Queen Naehlara (LOTR, Legolas love story)

Chapter 15

The Fellowship climbed high into the trees of Lothlorien. Far above the city, on a platform in the trees. A staircase in front of them, Naehlara and Legolas stood under a stone arch. At the back of the fellowship, they came to a stop. Haldir telling them to stay put and the Lady and Lord would be there soon.

A bright light came from the staircase. It was nearly blinding the fellowship, having to squint to try and see where the light was emminating from. The light faded away revealing Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel walking down the stairs, hand in hand.

"The enemy know you have entered here. What hope you had in secrecy is now gone. Nine there 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." Lord Celeborn says, looking over the group. His eyes connecting with Naehlara's in the back of the group. He bowed his head in respect to her before looking to Aragorn.

Galadriel looked around the group before landing on Frodo, "Gandalf the Grey did not pass the borders of this land. He has fallen into Shadow." Her voice was angelic, soft and calming.

Legolas wrapped his arm Naehlara's waist, pulling her into his side. Both looking to the ground, "He was taken by both Shadow and flame. A Balrog of Morgoth. For we went needlessly into the net of Moria." Galadriel looked to Naehlara, she knew of the battle scars Naehlara had gotten from a Balrog ages ago. She worried for her friend, the fear and memories this encounter will bring back up for her.

"Needless were none of the deeds of Gandalf in life. We do not yet know his full purpose." Galadriel spoke, looking off into the distance. Before noticing Gimli looking to the ground trying not to cry. "Do not let the great emptiness of Khazad-dum fill your heart Gimli, son of Gloin. For the world has grown full of peril, and in all lands, love is now mingled with grief." Galadriel looks to Boromir, standing next to Naehlara. He flinches away from Galadriel looking to the ground.

"What now becomes of this Fellowship? Without Gandalf, hope is lost." Celeborn states looking over the group then to Galadriel. How could he have so little faith, Naehlara thought.they could do this, they have to do this.

"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." Looking to Sam, a smile graces Galadriel's face. "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." Celeborn and Galadriel turned from the fellowship heading back to where they came from.

"Come with me, I'll lead you to your resting area." Haldir says, the fellowship followed him silently to an open pavilion. With couches, food and wine set up for the company. "Rest, an elf maiden will come with clothes to change into, so you can wash up."

"Thank you Haldir." Naehlara and Legolas say at the same time. Both looking to each other smiling.

"Your Highness, your room old room is still unoccupied if you wish to stay there." Haldir says, looking up towards the room he had first met her, high up in the trees.

Nodding, Naehlara turned to the fellowship, "I will wash up and be right back. Do not eat all the food." Naehlara jokes, sending a playful glare towards the hobbits and Gimli. She turn to Legolas, giving him a smile and following Haldir up to her old room. Legolas watched until she as completely out of sight, only then moving to sit with the rest of the fellowship.

The group quietly sat eating and drinking, when the elf maidens came with new clothes. The hobbits went to wash up first, then Gimli, then Aragorn and Boromir. Lastly Legolas left to wash up.

Naehlara returned to the fellowship while Legolas was gone. quietly talking with the hobbits as she ate and drank some wine. From up above singing began, causing a frown to grow across Naehlara's face. Standing up and moving to the edge of the pavilion, looking out into the forest and listening to the song for Gandalf.