Chapter 6- Lothlórien

Chapter 6- Lothlórien

After hours of perilous running and wooded terrain, we arrived at the boarders of Lothlórien. There was a large rushing creek to cross and already I could feel my strength returning. The forest was my home; I could survive here- I knew these places. Aragorn ran ahead, splashing across the river and standing relieved, in front of the tree line.

I cautiously made my way down the hill, ignoring the flaring pain in my ankle. “Have you e’re been to this place, meh lady?” Pippin asked, it was the first time he had spoken since Gandalf’s passing and I could still see pain in his eyes.

“I might have been here when I was young, but I have no memory of this place,” I smiled faintly. “My mother was from Lothlórien, and the daughter of the Lady Galadriel and Lord Celeborn.”

Legolas shot me a quizzical look, “Your father was Elros?”

“Yes, his wife was Gelä, sister of Celebrain.”

This was a simple fact among Rivendell, everyone knew that my father had married Elrond’s wife’s sister. Elrond never told me how my parents had met, nor did he speak of his late wife Celebrain.

“Hurry!” Aragorn yelled from across the stream, it seemed as if everyone but Legolas and I had crossed the body of water. I splashed across the cool water and onto the other side where tall, lush green grass was spread across the mountain-side. Everyone made a break for the tree line and once we had entered the forest of Loríen, I smiled.

The golden, mallorn trees were tall and ancient, showing no sign of death or decay. Soft autumn leaves sprinkles down from the top and covered the forest floor in a blanket of green and orange. Bright light streamed down from the canopy above and warmed my flesh instantly. The moss-covered bark contrasted against the dark oak colors and I couldn’t help but feel like this was a second home to me.

After all, my mother lived here at one point.

“You bring great evil with you, Lothrayel,” a femine voice whispered.

My ear perked up and instinctively I reached for my blades, cautiously clutching their hilts will all my strength.

“Stay close, young Hobbits,” I heard Gimli whisper. “They say a great Sorceress lives in these woods; an elf-witch of terrible power. All who look upon her fall under her spell and are never seen again!” he held his axe close to his chest. “Well here’s one dwarf she won’t ensnare so quickly! I have the eyes of a hawk and the ears of a fox.”

Suddenly Legolas drew his bow and notched an arrow and I drew my blades, only to find myself surrounded by Elven archers. I glared at them, How senseless can they be to draw on their own people!?

I was just about to do something completely rash and irresponsible when one of the Elves spoke. He was tall, handsome and fair-haired with intense grey eyes. “Your dwarf breathes so loud that we could’ve shot him in the dark,” he smirked, looking somewhat satisfied with himself.

It was about two hours later when the Elven leader, Haldir, finally released us. We had been interrogated and were now standing on a tall platform, towering above the forest floor. The sky was dark now, and the fireflies were out, blinking their innumerable colors and drawing curious looks from Gimli.

“Welcome, Legolas, Son of Thranduil,” Haldir bowed to my friend and in return, Legolas nodded. “And Lothrayel of Rivendell.”

I didn’t trust this man.

Then again, I don’t trust people who pull their weapons on me- much less my friends.

“Our Fellowship stands in your debt,” Legolas thanked the Elf.

Haldir continued down the line, walking with so much pride it sickened me. “Ah, Aragorn of the Dundain, you are known to us.”

“What business do you have with my brother?” I demanded, shooting daggers at this man.

“Rayel,” Aragorn scolded, demanding that I hold my tongue.

“So much for the legendary courteousy of the Elves!” Gimli stuttered. “Speak words we can all understand!”

It hadn’t occurred to me that we had been speaking in Elvish the entire time, until Gimli had said something.

Haldir glared down at Gimli. “We have not had dealings with the dwarves since the Dark Days,” venom dripped from his voice.

“And do you know what this dwarf says to that? Ishkhaqwi ai durugnul!”  Gimli spat back.

My eyes widened, “Gimli!” I exclaimed, turning to my friend in horror.

Aragorn spun around, grabbing the dwarf by the shoulder and hissed: “That was not so courteous.”

Haldir mearely glared at all of us, seemingly his anger seemed more upon Gimli and myself- I was surprised he hadn’t ordered us to be publically executed yet, but I had a feeling that execution would come later. He circled the group once more, stopping in front of Frodo. “You bring great evil with you.” His eyes narrowed. “You can go no further.”

We all turned to look at the small Hobbit and suddenly I had the urge to take my Eregethian blade and drive it into Haldir’s back. But the moment passed and I watched bitterly as he stormed away, Aragorn right behind him. They were clearly arguing, but the distance between us was far greater than my hearing would permit.

