** I changed this chapter a bit, adding more to the argument between Legolas and Eredhel. hope you like it!**
I know it's a bit late to be saying this but Happy Holidays! I still have not found a beta reader and I'm starting to reach the end of my pre-written chapters! So if anyone would be willing to beta for me I'd be extremely grateful. I know some of you have been requesting a bit more "Legolas" moments so hopefully this will sort of lead up to that in the next chapter. Thank you so so so much for all the reviews, favorites etc, it's really appreciated!
Frodo quickly looked away from the piercing eyes. Beside Galadriel, Lord Celeborn scanned through the group and a slight frown appeared on his face. He greeted each member of the Fellowship by name, being especially courteous to Gimli who returned the gesture in kind. The dwarf had suddenly become quiet and respectful, even bowing low to the Lady. A radiant smile spread across her face when he did this and she let out a gentle laugh. She then turned her attention to her granddaughter but Eredhel calmly refused to meet her gaze. After a moment of silence, Lord Celeborn spoke. "Fate has smiled fondly upon you that you were able to escape Moria. Though something is amiss, there stand nine before me yet not the nine we were expecting. You seem to have misplaced one member and then found another." He looked briefly at Eredhel and she knew that he too must have known of her father's plan. "The message we received from the sons of Elrond said that the Grey Pilgrim would be with you. Was there a change in counsel? Where is Gandalf?" His question hung heavily in the air as many of the Fellowship bowed their heads. Finally Eredhel looked Galadriel in the eye and gave a small nod, confirming the unasked question.
"There was no change in counsel, Mithrandir set out with the Fellowship but has not reached our borders. His mind and the path of his wandering feet are hidden from me and that is worrisome," she said in a deep, musical voice.
"He fell to darkness and did not escape the unnels of Moria," explained Aragorn gravely. Several cries rang out from the other elves in the hall and grief hardened the Lord and Lady's faces.
"Such tragic tidings have not been brought here in many years," spoke the Lady but she was distracted. Her eyes remained locked on Eredhel who was staring at the floor, her face expressionless. Next to her Aragorn realized what she was doing and elbowed her in the ribs but she refused to give in. He grew impatient and let out a long sigh then whispered something in her ear. The elf stiffened then seemed to shrug in defeat, giving Aragorn a scathing glare. Galadriel's eyes momentarily widened but it went unnoticed by the others. She finally looked away from her granddaughter and continued, "I am saddened for I wished very much to speak with him. By what way did he meet his end?"
"A Balrog, of Morgoth. He stood alone so that we might escape our enemies," said Legolas.
"A Balrog? That is a great foe. You must recount the full tale," insisted Celeborn. Here Aragorn stepped in and spent the next half hour explaining their journey, from when they left Rivendell to the route they had taken to reach Lórien. "It seems at last Gandalf's wisdom has fallen to folly, for he traversed needlessly though the halls of Moria," said the Lord once Aragorn had finished.
"His actions were not without need," spoke Eredhel suddenly and there was anger in her words. Her eyes narrowed as she met her grandfather's gaze. "Had he not taken up arms we would have all fallen to ash and flame."
"Well then we shall insure he did not die in vain. We know of your quest and perhaps you were meant to seek shelter under the bows of Lórien," said Galadriel. "The lord of the Galadhrim is counted as one of the wisest in Middle Earth and we shall bestow upon all that you may need. Your mission now stands upon the edge of a knife, stray from your path and it shall mean the ruin of all. Yet hope remains, as long as the Fellowship remains true." She held all of them in her eyes, searching each of them in turn. None but Aragorn, Legolas and Eredhel could hold her gaze for long and Eredhel noticed that Boromir seemed to quiver beneath her searching stare. A moment later she released him and they were dismissed to rest and refresh themselves.
A large pavilion had been laid out on the ground for the Fellowship. There were soft couches, an abundance of pillows and several wine skins. A fountain bubbled and splashed to their left and a silver glow shone down from the trees above. Very little was said among them for they had not the heart to discuss anything from before their entrance into the forest. They soon came to the topic of the Lady and immediately Pippin began to question Merry. "You seemed right guilty when she looked at you, what was it that you were thinking of?"
