AN: i am sooo so sorry for the long delay. i have three things to say:
1. My puppy died a few days ago, he was three months old. He got sick and we went to the vet but he said nothing was wrong. Ravi died that night. Even though we'd only had him for a months, I still love him very much. :(
2. Writing this chapter, I was thinking. Since Alysae and co. are going to be on horse, they will reach the High Pass days if not weeks before the Fellowship. Saruman not being concerned abt a group of four elves and a human, would probably not unleash the storm. therefore, they would be able to pass the Misty Mountains.
3. Thank you all so much for all the follows, favs and reviews!
ruinedartist: thank you so much mellon! im glad you like it so far :)
Thank you to mystarlight, for reviewing the first five chapters! i do hope you read all the others tho. As for your question, Thranduil in my opinion is a BIG jewellery lover. a diamon circlet is prob considered plain to him ;) hope you like this chap!
Annabel Jones: ThAnK yOoOou!
the8horcrux: wowow thank you! im glad you think so. i feel like my writing is getting worse and worse but you def boosted my confidence! also, i wrote an extra long chapter for you :) my longest one so far...
LarissaValentiMeedachi2613: i am really glad! honestly. Hope you enjoy this chapter ;)
MustardLady: i agree on everything! honestly i always thought that Boromir was misunderstood, he deserves more credit. Im happy you like the paper star tale! :)))
PrettyRecklessLaura: enjoy this new chap then!
. . . Chapter 11- The Paths Through the Mountains . . .
Her bag was packed. It hadn't taken a long time, because she hadn't taken many things when coming to Imladris. She had to leave behind a few things, though, in order to fit the new winter clothes that Elrond had gifted her.
The twins and her were to go through the Pass in the Mountains, in December. There would be snow. A lot of snow. And if there was one thing Alysae hated more than bees, it was being cold. She hated snow. She disliked ice. She loathed the cold.
Wonderful.
It had been yesterday when the Fellowship had set out, when Legolas had left; and perhaps it had been the last time she would ever see him. Arwen and her had spent the evening crying into each other's arms, and the elleth had confided her that she would have to leave to Valinor. Alysae had been shocked. Arwen was renouncing on her love with Aragorn?
The news also was like a kick in the face to her. The Elves were leaving these shores. They were leaving Middle-Earth –forever- and they would all leave, and she would have to stay behind. Alone.
"Ugh!" she stomped her foot. "Enough self-pitying!"
Humming under her breath in an attempt at keeping her mind off these thoughts, she folded the clothes that would remain behind and placed them in the wardrobe.
She ran her silver brush through her hair, and quickly braided it back. She glanced at her reflection fleetingly and stopped short. A pale girl, with dark circles under her eyes stared back at her. She looked a fright.
The green tunic was just that little bit too big for her, floating around her frame slightly and hanging limp; and it had fitted her perfectly on her way to Imladris, two months ago.
The… illness was progressing quickly. Much too quickly for her taste.
But why only now? That was a mystery that stayed unsolved. Perhaps Lady Galadriel would know the answer, and would reveal it to her. She hoped so.
She shook her head and grabbed her pack. With a last glance around the room, she left her chambers, and wandered amongst the many corridors till she reached the stable.
She dropped her bag on the floor covered in straws and fallen leaves. The place was slightly dimmer than outside, and there were many wooden doors where horses pocked out their heads. She noticed Celeg two boxes on the right from her.
"My Lady," an Elf working in the stables acknowledged her.
"Mae govannen, I would like my saddle and bridle please," she said with a nod of her head.
"Of course."
The Elf left in a swirl of long brown hair, and came back a few seconds later, holding her equine equipment in a basket.
She inclined her head as she took the basket. "Hannon le."
Celeg neighed softly when she approached him, rubbing his nostrils against her face. Alysae ran her hands through his white mane. She brushed out any tangles she found, and once that was done, she braided it all so that it would not get any more tangled.
