"They always gives me bath
salts," complained Nobby.
"And bath soap and bubble
bath and herbal bath lumps
and tons of bath stuff
and I can't think why,
'cos it's not as if I hardly ever
has a bath. You'd think they'd
take the hint, wouldn't you?"

― Terry Pratchett, Hogfather

13. Caras Galadhon

Being blindfolded for such a long time was uncomfortable, and the soft rocking motions from being carried made Kat slightly nauseous. With her exceptional sense of smell it was stupid anyway; she knew that if she wanted to, she could easily track their steps backwards and discover the way to the hidden city.

In addition, it was confusing not to be able to measure time by the position of the sun. It brought back not-so-nice memories from the darkness of Moria. Legolas had hated it there. How did he feel now? He had been walking in silence almost the entire time, now.

When they stopped at last, it was cooler, and the cloth over Kat's eyes let in enough light to make her know it was evening. Haldir said they would stay the night here, and to Kat's relief they would sleep on the ground. They had come deep enough into the forest to be safe from orcs and wargs.

Sadly their blindfolds must stay on even at night, but at least they were served a lovely supper, a lot better than the fare they had had so far. Haldir and his elven companion even gave them fresh meat! It was delicious.

When they made themselves ready to sleep, Kat followed her nose to find Legolas and snuggle up with him as usual, and heard Nellas come after her. When the elf woman also lay down there, Legolas started in surprise and said something in his own language. Nellas did not reply.

What's wrong? asked Kat.

She put her bed next to mine. It is very inappropriate!

But earlier you said... something I'll not repeat. I'm sure you remember. The fact that Nellas and Haldir could hear Kat's thoughts was making mental conversation so much more difficult.

I said she was like a child, I know, but she does not look that way, and she is of age. It is not proper for adult elves to sleep together unless they are husband and wife!

I'm an adult too, remember? Calm down. We won't jump on you and seduce you in your sleep.

Is Legolas embarrassed over all the ladies who want to share his bed? asked Haldir. His inner voice was full of mirth.

You just gave me very disturbing mental images, thought Legolas at the same time.

Just shush and sleep. Both of you.

The blind journey continued in the morning, and not until after several hours did they get another break to rest their legs. Well, to rest the legs of those who unlike Kat did not have the luxury of being carried.

Suddenly the woods became full of melodious voices, and Haldir went to speak with the new arrivals.

Oh no, groaned Legolas. I had hoped to be able to take a bath before having to meet more of my kindred.

What a disaster! thought Kat mockingly.

What is a disaster? thought Haldir, who had just returned.

Legolas' had wanted to wash his hair.

That was private! thought Legolas indignantly.

I like to bathe naked in the rain, thought Nellas, and then said something verbally – obviously the same thing, judging by the strangled noises the nearby males' made, at least those who spoke Sindarin.

"What did she say?" came Pippin's voice.

"Nothing important," said Frodo quickly, sounding a bit hoarse.

"We shall rest here awhile", said Haldir. "There is a pond over there if you want to freshen up before you enter the city." Apparently he agreed with Legolas that being dirty was a disaster. "In addition, I have good news from the Lord and Lady. No more need for a blindfold!"

He carefully removed the cloth over Kat's eyes, and blinking in the sunlight she met his delighted gaze. Then his eyes widened. What happened to your ear?

Orc arrow. Kat remembered he had never seen her in daylight, or he probably would have noticed before.

Such a shame! He stroked her head softly, avoiding the scarred area.

Perhaps this Haldir guy was not so bad after all, Kat figured, leaning into his touch.

When Haldir had helped the rest of them unbind their eyes, they discovered that the elves they had heard had already left, as silently as they arrived. Haldir said they were warriors on their way to strengthen the border guard in case of more attacks from Moria. They had also brought him the news that the orc host had been defeated, but there had been sightings of a very strange creature who walked on hands and feet. It had escaped before anyone could catch it, and not knowing whether it was good or bad, they had not shot it.

That could be the creature who followed us, thought Kat, at the same time as Frodo said: "It must be the one who climbed our talan!"

While Legolas made good on Haldir's offer and wandered away to wash his hair in the icy pond, the others explored the extraordinary place they found themselves in.

Cerin Amroth, as it was called, had once been the home of Nimrodel's lover in Legolas' song. Despite the season, soft grass grew on the slopes of a hill, and scattered between the green strands were a myriad of tiny yellow and white flowers of a kind Kat did not recognize – though, in all honesty, she did not know the names of many flowers. Two circles of trees surrounded the area; the outer trees were white with naked branches, and the inner were the golden mellyrn they had seen before. In the center was a large mallorn with a flet, and this Haldir, Frodo and Sam went to explore.