"Nothing, I just felt like she could see right through me. It was like she was offering me something, something I've wanted my whole life and all I had to do was leave our quest and it would be within my grasp," replied Merry. It seemed like everyone had experienced a similar sensation, with the exception of Eredhel. She had expected the Lady's offer and ignored it and it was easy to tell her grandmother hadn't been surprised by her choice. But Eredhel was used to such treatment and she thought it unfair for her to offer the others what they wished for so desperately but could not have. Already she could see the effect it was having on Boromir. It would cause him to doubt himself, to consider turning back. Legolas came to sit next to her and Eredhel leaned her head on his shoulder, closing her eyes. He had known Gandalf almost as long as she had and she knew he was saddened. Soon there would be a lament in the wizard's honor, sung from the tree tops by the Galadhrim.
Half an hour later food was brought by several elves. They deposited the silver platters on a low, circular table then bowed and left. One blond haired elleth remained behind, her eyes searching among the Company. They came to rest on Eredhel who had just bitten into an apple and she spoke, her voice soft and lilting. "Varyor, the Lord and Lady wish to speak with you. They said it is of great importance." Eredhel looked at her wearily and paused to swallow the fruit.
"Very well, you may tell them I will be there within the hour." The elf nodded and turned back towards the path. Eredhel finished her apple then grabbed her bow from the couch and gave Legolas only a quick nod before departing the pavilion. He gazed after her, wondering what it was that could be so important. They had only just arrived and already she was being summoned. He was concerned for she had not yet exhibited a single sign of grief.
"They will want to speak of her about the borders, where the watch will be tightened to watch for our enemies," said Aragorn, seeming to read his friend's thoughts.
"Yes, it seems she is often sought for counsel," agreed Legolas.
"It is said in Gondor that the Varyor has wandered the earth for hundreds of years. Before I met her I thought it folly but now I see that it is true. She has seen a great deal of Middle Earth, through both the peaceful years and the dark ones," added Boromir. He was right, she had seen much of world. It was this knowledge and experience that had wizened her. Like a sailor battered by many storms, she could remain calm and collected in almost any situation. It was several hours before Eredhel returned to the pavilion with heavy eyelids and an empty stomach. She had only just sat down on a couch when another messenger appeared. Haldir wished to see her. Eredhel sighed and once again rose, taking a thin path through the woods. She continued to come and go like this for the next three days and the Fellowship saw little of her. When she came back to their dwelling it would only be for a brief amount of time as she often wandered off on her own. She rarely spoke and exhibited no more emotion than the trees which she so often disappeared into.
Though the hobbits thought little of her absence, Legolas became troubled. He missed her presence and found himself dwelling on the words of the dwarf before they entered Moria. He had not thought of it since entering the mines and since escaping he had been consumed by the loss of Gandalf. Yet now the memory rushed forth and he was forced to consider his feelings for her. He had wanted her for as long as they had known each other yet always something had painstakingly held him back. He was in a deep train of thought when suddenly she was next to him, pushing her hair out of her eyes. He looked up in surprise and was about to speak when Sam piped up from the corner. "That song they're singing, it's beautiful. Sad, but beautiful."
"It is a lament for Gandalf. It has been several days in the making for the elves loved and respected him greatly," explained Eredhel. The haunting voices rose and fell in sorrow. Once again her grief surfaced but she buried it deep, refusing to think about the loss of one of her dearest friends.
"What do they say?" asked Pippin, looking at Legolas.
"My heart will not allow me to tell you, the grief is too near," the blond elf replied, lowering his gaze. The hobbit nodded and turned to Frodo, murmuring something about fireworks. Eredhel looked over at Legolas, frowning slightly.
"Something is burdening your thoughts."
"I am troubled by the loss of Mithrandir."
"Yes but there is something else on your mind." Eredhel almost always knew when someone wasn't being honest but he could hardly tell her what he was really thinking about.