"I missed you too," she crooned. Celeg snorted with a roll of his eyes, as if saying, Of course you would.
She entered his box to saddle and bridle him. Normally Elves did not ride the way of Men (except on long trips), but Alysae found it much easier than holding on for dear life to Celeg's mane. Besides, it gave her a sore bottom.
Once that was done, she let Celeg roam free outside to eat and stretch his legs in the grass. She knew that he would not run away.
She went back inside and searched for Doron, Legolas' stallion. His head was out, hanging miserably, and staring at her sadly with large brown eyes.
"Hello, my boy," she murmured. He neighed softly, acknowledging her presence. Alysae rested her forehead against Doron's, her hands going out to caress the sides of his face.
"You miss Legolas, don't you?"
Doron whinnied in response, like a cry of sorrow. He knew that his master was gone, and that it was probable he would not come back.
A tear escaped her eye. "I miss him too."
The white stallion bumped his nose on her shoulder, comforting her. She sighted.
"At least they treat you well here, don't they?"
Doron snorted.
"Taking to horses, Alys? Careful, people might think you mad!"
Alysae turned around. Elladan leaned against a wall with his arms crossed, and a mischievous grin on his face.
"Or they might think that I'm pretending to be you," she replied with a roll of her eyes.
"I can't be mad!" exclaimed Elladan. "Since I know I'm mad, I can't be. Mad people think they're all perfectly sane, but since I know I'm not, I can't be mad. Understand?"
Alysae stared at him blankly.
"Are you ready?" he asked after giving out a dramatic sigh.
"Almost," she replied, giving Doron one last kiss before striding out of the stables, Elladan in tow.
Two Elves stood with their backs turned; one with long auburn hair, the other dark locks. They turned around.
"Erkas, Miraven," Alysae greeted them
"My Lady," said both at the same time. Miraven was looking a lot better than at their arrival to Imladris, two months ago; colour was back in his cheeks and his movements were no longer hindered.
"Are we all ready to set out?" she asked them. They nodded.
The two Mirkwood Elves were to cross the Misty Mountains with her and the twins, to return to the Woodland Realm. They would part way on the other side of the mountains. There, she would give them two letters, both for her father. One was from her, the other from Legolas.
He'd given it to her the day of their departure.
"Alysae," he said, holding out a rolled parchment sealed with the royal crest of Mirkwood; "I want you to take it. Give it to Erkas when you leave."
She took the letter and traced the red seal with her fingers. "Is it for Ada?"
Legolas nodded grimly. "I wanted him to… to have something from me."
It was her turn to nod. "Your letter is safe with me for the moment."
"Be safe!" He embraced her.
There was a slight rustle, and all turned around to see Lord Elrond striding towards them. Long silver robes flowed around his tall figure; his stern face showing no emotion.
He stopped in front of them.
"I pray the Valar be with you," he said, looking at his sons and Alysae.
She managed a small curtsy. "Thank you for everything."
Lord Elrond smiled and placed a hand on her shoulder. "Farewell, Alysae!" Said he.
Then he retreated a little, to watch their leaving from underneath the cover of a tree nearby.
Alysae moved to get Celeg, patting him on the sides when he refused to bulge to eat a purple flower instead.
"Come on you big dolt!" She called, pulling him along. "Move!" The stallion resisted at first before reluctantly moving away from the spot of flowers. Alysae bumped her shoulder against his, fighting a smile.
"That horse will get so fat he'll have to be carried around," she muttered with a slight roll of her eyes.
"Alysae!" someone shouted behind her.
Alysae turned around; a tall elleth walked towards her, her hair like shadows, and her steps graceful.
"Arwen," she smiled, waiting for the elleth to catch up on her.
"I only wanted to see you before you left," said Arwen as she neared to a stop in front of Alysae.
"I'm glad you did."
Arwen embraced her. "Please be safe."
"I shall try," replied Alysae. "But I cannot promise anything, for it is your brothers that I am traveling with."
