Aerlinniel POV

As we are following Haldir, my thoughts drift to Caunedhiel. She was supposed to be where with us, but the morning we were leaving, someone came with a message for her from Eruedraith.

There was some emergency or something and she had to take off right away. But, before she left, she promised that if everything worked out alright, that she would join us later.

After a while of walking, Haldir speaks, "Caras Galadhon. The heart of Elvendom on earth. Realm of the Lord Celeborn and of Galadriel, Lady of light."

Galadriel. She is the one who saved me all those years ago. I haven't seen her since. There was something familiar about her, but I haven't been able to figure out why.

We then walk up a series of steps. When we get to the top, we all come to a stop. After a few moments, I hear Lady Galadriel's and Lord Celeborn's heartbeats.

"The enemy knows you have entered here." Lord Celeborn starts, "What hope you had in secrecy is now gone. Nine that are here, yet ten there were set out from Rivendell. Tell me, where is Gandalf? For I much desire to speak with him. I can no longer see him from afar."

"He has fallen in to Shadow." I hear Lady Galadriel state in her clam voice.

"He was taken by both Shadow and flame. A Balrog of Morgoth. For we went needlessly into the net of Moria." Legolas tells them, you can hear the sadness in his voice.

"Needless were none of the deeds of Gandalf in life. We do not yet know his full purpose." Galadriel says. "Amatúlië, Aranel. Á tulë sinomë. (Welcome, Princess. Come here.)"

I step forward, shocked, and question, "How do you know?"

"I knew your parents. They were my friends and I miss them dearly." She tells me.

"You-- you knew my parents?" I question, confused. "How come you didn't mention this before?"

"You were wounded, I didn't want to bring up any bad memories. You needed to recover. I never quite knew what happened, I just knew your parents had died. I thought that you and you sister were dead too for a while." She tells me and I decide to tell her what happened.

"A dragon attacked the kingdom. My sister and I weren't in the castle at the time. When we heard what was going on we ran back, she took off without me. The screams of the people all around me still haunt me to this day. I thought that maybe since my parents were the king and queen, they would make it out alive. I was wrong. I am pretty sure they died trying to find me and Elarinya. I thought that she was dead too til I found her at the Woodland-Realm. I was by myself for so many years. Until Legolas found me. Then I finally had a home again." I tell her, trying to make it short.

"I am so sorry, you did not deserve for that to happen to you. Also, Legolas, I would like to thank you for helping her and giving her a home." She thanks Legolas.

"Yeah, I don't think you would be as grateful if you knew what happened when I found her." Legolas says, sadly. Is he still beating himself up over it? After all these years?

"What happened?" Lady Galadriel asks.

"I was out hunting spiders and orcs when I heard a noise and thought it was an Orc so I shot my arrow at it. When I walked up, I realized it was not an Orc at all." He tells her.

"But, you saved me and stayed with me. Then you took me back to the Woodland-Realm and gave me a home." I remind him.

"What now becomes of this Fellowship? Without Gandalf, hope is lost." Lord Celeborn questions, stopping our conversation.

Lady Galadriel continues speaking, "The quest stands upon the edge of a knife. Stray but a little and it will fail... to the ruin of all. Yet hope remains while the Company is true. Do not let your hearts be troubled. Go now and rest, for you are weary with sorrow and much toil. Tonight, you will sleep in peace. Aranel Aerlinniel, I would like to speak with you more before you all leave."

~~~

While trying to get some sleep, I listen to the Elves sing. They are singing for Gandalf. It makes me feel a bunch of mixed emotions.

I still can't believe that Lady Galadriel was friends with my parents. And I also can't believe that the whole fellowship now knows that I am a princess. Thankfully, no one has said anything to me yet.

"A lament for Gandalf." I hear Legolas say.

"What do they say about him?" Merry asks him.

"I have not the heart to tell you. For me, the grief is still too near." Legolas answers.

He sounds so sad, it makes me feel even worse. I should have done something to help save Gandalf.

I am interrupted from my thoughts when Sam speaks, "I bet they don't mention his fireworks. There should be a verse about them. The finest rockets ever seen. They burst in stars of blue and green. Or after thunder, silver showers. Came falling like a rain of flowers. Oh, that doesn't do them justice by a long road."

As he says this, it makes me smile. I can actually sort of picture the fireworks in my head. So many people have told me how amazing his fireworks are, I've always wished I could see them. This is the closest I'll ever get.

"No, Sam. That was beautiful." I tell him, truthfully.

"Really?" He asks.

"Yes." I reply, giving him a small smile.

That's when I hear Lady Galadriel's heartbeat close by. I hear her say, "Follow me, Aranel Aerlinniel."

~~~~~~

Ah, omg! The fellowship now know that she is a princess! Were any of you shocked? Updates are every Sunday and Thursday!

Love you my elves from the realm of llamas,

~Ellethwen <3