To Hide a Princess

Chapter Two

Chapter 2

So after my three years on the move I finally stumble across Rivendell. I may be reluctant to admit it but it was definitely beautiful and I'm not easily impressed. I suppose it could be the soaring cliffs, mass of silver waterfalls or elegant buildings but this place made something in my heart shift. It scared me but I could tell that this was a place that could potentially become my home.

I hadn't had a home since the war so this feeling was foreign to me completely. Now that the war was over though I suppose I really should settle down and get my life back on track. Maybe the Rivendell village could become my place.

As I approach the bridge to the palace, I suppose that's what I would call it, I pull up my heavy black hood, keeping my bow and quiver close at hand. Four armed guards appear to be on the lookout but from experience I know that there is always more than the eye can see.

As I go to cross the bridge, two step out in front of me. Yes I'm sure I can take them down but I can't judge the situation fully when there are too many hiding places. I'd be too disadvantaged. Besides I may as well find out what they want before I go into a full on attack.

The closest looks younger than me for sure but that means nothing considering that in my old kingdom age meant little in relation to skill.

"Milady please uncover your face, drop your weapons and declare your name" he states, his voice shaking slightly. Nervous I would think so clearly new on the job.

"Nellas Helyanwe of the fallen kingdom Eldarwen, I come seeking refuge and a new life" I declare quickly using the name of my old friend to discover my true identity. I certainly didn't want to be revealed as a princessa of old especially after surviving in the wild alone for three years. I slowly uncovered my face with an icy expression in my cold eyes, reluctantly placing my bow and quiver at my feet.

The guard opens and closes his mouth several times, not knowing what to say. After letting out a long breath, his eyes still open wide in surprise, he finally speaks to me again.

"Milady it is an honour to meet you" he says. My muscles tense ready to run in case he somehow knew my identity by a cruel twist in fate. I could not have anyone know I'm a princessa, I was here for a normal life, it was what I'd always wanted.

"What is this honour you speak of? The honour is all mine indeed sir" I quickly return to his words,

"Pardons milady, just we have had no news of any survivors from that great fallen kingdom. It is indeed an honour to meet with one so blessed by luck and the spirits. To have survived such a bloody war and to have lived all through these three hard years of war is something quite special. I am sure Lord Elrond and perhaps even Prince Legolas would like to speak of this with you. They have long awaited news of any survival since the dreadful end of the Seregon royal line."

I was gradually becoming more calm as he spoke, he clearly did not know of my secrets. Others may cry at what he said of my family but I am strong after these three years. I mourned of course but I knew I must be strong for my family. Weakness does not equate to survival in the bleakest of wastelands. I built up walls of steal around my heart and mind and it would take all of Sauron's forces and more to break them. My heart still beats in its icy cage but my tears are frozen for evermore.

"The blessing and luck was all on the hobbit and forces of Aragorn, and indeed Prince Legolas himself for now middle earth is at peace and war is over. While orcs may run wild in the wilderness they are less of a threat to any beating heart. And soon travelling to eternal life? Surely the luck and spirits have blessed all elfkind" I replied. He wouldn't say I'm blessed if he knew my story.

"What you say is true milady" he replies again. Then I begin to panic as I remember his earlier statement about meeting Elrond and Legolas. I never met Elrond but as a child I remember I used to play with Legolas. We were so young that it's hard to remember but mother used to tell me about it. She used to joke that we would be soul mates and she'd dreamed up this perfect little life. I would joke along with her and live in my daydreams. I soon stopped reminiscing knowing it would get me nowhere and try to dream up a way to escape this meeting. Just in case it sparks a memory.

"I could not disturb our lord and the prince for their sake. I am simply an average girl from a lost kingdom! I would be of no interest to them. I couldn't waste their time!"

He interrupts my flow of words. "On the contrary milady" he said "they would be disappointed to hear you were in their city without talking to them. I am sure they would be delighted and you could not waste their time for I know both of them have been waiting for this for a long time!"

I didn't know how to protest further without offering an insult to the two people that the guard clearly held in high regard. I knew I was going to have to go along with it if I wanted to settle down in the village of this place then I was going to have to go along with this meeting and hope for the best. If any memories sparked then I suppose that this was not the place for my life to restart.

I followed the guard hoping and praying that my 'good luck' would last or just a bit longer. It was the first place since my kingdom burned that I could call home and even though I had hardly arrived, I was unwilling to leave.

I was lead through rising arches, white rose gardens, under enchanting, sparkling waterfalls through delicately lighted hallways with flickering candles and intricate golden detail until I reach where I am now. An elegant open air courtyard surrounded by fragrant white, yellow and gold flowers perfuming the air sweetly. Arches rise on every side softly lit by a circle of candles at the edges of the courtyard and on tables and benches.

I stood there not knowing what to do with myself. Aranel was tied up out in a hallway, whinnying at being away from me for too long. I always think that he regards himself as my personal protector, even though he may be a horse and all that. I was still in my travelling suit of a tight tough black material, like leather. It hid me in the dark and was easy movement for a fight in case any left over orcs decided to attack. My black hair was tied back sharp in a ponytail and I'd pulled my travelling cloak back on so that the hood covered my face. All in all I was by no means prepared to meet any people of importance let alone a lord or a prince!

So this is where I'll meet Elrond and Legolas.

So this is where I'll meet my fate.