Meanwhile, Aragorn ambled around dreamily, picking flowers and smiling to himself. By his distant gaze, Kat figured he probably thought about his fiancee. Legolas had mentioned there was an elf maid waiting for him back home.

Kat felt no inclination neither to freeze to death like Legolas, nor pick flowers or climb flets, so she went to sit with Boromir for a change. The man was glaring darkly at the flet where Frodo had just disappeared, and she remembered how suspicious he had been of the elves' intentions. Did he still believe they wanted to steal the Ring?

She badly regretted that she could not talk with him. Instead, all she could do was sit in his lap and purr, hoping to at least help him relax a bit.

With a sigh he tore his gaze from the tree and began to scratch Kat behind her ear.

Nellas had followed her as usual, and sat down by them, smiling almost as dreamily as Aragorn. In daylight she was even more beautiful, and Boromir straightened up. Clearing his throat,  he spoke to her in Sindarin; by the sound of it saying something polite, possibly about the weather.

She peered closely at him and said something in turn, which made him first pale and then flush brightly. With tense jaws and stiff shoulders he turned his gaze down.

What did you say to him? asked Kat anxiously.

That he looks troubled and afraid, and I feel sorry for him. Oblivious of the man's reaction, she picked a few of the yellow flowers and began to twist them into a bow.

Uh-oh. I don't think he appreciates being called afraid. He's a proud warrior, and... Well, he's a man. That's probably reason enough.

Nellas did not seem to care or understand. Calmly completing the flower garland, she hung it over Kat's neck.

Kat had an idea. Nellas... Can't you speak some more with Boromir? Maybe it would cheer him up.

Do you think he likes trees? thought Nellas hopefully.

Can't you ask him about his city? I think he misses home.

I miss home too. Her eyes grew misty. Poor him. I do not like cities but I will be kind and ask him about it anyway. As she turned to Boromir and began to speak, his rigid shoulders relaxed and he replied with gusto. For the first time, Nellas seemed to pay attention, or at least try to.

Apparently there is a tree in his city, she thought excitedly. He is telling me its history now.

Pleased with herself, Kat listened to their engaged conversation though she did not understand a word of it, glad that Boromir finally had someone to talk to.

It struck her that he probably felt very lonely in the company. But come to think of it, didn't they all? Apart from the hobbits, the rest of them were a mismatched, motley bunch of fellows tossed together. Admittedly, there were two men, but being so different in disposition it was obvious they were not friends material. Then there was one dwarf, one elf (at least up until now), and one cat. Whoever had designed the Fellowship must have been drunk.

She heard a pleasant voice humming the tune of the Nimrodel song, and Legolas emerged from the direction of the pond. His cheeks were pink from the cold water and his slightly damp hair was remade with new braids to hold it back from his temples. He looked spotlessly clean and more handsome than ever.

Nice. He smirked and touched Kat's flower decoration. She clawed his fingers in retaliation.

Stretching out his legs and resting his weight on one arm, Legolas gazed admiringly around him. I'm so relieved to be rid of that horrible blindfold. What an amazing place this is! The trees, the flowers... I love it. I could stay here all day.

It was heartwarming to see him so delighted. I'm happy for you. She rubbed her nose against his chin, drawing in the comforting scent of clean elf.

Thank you! The smile he gave her was dazzling. Kat's legs turned weak like jelly and she did not know where to look. Darn elf!

/\_,,_.,
( O _ o )

They rested a while longer, and then went on again with the setting sun lighting their path. Haldir estimated they would reach the elf city at dusk.

Without a blindfold, Kat preferred to walk on foot, and the last part of the journey was much more pleasant for all of them. The atmosphere among them was cheerful, and even Boromir joined in when they talked and joked with Haldir and each other.

And then, when it had almost grown completely dark, they finally saw it: the city of Caras Galadhon. It was a cluster of mallyrn surrounded by a wall, and the trees were huge, almost impossibly tall. The many lamps scattered in their crowns made them appear like a part of the starry night sky.

I do not like cities, thought Nellas. But I will come anyway. I like cats. And Boromir. He is a very nice man.

I'm glad you two get along so well, thought Kat.

Who get along? thought Legolas and Haldir in stereo.

None of your business.