I was sitting beside Frodo, my arms around the small Hobbit and his head hanging low. We were both remorse over the loss of our friend, and getting in trouble with the Lothlórien Elves was weighing hard on us.

“Rayel,” Boromir whispered beside me and I turned to face him. Worry glinted across his face and he turned me toward him. “I fear these Elves are prejudice against us all. We must be careful what we say and in which manner we say it. You need to be careful what you say,” he was worried for my sake.

I swallowed hard and nodded. My pride drained away and left me feeling empty.

“Gandalf’s death was not in vain,” Boromir whispered to us tenderly. Both Frodo and I looked up at the mention of Mithrandir’s name. “Nor would he want you to give up hope… You carry a heavy burden, Frodo.” There was sympathy in his eyes, if not for me, than for the Halfling. “Don’t carry the weight of the dead.”

Our attention was drawn away from our own conversations and to that of Haldir as he approached, pulling me upward coarsely. “You will follow me,” he ordered and I ignored the feeling of slapping him.

I saw Legolas and Boromir step forward ready to defend me if need be, but I stopped them with a motion of my hand. “You will not touch me again,” I hissed at Haldir, glaring at him with as much malice as I could muster.

The Elf dipped his head in apology and turned away, leading our group away and further into the forest.

“Are you alright?” I heard Legolas whisper, as he came to my side.

“I am unharmed,” I promised. “It is only my pride that is wounded.”

Legolas chuckled slightly, “But you’re alright?” he asked again, this time more serious.

“Yes, Legolas,” I said sincerely, stopping so I could face him. His long blonde hair had leaves and small twigs tangled in, and his eyes were still blue and shining. His face was still fair but a few scratches marked his cheeks. His lips drew a narrow frown, as if he wasn’t sure if I was being honest or not. “I’m fine,” I assured him, placing my hand softly against his cheek. “I am not harmed.” I repeated, withdrawling my hand and smiling softly.

He nodded, something new and foreign glinted in his eyes and he took my hand in his, squeezing it softly. “It has been a few hours since his passing,” we followed the group. “How are you holding up?”

I was quiet for a few moments, taking in the darkness and shivering at the cold. “It is new to me,” I admitted quietly. “I have not lost anyone since my parents, many years ago… Though I was far too young to really remember much about them… But with Mithrandir, it was different. I thought of him as a friend, a mentor, and a protector.”

Legolas nodded sympathetically. “Have you spoken to Aragorn?” he asked.

“No,” I answered. “But I don’t believe he is too happy with my behavior as of late. He has never been as cross with me as he is now.”

We continued on in silence, following the mysterious Haldir into the night. By daybreak, Haldir ordered Legolas to the front of the line and I was left alone and under the watchful and protective eyes of Boromir and Gimli. “Rayel,” Gimli whispered.

“Yes?” I turned to face him, it was the first time I had spoken in hours.

“Do meh eyes deceive me, lass, or do you have feelings for the Elf?” he smirked.

I was so taken back by the dwarf’s attentiveness that my jaw dropped significantly. “What?” I asked.

He smiled broadly, content that he had managed to uncover my secret. “I knew it,” he grinned.

“Shh!” I exclaimed. “You must promise that you will never speak of this. I beg you.” I pleaded desperately.

“I promise,” he nodded.

I sighed with relief.

“So it is true,” the woman’s voice entered my head again. “Has young Rayel finally found the One?” she was taunting me, of this I was sure.

“Lothrayel,” Haldir snapped from the front of group. “Come hither.”

I’d rather die.

I stomped up the trail in a childish manner, placing my hands on my hips and galring at the Elf. “You summoned me?”

“Yes,” he said lucidly. “I want you to walk with me.”

I’d sooner die.

“Alright,” I frowned. “Lead on.”

Behind me I could sense Legolas stiffen- he didn’t trust Haldir either, but because Legolas was a Prince, he had to be on agreeable terms with the surrounding forests. Aragorn stood beside him, he too seemed nervous about the new situation.

“So, Rayel,” Haldir cleared his voice.

“Lothrayel,” I corrected him. “Only my friends are permitted to call me by that name.”

Haldir was taken aback by my words and my temper. “Very well, Lothrayel. I couldn’t help but notice that you resemble our late Lady Gelä-“

But I cut him off. “I should, she was my mother after all.”

Haldir turned to face me, wide-eyed and opened his mouth to say something, only to instantly shut it again. “So young, so lovely” he chuckled, reaching over to push a stray lock of hair from my eyes, but I swatted away his hand. “So vicious.”

I glared up at him and I could sense Legolas doing the same.

