TURWAITHIEL

We finally made it to Lothlorién. It looked the same as it did years ago when I had visited with Lord Elrond.

We walk quietly behind Rumil, following him through the thicket of trees. Bleon's grip is tight on my arm but one would not miss the wonder that filled his eyes. Fortunately, he was allowed to pass through seeing as he was innocent and young. Mortal men will never see the likes of the Lorién elves anywhere. Even I, perhaps, still had that look now as we enter the beautiful realm that is Lothlorién.

Legolas is silent beside me that I wondered what thoughts were swimming in his head. I knew that he loved Lothlorién from the way he spoke of it. Rumil stops suddenly and we are told to wait, under the stair that would lead up to the great halls of the Lord and Lady. A faint glow was about us as I was filled with calm and safety. My weariness had left me and my heart lifted, even just a little.

Rumil ascends the stairs and a few moments later, comes down to tell us we are to come up.

"The Lady has been expecting you," he said. We ascended the stairs to find the Lord and Lady waiting for us at the top.

"Legolas Thranduillion," Lord Celeborn gives Legolas a small bow before turning to me, "Turwaithiel Ellithiorion."

We both bow in return as Lady Galadriel's eyes swept over us before landing on the boy holding fast into my hand. She had a small smile on her face and a kind gleam in her eyes.

"Ellora," she calls and suddenly a fair elven maid stepped forth, her hands clasped in front of her. She looked expectantly as the Lady, bowing as she did.

"Take this child," Lady Galadriel says, her eyes trained on Bleon. "Make sure he is cleaned and clothed and fed."

The elven lady bowed and extended a hand towards Bleon. I was actually surprised at how easy Bleon had accepted her and was off without a moments hesistation except to glance briefly back at me as they walked away.

"Come child," she gestures to me and offers me a hand. I was immediately lead away from Legolas and Lord Celeborn. I could not help but give the elven prince a fleeting glance before I was lead away.

"Your friend," the Lady suddenly spoke, her hand felt warm in my hand and I felt the power she held and also the safety she gave. "I believe you would be glad to know that she has not perished and is now in Imladris."

I stare at her for a moment before my mind realizes who she meant. I visibly light up at the news.

"She is alive?" I ask in disbelief as the Lady turns to me with a smile. "Thank the Valars!"

I could not contain the joy I felt upon hearing the news. The burden was lifted and I, for once, felt like there was hope. Laralen was alive.

"How?" I wondered and the Lady led me to a room, where two elven maids waited. She handed me to one of them before preparing to depart.

"That is a story I shall tell when we have our supper," the Lady answers before turning around to leave me with my questions.

"My Lady," the elven maid calls and I am then suddenly aware of them. "The Lady Galadriel has told us to assist you."

If it were a year ago, I would have relished my previous luxuries. I would have not felt awkward upon the service of the elves but time has passed and I was greatly accustomed to independency now. I shake my head.

"It is quite alright," I explain as I step into the bathing room. A tub was drawn already, and beside it a chair was placed and a dress laid upon it. I did not particularly enjoy the thought of wearing a dress again but it was not something I could even dare to refuse. It was lovely beyond imagining. I step closer to the tub and dip an arm, finding the water perfect. I turn and was surprised to find the elven maids behind me, doubts on their faces.

"But the Lady instructed us to assist you," she pushes and I found myself in hesitation.

"You may help me when I finish my bath," I try to explain, "my hair and probably to get into this dress for it seems quite difficult to get into. As for the bathing, I shall do it myself."

They seemed to find agreement on my terms and their faces lit up a little before they excuse themselves and step out the room with nothing but a curtain separating me from them. I strip off my clothes and get inside the warm bath. All at once, the pain and weariness seemed to have been washed away. My bones felt stronger and my body lighter. The magic in this realm!

--

I wander around Lotlorién, the dress flowing behind me. It was a bit too long for me but it did not give me any difficulties as I take my silent stroll. I turn to one corner hoping to find the Lady and jump back before I made a collision with another elf.

"I am terribly-" my voice stopped as I stared at Legolas. He had changed into more lighter clothes. A silver high collared tunic and white breeches, with his usual light shoes. "-sorry." I managed to say before averting my gaze. He is more handsome than the first time I had met him.

"Lady Turwaithiel," he bows suddenly and I instinctively raise an eyebrow at him before he extends an arm towards me. I stared at it and then stared at him.

"The Lady Galadriel has asked me to accompany you to the dining hall," he explains and I swear he was fighting the urge to smile. "She thinks your memory of this place might be a bit.. Vague." Then there it was, that ridiculous smirk. What on middle-earth has gotten into him? Despite my disposition, I take hold of his hand and let him lead me. We walk quietly through the halls and I chance a discreet glance at my escort. The very air around him seems lighter and the smile never left his face. I found myself smiling, just watching him happy. He seemed so troubled moons ago. Like a heavy thought was being weighed in his mind and now, it seemed he was contented and I was too. Perhaps he had news come to him like I had.

