Author: Lady Lavelynne (Kelly)
Title: The Chronicles of Lavelynne
Rating: PG
Feedback: gotta_luv_legolas@yahoo.com

Summary- Lavelynne is the adpeted daughter of Lord
Elrond.  An Elf of unknown lineage, she finds herself
twisted up in the greatest Quest Middle Earth has even
seen.  Anything could happen.
SPOILERS- The last chapter or so contains a little
junk from RotK (specifically the Battle of the
Pelennor Feilds) so if you haven't read the book it
may spoil things only a LITTLE.  Set during the
Trilogy.

*******************************************
Chapter 2- The Unexpected Quest 

Yes, the night grows old little one, yet though you have heard the words of the beginning, you 
must yet hear the words end, and that is a far way off. Here now the continuing story of my 
Chronicles...... 

`One Ring to rule them all, One Ring to find them, 
One Ring to bring them all and in the darkness bind them.' 

I, Lavelynne, daughter of Elrond, sat by the large window in my resting chamber staring into the 
darkness of early morning and yet not seeing a thing. I was occupied, you might say, by my 
pondering of The Poem. Ever since my first dream, about a month ago, I had been having more 
frequent (and more terrifying) dreams. For the past two night, however, I saw nothing in my 
dreams. Rather, I heard the words of The Poem. 

The words came to me and I did not know what they meant. I dared not to speak the words out 
loud, so I gave it a title to refer to it by. The Poem. That is what I called it. Though the words were 
curious, sometimes coming to me in the language of Mordor, sometimes in Common Tongue, 
they always succeeded in frightening me. 

In other days, I would have sought help from my Father for such matters. As of late, though, 
Elrond was seeming more and more preoccupied. His usual face, which despite his age was 
young and handsome, was now mostly dominated by worry or doubt. I knew he tried his best not 
to make these feeling known, but as Elrond's daughter, though not biologically so, I could always 
tell. 

I had been fighting the urge to tell him of my dreams, for I did not want to bother him 
unnecessarily. 

Even as I sat thinking in my chamber, the sun began a slow crawl over the cliffs and mountains 
surrounding Rivendell, my home. The early light sparkled on the many waterfalls which 
surrounded Rivendell and its beauty captivated me. Finally the sun rose enough to tell me that 
night was over and I best ready myself for the day ahead. 

I stood slowly and walked to my trunk. Pulling out a long, elegant dress, I began to dress. As I 
bent to slip the silken slippers onto my feet a dark vision flashed before my eyes. 

The rider in black, which chased me in many of my dreams, was galloping towards me, his long 
sword drawn. I fainted. 

Waking from my faint, I shook my fear aside and looked out my window. The sun was 
considerably higher than it had been when I had started dressing. 

`Curse my visions!' I said under my breath, `Now I shall be late for breakfast and Father will have 
my hide!' 

I dashed out of my chamber and sprinted down the hall. If it had seemed a long way to the eating 
room on other days, that day it seemed endless. I practically flew down the staircase, all the while 
thanking the gods that I had the light feet of an elf. 

Continuing at full speed, I almost knocked down Erestor, the chief councilor of the House of 
Elrond. 

`The lovely Lavelynne! I have been looking for you.' He said. 

`I apologize, Erestor, I forgot about...' 

`Breakfast?' He finished for me. 

`Yes, is Father terribly upset?' I asked, cursing for the second time my visions. 

`Actually,' he told me, `Lord Elrond told me to inform you that he would not be at Breakfast this 
morning. He sends his apologies.' Erestor grinned. `Lucky for you he had a meeting!' 

`A meeting? With whom? Where? Why?' I curiously dug for answers. 
`Yes, Lavelynne, little curious one! A meeting with Mithrandir in your Father's meeting room.' 
Erestor informed me. 

`Mithrandir?! Gandalf?! He is here? I wonder what he is up to...' I was excited at the prospect of 
seeing the old wizard again. 

`Yes, Gandalf is here. However, Lavelynne, if the meeting is still in session then I beg of you not 
to interrupt or eavesdrop.' He added the last part with a plaintive look at me. 

`Me? Eavesdrop? I have no idea what you speak of.' I grinned at him. 
`Of course, I should not have accused you of such things. However, if Mithrandir, Gandalf as you 
call him, can help your Father with his worries then you MUST not bother them.' Erestor looked at 
me seriously. 

`Fine.' my voice faded as I thought of my Father. I did not want to anger him, but indeed, a visit 
from Gandalf was not to be missed. 

`Well, I must be off. Be good Little Lavelynne.' He then walked away. 
Despite Erestor's warning I decided to go hear Father's conversation with Gandalf. 

