Life in Death

9. The weight of the future

I was tired when Haldir led us to what looked like a garden or at least more cultivated than the surrounding forest. It was still natural as if one had asked the plants to grow a certain way and it would not have surprised me if the elves of Lorién were capable of doing just that. Despite the exhaustion, I still felt filthy now surrounded by all the elves and especially after meeting the lord and lady of the forest. Sure I had cleaned up a little but I still felt like I was the most unclean being in this forest.
"If any of you wish to clean up, my men will lead you down to the springs." It was almost as if the marchwarden had heard my thoughts. I expressed my wish to take him up on the offer, maybe a little too quick if Boromir's look meant anything.
"Aranel!" Haldir motioned for an elf with black hair, whom I recognised from being one of those who were with Haldir when we first encountered him, to come over. "Bring her to the springs. Keep watch..."
I was a little confused by the last order since he gave it in Sindarin and I didn't really understand why he should watch me. Or is he supposed to look out for something else? I thought we were safe here...
I quickly searched my belongings for a comb and the soap Thúldil had given to me as a parting gift and grabbed a thin blanket that I could use as a towel and some comfortable clothes for the night. I smiled when I picked up the soap. "You might need it if you have the chance to take a real bath on your journey. Promise to at least use it on your hair every once in a while, it will help to keep out the knots." Judging by the colour it was lavender scented, the same I used back in Rivendell.

I followed Aranel away from my companions. We walked past several small natural terasses and seemingly down between the Mallorn tree's roots until I heard the soft whisper of water. A few seconds later I could see it. It was magical. Hugged by the huge roots and flowers of all kinds, grass of different shades of green and blue and soft looking moss growing all over the edges. Somehow I expected a mermaid to emerge from the crystal clear water any minute.
"Take your time, I will wait up here." I gave the elf a thankful smile and walked down the remaining stone steps, glad that there was actually a little secluded area where I could strip out of my clothes. I looked back over my shoulder but Aranel had turned his back on me and was facing the forest. I shed the last of my clothes, keeping them near the shallow ledge since I planned on washing them as well. A small shiver ran over my body once I lowered myself into the spring, the water wasn't freezing but still cool against my exposed skin. Cringing I watched some of the dust and dirt instantly dissolve in the water and form a dirty cloud around me. I hadn't realised until now just how dirty I had been. Pinching my nose shut I let myself slip under the surface for as long as the need to breathe would let me.
When I emerged again, I reached for the soap and started cleaning off the remaining grime, blood and dirt that hadn't already dissolved in the clear water. I loosened my braid and washed my hair, glad that I didn't have too many knots in it, most of them already loosening as I worked in the soap. After scrubbing myself clean, I enjoyed the water for a few more moments before getting out. The bath had helped to calm my nerves a little and drying off I mused about for how long we would stay here. On one hand it would make sense to move on as soon as we restocked our provisions and be gone before the enemy even realised we had already crossed through Lorién. On the other hand I would have loved to stay for a while and see if the elves here were any different from those in Rivendell or what life was like here in the woods. Also I was curious towards the fauna and what else might be there to explore.
A rustling behind me had me turning my head towards Aranel, only to find him gone. Acting on instinct I reached to my hip and for my sword, grabbing at nothing but thin air. Where had the elf disappeared to without a word? Carefully I sneaked forward, unsure what was going on. I still couldn't see the elf anywhere, as if the ground had opened and swallowed him whole. The leaves of a nearby bush started shaking and I hesitantly walked closer, despite not having a weapon if need be.
I let out a relieved laugh when it was just a rabbit jumping from the bush. A second later I collapsed on the ground as an excruciating pain shot through my right arm. My mind was filled with white hot pain and then darkness. And that horrible flaming eye, staring me down with malice.
"You can hide all you want but not forever. Sooner or later I shall find you..." I screamed again as another shockwave of pain went through my body. Images flooded my mind. Death, burning villages, corpses strewn over battlegrounds, my companions slain...