The Daugher of Elrond {Ongoing} Of Every Race Saga Book II

Chapter 31: A Dark Road

Thank you all so much for 35.6k views! You all are amazing! Dedication of this chapter goes to krispyguckmom for the wonderful comment last chapter. <3 Honestly it's only because of you, my readers, that I keep writing this. ;) Anyway, onto the story...

The night was dark and still. Not a breath of wind stirred the branches of the mighty trees of Lothlórien. The moonlight filtered through the great, green leaves of the trees till it reached the forest floor, throwing odd shadows everywhere. Celebwen was silent and Haldir, for several minutes, did not break the quiet between them. They made their way swiftly and silently through the forest, faster than they would have with the Fellowship as more people, especially ones with short legs, do not travel as fast as two Elves.

Though Celebwen was quiet, her mind certainly wasn't. Haldir glanced at her from time to time, but said nothing, concern etched onto his face.

At last, she looked up and spoke in a soft voice, "When do you think we'll get there?"

"At the pace we're going, I'd say half an hour or less. Why?"

She shrugged. "Nothing to worry you about."

Haldir stopped altogether. "Celebwen," he whispered. "Surely you can tell me what's bothering you."

The elleth's gaze flickered upward and met his for a moment. "Nay. It's not that much of great importance."

"Mithrandir's death most certainly is!"

"I wasn't thinking about that."

"Then what is it?" his voice was gentle and pleading.

Celebwen sighed and shook her head as if to push away the thoughts. "Nothing. Best we keep going."

She went on and Haldir quickened his pace to catch up.

The forest sped by them quickly, as they practically ran through the woods, slowing down once to cross a small brook. They spoke no more till they reached the outskirts of the home of the Galadhrim, nodding to the guards to let them pass.

There, the place was filled with Elves, walking past them, some of them recognizing Celebwen and nodding to her. Yet the two did not stop till they reached the very center and ascended the spiraling staircase that wound around one of the great tree trunks.

Then Haldir and Celebwen slowed their pace as the entered into the Council Room of the Lady Galadriel and her husband. The room was empty of persons and Celebwen stayed standing, her hands clasped behind her back, as Haldir went on to tell the Lady that Celebwen was there.

After he left, Celebwen closed her eyes and bowed her head, inhaling deeply. It had been some time since she had been in this place. She had hoped, when they had entered the very realm of Lothlórien, that the usual feeling of peace and safety would come to her. But it had not. Safety, yes. She was in one of the most guarded realms remaining in Middle-earth. But not peace. Concerns about the Fellowship's near hopeless mission, the incident with Lindir, and finally the unexpected passing of Mithrandir had stripped her bare.

She looked up from her musings when Lady Galadriel and Lord Celeborn entered, Haldir with them, walking to her side.

"Mae govannen, Celebwen. What brings you here in this dark hour?" Galadriel's deep, controlled voice restored some of the shattered calm to her granddaughter's soul.

"Many things, few that are good."

"Speak on."

"The Fellowship of the Nine, who left Imladris a month or two ago, is now inside the borders of Lothórien and seeks permission to continue on their journey."