The forest was uncannily quiet. All I could hear was the crunch of leaves beneath my feet and the gentle rustle of leaves as they fell from the trees. To anyone else, this would be perfectly normal.
However, I knew better. Usually, you could hear some kinds of animals in the distance or the snapping of twigs as deer or wolf horses passed by.
The silence could only mean one thing. We were definitely being tracked by the elves of Lothlórien. I could feel it, we all could, we were being watched.
"Stay close, young Hobbits!" Gimli warned the halflings ushering them closer, "They say that a great sorceress lives in these woods."
I couldn't help but chuckle at that. If he was talking about Galadriel then he was poorly mistaken.
"An Elf witch of terrible power. All who look upon her fall under her spell. And are never seen again." He explained, gripping his axe tightly, "Well, here's one Dwarf she won't ensnare so easily. I have the eyes of a hawk and the ears of a fox."
No sooner had he said that did we suddenly found ourselves surrounded by a scouting band of Lothlórien elves. They appeared to have literally come from no where with their bows surrounding us on all sides.
Everyone except me, pulled out their weapons but it was no use. We were surrounded completely and even then, we were here for the elves help.
"The Dwarf breaths so loud, we could have shot him in the dark."
I turned and couldn't help but smile broadly as I came face to face with Haldir for the first time in decades. I came forward and when he recognised me, he broke into a smile as well.
"Lady Sapphire," he greeted happily, bowing his head respectfully to me.
I would have preferred a hug but now wasn't the time for soppy things like that.
Haldir had the rest of his guards lower their bows but kept them nocked. I knew he trusted me but evidently he did not trust my companions.
***
We were escorted by the guards to an outpost hidden in the trees. It was around dusk when we got there and all of us were tired due to us not having stopped to rest the day before.
"Lady Sapphire, your return to Lothlórien will bring great joy to many," he sighed, speaking in elvish as he then turned to Legolas.
"Welcome Legolas, son of Thranduil." He greeted respectfully in elvish, knowing he was addressing the Prince of Mirkwood.
"Our Fellowship stands in your debt." He thanked Haldir, again in elvish tongue.
"Aragorn of the Dunedain, you are known to us." Haldir welcomed.
"So much for the legendary courtesy of the Elves! Speak words we can all understand!" Gimli huffed in annoyance.
"We have not had dealings with the Dwarves since the Dark Days," Haldir looked down at Gimli distastefully before his eyes flickered momentarily to me.
"And you know what this Dwarf says to that? Ishkhaqwi ai durugnul!" He growled.
I tried not to let out a snort of laughter at the insult because I was in the presence of the elves of Lothlórien and I didn't want to offend our guests like Gimli did. But seriously, saying 'I spit on your grave' in the tongue of Khuzdul right in Haldir's face would make anyone chuckle a little.
However, seen as we were dependant on these elves to help us, I decided not to give Gimli the satisfaction of a laugh.
"That was not so courteous," I warned, grabbing his shoulder and giving him a quick glare.
Gimli huffed but finally decided to keep his tongue. I would like to think I have Gimli's respect. I defend the dwarven way of life to Legolas so I know Gimli is greatfull for that. I could tell that once I told him he had crossed the line with my own kin, he decided to respect my wishes for now.
Haldir tried to ignore the insult thrown his way and so instead turned to Frodo.
"You bring great evil with you." He stated simply before turning to Aragorn, "You can go no further."
The rest of the evening was Aragorn and Haldir arguing in elvish. Aragorn was trying to persuade Haldir to let us enter Lothlórien.
Lothlórien is not like Rivendell when it comes to strangers. In fact, when it comes to strangers, Lothlórien shares many qualities with Mirkwood. Strangers are forbidden to gase upon the elven city of Lothlórien because they deem it not worthy of being seen by unworthy eyes.
There are few exceptions of course. Kings, Queens, Prince's and Princesses (some lords and ladies) are allowed entrance. Someone like me for instance, an unusual occasion. Elves were more likely to get in than the other races.
No dwarf had ever set foot in the city (at least not to my knowledge). Even my father was forced to stay by the outskirts whenever I visited.
While Aragorn and Haldir continued to argue, I walked over to Gimli and Legolas.
"Should we be welcomed into Lothlórien, I believe you will be the first Dwarf to ever grace it's beauty," I mused, looking down at Gimli.
"Just a couple of trees and twigs," he scoffed, making both me and Legolas exchange a glance of anger.
"You are not playing fair, Gimli," I said through gritted teeth, making him look up at me.
