The IRE of Winter

Chapter 6: THE WHITE COUNCIL

My body was still shivering, my palms hovered the candle flames to warm myself. It's early in the morning, the sun has come but it's too early to catch the heat outside. I sat on the floor with my legs folded. The elvish ranger garb fitted me well, the fabric was soft and light, all with the three shades of green. The long sleeved tunic was light green, the outer ranger dress had side slits and the colour of brown and olive, pants was loose, a perfect piece to move around with ease. Good thing I decided to spare my boots, I could have ended barefooted after that embarrasing fall.

'Safirah?' I heard Aramis voice outside of the door. I snapped my hands and moved lazily to see him.

'Is Gandalf back yet?' I peeked at the door. I didn't know what to ask and that was the first thing that came into my mind. He greeted me with a warm smile.

'No, Safirah. Rod and Gimli left early. Why don't we join them for breakfast?' His eyes were sparkling in low light.

I closed the door behind me and followed him downstairs. My stomach was beginning to complain, it wasn't used to take just a handful of bread and fruits. I need something else to eat. Down the hallway, elves past by us without turning their heads. My eyes were filled with amazement, the strangers around me were all fair and beautiful beings. We crossed a narrow stone bridge down to an alley, the gardens were images of perfection, filled with trees and shrubs and vibrant flowers of all sorts. A huge gazebo atop a cliff were filled with elves wearing long fine garments.

I moved my eyes away before anyone noticed my prying.

'Where are we going?'

'To where there is food,' Aramis said happily.

'Oh good, I'm starving.'

'I should have brought you food, I mean no bread or elvish wine, you haven't eaten so much since yesterday.'

'I'm okay, I can live with bread and wine,' I giggled. We went inside another house, and the air smelled roasted mutton and spices. My stomach rejoiced. There were few servant elves tending the kitchen. The long table was filled with dainty food, human food. Gimli sat at one side with his right arm holding a slice of mutton and the other a mug of frosty ale. Facing him was a tall man, Rod. My heart leapt with joy, I'll finally taste good food. Aramis joined the two in the table.

I've never seen so much food on a table, fruits and wine and roasted meat, potatoes and carrots. There was so much food I could hardly choose which one to eat first.

'Child, I almost mistook you as an elf, come feast with us!' Gimli and Rod chortled as they talk about the good times they had in Bree. Aramis joined them, holding a half filled mug.

'You there,' a familiar voice came from behind. I was about to grab a chair; Gimli slammed his mug on the table, his mouth was full. 'Elrond has summoned you. You must come at once. This way...'

I turned and saw Legolas standing by the doorway, his face was empty, his gray eyes were cold. He wore male ranger garments similar to mine.

'Can he wait for a moment? I just have to finish breakfast.'

'NO.'

'But I'm ---'

'Please, Safirah,' Aramis butted in. The laughter died away. His eyes were worried and I got the same look from Rod and Gimli. They all paused, staring at me as if I did a terrible sin. 'Please do not keep him waiting.'

I wanted to protest but everyone seemed to be pushing me away. Aramis stood and walked me out the door. 'Don't be afraid, Lord Elrond is nicer than him,' he whispered behind me.
I turned to Legolas and he motioned to leave. Something pushed me to follow him. For some strange reason, my heart was pounding, my palms sweating. I forced my head to think of what it could be. I wanted to ask Legolas but I knew he would not answer me nicely. I chased his back as fast as I could, his step was twice as fast as mine.