The Lost Princess: [Legolas Fanfiction]

7. Lothlórien

Anira...

We ran a little faster, having found our goal. I kept a steady pace beside Aragorn as we ran to our destination. Legolas, Aragorn, Boromir and I increased our distance from Gimli and the Hobbits. I felt a bit guilty knowing we all had advantage over the Hobbits and Gimli because of our longer legs. We would stop if they get too far behind. We couldn't risk losing another member of the Fellowship. Especially Frodo. We then experienced a change of scenery. The rocks and lakes that surrounded the mountains turned into lush green pastures and a thick dense forest ahead. Soon we were encased in the forest. The tall tree tops were blocking some of the light. We began to walk again as we entered the boundaries of the forest. The peacefulness, tranquility and beauty of the forest brought a small smile upon my face. I was finally connecting with nature again. I may have been around nature for a while on this journey but I have been too involved with the Fellowship. Now I can appreciate nature's beauty.

Everyone else seemed to be more alert - especially Gimli, who took his axe out. "Stay close, young hobbits!" Gimli warned.

My eyebrows knitted together and saw Gimli gesture the Hobbits to stay close. "They say a great sorceress lives in these woods. An Elf-witch..." He paused, Gimli looked grim. These woods didn't seem like a lair for a witch. "...of terrible power," Gimli continued. "All who look upon her fall under her spell and are never seen again."

I looked back at Frodo who seemed uneasy. "Frodo?" I questioned putting my hand on his shoulder. "What's wrong?"

"I hear a voice. Do you hear anything?"

"No."

"Maybe I'm hearing things."

"Maybe."

"Well, here's one Dwarf she won't ensnare so easily," Gimli said. If we do encounter this Elf-witch, I bed Gimli would be the first to fall under her spell. "I have the eyes of a hawk and the ears of a fox."

With a swift movement we found ourselves surrounded. There were several loaded bows pointed at our heads. I slowly reached for my sword, as if a sword would be helpful. Arrows would be buried in my body before I could unsheathe my sword. Legolas had dared to challenge our attackers by loading his bow. I looked around to see that we were surrounded by elves.

"The Dwarf breathes so loud we could have shot him in the dark." A voice said.

I turned to see the voice. He seemed to be the leader of the archers and the expression on his face seemed to be nothing but business. His gaze began to exchange Aragorn spoke to him but I couldn't completely hear him.

"You will follow me." He declared. The archers retracted their bows but I still felt uncomfortable. I guess we had no choice but to follow them.

Night had fell and the woods were covered in darkness but it was easy enough to see. There was several lamps that hung from branches. We began to climb up a rope ladder onto a platform that was shaped like a leaf. When everyone was accounted for the leader began to address Legolas. When they finished conversing the leader's eyes swept over Boromir and onto Aragorn and addressed him.

Gimli must have been upset knowing he cannot understand elvish. "So much for the legendary courtesy of the elves!" He grumbled. "Speak words we can all understand!"

The leader slowly faced Gimli and raised his eyebrows. "We have not had dealing with the Dwarves since the Dark days." He said in a hostile tone.

"And do you know what this dwarf says to that? Ishkhaqwi ai durugnul!" I froze and my eyes widened at Gimli's words. His words weren't so courteous.