"Both you and I told Legolas about the spenders of the Mines of Moria." I explained.
"I admit, it was rather spectacular," Legolas smiled, remembering just how shocked he was when he first saw the great hall.
"See, we showed him the wonders of the Dwarven city. I think it is only fitting that you repay the favour," I smirked, gesturing to me and Legolas, "It is now our turn to show you the wonders of the elves."
Gimli seemed to think this through in his head. He looked a little flustered for a second before he let out a sigh of defeat and nodded his head.
"If an Elf can appreciate the wonders of the Dwarves then I see no reason a Dwarf cannot appreciate the wonders of the Elves," He huffed quietly.
Finally, Aragorn and Haldir had come to some kind of arrangement.
"You will follow me," Haldir said before he lead us away from the outpost.
***
We walked for nearly an entire day. We were all exhausted but being surrounded by elves meant they didn't really stop or slow down. Me and Legolas had no trouble keeping up but the rest of the Fellowship were fatigued.
"Caras Galadhon." Haldir smiled proudly as we reached the top of a hill and looked down at the forest of Lothlórien, "The heart of Elvendom on earth. Realm of the Lord Celeborn and of Galadriel, Lady of Light."
As we entered the forest I chuckled lightly as the rest of the fellowship gawked in awe of the beauty of the elven city. It was only early evening so I knew that this wasn't even the prettiest it could be.
Even Gimli, who had been skeptical at first, had his jaw wide open as we walked through the stunning woods.
Everything in the city seemed to be grown, not built. The houses were simply an extension of the trees around them. It was so different to the dwarven city which was intricately carved and designed stone in patterns. This city seemed more organic, growing and living.
As dusk fell, the city Bagan to light up in delicate blue colours. This was my favourite time of day to see Lothlórien, basking in a blue glow.
We were escorted up to the main audience chamber at the top of one of the tallest trees. All the elves around came to the balconies to study our motley group of strangers.
We stood on the white platform in front of the large white building at the very top. I had not been here in years but it looked just as spectacular as always.
The white glow from the entrance grew brighter and I smiled warmly as Lady Galadriel and Lord Celeborn decended the steps.
"The enemy knows you have entered here." Celeborn stated, a little sadness laced in his voice, "What hope you had in secrecy is now gone. Nine there are here, yet ten there were set out from Rivendell. Tell me, where is Gandalf? For I much desire to speak with him. I can no longer see him from afar."
"Gandalf the Grey did not pass the borders of this land. He has fallen into Shadow." Galadriel spoke softly yet sadly.
"He was taken by both Shadow and flame." Legolas explained, his voice full of sorrow, "A Balrog of Morgoth. For we went needlessly into the net of Moria."
"Needless were none of the deeds of Gandalf in life. We do not yet know his full purpose." Galadriel mused Before she turned to Gimli who seemed to be ashamed, "Do not let the great emptiness of Khazad-dûm fill your heart, Gimli, son of Glóin. For the world has grown full of peril and in all lands love is now mingled with grief."
"What now becomes of this Fellowship?" Celeborn asked, "Without Gandalf, hope is lost."
"The quest stands upon the edge of a knife. Stray but a little and it will fail to the ruin of all. Yet hope remains while the Company is true." Galadriel smiled softly as she looked over at Sam.
"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Go now and rest for you are weary with sorrow and much toil. Tonight, you will sleep in peace," she trailed off.
Sapphire, my dear, it is so good to see you safe and well after all these long years... I heard Mother Galadriel speak inside my mind, a comforting and soothing notion.
Remember, you are the best of both worlds. Perhaps you will be the one to bring together our race and your dwarven kin.
I do not believe that is possible. I thought, I wasn't as powerful as the Lady of Light so I kept it short and sweet.
I don't believe that's true. She left it at that, her eyes flickering between Gimli and Legolas.
***
We were given a small cove down on the surface. There was a sheltered space between the roots for us to place our bedding. A flowing stream of fresh spring water pooled into a little pond. Tables full of food were brought to us and some servants came to make sure we were all comfortable.
I didn't admit it to any of the Fellowship, but this little cove was where I used to stay whenever I visited Lothlórien.
I took off my black scarf and black cloak and folded it by my bed. I usually wouldn't part with my weapons, not even for a second but I trusted most of the Fellowship and Lothlórien was probably one of the best defended places in Middle-Earth. I placed all my weapons and holsters by the side of my bed.