They followed a white, paved road the last way and entered the city through a gate. Within, many paths went this way and that. There was no elf in sight, but they heard them; a soft humming of melodious voices drifting down from the treetops, putting Kat in mind of a summer evening in a city full of outdoor restaurants.

Haldir led them through a maze of paths and silver stairs. The place had an ethereal beauty, and moving below the many lamps with the distant voices above, Kat almost felt like she were walking through a pleasant dream.

In the center of the city was a clearing with a shimmering fountain. Here grew the largest tree of all; its mighty trunk disappeared into the shadows far above, and its wide crown covered the sky entirely. A white ladder leaned against it, guarded by three elves in chainmail and white cloaks.

One of the guards blew his horn, and an answer came from high above; they were invited up.

Kat was brusquely roused from her dreamlike state then, becoming wide awake at the realization of what they were about to do. This would be horrible. Absolutely horrible!

When Legolas picked her up, she cast a longing glance at Nellas who had seated herself beside the fountain, apparently having no inclination to follow.

Must I come, she whined, already knowing the answer.

Aye. Lady Galadriel wants to see you, thought Haldir.

Just don't look, Little One. You will be fine, came Legolas' soothing voice.

Nearly crawling in under his green tunic, Kat did her best to hide her face when they began the ascent. The ladder creaked and swayed under the elf's feet, and her stomach felt heavy. Don't drop me. Please don't drop me! She knew her claws were pricking his skin but she had gone rigid with fear and was unable to retract them.

I will never drop you.

If I die, I shall leave my flower wreath to you. This is my last will and testament.

You will not die. He was climbing with one hand, and with the other he drew her closer. His calm heartbeat and familiar smell was comforting.

The climb felt like it would never end. How could a tree be this tall? To take her mind off it, Legolas kindly began to describe what he saw. We are reaching the first talan now, and there is another one on the branch to my right as well. We continue up, going through the floor of a new talan. And here is another one. This palace is much larger than I thought; like a hall with many rooms.

Oh, it's a palace?

Aye, I think it is. The home of the Lady Galadriel and Lord Celeborn. He moved to the side, and it sounded like he was walking on a wooden floor. We have reached the uppermost talan now. There is a house built upon it, and I stand in the middle of the platform. You can open your eyes.

Kat cautiously did so, and was relieved to see that the edge of the platform was far enough that she could not see the abyss. The embarrassing fear left her. So sorry for clawing you again. I can't help myself.

No need. I know the feeling. He smiled reassuringly.

The house looked impossibly large to be built in a tree, and when they entered, Kat saw the trunk of the mallorn went right through it. They had come into a spacious room with unusual, oval shaped walls, colored in green and silver, and with a golden ceiling. It was full of elves sitting in neat rows, and in front of the trunk stood two, slightly more fancy chairs. The elves seated there could only be the Lord and his Lady.

The sight of so many supermodel faces was intimidating, and even more daunting was the extraordinary couple, rising politely to greet them. The two looked a bit alike; very tall, with fair skin, pale eyes and a mass of wavy hair cascading down their backs, Galadriel's golden blonde and Celeborn's silver. They were dressed in impossibly white gowns, which looked like the clothes in a laundry whitener commercial.

Kat was not the only one who fidgeted nervously in the couple's overpowering presence.

"Does that cat wear a flower collar? And what happened to her ear?" asked Celeborn. Really, she had to do something about that ear. Get a prosthetic one, or something.

Then the Lord of Lórien seemed to mind his manners, and greeted each of them by name. When they were seated – to her delight, Kat got her own chair too – the lord continued gravely: "Here are eight persons and a cat. Nine were to set out; so said the message, but we had not heard one would be an animal."

"She is no animal," corrected his wife mildly. Kat could have kissed her. "And she was not part of the original company. Gandalf the Grey set out with them, but he did not come into this land. Tell me, where is he? For I much desired to speak with him again." The lady's voice was a deep and pleasant alto, and just nearly as beautiful as Mr Pretty Voice's. They would have made a great duo, should they get into the entertainment business.

"Alas! He fell into shadow in Moria," said Aragorn. Around them, the elves in the audience gasped and there were several exclamations of dismay. Aragorn's eyes became misty and the others in the Fellowship looked sad as well when they were reminded of their former leader's demise.

Celeborn seemed both shocked and angry. This was bad news indeed, and how come they had not told Haldir directly?

"We almost forgot our grief for a time," said Legolas. The calmness and beauty of Lothlórien had made them think happier thoughts.