"Idiots they may both be," said Arwen with a smile, "but I am sure they would keep you safe."
"I hope so!"
Arwen brought out something from a pocket of her dress. She held it out to Alysae. "I wish for you to have this."
Alysae unraveled the piece of cloth around the object, uncovering a flash of light. It was a brooch made of silver and gold, glittering in the sunlight; it was shaped in the likes of a butterfly, with wings of emerald and sapphire; swirls and lines like moonlight; delicately shaped, as fine and elegant as a real butterfly.
"This is…" began Alysae. "I cannot accept it."
"It belonged to my mother," said Arwen, closing Alysae's hand over the brooch. "She would want you to have it."
Alysae tried once more to refuse, but the elleth simply flashed her eyes at her, and insisted. Therefore, Alysae deemed it safer to accept the present, rather than risk the wrath of Arwen.
"Thank you, Arwen," she whispered in the elleth' s ear, as she embraced Arwen.
"You always felt like a little sister to me," said Arwen, smoothing the other girl's golden locks back.
"And you, like an older one."
Arwen pulled back and smiled. Her eyes focused on something behind Alysae. "Go," she said.
Alysae turned to see Elladan and Elrohir in the distance, waving madly at her to come, the two Mirkwood elves besides them. She began to walk towards them, then stopped. She looked back at Arwen who had not moved.
"One thing," Alysae added impulsively, "please do not renounce on Aragorn. Have hope."
Arwen said nothing but her eyes shone with unshed tears. She looked down, her hair like shadows around her face.
That was the last sight of her Alysae had.
"Ready to go?" Elrohir called out when she got closer.
She nodded. With the help of Elrohir, she mounted Celeg, shuffling slightly and adjusting her grip on the reigns. She verified that her bags were firmly attached to the saddles, and that her knives were easy to access.
"Let us go!" Said Elladan, already on his steed. Besides him, Erkas and Miraven were on their horses as well, their bows strung over their shoulders.
And with one last glance at Imladris; which stood nestled into the valley, glistening in the morn daylight, with flurries of water like white cloth fluttering in the wind; they took off.
-xxx-
There was a distinct change in the air when they passed the border of Imladris; the air seemed to grow heavier, filled with sleepless malice; a harsh wind whipped at their cheeks, reminding them all that it was the midst of winter; and suddenly they felt exposed and vulnerable.
Alysae shuddered.
Running her hand over her saddle in an attempt to soothe her nerves, Alysae thought about the journey ahead. It would take them a day's ride to reach the base of the Misty Moutains, around two to three days on the High Pass, and three days to reach the woods of Lothlorien.
She wished the journey wasn't so long; patience not being her greatest strength. But it was not all: something made her uneasy, like a cold fear gripping at her heart, icy fingers trailing down her spine. She felt watched.
She shifted slightly in her saddle, hiding a wince at her sore muscles. They had only been riding for a few hours and she was already sore! That would prove to be a very painful trip indeed.
Elladan noticing her discomforts flashed her a smile. "So, my lady," he said teasingly, "what has made you want to see the Woods of Lothlorien? I would have thought you would have wanted to go see your dear papa!"
At the mention of her father, her throat closed up. She shook her head.
"Perhaps I merely wished to see he Golden Woods for myself," she retorted. "Legolas hasn't been there; I'll be the first of the two of us!"
Ellladan smirked, but he did not look very convinced. Alysae, for her part, hesitated, not knowing if she should tell the Twins the true reason for her coming to Lothlorien. She recalled a conversation she'd had with Lord Elrond.
She was sitting on a stone bench in one of the many gardens of Imladris. Before her a single tree stood, it's trunk white and old as bone, many yellow flowers blossoming on its countless branches.
She watched the gentle sway of the leaves in the wind; heard the soft sounds of scurrying, creaking, groaning, cracking, that adorned the air; and thought about how peaceful it was there.
