NEW LEAF (Legolas FF) | ✔️

Chapter 17: Intruder

TURWAITHIEL

We finally made it to Lothlorién. It looked the same as it did years ago when I had visited with Lord Elrond.

We walk quietly behind Rumil, following him through the thicket of trees. Bleon's grip is tight on my arm but one would not miss the wonder that filled his eyes. Fortunately, he was allowed to pass through seeing as he was innocent and young. Mortal men will never see the likes of the Lorién elves anywhere. Even I, perhaps, still had that look now as we enter the beautiful realm that is Lothlorién.

Legolas is silent beside me that I wondered what thoughts were swimming in his head. I knew that he loved Lothlorién from the way he spoke of it. Rumil stops suddenly and we are told to wait, under the stair that would lead up to the great halls of the Lord and Lady. A faint glow was about us as I was filled with calm and safety. My weariness had left me and my heart lifted, even just a little.

Rumil ascends the stairs and a few moments later, comes down to tell us we are to come up.

"The Lady has been expecting you," he said. We ascended the stairs to find the Lord and Lady waiting for us at the top.

"Legolas Thranduillion," Lord Celeborn gives Legolas a small bow before turning to me, "Turwaithiel Ellithiorion."

We both bow in return as Lady Galadriel's eyes swept over us before landing on the boy holding fast into my hand. She had a small smile on her face and a kind gleam in her eyes.

"Ellora," she calls and suddenly a fair elven maid stepped forth, her hands clasped in front of her. She looked expectantly as the Lady, bowing as she did.

"Take this child," Lady Galadriel says, her eyes trained on Bleon. "Make sure he is cleaned and clothed and fed."

The elven lady bowed and extended a hand towards Bleon. I was actually surprised at how easy Bleon had accepted her and was off without a moments hesistation except to glance briefly back at me as they walked away.

"Come child," she gestures to me and offers me a hand. I was immediately lead away from Legolas and Lord Celeborn. I could not help but give the elven prince a fleeting glance before I was lead away.

"Your friend," the Lady suddenly spoke, her hand felt warm in my hand and I felt the power she held and also the safety she gave. "I believe you would be glad to know that she has not perished and is now in Imladris."

I stare at her for a moment before my mind realizes who she meant. I visibly light up at the news.

"She is alive?" I ask in disbelief as the Lady turns to me with a smile. "Thank the Valars!"

I could not contain the joy I felt upon hearing the news. The burden was lifted and I, for once, felt like there was hope. Laralen was alive.

"How?" I wondered and the Lady led me to a room, where two elven maids waited. She handed me to one of them before preparing to depart.

"That is a story I shall tell when we have our supper," the Lady answers before turning around to leave me with my questions.

"My Lady," the elven maid calls and I am then suddenly aware of them. "The Lady Galadriel has told us to assist you."

If it were a year ago, I would have relished my previous luxuries. I would have not felt awkward upon the service of the elves but time has passed and I was greatly accustomed to independency now. I shake my head.

"It is quite alright," I explain as I step into the bathing room. A tub was drawn already, and beside it a chair was placed and a dress laid upon it. I did not particularly enjoy the thought of wearing a dress again but it was not something I could even dare to refuse. It was lovely beyond imagining. I step closer to the tub and dip an arm, finding the water perfect. I turn and was surprised to find the elven maids behind me, doubts on their faces.