Aragorn recounted the events of their journey so far, and when he came to the part with the balrog, Legolas and Gimli filled in details of its horror. Celeborn's anger only increased at this, and he seemed to somehow blame Gimli that his ancestors had awakened that evil monster in their greed for mithril.

Again his wife corrected him, but now they were speaking elvish, so Kat did not understand much of it. It seemed she was defending the dwarf, however, which he appreciated very much. He gazed at her almost besottedly, and said something that resulted in a rather uncomfortable silence.

What did he say?

To her surprise, the answer came from Galadriel. That there are no jewels as fair as my forest or myself. She smiled – a little smugly.

Lord Celeborn pretended the dwarf had not just made an inappropriate compliment to his wife right before him and his court, and said he may have spoken harshly, and apologized for doing so.

Galadriel then spoke at length, using many complicated words Kat did not know, but as far as she could tell, the lady wanted to instill hope in them and let them know their quest could still succeed – but also caution them it could fail. They must stay true, whatever she meant by that.

Before they left her, she looked each of them deep in the eye. One by one, their gazes dropped. Only Aragorn and Legolas seemed undaunted.

She saved Kat to last. Greetings, mysterious cat and woman. You are far from home. Who sent you, and why?

With a sharp twinge Kat remembered just how far away she was. I was sent by Mr P... um. Námo, I think his name was, and I'm supposed to save someone. She explained her mission, all the while pierced by those ancient, pale blue eyes who saw too much and knew too much. Legolas' eyes made him seem old, but compared to Galadriel, he seemed like a youth.

You miss your own body, stated the lady.

Yes. There was no point in denying it.

It is in my power to turn you back.

Kat stared at her. Really?

She nodded. Kat tried to see in her gaze if this was a test, or a bad joke, but all she got was that solemn, unblinking calmness.

Do you want that? asked Galadriel.

I... I mean, of course I do, it's just...

Aye?

I can't help but wonder if I'm somehow supposed to be like this. Mr Pretty Voice seemed kind of wise. Maybe he knew what he did?

Námo is considered a very wise Vala, aye. Galadriel smiled faintly. You do not have to decide yet. I want to meet you by my Mirror later tonight; in there, you may be able to see what your quest is.

With that, she finally released Kat from her eyes.

/\_,,_.,
( O _ O )

The descent down the long ladder was no more pleasant than climbing up had been, but at least this time, Kat managed to keep her claws off Legolas' skin.

Did you hear what I talked about with Galadriel? she asked him.

She spoke to you? Nay, I heard only what she said to me.

What was that, then?

Not for your ears. Sorry, ear.

Down below, a group of elves were busy erecting a pavilion for the guests; thankfully they would be allowed to sleep on the ground during their stay.

Haldir led the company – and Nellas, who tagged along as usual – to a garden, where a silver basin sat on a carved dais in the center. A tiny brook ran past, rippling in the reflected light of the lantern Haldir carried. The place felt secluded and almost cosy, surrounded by a tall, thick hedge and with the open sky above, now covered in a myriad of stars. The everpresent murmur of elf voices from the trees was fainter here.

Galadriel shortly joined them, still impeccably white. How did she manage climbing the ladder and not get a single smudge? Or did she change clothes somewhere below? Kat resisted an urge to leave a pawprint on the lucent fabric.

"Another night you will meet me here, Ringbearer," said Galadriel to Frodo. "But this is not the time." She continued silently in Kat's head: The Mirror will show you things that were, and things that are, and things yet to come. She picked up a silver pitcher and dipped it in the brook, filling the bowl to the brim. Then she bent over the surface and breathed a few very low tones over it.

"Come," she said.

Legolas picked up Kat and put her on the dais next to the bowl. He drew in his breath sharply. "Valar!" Backing away quickly, he nearly lost his balance.

Kat looked at him in surprise. What was wrong? Then she noticed the shocked looks of the rest of the Fellowship.

Full of apprehension, she slowly turned back to meet her reflection in Galadriel's Mirror. In the water, a naked, brown woman looked back at her.

It was her.

A/N:

*gasp!* What happened? Let me know your guesses.

Just to clarify; Nellas is a canon character. She lived in Doriath in the First Age, but nothing is mentioned of what happened to her after Túrin ran away. Galadriel and Celeborn also lived there at the time, so it's not unlikely she would have followed them when they established Lothlórien – if she had survived the War of Wrath, obviously.

Image Credits:

Screenshot from the Lord of the Rings movies.