There were no enormous spiders. No Orcs wandering inside Imladris. Alysae did not understand why Imladris was spared from the darkness whilst Eryn Galen succumbed from it. She'd heard whispers —of course she did— listening behind closed doors, deciphering enigmatic words from her father... But one thing was sure. There were three elven rings, all hidden, and the question was: Where were they now? Thranduil strongly suspected that Lord Elrond possessed one such ring.
Alysae did not know what to believe. Perhaps he was right, and perhaps he was not so, but she did not understand why a ring could make a difference.
She sighted.
Rings. Just like the One Ring, which was to go East, to the lands of Mordor. Her brother was to set out in the morrow, and she had never felt so helpless before.
Her gaze caught on one of the flowers perched in a white branch; it's yellow petals were not bloomed yet, it was closed unlike the other ones.
"Ah, I find nature most beautiful," said a soft voice besides her. Alysae turned in her seat to see Elrond sitting at the end if the bench. She had not noticed him arrive. "Isn't it wonderful how, when one carefully observes one's surroundings, one can note how each petal, each leaf, each rock is different?" Continued the Lord of Rivendell. "Of course, such is the beauty of things, isn't? To be unique."
"I know naught," replied Alysae pensively. "I find familiarity and comfort in things that resemble each other."
"Resemble but not the same," objected Elrond. "Many many things in this word look similar, but are in fact very different. Each thing in this world is its own. There are no other like this one," he said, catching a tumbling leaf out of thin air, and observing it in the light.
"I suppose so."
"Do you suppose or do you understand?" The Elf Lord looked at her with such an enigmatic expression that Alysae felt frustrated. He suddenly leaned forward. "Look! Over there in the branch which opens into three other, narrower ones; four flowers on the left one, two on the middle branch; and there... Do you see?" He pointed to the foliage of the white trees in front, his eyes focused on something Alysae could not see.
"Forgive me for I do not see of what you speak," she said, searching the branches with her gaze.
"Upon the branch I described to you, there is a single yellow flower, of which its petals are not yet opened."
Alysae blinked in surprise, finding the flower immediately; it was the same flower she had noticed earlier. "Yes I see it now," she said. "It has not yet blossomed. It seems slower than its sisters."
Lord Elrond shook his head lightly. "This tree, of which the flower we speak of grows upon, is a very unique one. Do you not marvel at the wonder of flowers still in the midst of winter? All year long, yellow it blossoms. Never has it faltered in doing so." He crossed his hands together on his lap and looked at Alysae with a small smile. "Do not think that because that flower has been taking a longer time to get ready, that it shall not be as beautiful as it sisters, if not more beautiful than all of them combined. When the others will begin to whither and fade, to lose all color and life; that one flower shall blossom, beautiful and golden; the last one to give to nature a semblance of beauty and grace."
For a few moments they both stayed unmoving and silent; Alysae wondering on the half-elven's words. They were filled with wisdom, she realized. For all he said was true.
"But my Lord," she said. "I do not understand why you would tell me this."
"Perhaps you do not need to understand, precisely," replied the elf enigmatically. Then, he sobered. "You are one such flower, Alysae. One day you shall blossom, and when that happens, you will find yourself."
Alysae glanced up at Lord Elrond's face in surprise. She knew he had the gift of foresight; was this part of something he had seen concerning her?
She wanted to ask him more questions, she wanted to have answers for once, but the elf Lord was already on his feet.
"Tomorrow, my sons shall accompany you to the Lorien, for they shall bring news of the Ringbearers to their rulers."
Alysae felt relieved to know that the twins would be there to protect her. Noticing that Elrond was moving away, she called him back, "Lord Elrond...?"
"Yes?"
"Have you..." She hesitated.
"No I have not told them about the true reason for your departure to the Golden Woods," he said, still with that same gentle and understanding smile upon his face.
Alysae stifled a sight of relief.
"However," said Elrond, and she turned to him; "it would be best for you to trust in them. Do not forsake hope."
