23

I pack new supplies into my satchel and change into some new clothes Nin gave me. She and the others have already hugged me goodbye and were a bit more sorrowful this time, knowing that we go off to war.

It is a hooded, long sleeved, brown leather tunic that is stitched up at the front and back. I wear my washed trousers under it and some laced up brown leather boots that go up just past the knee.

My hair is woven tightly in four braids that meet at the back of my head where it, and the rest are bound in a ponytail at my neck; for fight.

I slip my bag over my shoulder and take a deep breath. I know of what I must do. I hate leaving home again but it is to protect the people I love.

I walk from my room, taking one look back and then shutting the door behind me. I walk down the spiral steps and then down the halls towards the exit. The two elves that guard the door in front of me reach over to open it as I approach them. I make a bow with my head as they do and then walk out into the sunlight.

Morier stands at the forest road just beyond the bridge. I walk up to him as Legolas turns his head when he hears me come out. But he finishes strapping something to our saddle. He is back in his usual attire now, with only new arrows on the saddle of my fell beast.

I cross the bridge but stop there... and I turn to look upon my kingdom; my home. The leaves fall down like snow around me as my hair is tugged lightly by quiet winds. I stare there at the tall pillars carved beautifully, the flawless elven gates, the two guards that stand loyal to this place...

I shut my eyes and breathe before turning and leaving it behind.

I walk through the dead leaves on the forest floor and over to where my companions are. I duck around the large beast's wing and to the neck. There I take off my bag and buckle it to my dragon.

"My father will not help us," Legolas says.

I don't even look at him when I answer quickly, "We'll fight without him."

He hesitates and I grip the black leather saddle and hop onto the back of my beast.

My elf leaps swiftly up in front of me and pulls out the reins.

"Let's go," I say.

"To the clouds saurar," Legolas speaks and Morier begins to stretch out his wings and leap into the air as my stomach drops. (saurar: foul one)

We burst through the trees after I hold on tightly to Legolas, wind blowing down on us and heading towards the crowded skies. I look behind me, still clutching to the waist of my companion, down at the red forests that grow farther and farther from us...

I close my eyes and clutch to Legolas, full of sorrow for once again leaving... and probably never coming back. Will I forget the faces of Nin and Kel and Nodwen? Will I forget Thranduil?

But I know that you can never forget those who truly love you... those who risk their lives for you or simply make you smile when you thought you couldn't. I hope in my heart to see them all again... but I am willing to put everything on the line in order to save Middle Earth and I know the consequences of such a promise. I am sad... but I am ready.

We head west, and as high as we can go while still being able to breathe. I can see dimly the forest road below, a line drawn that divides the sea of orange and also leads through the MistyMountains where we fly towards.

The journey takes us all day and a turbulent trek over the snow covered clusters of stone that stretch higher than any other mountains in Arda. But we reach the peaks and land there for camp on the rocks. It's colder here than it was by Erebor, but with two blankets, my elf to cuddle with, and Morier around us both, we survive the frosty night without anything to make a fire with. I try to get as much sleep as I can.

At dawn we get up and head out over the mountains, traveling west.

I hold out my map on the saddle behind Legolas, blocking the wind from it with his body. "We should be nearing Rhudaur!" I say over the wind. "How many more stops must we make?"

"I am not sure," he replies.

I observe the paper and the ink markings, tracing them with my finger and thinking. "Soon we should start to see another mountain range ahead-"

"Vil."

"What?"

He doesn't answer so I look up and my jaw drops. We come about towards the tall mountains ahead, waterfalls gliding down the stone and into the river in the valley below, the sun glistening off the amazing architecture of open white towers and hallways built on the side of the mountains. The whole kingdom is mesmerizingly beautiful.

The designs of the twisted structures look so much like the ones in Lothlórien.

We glide over the castles and look for a place to land. I can see specks of civilians below that surprisingly don't flip out. Maybe they don't see us. We find a circular platform down in the settlement and Legolas makes Morier land slowly down on it. I pack away my map and wait for Legolas to hop off and then I do as well. My feet hit the smooth stone ground as my hand rests on the beast's neck.

Two tall guards in golden armor stand with shield and sword at the doorway. A man walks down the stone steps dressed in a royal robe of high status and a thin circlet on his head of dark hair. His appearance reminds me a little of Kel actually. When he sees Legolas he makes a face of recognition. But he is frightened by the large dragon in the courtyard.

