seat on her bed and tucked one leg beneath her, looking more tired than ever.
"One of your companions was a halfling?"
"Yes, there were four of them actually," explained Aragorn. "We met them in Bree, we were supposed to meet Gandalf as well but he was delayed. Did he tell you what happened?"
"Yes," answered Eredhel. "He was held captive at Isengard. Saruman has betrayed us. When Gandalf refused to aid him he resorted to torture. Mithrandir was only able to escape with the help of the Eagles. Saruman was seeking information about the Ring."
"The Ring? You mean the One Ring of Power is here in Imladris?" Legolas got to his feet and began to pace.
"One of the hobbits carries it. The Nine found us in Bree and pursued us into the Wild. Frodo, the bearer, was stabbed by a Morgul blade at Amon Sul and Lord Elrond has been healing him," recounted Aragorn. Legolas frowned as he processed the information. The full impact of what his friend had said hit him and he instinctively flexed his hands.
"How is it that every time there's trouble you two manage to get caught up in it?" he asked. The pair gave him identical looks of indignation. With their dark hair and grey eyes they could truly pass as brother and sister.
Aragorn laughed, "That assault on Umbar hardly counts as trouble and I didn't really have much choice this time around."
"I suppose," Legolas turned on Eredhel, "but you, you've been getting into trouble for centuries."
"What? That's ridiculous!" she argued.
"No it's not," he growled. "News of your quest reached my father, I almost didn't believe him when he told me. I had half a mind to go after you! Why would you ever go that close to Mordor?"
"I was helping the Rangers of the South and doing a bit of my own investigating. They were hard pressed to find someone willing to travel close to the mountains."
"I wonder why? That place breeds poison and filth and it's infested with orcs and other foul beasts. Did it ever occur to you that you could simply have said no? Honestly, I've never met someone who was more willing to put themselves in danger, it borders on recklessness," said Legolas, half in exasperation, half in anger. Aragorn looked on in amusement, Legolas had mentioned the matter to him earlier and it had been easy to tell he'd been worried about her.
"It was just a few orcs that's all, nothing that dangerous. Besides from what I saw in Mirkwood, the great forest is not exactly the safest place to be either!"
"That is different, it's my home! I am defending it from enemies whereas you go looking for them." He smirked, seeming to think he had won the argument.
"Well I was hardly searching for it in the Shire now was I? After the Wraiths attacked the Rangers I had to follow them, they were dangerous!
"Wraiths? You went looking for Black Riders when you were alone on the road?"
"Yes, well technically I only met one, I was just keeping an eye on the others. I thought Aragorn had told you."
"By the Valar Eredhel-" said Legolas but this was when Aragorn decided to intervene.
"Yes, she did and a good thing too. It had just helped kill two of my people and it could have found Frodo. This was before she met me at the Prancing Pony. Now the two of you could go on for hours if you wished but I do believe Legolas and I came here seeking some answers," he said and glanced at the two of them. Legolas sighed and shook his head.
"Very well. I know you met in the Shire but that's about all I know. It seems that much has transpired since you left Mirkwood. I think a full account of the tale may be necessary." His friends nodded and Aragorn began to explain what Gandalf had requested of them. He then continued on to their meeting in Bree and their flight to Rivendell. They talked about what would be done with the Ring and whether or not this would mean an open war against Mordor. Eredhel then shared with them the information she had gathered, rumors of orcs assembling to the east, and men gathering from the provinces to the south. It was also said that the black tower had been rebuilt, but she herself had not seen it. Although the three of them were unsure about the coming months there was one thing they knew for certain. Hard times were ahead, they were currently sitting inside a fortress and outside it was getting dark.