And with that he strode away, leaving Alysae to contemplate and ponder the meaning behind his words.
Alysae blinked, coming back to her surroundings. She looked to her left, expecting to see Elladan next to her, but he was gone. She realized that he was at the front, next to his twin brother. Much more time than she had thought must have passed.
She sighted.
-xxx-
It was nightfall when they reached the foot of the Misty Mountains. A cold harsh wind bit at their uncovered cheeks, slithering into their clothes; the dark ragged rocks loomed high overhead. Deep silence covered them all, and a feeling of unease gripped at their hearts.
"I do not like the look of this place," muttered Elrohir.
"Nor do I," said Erkas wearily.
The group dismounted. Alysae stifled a groan of pain as her muscles stretched for the first time in hours. Celeg bumped his head softly against her shoulder as if to say, See? That's what happens when you neglect me.
She removed the saddle and bridle, and left him free, knowing that he would not go far. Even Celeg could feel the danger in the air.
Alysae walked over to Elrohir who was starting a fire. "Do you think it wise or safe to make a fire?" she asked him, eager to know his opinion.
He shrugged. "Either way I do not think that we can be safe anywhere that is not Imladris or Lothlorien." He looked down to the small bundle of wood which had begun to catch spark. "Besides, we should keep you warm whilst we can."
That is when she realised that she was shaking. Drawing back her sleeve, she noticed goose bumps along her skin.
"I did not realise I was cold," she said surprised.
"Here."
Alysae looked up to see Elrohir handing her his cloak, a dark fabric in his pale hands. Without it, he suddenly seemed taller and bigger.
"No it is fine, I do not need it," she said, but even as she spoke her teeth chattered.
Elrohir sighted and draped the cloak around her shoulders. Alysae weakly protested but he only fastened it tightly. "There we go," he said. "You shall thank me later when the snow piles against us, and your lips turn blue from the cold."
He turned back to the fire, his back to her. Alysae rose. She placed a hand on his shoulder. "Thank you," she said softly.
Then she left, the cloak swishing behind her, like a dark shadow swallowing her up.
-xxx-
Alysae winced when she sat on her bedroll. Her muscles protested; her legs screamed and her back yelled. And her bottom… it was so sore that grimaced just thinking about it.
She rummaged through her pack for her silver brush. Throughout the day, the constant bumps and jerks of the horse had tangled her hair over her back. It was now a very big mess.
At first, the brush stuck at every strokes, but gradually it became smoother and smoother until her hair was completely tangle-free. She braided it back again, using a string of leather to tie it. Once that was done, she put the brush back in her pack, and her gaze caught on something at the very bottom of it.
It was a small green bag; nothing extraordinary. But it was what was inside that made Alysae's mouth go dry. Elrond had given it to her. Take it only when your symptoms reappear, he had said. No more than two leaves every twelve hours! If you dare take too much of it, it might go ill for you.
Alysae closed her eyes. She did not want to find out what he had meant by it might go ill for you, in fact she did not even want to look at that small green bag, sitting so infuriating still amongst her clothes!
She opened her eyes and brutally closed her pack. She did not want to be close to those leaves. She wanted to throw them in the fire and never have to think about them again. Except she couldn't.
"Food?" she heard Elladan call to her from the fire.
Truth be told, she did not feel hungry –not even in the slightliest- however, she wanted to get her mind of her condition, so she stood up and made her way to the other elves.
Miraven and Elrohir were currently on watch, one on either side of the camp. Erkas bowed his head lightly to her when she got nearer; he was eating bread.
She winced as she sat down next to Elladan.
"Here," he said, holding out a steaming goblet, "it will help with the soreness."
Alysae took it without asking what was in it. She took a sip of it; it tasted slightly bitter. She made a face. "Hannon le."
Elladan chuckled at her expression. "Worry not, you get used to it."
"Why is it that the healers in my father's Halls, know how to make healing tea that does not taste bitter?"