"Lindir," Legolas says pleasantly, approaching the man.

"Prince Legolas," the man repeats with a polite slight bow.

Lindir eyes the creature again.

"Don't worry he's harmless," I say walking up to him.

He nods but I can tell he doesn't believe me.

"May we speak to your lord?" Legolas asks.

"Of course." He nods to his men and they nervously lead my beast through a different doorway of the outside courtyard. "We will take your belongings to your rooms you may rest in while here."

"Thank you," I say with a smile.

He nods gracefully. "This way." He turns and walks up the steps. Legolas and I follow him to the palace balcony platforms that are just outside floors with roofs and pillars holding them up. They are circular as well. And leaves from the trees outside have blown in from the gentle wind.

Bright light kisses the white wooden archways and makes patterns on the stone from dodging between silver branches and leaves of pale colors.

This elven kingdom is very different from Mirkwood, so much craftsmanship and beautiful carvings and artwork all in the architecture. This place seems like more of a dream. Tall beings in white and silver robes and gowns walk about angelically. All of them have dark hair unlike the Woodland Realm and Lórien occupants.

But we are at almost the highest point of the city. And we stand on an open platform that is perhaps used for the view or for meditation.

Just then Lindir stops and I look around at the magnificent sight of the beautiful valley below and the MistyMountains just ahead.

"I have been expecting you two," I hear a voice say behind us and I turn around. The man who enters the "room" wears a dark wine colored robe that's beautifully sewn. And he wears a silver diadem on his head of long, dark hair. His face and brown eyes are wise and have seen many years. He walks gracefully with a smile almost on his lips. Immediately I feel intimidated and nervous at his presence. He must be the ruler of this district.

"Welcome to Rivendell, Legolas son of Thranduil, and Vilora Stormborn. I am Lord Elrond, ruler of this realm."

"You know my name?" I ask in surprise.

"Yes I do. Word has spread from The Woodland Realm of someone not from this world, someone that will change the course of the future of both Middle Earth and the lands beyond."

I don't really now how to respond.

He looks at Legolas. "How is your father? I haven't seen him for many years."

"He is... well," my elf looks down after a polite smile to the lord.

The elf nods and looks to me again.

"Um, well we have business here, my lord," I say humbly. "There's an evil rising in the south and... well we need..."

He almost smiles at my attempt to speak. "I know why you are here, dear one," he says. "I have seen of your coming. And I know of what is taking place in the southeast. You are here to ask my help in the defense of Minas Tirith," his eyes look into mine and that makes my palms a bit sweaty. But I can tell he is a bit easier going than Thranduil was when I first met him.

"Yes, we humbly ask if you would send your soldiers to Gondor..." I frown but out of seriousness.

"My elves were preparing to leave Middle Earth just but a few weeks ago. But since we have heard word of you and your efforts... we have agreed that the age of elves would not yet end. We would fight for this world before the finish."

"Thank you, my lord," I say with a bow.

He smiles. "We have two rooms available for you two to rest in for the night, and you can be on your way in the morning. To where shall you go next, my lady?"

"I'm not sure," I stutter, pulling out my map and setting it on the round stone table in the center of the area. I hold it down with my palms and both of the elves come over to either side to observe it.

"We haven't been to the lands of the east at all." I think. "Where could we gather more armies from? Perhaps the elves of the sea?"

"The elves of the Grey Havens are at a scarce in soldiers right now," Elrond says. "Enslaved people attacked them from the north."

"And they wouldn't have time to make it from there to Minas Tirith before the siege," Legolas says.

"These lands are full of common folk and hobbits," Elrond points to the areas of the Shire and Eriador.

"So these are the farthest we can go then?" I ask.

"It seems so," Legolas answers.

"So we head for Minas Tirith in the morning?"

He nods.

"My Lord Elrond," I hear Lindir say.

The three of us look up at him. "Your daughter wishes council with you," he says.

Lord Elrond stands up straight. "Very well. Lindir, lead our guests to the dining halls where we serve the midday meal. I shall see Arwen."

Arwen? Legolas told me that was the name of... Holy cheese Aragorn is in love with the princess of Rivendell?