"You are mistaken," he said steadily but refused to meet her gaze and she shrugged.
"Very well, keep your secrets." Eredhel rose and took a plum from a wooden bowl and was about to bite into it when a tall elf walked into the clearing. He was clad in shades of silver and grey, with long dark hair.
"My Lady, Haldir wishes to meet with you," he said. Eredhel nodded and tossed the fruit to Aragorn. The Ranger's eyes held her as she bid them farewell and followed the other elf down the path. Once she was gone, he took a seat next to Legolas.
"You should tell her." Legolas didn't even bother trying to lie this time.
"Tell her what? That not a day passes that I do not think of her? That since the day we met I have not considered anyone else? It would be madness and would only cause problems between us," he said bitterly.
"But she feels the same way! Even a blind fool could sense it. It is evident to everyone but yourself my friend."
"Aragorn, she is the daughter of Elrond Peredhil. A descendant of both the Maiar and the High Númenóreans of old. Eredhel could catch any man's eye, a fact which she is completely oblivi-" he was interrupted by another messenger entering the pavilion.
"Eredhel is not here," started Boromir exasperatedly from the corner.
"I am looking for Prince Legolas," explained the messenger. "My Lord Celeborn wishes to speak with him, within half an hour."
"Thank you, tell him I will be there," said Legolas. He wondered what the Lord could wish to speak with him about. A half later he stood in the grand hall, his hand raised to the door of the Lord's chambers. He knocked and the deep voice bid him to enter. Pushing open the door, Legolas paused when he saw there was someone else in the room. Eredhel had her back turned to him and she was speaking to her grandfather. Her posture was straight and she stood before him as a warrior would their commander. Legolas picked up the last words of their conversation.
"...arrive, yes. Our watch is weakest to the south and that is where you will be needed most. Haldir informed Orophin to wait for you by the Western Gate." He then paused, noticing his visitor. "Ah, Prince Legolas, give me just a moment." He turned back to Eredhel, his face grave. "You know as well as I that they cannot be allowed to cross our borders. Do what you must."
"Yes my Lord." Eredhel bowed and turned towards the door. Legolas gave her a look of confusion as she passed him but her only reply was a quick smile. His mind wandered as the Lord asked him for tidings from Mirkwood. He explained that the forest was being overrun by giant spiders and that darkness was spreading from the ruins of Dol Goldur. His father had managed to keep the spiders away from their dwellings but in other areas they were wreaking havoc. Legolas worried what fate would befall his home while he was away and Celeborn as well seemed concerned about the forest. Twenty minutes later Legolas took his leave and returned to the pavilion. To his surprise Eredhel was there, speaking quietly with Aragorn. "I have to go," she said softly.
"Where?" asked the man.
"Lord Celeborn has asked that I join the Wardens. With so many orcs roaming the hills they are going to need all the help they can get."
"And how long will you be gone?" Aragorn sighed.
"That depends on how long they need me."
"You've barely rested or eaten," said Legolas as he joined them.
"I can assure you that I'm fine."
"Eredhel, we just reached safety. The past month has been hard and we all mourn for Gandalf. Why must you go?" insisted Legolas.
"Because it is what's expected of me," she answered wearily. "Would you not do the same if we were in Mirkwood?"
"Yes but that's different,"
"No Legolas, it's not. They need help I can hardly refuse! I'm sorry but I have to go prepare to leave. I will see both of you when I return." Without another word she turned and headed into the trees, leaving them staring after her. Legolas clenched his hands in frustration and next to him Aragorn sighed.
"She is trying to distance herself. She knew Gandalf the longest and the pain has caused old memories to surface," he said.
"Aye," agreed Legolas. "I do not think she ever expected to lose him."
"Of course not and now that she has she's twice as devestated."
"I know. I'm going to go speak with her."
