Aria the Black (Book 2 of the Daughters of Durin Trilogy)

Chapter 11: Mutual Understanding

The Fellowship was led into the Elven domain, admiring their beautiful homes carved into the trees. They followed the Elf up into a tree larger than the others. Various sources of pale white light guided their way as the impeccable design of the staircase did not fail them-even the clumsy Hobbits did not falter in their step. Aria gazed upon the rest of the forest. The Sylvan Elves were very practical with their resources; they kept the jungle surrounding them healthy and vibrant, only building or carving into the wood when necessary.

All around them, the trees groaned as a strong and terrible wind swept through the group. The source was not nature's forces alone, for a lonesome whisper brought feelings of despair among both the Elves and the Fellowship.

"The trees have not uttered such a plea since the Dark Days." The elf, Haldir spoke, sensing the change with wisdom and age. "You bring great evils with you." He looked at Frodo, but seemed unsure of the other cause of the darkness he felt. Aria shifted behind Legolas indiscreetly, in order to conceal her presence and dark magic from Haldir. She knew it was her who was triggering alarms in the forest. "You can go no further." Haldir continued, sharply turning away from the group to confide with his subordinates.

Aragorn and Legolas looked at each other simultaneously, beginning to barter their way through the forest to the Elves in their native language. The rest of them released their tension and began to ease their anxiety, resting their hands and figures upon the white railings and pillars that lined the room.

Boromir looked over at Frodo seeing a sad expression in his eyes, resembling to him a loss of hope. The man knew he was no match to the others in the Fellowship-his mental strength as a simple man could only take him so far. Boromir knew he was a risk and a threat to the mission, but he vowed to protect the others and see this quest through. I swore with my life, until the day I die. He recited to himself once again, a common theme throughout his journey. Boromir knew he would not survive the Ring's temptation, and that one way or another, he would have to face his death. But, if there was a way for him to die, it would be fighting, honoring his oath and trust in the Fellowship.

He smiled at Frodo, snapping out of his own daydream. "Gandalf's death was not in vain, nor would he wish you to give up hope. You carry a heavy burden, Frodo. Do not carry the weight of the dead along with it."

Aragorn rejoined the group with Haldir and the other elves, nodding and gesturing at them to follow. "Come with me." Haldir commanded, leading them through another vast Elven maze.

As the progressed through the forest, night turned to day, and the black shifted to gold, amber and red hues, filtered in by the colorful leaves on the trees. They arrived atop a hill. Awaiting them was an enormous horde of trees, shaped into a sphere by weather and age.

Haldir acquainted those who did not know their location, mainly the hobbits who were too busy drooling at the landscape. He chuckled, introducing them. "Caras Galadhon, the heart of Elvendom on earth. Realm of Lord Celeborn and Galadriel, Lady of Light."

The Fellowship entered the gigantic tree and followed Haldir up into higher floors of his Elven kingdom, encased and protected from the wind by the tree's branches and foliage. They emerged from the staircase into a mostly empty room, with two thrones and their owners perched atop them. Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel looked as regal as ever, their figures emulating youth and welcome, but also wisdom and caution. They smiled at the Fellowship, who all bowed their heads in response as the Lord and Lady each nodded to them individually.

"Welcome to Caras Galadhon, mellon." Celeborn greeted Legolas, then Aragorn, who both bowed in reverence.

"Thank you for carrying sympathy for us and our quest, my Lord." Aragorn began.