Everyone else in the Fellowship felt at peace that evening. For the first time since the start of our journey, we all took off our armour and tried to clean ourselves up. It was weird seeing Gimli without his armour but I was just glad that he had finally come to peace with the safety the elves gave us.
Next to our small cove was yet another pool of water, this one much deeper and a little waterfall. It was much more secluded and covered than the one out in the open. I suggested to the others that they wash themselves there as it would likely be their last opportunity before we would set out the next day.
I waited until all the others were finished before I even thought of batheing myself. As much as I many have a mutual understanding with most of the Fellowship, I would like to keep most of my dignity when I'm around them. I hated people seeing me vulnerable.
I did, however, ask one of the servant to bring me a grey nightdress to sleep in. I wasn't much for dresses usually but seen as this was likely to be our last peaceful rest for some time, I would like to make the most of that opportunity and sleep in some comfort. As much as my ranger gear was comfortable, I had been wearing it for over a month and I couldn't wait to get out of it.
Legolas had just finished changing into a plain silver tunic when I got up, intending to head to the pool.
We could all hear the elves singing above us, high in the trees. Their melodic voices filling our ears with beauty.
"A lament for Gandalf," Legolas mused.
"What do they say about him?" Merry asked, looking up to the tree tops.
"I have not the heart to tell you," Legolas sighed wistfully, "For me, the grief is still too near."
"I bet they don't mention his fireworks." Sam grumbled, "There should be a verse about them."
I stayed long enough to watch Sam stand up and try to add his own poetic verse to Gandalf's lament.
"The finest rockets ever seen, They burst in stars of blue and green. Or after thunder, silver showers, Came falling like a rain of flowers- Oh that doesn't do them justice by a long road..." He trailed off.
I smiled at his efforts nonetheless. It was sweet of the little Hobbit to try and honour the wizard.
With that, I left to go and clean myself up. However, I had been to lost in my thoughts when Sam gave his poem that I may or may not have forgotten to pick up my nightdress.
Making sure no one was around, I quickly began to pull off my ranger gear. I left it in a heap by the side of the pool as I clambered into the cold water.
It felt so good to get rid of all the grime and mud from my body. I went and stood under the waterfall, letting it wash over me. I ran my hands through my white hair.
When I was finished scrubbing all the dirt off me, I picked up my black tunic and leggings and dumped them into the water as well. I cleaned off all the mud and Orc blood before I determined it was good enough.
Just as I was about to get out, my heart stopped as I realised I had left my nightdress by my bed. I slapped my hand over my forehead as I realised just how dumb I was.
I was practically trapped. I couldn't just walk out naked but my clothes were now wet and that would be completely embarrassing.
I stood there contemplating my choices before I sighed in defeat and decided my course if action.
"Legolas," I whispered quietly.
Since elves have a more sensitive hearing, I was hoping I would be able to get his attention without alerting the others. I think me and him were on good terms now so I hoped he would respect my privacy if I asked for his help.
"Legolas!" I hissed a bit louder.
I was still standing in the pool but I was shielded from view behind a tree. So when I heard his soft footfalls on the ground coming closer, I knew he probably wouldn't be able to see anything except my head when I poked it round the corner.
"Sapphire?" He asked timidly and a bit confused as I poked my head around from behind the tree.
"Legolas, I need you to do something for me," I said quickly, even though I could see the confusion on his face, "I need you to bring me my nightdress from my bed."
After a few seconds of just standing there confused, he nodded before disappearing again.
It wasn't long before he came back and when he did, I stuck my hand out from behind the tree and snatched it off him. I disappeared behind the tree and slipped it on, careful not to get the end of it in the water.
Sighing, I stepped out from the pool and turned sharply on Legolas who seemed quite taken aback at the sight of me in a dress for once.
"If you mention this to anyone-" I growled, pointing a finger at him.
"You'll detach something from me?" He smirked, obviously remembering the last threat I had given him.
"Exactly," I smiled, at least someone understood how it worked.
While he rejoined the rest of the group, I draped my wet clothes over the roots of one of the large trees so it could dry by the morning.
When I did rejoin the others, I could tell all eyes were no me. This is why I usually didn't wear dresses, it made me feel vulnerable.
"What?" I spat, a little more hostile than I had intended but it got my point across; everyone shook their heads and averted their gaze.
Even Boromir, whom I had expected to take full advantage of this opportunity to mock me, didn't say anything.
We all slept soundly that night. The singing of the elves lulled us to sleep. That, and the fact we hadn't rested for days, meant I had the deepest sleep I had in months.
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