He rose and followed the route Eredhel had taken through the trees. He came upon a well beaten path and followed it until it opened into a large clearing with several flets above him. He knew that she had a permanent dwelling in Lothlórien but had no idea as to where it was. He saw an elf to his left and inquired about the direction of her quarters. She pointed him to a thin trail leading into a deeper patch of trees and he thanked her, awkwardly returning the radiant smile she flashed his way. After several minutes the path came to an end at an ancient mallorn tree. A white ladder hung to the ground and Legolas ascended to the platform. The house was curvy and round, built directly from the tree much like that of the Lord and Lady's. A bright lamp hung by the entrance and he knocked on the wood. "Enter," came her soft voice and he pushed open the door.
With the exception of the washing room, the different living spaces were all fitted into the one open area. An entire wall was dedicated to book shelves, filled with neatly organized volumes. A desk held tools for making arrows as well as paper and feather pens. In the corner there was a hearth with different herbs hung above it around which two couches were situated. The walls were adorned with paintings, many of them depicting locations Eredhel had traveled to and his eyes fell on a large one of Mirkwood. It was as if he was staring through a window into his home, only it was fairer. There was less darkness and the trees looked healthier than they had been in years. He was wondering where it had came from when the sound of chinking glass startled him and he snapped his attention back to the room. Eredhel was sitting at the table, a glass of deep, red wine in front of her. She had changed into a wool tunic, the uniform of the Marchwardens. Legolas took a seat next to her and she pushed the glass towards him, pouring another for herself. "I am afraid it is not quite as strong as that of your father's halls," she said as he took a sip. It was sweet yet held the tartness of cranberries and brought warmth to his tongue.
"I am not quite as selective as my kinsmen." He chuckled.
"Nothing has been able to compare to the mixture I had when last in Mirkwood." Legolas could remember the visit, she had stayed for almost a week and attended one of King Thranduil's feasts. The wine had been full of raspberries and some of the finest ever brought into their halls. Their lips had been tinted a deep maroon and the festivities had lasted long into the morning.
"Yes, you will have to visit once this is all finished."
"Perhaps, if King Thranduil will have me."
"Of course he will, despite your occasional disagreements."
"Well I do not begrudge him for his words at our last meeting." Legolas winced at the memory of the harsh words King Thranduil had thrown at her. Legolas had been furious with him afterwards, they had not spoken for weeks. When he looked over at Eredhel he found she was unperturbed by the memory. Glancing out the window she rose, "I must meet Orophin at the Gate."
"I would be more than happy to accompany you."
"Thank you, but it's not necessary," she said briskly, avoiding his gaze. "I will see you when I return." He barely had a chance to bid her farewell before she was gone, quickly descending the ladder and jumping to the ground below. She disappeared into the trees and he soon returned to the Fellowship. For almost two weeks there was no word from her. When Aragorn inquired with one of the wardens they simply said she had gone to the southern edge of the forest and did not know when she would return. The only news of her they received was when an injured elf returned and brought word of how the defenses were holding. Legolas was on edge, constantly worrying about Eredhel being wounded or killed.
The Fellowship's time in Lórien passed quickly, the cycle of the sun seemed to matter little and days melded together. To calm himself Legolas would go off to wander among the trees, occasionally bringing Gimli with him. The pair seemed to have discovered a new found respect for one another upon entering the wood and they spoke like old friends. But he missed Eredhel and wished it was she who was accompanying him on his walks. It was late one evening when she finally returned, silently coming up behind Boromir and Aragorn when they were speaking around the fire, the others having gone off on different errands. It was only when she stepped into the firelight that Boromir noticed her presence.
"Gods! You startled me," said Boromir, as she materialized from the shadows.
"My apologies. Old habits die hard, is that not what Men say?" Boromir chuckled, patting the seat next to him. Eredhel obliged and sank into it.
"So what do we owe to your return? You're not injured I hope?"
"No, not at all. The Orcs have suffered heavy losses and Haldir told me it would be wise to see how my companions were faring." These were the words she had gone over in her head a hundred times on her way to the capital. Two days before she had dreamed of Gandalf's fall. He had called out to her, begged her to save him from his doom. When she had awoken the memory and guilt had consumed her. This time she had been unable to suppress it and the wave of emotion had caught her off guard. She had immediately taken her leave and ran for the main city. Now her eyes were bloodshot and her muscles ached from the battle and journey back. "Where are the others?"