"What are you smiling about?" He asked and my eyes snap towards him, feeling the heat rise up my cheeks.

"Uh,-" say something. "Laralen is alive, it has been the best news I have heard in a long time."

This news seemed new to him as surprised was painted across his features before a soft light filled his eyes.

"That is good news indeed," he says and does not turn away from me. I level his gaze, afraid that if I looked away too fast he would see right through me. When his gaze did not falter, I decided to ease my nervousness.

"What?" I asked, narrowing my eyes for good measure. He laughed. He actually laughed. Causing me to furrow my brows further as breathless happiness escapes from his lips.

"Have you gone mad?" I asked, half serious and we stop walking suddenly as we reach a large door, decorated by carvings of flowers and a fair elven maid.

"Let us hope not," he answers as we stand in front of the door. His smile did not disappear from his face making me all the more curious what he found so funny.

"What do you find so amusing?" I asked and he turned to me, his eyes alit. He shrugs then and lets out a breath before leaning closer to me I felt my heart jump.

"I am glad to have finally seen a genuine smile back on your face," he confesses in a low voice. I stare at him dumbfounded and could not prepare myself for what he did next. He brought my hands to his lips and placed a warm kiss on my knuckles. It was enough to send a jolt down my knees and they almost threatened to give away. His eyes held a question and before I could speak, the doors open and Rumil welcomes us as Bleon runs up to me and wraps his hands around my waist. Legolas lets my hand go and I wrap them around Bleon, hoping the shaking would stop.

My feelings have not gone far, I suppose.

I stare at him as he and Rumil seemed to have started a discussion but he does not even glance over to me. It made me wonder if what happened was real or not. Bleon pulls away and a smile is on his face. His hair was in a braid for it has grown just above his shoulder. I smile down at him as we both walk hand in hand towards the table. At the head, sat the Lord and the Lady. I was seated on Her left as Legolas was seated on Lord Celeborn's right. Bleon sat next to me and as soon as everyone was settled, we began to eat. I barely glanced at Legolas, in fear of being trapped under his gaze. We ate dinner quietly save from the silent conversations among the other elves in the table. At last, the Lady turned to me and started explaining how Laralen came to be in Rivendell.

"She was rescued," she starts, "she barely had any more time but it seems she is quite resistant to poison."

"She was saved by one of Elrond's sons. Elrohir, I believe. Although, there is something you must know of your friend." She explains and I felt something urgent was to come. The Lady opens her mouth and her eyes wavered from me briefly as if something stole her attention for a moment before she closes her lips and smiles.

"And perhaps our new company shall explain it better." She says vaguely and felt something rush inside me. Fear? Excitement? Perhaps Laralen has come? It was then Orophin entered, striding quickly towards us. He bows to the Lord and Lady before speaking,

"We have found an intruder," he explains and Lady Galadriel merely gave a look to her husband and a silent message passed between them. "The child wishes to speak with the two elves that was traveling with a child. As she explained."

Lord Celeborn stood up, and offered a hand towards Lady Galadriel who took it. She motions for me to follow but asked Bleon to stay. I assure him of my return before the four of us, Legolas included, head off to meet this intruder.

We found Haldir at the bottom of the stair holding on to a fussing child who had a blindfold on her. She struggled and even kicked him on the leg but Haldir remained still as stone.

"Haldir," the Lady calls as we reach them. She waves her hands and Haldir takes the blindfold off. The little girl glares at him but I notice a slight falter before she quickly corrects himself. She seemed human and perhaps that slight falter was due to the fact that she had not seen elves so close before. Haldir did have a certain flare about him.

"We found her sneaking in the woods," Haldir explained, his grip on the girl never faltering. "She was muttering to herself, about some sort of folly she had gotten herself in."

"I was not muttering," the little girl complained and her voice sounded a bit mature for her age. Haldir gave her a sideway glance and she raised an eyebrow at him. I could almost laugh.

"Why were you sneaking around our woods?" Lady Galadriel asked. She had taken a step forward and was now observing the girl.

"I was following them," she motioned to me, "she was with a girl. I mean to speak with her but it seems that they have been separated. The only hope I had of ever finding the other girl was to follow where she," she gestures to me again, " went."

"What do you want with Laralen?" I asked, unable to stand aside any longer. I knew Laralen was running away from something. Perhaps it had been trying to catch her?

"My business is my own," she replies curtly while crossing her arms over her chest. I prepare to argue when the Lady suddenly raises a hand and we all look at her.

"Perhaps, since you are in our realm," she spoke softly, like she was just telling a tale. "You would at least talk to us without this illusion."

There was evident surprise on the little girl's face before admiration lit up in her eyes and she smiled.

"As you wish," she bows low, shrugging off Haldir's hand. Her cloak was dark as ink, as she spread it wide before covering herself and crouching on the ground. We all held our breath as the cloak seemed to move before she eventually stood up, now almost as tall as Haldir. Her eyes were a striking color of silver, her hair like the color of bronze.

