Weaving a Song

Chapter 8

Legolas' mind spun for a moment before he collected himself. "Well since he's going to be protecting you that's probably a good thing." He said but still wondered silently at the new phenomena. Then he motioned to her. "Come, we must get ready to leave." Almiel took his hand.

"Where are we going?"

"To Imladris, the Last Homely House."

*

Dawn the next morning found the three companions standing next to the three horses they were to take. For the time being, Almiel was going to ride in front of her brother while the third acted as a pack horse. Even with Imladris being relatively close by, they had no idea how long they were to stay in Lorien before they would come home.

Thranduil and Oiolairë came out to the gate where the three awaited them. Hurry my son, make sure someone gets word to Mithrandir.

Yes Ada. Legolas replied touching the scroll hidden within his clothes.

"Take care of my daughter." Thranduil said to Haldir. Haldir smiled placing his hand on his chest.

"Of course, Your Majesty."

"I'll be fine." Almiel said slightly exasperated. Thranduil smiled and kneeled down in front of her while Legolas and Haldir were mounting their horses bareback. "I know. But we have to give him something to do right?" Almiel cocked her head and nodded. "See?" He said with a smile. He picked her up and, after her mother kissed her, swung her in front of Legolas. Good luck, he said to Legolas. Then, as they started off, both siblings heard their parent's voices.

We love you.

Almiel smiled and leaned back into her brother who was smiling as well.

*

They followed Haldir who rode in front, eyes alert for anything amiss. It had been three days. Another day of traveling and they would be in Imladris. It was nearing dark when Almiel tugged on Legolas' sleeve.

"What is it?" He asked.

"The horses need water." Haldir nodded and dismounted gracefully. Legolas jumped off and then helped Almiel down. Haldir glanced around.

"Is there any water around?" Legolas shrugged.

"I know there's a river somewhere around here." Almiel stood still for a moment.

"There's a stream over there." She said. Haldir glanced that way. Legolas was staring that way with narrowed eyes. Almiel shifted and then pointed at one of the trees. "She told me." Legolas walked up to the tree and started singing softly.

He felt the tree hum in response. Its lifeblood, water, was coming from somewhere nearby. He then followed it and sure enough there was a small stream. He tested it finding it safe enough. He whistled. Soon all three horses were drinking their share while the three travelers sat in the shade.

"How did the tree speak to you?" Haldir asked curiously. Almiel was playing with a twig. Then she glanced at him.

"I spoke to her because of how lonely she seemed, so then when it spoke again I could hear the water and knew a stream had to be somewhere over here."

Haldir's eyes shifted to Legolas. "Maybe she's more of a Wood-Elf than you are." Legolas' face remained rather blank as his eyes roved over Haldir.

"As long as you don't go putting ideas in her head, she'll be fine." Haldir raised an eyebrow but even Almiel could see the traces of a grin in his lips.

"Oh, and what ideas would I put in her head that you have not?"

"Ha, you're from Lórien yet you also like traveling and adventure. Something hardly any from there ever do. There's sure to be something dangerous for a Princess in there." Haldir shook his head.

"I think it's you she better watch out for. All those tales of those who live in Mirkwood… what is it? More dangerous, less wise?" Almiel glanced curiously at her brother.

What does it mean? She asked.

Nothing, just a saying.

Liar.

Am not!

Liar.

…

Haldir saw the silent interaction. Funnily enough, he seemed to be getting some sort of emotional waves from Almiel. Why? He asked himself. At that moment, however, Almiel's widening eyes darted to his. Legolas, who had been watching a bird singing above them, missed the whole thing.

Almiel looked up as well when she saw him. Her eyes lighted up. She started singing in Sindarin. The bird flew down and landed on her finger where she sang softly to it while the bird chirped along.

Haldir and Legolas sat listening amazed. Her voice rivaled that of any either had heard before. Many Elves could sing well. It was a well known trait of the Elves, but her voice seemed magical. It was as if it alone could wipe away all the fear and pain in the world. Her gift keeps getting bigger. Legolas thought.What will she not be able to do?

A/N: In the Two Towers Legolas rides Arod bareback and Gandalf calls it Elf-Style. Also when Haldir meets them in the Fellowship he says he only knows the Common Tongue because he is one of the few who has travelled abroad. Also, thanks for all the support :)