"Legolas and Gimli have been gone for over an hour. The hobbits went to the sparring field, they have been honing their skills with a blade as a way to pass the time. They have been gone long, it's a wonder that they didn't get lost," Boromir explained. Eredhel gave him a weak smile but Aragorn sensed that something was amiss. She slumped where she sat and her grip was so tight on her bow that her knuckles had turned white.
"Perhaps you should find them, to ensure they have not lost the way," he suggested.
"Yes, I think I will," agreed the Captain. Once he was gone Aragorn turned on his friend, kneeling in front of her with his hands on her shoulders.
"You have been gone for over two weeks, you come back unexpectedly and the light has left you. What is wrong?"
"He is gone Aragorn. I could not save him, Gandalf is gone." She choked on the last word as she realized the truth of what she was saying. "I should have ran, caught him before he fell, or called for him to run across the bridge."
"There is nothing you could have done, Eredhel you cannot save everyone. Gandalf chose to remain while we escaped, his death is not your burden to bear."
"I should have foreseen it, warned him of the danger that lurked in Moria."
"You are punishing yourself for something that is out of your control. Your mind is troubled and fatigue is heavy upon you. Take some rest, it will ease your heart."
Suddenly they heard soft footsteps behind them and they turned to see Legolas enter the clearing. Immediately Aragorn saw the elleth's face change. Gone was her despair and grief, replaced by neutral features. "Ah, you're back!" he said cheerfully. The tight knot that had formed in his stomach over the past weeks loosened and he felt relief seep through him.
"Where is Gimli?" asked Aragorn.
"I left him with the Lady, she wished to walk with him. I do not believe I've ever seen the dwarf so wide eyed." He noted her tense posture and frowned, wondering what she was hiding. "What happened?"
"Nothing, don't worry about it," she said briskly, abruptly rising to her feet. She attempted to turn away from them but found Legolas' firm hand wrapped around her wrist.
"Don't be ridiculous, you just returned. If you're not willing to talk about it at least tell us about the patrols," insisted Legolas, his eyes darkening.
"No, I have a few things to see to and-"
"Eredhel, will you just stop?" said Legolas suddenly, his hands clenching as he released her.
"Stop what exactly?" She raised an eyebrow as she turned towards him. The stoic look she gave him only worsened his frustration.
"Acting like you don't give a damn and acting distant towards anyone you could possibly lose!" he exclaimed. Within a second he could see a shift in her eyes, a stormy tempest replacing her usual starlit grey. But Legolas didn't care, his anger fuelling him on.
"Really?" she growled and her voice was icy. "You think that's why I am distant, because I'm scared of the pain it would cost me?"
"Though you know so well the pain of loss you are more than willing to sacrifice yourself, to die to stop it from happening. Have you ever thought about the fact that you would be putting people through the same pain that you have endured? Instead of dealing with it you run from it like a coward," retorted Legolas, his gaze hard.
"Tell me Legolas, have you ever had someone truly close to you die in battle? It is not the same as when they sail for the havens or pass peacefully when their years catch up to them. One second they are alive, fighting with every fiber of their being for their life. The next, their blood is spilling from their cold body. And do you know what the worst part is? The battle goes on, you have to keep fighting, there is no time to acknowledge the fact that someone you love, someone who trusted you to remain by their side in battle is gone, gone where no herb or remedy can save them." She was shaking, running her fingers through her hair as she fought to remain in control, always in control. Never a moment of weakness, that was a leisure allowed to others, not to her. "And you've got to keep shooting and blocking and killing, doing anything in your power to stop someone else from being ripped away. I do not fear the pain it would cost me to lose yet another one of those close to me Legolas because in all honesty I do not think I would survive to endure it," she snarled. She took a step towards him but the taller elf refused to retreat from her fiery eyes. She could not reign in her anger now, he was criticizing for the choices she had made to protect him, and the others.
