Stuck In The Middle

Forest of Lorien

   The forest loomed ahead, one that emitted a sense of mystery. Blue and green smoke glistened above the dark green forest, settling over the trees like a blanket of calm water. Light specks of stars shimmered across the sky, lighting up the pulchritudinous forest of Lothlorien.

''Is it beautiful.'' Ashley murmured, her light footsteps coming up behind Atalanta. Atalanta, never having been one for sights, raised her eyebrow. She believed that beauty was found in other ways, but she had never found beauty in mere sights.

Legolas saw how Ashley looked at Lothlorien like it was a beautiful object she longed for. For some reason, he wanted the beautiful girl to look at him, like that. ''Welcome to Lothlorien.'' He announced. ''The home of my kin,'' Legolas added, his eyes on Ashley. Ashley, upon hearing this, turned to smile at Legolas, before blushing and turning away.

''Very picturesque,'' Kate noted, from where she stood with Boromir. Kate's eyes were alit in interest, something that made Boromir love her more.

''Yes, quite, indeed,'' Boromir replied, giving Kate a delicate kiss on her cheek. ''It is beautiful, just like you.'' Kate smiled at this, leaning into Boromir.

''Do we just enter?'' Ashley asked, looking at her twin for conformation. Ashley guessed that her twin would know best, so, naturally, she turned to Atalanta for advice, first.

''Yeah. I guess.'' Atalanta informed Ashley, looking at the Fellowship, behind her. Twelve had set out, yet ten remained. Atalanta knew that this could very well only be a fictional world, yet Atalanta would not let anyone else die.

''Let us go, then,'' Ashley replied, glancing at the forest in weariness.

Atalanta raised her eyebrow at Ashley's sudden change, but shrugged it off, figuring it was nerves. They were going to see Galadriel, so why wouldn't Ashley be nervous? Striding over the withering grass, Atalanta led the Fellowship to the outskirts of the forest, confidently.

Taking a step into the forest, Atalanta felt something run through her veins. She shivered; not because she was cold, but because she felt like she was being watched.

''Stay close, young Hobbits! They say there's a great sorceress lives in these woods. An Elf-witch of terrible power. All who look upon her fall under her spell and are never seen again.'' Gimli muttered, quite loudly.

''Oi, Gimli! Stay a little quieter, I don't fancy being skewered by Haldir, so early on.'' Atalanta snapped, annoyed with Gimli's lack of awareness.

''Haldir?'' Legolas whisper-yelled, glancing at Atalanta in surprise. ''Are we to be found by Haldir?''

''Yes.'' Ashley piped, before Atalanta could response. ''Quite soon, actually.''

''Atal-'' Kate started, realizing how far they were. Wasn't this where-

''Well, here's one Dwarf she won't ensnare so easily. I have the eyes of a hawk and the ears of a fox!'' Gimli practically yelled, in Atalanta's opinion.

''Damnit!'' Atalanta cursed, as an arrow was placed at her neck.

The elves of Lorien had cornered them, their intricately crafted bows up and loaded. Atalanta glared at the elf in front of her, who slightly shuffled under her glare. Glancing at her twin, Atalanta was surprised to see Ashley behind Legolas, who had his own bow loaded in defense of her. Kate was in the arms of Boromir, who had pushed her behind him.

''Oh....'' Gimli muttered, realizing his mistake. Atalanta raised an eyebrow at him, while Kate placed a comforting hand on his shoulder.

Atalanta watched an elf - Haldir, she remembered - steps forward, glaring at Gimli. ''The dwarf breathes so loud we could have shot him in the dark.''

''Hey!'' Atalanta glared herself, stepping forward. She did not appreciate Haldir insulting Gimli. ''Your glare is so weak, I bet if you glared at your wife, she'd just laugh.'' Atalanta shot back.

Haldir ignored her, though Atalanta could tell that he was annoyed. Haldir's eyes landed on Legolas and how he was defending Ashley. He raised his eyebrow, but did not comment.

''Mae govannen, Legolas Thranduilion.'' Haldir greeted. Kate, knowing a little Sindarin (Elvish), could understand. Welcome, Legolas, son of Thranduil.

''Govannas vîn gwennen le, Haldir o Lórien,'' Legolas responded. Our Fellowship stands in your debt, Haldir of Lórien.

Haldir merely smiled at Legolas and gave a slight nod of his head. Classic, cold, elves, though Atalanta. Turning to look at Aragorn, Haldir spoke once more. ''A Aragorn in Dúnedain istannen le ammen.'' And Aragorn of the Dúnedain, you are known to us.

Aragorn seemed to analyze Haldir as if he were checking for great evil. Seeming to trust him, Aragorn's glare melted. ''Haldir,'' Aragorn muttered, giving a bow of his head.

''So much for the legendary courtesy of the Elves! Speak words we can all understand!'' Gimli grumbled, narrowing his eyes. Atalanta mentally facepalmed; here we go again.

''We have not had dealings with the Dwarves since the Dark Days!'' Haldir barked, glaring at Gimli.

''And do you know what this Dwarf says to that? Ishkhaqwi ai durugnul (I spit upon your grave)!'' Gimli retorted, making Haldir's eyes narrow even more.

''Gimli!'' Atalanta reprimanded, her own glare set in place. ''That's not nice...so much for the legendary courtesy of Dwarves!'' She scolded. Gimli did not cower under her gaze, for Dwarves were stubborn as hell.

Ashley, from the corner, crept over to Legolas. She placed a gentle hand on his soft cloak, causing him to whip around; even the slightest of touch alerted him, for he was an elf. Any trace of anger on his face left when he saw who it was.

''Ashley?'' He whispered, looking down at her. ''What is it?''

Ashley, trying not to think about how close they were, gulped. ''I-I was wondering if you could get us into Lorien?''

''Well....'' Legolas thought for a second, trying to detect anything suspicious. ''Does the happen in the book?''

''Yes,'' Ashley confirmed. ''However, we should be in by now.''

''Okay. I will do my best.'' Legolas muttered, softly.

''Thanks - I mean, hannon le.'' Ashley replied, thanking him in Elvish. By now, Legolas wasn't surprised by her occasional use of his language.

''No problem.'' Legolas nodded his head to her, before striding past her, accidentally giving her shoulder a soft brush. This touch sent pleasant tingles up her spine, as Ashley lived a moment she had wanted to for over ten years.

''Legolas?'' Haldir questioned, as Legolas approached him, with a sense of purpose. ''What is it that thou need?''

''I mean to enter Lorien. Is this possible?''

''Do you mean to enter, or does your company wish to join you?'' Haldir retorted, slyly.

''Indeed, my Fellowship would like to join me. Mellon nin, would you do us this favor?''

Haldir sighed, before scanning his eyes over the Fellowship. ''Most of may enter.....'' He started, before looking to Frodo. ''The Hobbit carries much evil, and will not be permitted to enter the realm of Galadriel.''

Legolas opened his mouth to protest, and so did Frodo. However, Haldir did not seem to be finished. Turning to the three sisters, Haldir eyed them. ''The heirs of Ilvrati are not permitted to enter. I have specific instructions to not let them pass....from Galadriel, herself.''