We didn’t trust Haldir.

We continued on in silence for another hour or so and suddenly he held his hand up, ordering me to stop.

“Behold, Caras Galadhon, the heart of  Elvendom on earth. Home of the Lord Celeborn and the Galadriel, Lady of Light.”  

Below us, was a large canopy of glittering orange, cold and red- this was the home of my family. Well what do you know, I chuckled to myself. I’m finally home.

Haldir led us into Caras Galadhon and through the golden forest to a large staircase that twisted completely around a massive mallorn tree trunk. There were huge arches covering the stairwell in a canopy of radiant blue lights and a strange silver sparkle. I hated to admit just how beautiful this place was.

I made the mistake of looking down, half-way up the stairs and gasped. We were up so high that you would most assuredly die just on the impact of a single blade of grass. Boromir’s arms steadied me and a slight nod from him encouraged me to continue my climb.

Haldir led us up the winding staircase and onto a massive, glowing platform, concealed by billowing white curtains. I didn’t dare look down this time. My feet belonged on the ground and I never wanted to climb a tree again. He beckoned us to come closer, near the foot of another long staircase. The Fellowship managed to get into a somewhat orderly line and we all stood in awe.

The room filled with a radiant, bright white light and I shielded my eyes. What is this new devilry? I echoed Boromir’s words from the Mines.

Descending down the staircase was a pair of Elves, husband and wife. Lord Celeborn was regal, masculine and very handsome. His jaw was curved and his eyes cold, as if he had lost everything dear to him and no longer had a care in the world. It broke my heart, and instantly I wondered what had happened to make him this way.

Lady Galadriel was the most beautiful and radiant Elf I had ever seen before in my entire life. She had flowing, blonde tresses and bright, luminous blue eyes. One her head she wore a silver crown with her Evenstar dangling loosely from the center. She was really in all sense of the word, light.

“The Enemy knows that you have entered here,” Lord Celeborn said, seeming somewhat angry with all of us. “What hope you had in secrecy is now gone.” He scanned the Fellowship, taking in our rugged and tattered attire. “Ten that set out from Rivendell, yet only nine remain. Where is Gandalf? For I much desire to speak to him. I can no longer see him from afar.”

I watched suspiciously as the White Lady, my distant relation locked eyes with my brother. Aragorn looked up at her wearily and then away. I hate to say that I felt a pang of jealousy when she looked upon Legolas. My hand moved to my blade in force of habit; if I couldn’t save Gandalf, then I would most certainly save my friends.

“Gandalf the Grey did not pass through the boarders of this land,” Galadriel read my expression like a book. “He has fallen into shadow.” Her eyes were wide with an unknown horror, as if she had seen the vary scene in the Mines with her own eyes.

“He was taken by both shadow and flame,” Legolas whispered sadly, an unmistakable pain in his voice. “A Balrog of Morgoth, for we went needlessly into the net of Moria.”

Gimli looked down, clutching his axe close to his chest. He felt as if this had all been his fault, his undoing. It had, after all, been his idea to go through the mines.

“Needless were none of the deeds of Gandalf in life, we do not know his full purpose.” Her eyes drifted over to the dwarf, a faint smile played across her lips. “Do not let the great emptiness of Khazad Dum fill your heart, Gimli Son of Gloin. For the world has grown full of peril…” her eyes drifted over to Boromir, and suddenly, the great man of Gondor shuddered, turning away from her, as a single tear ran down his face.

Who was this monster who was destroying my friends?

“Love,” she turned to face me, locking her eyes with mine and sending shivers down my spine. “Is now mingled with grief,” she glanced at Legolas, a content smile on her crimson lips.

“What now becomes of this Fellowship?” Celeborn asked, studying us all with a raw expression. “Without Gandalf, hope is lost.”

There was silence and I finally spoke. “Maybe you can tell us,” I directed my words at the White Lady.

Galadriel answered with a soft voice; “Your Quest stands upon on the edge of a knife… Stray but a little and it will fail to the ruin of all,” her eyes lingered on Boromir and I resisted the urge to lash out at her and defend my friend. “Yet hope remains,” she smiled down at Sam. “Where company is true.” She scanned all of us and plastered a brilliant smile on that beautiful face of hers. “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Go now and rest, for you are weary with sorrow and toil. Tonight you will sleep in peace.”

Amin ilod.

Amin ilod.

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Okay, sorry that it's short, but the next chapter will be longer, I promise. Don't forget to vote and/or comment! :) I'd love to see what you think! :)

Ishkhaqwi ai durugnul!” -"I spit upon your grave."

Amin ilod- "I hope."