"But you selfishly allow your fear to prevent anyone from helping you! I earned your trust long ago and yet you bar me from seeing your thoughts and injuries, do I not warrant an explanation?" The elleth turned on him, and her eyes were cold.
"Everything I have kept, I have kept for good reason. For there are things I have seen and felt that would make even your heart tremble. I will not wallow in my own pain while expecting others to atone for my weakness!" She glared at him for several moments before whipping around and heading for the forest path. She disappeared into the shadows of the trees, not once looking back.
"Well that went well," said Aragorn, startling the elf. He had forgotten the man was there. Legolas sighed, already regretting his words.
"I know. All I have done is hurt her." He sat on the thick root of a tree and pressed his knuckles to his forehead.
"She is right though."
"I'm sorry?"
"There are far darker things behind her eyes than either of us could guess. She's shielding you Legolas, she's trying to shield all of us."
"Which is exactly my point! She is so afraid of what will happen if she allows herself to experience even a moment of weakness!"
"Go speak with her." Aragorn's tone was soft, and weary. Eredhel was the closest family he had and it pained him to see her in anguish.
"Have you lost your senses? She was furious," said Legolas.
"And tell me mellonin, when was the last time you saw Eredhel get that angry?" Legolas' mind reeled at the man's question but he soon realized he had never seen the other elf so tormented. Even when Boromir had insulted the loss of elves in the Battle of Fornost she had only been slightly offput. His heart plummeted as he realized how upset he must have made her.
"Never," he answered.
"And it is for that very reason that you should go speak with her. She got that angry because it was you who said those things. Go, set things right before you lose her."
"I believe you have to possess something in the first place before you can lose it," said Legolas darkly.
"Ah, you have eyes that look but do not see. Gimli mentioned that Eredhel was hard to read but take it from a practiced scholar, her heart is yours if only you would ask for it," insisted Aragorn. Legolas sighed and closed his eyes in frustration. He hated that he had hurt her and he swore to himself that he would never do so again. The knot reformed in his stomach as he heard her words in his head. It had been over half an hour when finally he lifted his head from his hands, having made his decision.
He rose and followed the trail she had taken. It was a faint winding track, he would often lose it then find it again a few moments later. Finally he came to an especially large gap and could not continue any farther. He searched for more than a quarter of an hour but to no avail. She had taken a way through the woods he was unfamiliar with. He continued to search but he simply could not find it. Legolas sighed, vowing to speak with her as soon as she returned to the Fellowship's pavilion. By the time he made it back the others had all returned and were sitting together, eating and talking amongst themselves. When Aragorn saw the elf return alone his brow furrowed but Legolas shook his head.
"I could not find her," he whispered as he took a seat on the ground beside the man. Aragorn's eyes darkened knowingly. It was a gift she had mastered and yet there were times it worked against her.
"Where is Eredhel?" asked Boromir, drawing the attention of the others.
"She returned then?" asked Pippin hopefully, his face brightening.
"Yes, a couple of hours ago. Have you any idea where she is Legolas?"
"No." It was not hard to notice the bitterness in the ellon's voice and Boromir frowned. But Aragorn interjected before he could question Legolas further.
"She was weary, for the borders have grown dangerous and she has been fighting Orcs for the past two weeks. I am sure we will see her soon enough." That seemed to satisfy the others and Boromir let it go reluctantly. They switched to other topics of conversation as they continued to eat but Gimli noticed that his friend was particularly sullen. He tried to think of something to say but did not want to risk offending him in front of the others so he held his tongue.
Legolas' frustration grew when she did not return that night or the next day. He walked every path he knew, coming across countless smiling and bowing elleths but never the one he was looking for. He had regretfully returned to the Fellowship that evening when he noticed a head of dark brown hair seated next to Boromir. The man said something and she chuckled, nodding her head earnestly. Legolas repressed a twinge of jealousy and moved into the firelight. Immediately he felt tension rise in the air. Eredhel's earlier relaxed posture now stiffened, and she sat as if poised for an attack. Legolas resented the movement he had evoked in her and could feel several hobbit eyes boring into him from across the fire. Only seconds had passed but it felt like an eternity before he leaned against a tree beside Aragorn. The Ranger feigned conversation with him but watched the elf closely, knowing he was focusing on a far more tedious task.
