The Fellowship of the Ring: Legolas x Tauriel Book 1

Chapter 13: Lothlorien

As the Fellowship runs swiftly across a meadow into the woods, their pace slows once they enter the dense forest. They walk quietly and carefully, eyes darting around them.

"Stay close, young hobbits," Gimli advises, gripping Frodo's arm tightly. "They say there's a great sorceress who lives in these woods. An Elf-witch of terrible power. All who look upon her fall under her spell," he continues, his voice a low rumble.

"Frodo, Frodo," a soft voice echoes in Frodo's mind. He glances around, startled.

"And are never seen again," Gimli concludes ominously.

"Your coming to us is as the footsteps of doom. You bring great evil here, Ringbearer," the voice, unmistakably Galadriel's, resonates within Frodo's mind. He sees a fleeting vision of Galadriel's bright blue eyes opening, her gaze piercing through the shadows.

"Mr. Frodo?" Sam's worried voice brings Frodo back to the present.

"Well, here's one dwarf she won't ensnare so easily. I have the eyes of a hawk and the ears of a fox," Gimli boasts, only to be abruptly silenced by two arrows appearing before his face.

Legolas rests his hand protectively on Tauriel's small baby bump. "Stay close, my love," he whispers.

"I will, don't worry," Tauriel replies, covering Legolas' hand with hers, a serene smile on her lips.

"Oh," Gimli mutters, taken aback.

The Fellowship finds themselves surrounded by drawn arrows on all sides, wielded by numerous elves. Legolas, quick to react, draws his own arrow, wrapping an arm protectively around Tauriel's waist. Aragorn holds his hand up in a gesture of peace.

Haldir steps forward, his expression stern. "The dwarf breathes so loud, we could have shot him in the dark," he says.

Gimli growls but is silenced by a firm look from Aragorn.

High up in the trees on a leaf of the Mallorn branch, evening has fallen. "Welcome, Legolas, son of Thranduil," Haldir greets, his tone respectful.

"Our Fellowship stands in your debt, Haldir of Lórien," Legolas replies, inclining his head.

Haldir's gaze shifts to Tauriel, recognition dawning. "Ah, Tauriel, it has been long since you graced our woods," he says.

Tauriel nods, a hint of sadness in her eyes. "Indeed, Haldir. Much has changed since then."

Haldir then turns to Aragorn. "Aragorn of the Dúnedain, you are known to us," he acknowledges.

"Haldir," Aragorn responds with a nod.

"So much for the legendary courtesy of the Elves. Speak words we can also understand," Gimli interjects gruffly.

"We have not had dealings with the dwarves since the dark days," Haldir responds coolly.

"And do you know what this Dwarf says to that?" Gimli retorts angrily. "I spit upon your grave."

Aragorn slaps a hand on Gimli's shoulder, a warning. "That was not so courteous," he says firmly.

Haldir's eyes shift to Sam and Frodo. "You bring great evil with you. You can go no further," he declares, the weight of his words hanging in the air.

As Haldir speaks, Legolas turns to Frodo, who glances at Sam. Sam looks away sadly, while Merry and Pippin exchange worried looks. Gimli bows his head, a rare moment of solemnity for the dwarf.

Tauriel steps closer to Legolas, her presence a calming influence. "What are you thinking about, my love?" she asks softly.

Legolas smiles, wrapping his arm around her. "You and our child," he replies, pulling Tauriel in for a tender kiss and resting his hand on her stomach, rubbing it gently. "I worry for your safety," he admits, his voice barely above a whisper.

"We are together, Legolas. That is all that matters," Tauriel reassures him, her eyes shining with determination.

Aragorn steps forward, his expression earnest. "The road is very dangerous," he begins, addressing Haldir. "Gandalf's death was not in vain. Nor would he have you give up hope. You carry a heavy burden, Frodo. Don't carry the weight of the dead," he says, his voice filled with conviction.

Boromir places a reassuring hand on Frodo's shoulder. "Haldir, please. We need your protection. The road ahead is fraught with peril. We cannot make it alone," he implores.

Haldir looks at Frodo, then back to Aragorn. "Very well," he says at last. "You will follow me."

As the Fellowship prepares to move, Legolas turns to Tauriel, concern etched on his face. "Stay close to me," he murmurs.

"Always," Tauriel replies, taking his hand. "Our journey is long, but we will face it together."

Legolas nods, his resolve strengthening. Together, they follow Haldir, ready to face whatever challenges lie ahead in the heart of Lothlórien.