Bound (A Lord of the Rings Fanfic)

Chapter 8

Cassie POV

"The Dwarf breathes so loud, we could have shot him in the dark." The elf glances over all of the fellowship. I can feel Jessie's hostility next to me. I jab her in the rib cage - I really don't feel like dying right now. His charcoal grey eyes meet mine, my favorite shade. I feel Jess's stare and look away.

Aragorn bows to the elf and addresses him in elvish. His name is Haldir, or at least that is what it sounds like. "Aragorn, these woods are perilous. We should go back." Gimli is the most heavily surrounded by elves. Jess moves to stand in front of him, her chest brushing against the tips of bows, eyes piercing into any of the elves who dare look into them. I have only seen her do that when protecting me. Even Gimli is shocked. Out of the corner of my eye I see that Legolas has also noticed and he looks - jealous?

"You have entered the realm of the Lady of the Woods. You cannot go back." Haldir's eyes roam to Frodo's and hold. "Come." His words are directed to all of us.

We are given time to rest with evening soon creeping upon us. An elven guard comes for us and leads us deeper into the wood. We climb a fleet of stairs, Haldir already waiting at the top. "Mae govannen, Legolas Thranduilion." He greets Legolas.

Legolas responds with a nod of his head, "Govannas vîn gwennen le, Haldir o Lórien."

Haldir turns to Aragorn with a slight tilt of his head. "A, Aragorn in Dúnedain istannen le ammen." Aragorn nods his head and responds to the greeting by speaking Haldir's name.

Gimli is thoroughly ticked that they're speaking in Elvish, "So much for the legendary courtesy of the Elves! Speak words we can also understand!" Jessie gives a hmph of agreeance from behind Gimli while risking a glance at Legolas, who is unamused by her siding with Gimli. I restrain from palming myself. Killed, they are going to get us killed!

"We have not had dealings with the Dwarves since the Dark Days." Haldir says calmly, his eyes flicker with annoyance between Jess and Gimli.

Gimli puffs out his chest, nostrils flaring. "And you know what this Dwarf says to that? Ishkhaqwi ai - "

Before Gimli can finish the undoubtedly very insulting comment, I cough very loudly, almost like I am retching. Everyone turns to me. I continue to act as if I have

something stuck in my throat. Jess rushes forward, passing her already opened canteen to me. I drink the water pretending it soothes me. When Jess notices I am well she turns to Haldir reproachfully. Like its his fault! I am exasperated with her.

Haldir ignores her and looks to Frodo. "You bring great evil with you." He shifts his attention to Aragorn. "You can go no further."

So starts the bickering. The fellowship is scattered. In a corner are Haldir and Aragorn arguing over our passage through the forest. I pray that Haldir will let us pass. Jess is seated next to me braiding her hair. When she notices I am staring she gives me a smile before staring off in space. I, too, find that in this situation I have nothing better to do to occupy my time than to ponder. Ponder what will happen if we are not granted passage through Lothlórien. I shiver at the thought of facing the wretched creatures from the mines.

My hand is patted and am greeted with Pippin's face. "Are you alright?" He inquires with concern.

His care for my well-being is touching. I shrug. "Just worried is all." Pensively, I look over to see Aragorn and Haldir still arguing.

"Ah," Pippin follows my train of sight. "You should not worry, Aragorn will convince him. No doubting it."

As if on cue Haldir relents. "Very well. Here we will stay awhile, and come to the city of Galadhrim on the morrow."