I fold up my map tightly and put it back in my pocket. Legolas waits for me kindly to walk ahead of him as we follow Lindir to where they serve food. It is a large area where elves mingle and eat. There are lots of round tables and women playing music on stringed instruments. And if I thought that the elves of Mirkwood were polite and graceful and robotic, then I have no idea what these things are.

I feel so out of place-and sort of like a crossdresser because of the trousers-that I wait for Legolas to take some food from the platters before I do the same. Even he seems not as graceful as these elves.

I eat with gratitude but still there is no meat among the tables. But I do not complain. I have had worse. Much worse.

Afterwards Lindir shows us where our rooms are and our things are exchanged there. The weapons are still attached the saddle but our dragon sleeps in the courtyard. This place is much fancier than that of Mirkwood and even more than Caras Galadhon. And the elven women are kind enough to draw a bath for me. So I take it and wash my skin of dirt, feeling the most like royalty here than I ever have before.

I look into the wardrobes for a comfortable dress to be able to roam about in... I find one that is white and sleeveless with a high collar and couldn't be simpler. Over that I have one with long sleeves that is a color of steel blue and buttons at the chest, but leaves the white skirt visible underneath because of the upside-down 'U' shaped opening.

But the fabric is so comfortable I almost feel naked.

I look out through the window of my beautiful room (that is much more open than the one I have in Mirkwood, gorgeous light colors and design) to see Legolas walking to the edge of the balcony slowly, looking out over the hills.

I don't really know where else to be but at his side so I casually walk to the same area.

He wears a new silver tunic over grey trousers and new grey boots.

I am guessing they have taken both our clothes to wash them, even if Legolas had his tunic washed while we were in the Woodland Realm. Not like he needs to clean it ever. As far as I am concerned he's never dirty.

As I walk on my bare feet the breeze blows my white hair back behind my shoulders. I approach the edge of the balcony and rest my arms on the ledge. "I never dreamed I would see such a beautiful city," I murmur. "I don't know how I can go back."

"To where, my dear?"

"Earth."

He doesn't reply...

I glance at him to see him looking troubled... but trying to hide it.

"I can't..." I say trying not to become emotional. "I cannot leave."

He places a hand on my shoulder gently. "Do not fret, Vilora. There will always be a way to return."

I breathe. My hand reaches up to his fingers on my shoulder. When I do his thumb strokes mine. "I don't want to leave... I know that sounds petty but if it means I can never come back..."

His hand slides down my arm and takes my own as his other does the same. I look up at him as he faces me. "No one is making you leave yet, Vil. This place is your home and if I had my way I would keep you here with us forever."

Slowly a smile crosses my lips. "Would you?"

His cheeks get rosy just a little and he grins subtly. He looks down. "Perhaps..."

I smile widely and look into his nervous eyes. I reach up to lay a quick kiss on his cheek, not knowing what is technically appropriate in public here in Rivendell.

He grins.

"So have you ever been to Rivendell before?" I ask him to start a new conversation.

"Many times. It perhaps the place I visit most often other than Lothlórien," he says looking out at the mountains gleaming from the golden sun.

"Well you know I have never been here... So why don't you show me around?" I smile.

He removes his hand from my shoulder and backs up, bowing politely with a charming smile. "As you wish, my lady."

I grin excitedly and then chase after him as he heads down the long bridge. We pass a waterfall like diamonds falling to the surface to the left of us and I can feel the water drops hit my fingers when I stretch out my hand.

The whole city is so beautiful it feels strange. In such dark times a place like this still exists...

We pass various buildings and places of common gathering. There is also a library where they keep books and also paintings and carvings that tell of the elves' history along with Middle Earth's history.

I stay in there for a while just looking at everything. Legolas shows me a sword that had been broken to large shards that a statue holds out on a tray under a piece of precious cloth.

"So this is the very sword that killed Sauron?" I ask touching the tip of the handle with my finger, my eyes gliding over the precious piece of history.

"Yes..." he answers thoughtfully with his hands behind his back. "It is the sword of Elendil, wielded by Isildur during the battle below MountDoom. There he cuts off the hand of Morgoth's puppet and sent the ring of power down to the battle field of stone."

As he speaks I can almost see flashes of what he describes as my finger traces the top of the rough silver blade.

He steps up beside me and looks down at the pieces. "On that day hope rose in the race of men..." he looks deep in thought, "...but then it vanished when he failed to destroy the ring... the one chance we had."