Everyone but the Lord and Lady were surprised and the little girl was now a woman, who had a smirk on her face. Out of all, Haldir seemed to be the most shocked and now he was doubting on whether he should take hold of this woman like he had with the little girl.

"A skin changer?" Legolas whispered in disbelief, the woman shot him a look.

"Close, but no." She answers him, this time Haldir had held on to her cloak. She did not look at him.

"So you have finally come out of hiding," Lord Celeborn states, crossing the room towards her. She doesn't flinch or doesn't seem to be the least bit intimidated.

"We have always been out of hiding," she replies, "we just come out when there are lesser eyes around."

"What are you... Exactly?" I ask, realizing how she strongly resembled Laralen. She turns to me and bows slightly.

"My name is Ari," she replies, her eyes glowing faintly. "I am one of the last golden elves." There was a heavy sadness in her voice as she casted her eyes to the ground.

"Golden elves?" I asked. Legends.

"You are traveling alone?" The Lady asked and she nodded her head slowly.

"Yes," she answered. "It was my decision alone to come looking for Myama."

"Laralen?" I asked and she gave me a soft nod.

"Yes, that was the name given to her. To protect her." She explains and I continued to stare at her.

"Do not think ill of her for she does not remember," she explained, her brows furrowing. "Which is why I am looking for her. She needs to come home. She is being hunted."

Questions filled my head and my happiness of knowing Lara was alive was dimming. Ari looked at me with worry and distress.

"Who are you?"

"Mya- Laralen is my sister-daughter, her mother was my sister. The tale is long and I do not have the time to tell it. I am in need of haste. They must not get to her."

"They?" This time Legolas was the one who had asked, he shot me a worried glance.

"Yes. Her mortal parents," she answered, her tone hinting disgust. "The ones who promised to take care of her. They know of her value now. Do you know where she is?"

"Yes, she is in-" I start but Legolas cuts me off.

"How do we know we can trust you?"

Ari looked at him for a moment, anger flaring in her eyes but it quickly dispersed as she turned to the Lady.

"She will know," she says and Lady Galadriel smiled before placing an arm on Legolas' shoulder.

"Your worry is not misplaced," she states. "But she is telling the truth."

"Why the need to sneak around? Following us?" Legolas continued. "It was you that night, near the mountains."

"Yes," she admits shyly. "That was me but I meant no harm. I was tracking Mya- Laralen and lost her and eventually I found you-"

"-what were you doing with the boy?"

I was actually surprised at how Legolas seemed to distrust her and how protective he was with Laralen and Bleon. I watched him now, his face full of determination.

"Nothing," she snaps. "I was merely checking if he was... One of us."

"He isn't?" I asked and she shook her head.

"He and Laralen are not related."

We were all quiet for a moment before distress came to her again.

"Please, I must find her."

"She is in Rivendell, a long journey from here." Legolas answered and Ari let out a groan and started muttering to herself causing Haldir to look at her with a raised brow. When she caught him staring she stopped her muttering and raised her chin before looking away.

"Perhaps you know of Mirkwood?" She asked suddenly and Legolas' ears perk up.

"Yes," he answered quickly. "Why?"

"You must warn the ruler of that realm!"

"Warn him of what?"

"Great evil," she answered her eyes darting around her. "He should not trust anyone who comes to his gates."

"Stop speaking in riddles and tell us what you know," Legolas snapped and Ari looked surprised for a moment before drawing out a deep breath.

"There are people, bad people." She starts. "They are hunting the rare elves. News was spread wide about the half-drow that lived in the palace halls."

My eyes grow wide and Legolas and I shared a look. Mantheniel.

"You know of this elf?" She asked and I nodded.

"She is the queen," I answered and fear appeared in her eyes and she shook her head, muttering again.

"Go to Mirkwood," Lady Galadriel suddenly says. "I fear what you are dreading has already begun there."

"My goal is Laralen," Ari states firmly and I am torn.

"I will ride to Mirkwood," Legolas says after a moment and I watch as he quickly turns away and is suddenly gone. I watch Ari as she seemed to wait for my answer and seeing the distress in my eyes her eyes turned soft.

"I shall go to Laralen," she says reassuringly. "I can do it on my own, you need not worry."

I give her a nod before glancing at Lady Galadriel who gives me a soft nod of her own.

"I shall let Haldir accompany you," I hear the Lady say as I run after Legolas.

Mantheniel. Please be okay.

---

Authors note: Dun dun dunnnn. *whispers* dramaaaa. Do you guys trust Ari? Who do you think is hunting the rare elves down?

Are they gonna leave Bleon? Who knows?? Because I don't. Hahaha

Tell me what you think! :)

Thank you all of you, my wonderful readers. You guys are the best and this is dedicated to all of you's!! :3

Love you all!! Lets go on a deadly chase!
Also, I just turned 21!! Hohoho

xo