THE OTHER SIDE - Legolas

ten.

secrecy is now gone

{word count: 1361}

The Fellowship crossed marched along rocky hills, and shallow creeks. Before finally crossing the meadow and into the forest. As they entered the woods, the air felt cooler and more refreshing. The trees were tall and lush, with a canopy of leaves blocking out most of the sunlight. The ground was covered in soft moss and ferns, making it a comfortable place to walk.

"This is it, the Woods of Lothlrien," Boromir said, his voice filled with relief.

" stay close, young hobbits." Gimli whispered, " they say a sorceress lives in these woods." Tari rolled her eyes at the statement, before walking ahead to join her brothers. as the group continued on. The forest was indeed peaceful, the air thick with the scent of pine and earth. The trees seemed to tower above them, forming a natural cathedral. As they walked, they noticed that the moss on the trees seemed to glow softly in the dim light, casting an ethereal glow over their surroundings.

Tari was watching the ground when she was pulled behind Aegnor's back, looking up she saw an arrow pointed at each of them. Legolas in return aims his bow at the one beside Tari. " The dwarf breathes so loud, we could have shot him in the dark." The she-elf laughs, her brothers joining her.

"Haldrid!" Tari exclaimed, the Fuers had not seen the elf since they were young. Haldrid smiled warmly at Tari and her brothers.

"Ah, my old friend, it's been too long." Tari embraced the elf tightly. "And what brings you to these woods?" Haldrid asked.

"We were hoping you might help us," Aegnor said. "We're on a quest, and Tari could use Galadriel's guidance." The siblings share a glance.

"Ah, yes. I had heard of your journey," Haldrid nodded. "You must be the remnants of the Fellowship." He paused, looking at them thoughtfully. "Come, I will take you to see her." and with that he leads them further into the forest.

 By nightfall, the Fellowship stand high in the trees on a leaf of mallorn branch. The wood is ancient and strong, its bark worn smooth by the touch of countless hands over the aeons. The moon, nearly full, casts a silvery glow upon their faces. "Mae govannen, Legolas Thranduilion.' Haldir spoke (Welcome Legolas, son of Thranduil.)

"Govannas v�n gwennen le, Haldir o L�rien.'' Legolas replied (Our Fellowship stands in your debt, Haldir of L�rien.)

Haldir then turned to Aragorn. "Aragorn in D�nedain istannen le ammen." (Oh, Aragorn of the D�nedain, you are known to us.)

Aragorn bows to Haldir. Tari felt the eyes of the elves on her and her brothers and the whispers began. Either they forgot that they were elves their selves or they just didnt care that they heard. She looked to her brothers and they both nodded.

"So much for the legendary courtesy of the Elves! Speak words we can also understand!" Gimli grumbled. "Or else we shall never know what you are about, Haldir!"

"We have not had dealings with the dwarves, since the dark days." Haldir calmly speaks, though he meant his words to be harsh, his voice was rather calming. "And do you know what this Dwarf says to that? Ishkhaqwi ai durugnul!" (I spit upon your grave!) Aragorn slaps his hand on Gimli's shoulder, Tari slowly cringed as she knew Haldir would not take too kindly to that. "Gimli, you forget that we are among the elves now, and we must act accordingly. Your words will not help our cause here." The oldest Fuer spoke through clenched teeth. Gimli looked at everyone, feeling slightly ashamed.

Haldir nods his head at Aegnor, his eyes then landing on Frodo. "You bring great evil with you." He looks to the Fuers and pauses "You can go no further!" His voice booms out through the forest. "You cannot enter Lothlorien!"

Merry and Pippin began to cry as they knew if they were not taken in, they would die, Tari turns and bends down in front of them. She places a hand on Merry's left shoulder and on the right side of Pippins face. "Listen, it is not the end. We will find a way." Tari whispers to them softly, her eyes watering as well. "We cannot die, we must live. For the Shire, for all those of Middle Earth." She looks up at the sky, her voice catching slightly. "We will find a way." She kisses both their foreheads and looks over at Sam and Frodo who were listening as well, she nods. " We will find a way." she repeats but this time it was more to herself. 

"our presence does not bring the darkness you fear. It is what we carry that you must understand." Aegnor steps forward, his voice calm and strong. "We bring no harm to Lothlorien, and we seek only to be guided by your wisdom and protection." He looks to Aragorn, then back to Haldir. "We beg you, let us enter your lands. Let us seek the counsel Tari needs."Haldir walks up to Frodo, "You will follow me."

Tari's heart skipped a beat. She exchanged a look with Aragorn, who gave her a small nod of encouragement. She took a deep breath and followed after Frodo, with Sam and Gimli close behind. Aegnor and Legolas walked beside them, while Merry and Pippin walked with Haldir. The elves of Lothlorien walked gracefully amongst the trees, their movements almost liquid as they glided along. The forest seemed to part for them, making way for their procession.

The sun began to rise as their way though the forest. Tari's heart pounded in her chest as she took in the beauty around her. The trees were tall and ancient, their leaves a brilliant shades of green, yellow, orange and red, unlike anything she had ever seen. The air was clean and crisp, filled with the scent of flowers and the sound of birds singing. She glanced over at Legolas. His expression was solemn, but there was also a sense of wonder in his eyes. She couldnt help but notice how beautiful he was. 

They continued to walk, following Haldir deeper into Lothlorien. The trees became more dense, and the path wound through a series of small hills, covered in lush grass and wildflowers. They passed by a small stream. Its crystal-clear water rushed over smooth stones, sparkling in the sunlight. Tari paused for a moment, drinking in the sight, the sound, and the feel of the water on her skin. It was as if the world outside of Lothlorien had ceased to exist. They passed over a hill, they all froze at the top. the view was like nothing they'd ever seen.

The valley spread out before them, a lush oasis of green and gold. A wide river wound through the center, its blue waters sparkling in the sunlight. Tall, trees surround a hill, their tips lost to the clouds. Elven citys, beautiful and ethereal, stood along the riverbanks, their walls shimmering in the distance like mist. " Caras Galadhon. The heart of Elvendom on Earth."

Tari gasped as she took in the sight. "It's beautiful," she breathed, her voice barely audible over the sound of the river. Aegnor nodded, his eyes scanning the valley. "Realm of the Lord Celeborn and of Galadriel, Lady of light. A place of great power and wisdom," he murmured. "It is here that we will find what we seek."

They make their ways up the stairs that wrap around the trees as the sun began to set once again. The elves moved gracefully, as if they had been born in the trees themselves. Tari followed close behind Legolas, admiring the fluidity of his movements. They stop at a platform; Galadriel and her husband make their way down the stairs in front of the fellowship. The Fuers, Legolas, Aragorn, and the other elves on the platform all bow. " The enemy knows you have entered here, what hope you have in secrecy is now gone." The fellowship all share glances. 

AUTHORS NOTE:

Heyyyy, I'm sorry this is just a filler chapter so nothing big happened I apologize but I promise next chapter is going to be juicy!!