"Not anymore." I look up at him. "We will bring that hope back." I step from the platform and gaze upon the statue. "I will see Aragorn be crowned king."

The two of us walk down around the city and make it to the bottom of the valley when the sun sets.

We stand by a waterfall that flows down from the canyon and down in a river under the bridges of Rivendell.

I walk on the soft grass to the water's edge and sit down by the river, putting my toes into the cold water.

I hear gentle footsteps behind me as Legolas looks around. I bring my arms up and rest them on my knees, laying my cheek against them.

I look over at my elf who stands with his back to me, looking out over the canyon and the great city.

"If I were an element which one would I be?" I ask from the top of my head randomly.

"Fire," he replies and turns his head, eyeing me with a hint of a smile.

"Why, because I'm hotheaded?"

"Because you are lively, bright, and dangerous."

"And you... would be earth."

"And why is that?"

"It's because when others fall... you're always there to catch them."

He looks down hiding a smile and then gazes off into the distance.

I turn my head and close my eyes for a few minutes, relaxing in the midst of this incredibly peaceful environment. And when I reopen them I notice something different.

I look behind me past the trees and stand to my feet. I peer around the thicket to see a woman, with dark long hair who wears a beautiful indigo gown and a dark cloak made of velvet. She stands on a lonely bridge beside the falling of white gems that turn into flowing white locks. She seems in deep thought about something... perhaps even depressed.

I sense Legolas standing by me now.

"Who is she?" I say curiously.

"That is Lady Arwen Undómiel, daughter of Lord Elrond," he replies with a lost voice.

"Aragorn," I say under my breath.

"Hm?" he asks.

"Nothing," I say a bit louder.

He chuckles. "Yes that is who holds Aragorn's heart."

"Are they married?"

"No. But from what he has said he would have wished very much to marry her."

"But wait does he know she isn't going to the west?"

"...No," he thinks, "he does not."

"Should we tell him once we see him?"

"I shall." He smiles.

I return it.

The two of us stand there until he looks behind him. "It is late, Vil. We should gather dinner."

"Yeah, we should." I turn and he waits for me, being a gentleman. And he follows me over the bridge and up the stairs to the dining hall.

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I take my meal in a cloth and sit on a bench at the overlook alone. I think Legolas is visiting with a few elves that wished to speak with him.

The sun is almost gone, down below the mountains. But orange light still blankets over the city and canyon. I enjoy these few last hours of quiet before my long journey to Minas Tirith.

I look to my left when I see Arwen walking across the bridge to our area. I stand from where I sit and run over to her without thinking. "Lady Arwen. You must be the daughter of Lord Elrond. It is a pleasure to meet you," I bow.

"The pleasure is all mine, Miss Stormborn," she smiles, speaking with an angelic and pure voice more flowing than even Legolas's. She wears a silver diatom on her head, her hair flowing down on either side like two waterfalls of wavy ink. She has beautiful blue eyes and a flawless pale complexion. "You have done great things for our people."

"I have only done what I have had to. It was not by my doing we won the Battle for Helm's Deep in the south... or that I even got there alive... that was the doing of who I thought was a mere ranger. But it turns out he is the heir to the throne of Gondor."

Her eyes speak a million words when I mention him... and a million different feelings. But she looks down in thought.

I grow quiet after realizing that was a sensitive subject to reveal. But to ease the emotions in the air I lift my head. "We are good friends... I spoke to him... before I left Rohan. He says he wishes your safety and that you still have his heart. He has not given up." I smile. "I mean trust me when I say this. He is so stubborn that man. More so than even me."

She smiles and almost lets out a graceful chuckle.

I look up at her with sure eyes. "And I believe you two will reunite once this war is over."

She doesn't look back up at me but she smiles. Then she changes the subject. "I believe you are right about this war. My father told me what he saw and did not want to act... But I see what it is right for this world... If we all live, we should all fight." She looks at me strongly.

"Indeed... Don't worry... We'll get through these dark times."

She nods. "I must go now. It was nice to speak with you, my lady," she bows gracefully and I return it, saying "Namaarie."

We walk separate ways and I explore a couple more places before the night is dark but also bright from the moon. Then I decide to head to my room for sleep. I need to get as much of it as I can before I leave early the next morning.

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