Erkas laughed. "Miraven said the same thing when I visited him whilst he was still healing."
"See?" exclaimed Alysae to Elladan. "Clearly something must have gone terribly wrong in Imladris with your healers!"
"Oh hush," said Elladan, but he was smiling.
After that, the three of them finished their meals and headed to their bedrolls. The two elves fell into elvish sleep almost immediately, but Alysae stayed awake for a long while before she too could rest.
-xxx-
A pale sky shrouded in grey clouds welcomed Alysae when she opened her eyes the following morning. The first thing she noticed was that her muscles were no longer sore. Thank the Valar for Elladan's tea!
Then, she saw that the other elves were up and about, breaking their Fast. She made her way towards them.
"Am I late?" she asked as she sat down.
"We were about to wake you," said Elladan with amusement.
"Oh well," she muttered. Alysae took a piece of bread from Elrohir's outstretched hand and forced herself to eat it all.
When they had finished their meal, they packed the remainder of their camp, the tall shadow of the mountains towering above them.
Then they took off again.
-xxx-
"Ho-ow l-long do we-we have to st-stay in this mount-mountain?" asked Alysae through chattering teeth. Great flakes of snow were tumbling over them, each one like an icy needle prickling down their necks and cheeks; a harsh frigid wind bit at their noses, whipped their flushed faces. Celeg snorted under her, his breath steaming in the frozen air.
Elrohir turned to her, his eyes worried. "Your lips are blue." Even with Elrohir's cloak over her own, she could feel the cold seeping into her bones. "Elladan!" Elrohir called out.
His brother, who had been at the front, turned around. The hooves of his stallion sank deep into the snow as he urged him to go back to his brother.
"What is it?"
"We should stop here a few hours," said Elrohir. He had to shout to be heard over the howling of the wind. "Alysae's half frozen."
Elladan examined Alysae's trembling form, and nodded. Within a few minutes the group had dismounted and were huddled together, their horses standing close to them.
"We'll try a fire!" Elladan said. His brother rubbed Alysae's shoulders in an attempt to ease the blood flow and warm her. She was shaking so hard that her braid bounced over her shoulder.
They pulled cloaks and blankets over them, making a sort of frail wall against the cold. Soon they had a makeshift tent. Elrohir lifted Alysae into his arm to place a blanket underneath her, so that she would not be sitting directly onto the snow. She did not even open her eyes.
"Alysae!" someone shouted.
Wearily she opened her eyes, seeing a blur in front of her. Someone was shaking her. Who was it? She could not tell. She didn't even know where she was. Her eyes closed of their own accord. It felt nice, almost like slipping into a dream, warm and painless. Something connected with her cheek. Why were they trying to wake her? She wanted to sleep. Let me sleep, she thought drowsily.
"Alysae!" Elrohir shouted. She was falling asleep, and falling asleep whilst lying in snow was definitely not a good idea. He shook her again. This time, her eyes stayed shut. He panicked.
He tried slapping her; it did not work.
"Elladan!" he shouted. His brother glanced their way, worry evident in his eyes. Erkas and Miraven besides him were trying to light a fire with the wood they had collected earlier on.
"Hold on!" said Elladan. "We're almost there!"
Meanwhile, Alysae could dimly hear shouts and raised voices, she could vaguely feel that her fingers and toes felt numb... but it all grew fainter. Dark spots appeared before her eyes, getting larger and larger until they swallowed her up. There came Nothing. Not a sound or smell. Absolute emptiness.
Then a light came forward growing as bright as a blazing star; a warmth seemed to seep into her chest and fill it like liquid honey. A voice was whispering at the edge of her consciousness.
If this was dying, Alysae thought, then it wasn't too bad after all. She was only sorry she couldn't have said goodbye to her father.
Her father... He would be left alone, waiting in the growing darkness for news concerning his children, and when he would get them... She could not do that to her father. She would not.
She had to wake up!
Wake up! she thought. Wake up! Wake! Up!