Legolas' eyes were on the elleth but she seemed unwilling to meet his gaze. In fact, she was acting as if he was not even there. "She is acting like a child," thought Legolas, with a ripple of irritation but a moment later the feeling vanished. No, this was not the act he had pulled when his father displeased him as a youngling. This was a defense tactic, one mastered through years of practice.
"Eredhel..." Legolas saw her right hand twitch in surprise but her face remained the same as she listened earnestly to Boromir.
"What do you want Legolas?" her voice hit him like an arrow to the stomach. He had expected her to be angry, even resentful. But her soft, defeated tone was far worse.
"I do not want to do this here," he said, his voice pleading. He wanted nothing more than to pull her into his arms, to tell her he was sorry and take away all her fears and doubts.
"I do not want you to do it anywhere else either. I will not do this to you, you deserve far better." No, this was too much. Before he could react she had excused herself from Boromir and rose, quickly exiting the clearing. Legolas once again noticed eyes on him but felt a hand tugging at his arm. He looked down to find Gimli beside him.
"Lad, go get her before we lose her for good," he said gruffly. Legolas stared at him in surprise, the dwarf was far more perceptive of the elleth than he had realized. Gimli gave him a nudge in the back and he nodded, following Eredhel's path through the trees and quickening his pace when he was out of sight of the Fellowship. Once again he lost her trail. Legolas had tracked game and enemies for over a millenia and yet he could not find the way she had taken. He swore quietly, misgivings settling in his heart.
Suddenly Legolas heard a soft sound behind him, bare footsteps on the mossy earth. He turned and was shocked to see Galadriel walking towards him, a small smile on her lips.
"Have you lost your way son of Thranduil?" she asked, her smile widening. She was dressed in pale blue and seemed to emit a warm glow.
"I'm afraid so my Lady." He bowed his head in greeting, hoping she hadn't heard his curse. "Though there are few places I would rather be lost than the fair forest of Lórien." She laughed and beckoned to him.
"Walk with me and I will show you the way." He fell into pace alongside of her as she led him with ease through the maze of trunks. "Your dwarven companion is one to be marveled at. I have never met one so courteous and entranced with our dwelling."
"Indeed, I believe this forest has taught him there is beauty to be found in more than gold and jewels," said Legolas with a reluctant grin. Galadriel once again laughed but her face turned sombre.
"I am guessing you are searching for my granddaughter, you will have to forgive her for taking such difficult path." Legolas struggled to hide his surprise at her words, guessing that she was talking about more than just the hard to follow trail. "You are troubled. I know what it is that weighs upon your heart."
"In such times there are many things to weigh upon one's heart my Lady," he said wearily.
"Your words are those of a King. Though you do not seek it, I think the rule of Mirkwood would suit you well. As for Eredhel you know as well as I that she carefully guards her heart. She fears the pain that she may cause you, as well as whether or not she is worthy of your sentiments."
"She is of more than equal status" answered Legolas, slightly confused.
"I do not refer to rank, Eredhel would never allow such a foolish obstacle to stand in her way. She sees herself as a burden. She knows firsthand what it is like to lose someone you love and she cannot bear the thought of losing you or making you feel that pain."
"She fears needlessly, I would never let her die in battle."
"You would take an arrow for her then?"
"Yes." Once again he replied without hesistation, a deeply rooted instinct willing him to protect her no matter what the cost.
"She knows if that were to happen she would not be able to live with the grief or guilt. It would haunt her until the end of her days. That, dear Greenleaf, is why she is afraid. Now, I believe you will find her lurking in the trees nearby, it is not uncommon for her to go to the growing things for solitude and comfort." Galadriel left his side and Legolas realized she had led him to a brighter part of the forest. Here the trees were not as thick and moonlight reached the ground through the gaps in the leaves. Setting his shoulders determinedly, he headed into the maze of trunks.