She battled inwardly to grasp on to something even as her consciousness slipped faster and faster out of then the light suddenly blazed like a hot fire before her. She reached for it.
Her eyes opened. Faces were swimming in and out of her vision, dark hair fell against her cheeks.
"She's awake!" she heard someone say. She blinked, trying to see clearly, and her vision came back suddenly as if it had been slammed back into her.
Elrohir and Elladan were leaning over her, their silver eyes worried and wide; behind them stood the concerned face of the Mirkwood Elves. Alysae tried to sit up and Elrohir helped her when she swayed. An empty goblet lay next to her hand. A frigid breeze poked her back, but a warmth came at her from her right. There, a small fire blazed like a beacon in the dark night.
"What happened?" asked Alysae.
"You, you nearly died Alysae," said Elrohir.
"For a few seconds we feared the worst," added Elladan. "Thankfully the tea we administered you seemed to have done its job in warming you internally."
Alysae blinked. She could have, she could have died?
"My Lady?" said Miraven.
"I am all right," she said softly. She drew her arms around herself and tucked her chin over her knees. She had nearly died.
Elrohir, noticing her movements, drew a spare blanket and draped it around her. "Your fingers and feet were turning blue," he said lowly. That was then that Alysae realized that someone had removed her wet socks, and that wrapped around her hands and feet were tightly knotted fabric. Something in between two layers of cloth tinkled when she shook her hands.
At her questioning glance Elrohir explained. "We used metal spoons which we warmed in the fire. The cloth around them prevents you from getting burned."
"Spoons?" she repeated.
"It was a matter of life and death. We had nothing else."
Now that she knew what was in the cloth, Alysae could trace the outline of the spoons. "Thank the Valar you had enough spoons then. And," she suddenly added, "why on Arda would you bring so many spoons with you?!"
Elrohir shrugged, although a smile tugged at the corner of his lips. "Ask Elladan."
Alysae's eyes brightened. Looking down, she noticed that not only was she wearing the twins' extra cloaks, but Elrohir's other riding tunic on top of her own clothes!
"Elrohir!" she gasped. "Aren't you cold?"
He shrugged. "Not overly so. Why?"
"Do not lie to me!" she scolded. "You are Peredhel: more prone to the cold than other elves. You must be absolutely freezing!" She began tugging his tunic over her head but a hand stopped her.
"Alysae," said Elrohir. "Keep it. I am not cold —truly I am not! Besides I have extra layers underneath." He pushed his collar aside; underneath Alysae could see at least three other shirts.
"Well, if you say so," she muttered. After a while she added, "Hannon le, Ro."
He smiled.
-xxx-
The next day was as dreadful as the last, and Alysae was very much relieved when they finally arrived at the foot of the Mountains, on the other side.
"No more snow!" she sang loudly on top of her horse. The other elves around her laughed, as relieved as her. Finally the howling wind had receded, the frigid cold seemed a distant memory. They could breathe again.
Unfortunately, their journey was not yet over.
"This is where we must part," said Erkas a little while later.
The twins nodded. "Farewell!" they said.
Alysae nudged Celeg to get closer to the Mirkwood elves. "Here," she told them, "I want you to deliver these to my father." And from her bag she produced two letters. One was signed with her name, the other with Legolas'.
Miraven nodded solemnly. "We will, my lady."
"Farewell!" she said. "And may you reach the halls of my father safely!"
And with that they parted.
-xxx-
There were less and less rocks as they rode on, the looming Caradhras now seemed but a distant shadow. On the second day, they could see a golden hue like a line on the horizon. It grew closer and closer until finally they reached the edge of the woods.
Tall trees with many golden leaves that glimmered in the sun. A yellow light fell between the branches, basking the woods into a warm glow.
They had reached Lothlorien.
-xxx-
Finally out of Rivendell! review!
Mae govannen- well met, greetings
Hannon le- thank you.
Peredhel- half elven