As I approached the open meeting room, I could hear the voices. My Father had a deep, moving 
voice that spoke volumes even in the quiet peacefulness of the room. Gandalf also had a deep 
voice, but his was easy to recognize, you could hear the wizard in him, if you know what I mean. 

I crept past the ornately carved wooden doors, which were always open. I quickly snuck behind a 
large pillar where I could hear the conversation easily. 

`Elrond, It has been found. You know what I speak of.' Gandalf addressed my Father. 

`The Nine are riding then?' My Father sounded disbelieving 

`Yes. A Hobbit has It now. Quite soon, however, Frodo will have to leave the Shire.' I was 
amazed. Hobbits were creatures who lived far away. Could one be coming to Rivendell? What 
was the `It' both my Father and Gandalf spoke of? 

`Yes. We will gather a council then?' My Father's voice faded, as if he did not quite want to 
suggest such a thing. 

`Yes. A council of all races. We will need the help of Elves, Men and Dwarves if we are to do this 
correctly.' Gandalf sounded dead serious. 

`I will send messengers out to inform the races then. I will tell them to be ready for a council at 
any time.' Elrond quietly planned. 

`Yes, that will work Elrond. Yet, make sure the messenger is trust- worthy, we can risk no 
information getting to the Enemy.' 

`Who do you advise I pick, Mithrandir? You always have been better at this sort of thing than me.' 
Father sounded anxious. 

`Well, I know of one Elf-maiden who would be just perfect to send to Mirkwood. She would do 
quite well as the messenger to King Thranduil.' Gandalf suggested. 

`Of whom to you speak? What maiden would be able to do this?' My Father was curious, I could 
tell by his voice. 

`Why your daughter, of course! Lavelynne has proved herself quite curious and in fact has snuck 
into this very room and is listening to our conversation! She has rightly earned a trip!' Gandalf 
laughed. 

I gasped loudly from my hiding place. How could Gandalf have known? 

`Come out, Lavelynne. You need not hide.' Gandalf commanded me. 

I stood up, feeling sheepish. I met my Father's eyes and quickly averted the gaze. He was not 
happy with me. 

Gandalf, however, was smiling broadly. His grey beard twichted as he tried to contain his 
laughter. Elrond began to smile as well. 

`I should have known Gandalf! I will never try to up a wizard again!' I grinned at the old man, who 
by now was laughing openly. 

`See Elrond,' Gandalf spoke in between bursts of laughter, `Your Lavelynne would work well. She 
will not be in danger, I assure you.' 

`Yes, I think she has proved herself Gandalf.' Elrond motioned to me. `Come here Lavelynne. 
There are many things I must explain and not much time in which to do so.' 

It was with that comment I came to learn of the One Ring of Power, of Sauron, of the Nine 
Ringwraiths and of the unlikely Ring-Bearer: Frodo Baggins. 

He told me of the Council that would be needed if Frodo came to Rivendell. He told me of the 
messengers he needed to send, one to every race, to tell of this story. 

`This is where you come in, I am afraid.' Father informed me. 

He told me I was to be the messenger to the Elven King Thranduil who resided in Northen 
Mirkwood. I would go to inform the Elves of Mirkwood that a council could be called for at any 
moment, and to be ready to send representatives of their own to attend it. 

I swallowed my nervousness. 

`When must I go?' 

************************************

Part 3


*Continuing Flashback (see Chapter 1)* 

By the time I was prepared to leave on my journey it was already Mid- Summer in Rivendell. The 
waters surrounding the peaceful Elven House were warm with the sun, and the green leaves of 
the trees were large and overly ripe, casting shadows upon the ivory and silver spirals of the 
Courtyard and House. 

It was indeed time to leave. No longer could my journey be put off. 

"Then I shall go to Mirkwood, and soon. I shall but deliver the message and then return." I spoke 
to myself, but was overheard. 

"Yes, Lavelynne. You shall go on your journey. Do not worry my daughter, the Elves of Mirkwood 
will welcome an Elf of this House. Especially a lovely Maiden such as yourself." 

I whipped around quickly to discover Elrond, Lord of Rivendell and my Father, stepping onto the 
cool stone walkway. 

"Lovely? In your eyes perhaps, yet even your love cannot hide the truth. I know I do not look like 
Arwen. I know I am nary beautiful nor do I look as one of your lineage should. I am not of 
Rivendell Father. I am not yours." I sighed sadly and frowned a bit as I thought. 

"You are right in saying, my dear, that you are not mine. The story is not new to you. I found you 
in a forest. Why are you dredging up the past? You are not mine by birth, but you ARE mine. And 
of your looks? Why compare yourself to Arwen? Why compare yourself to any of my Household? 
You know you are different. Different and beautiful. You just need to realize it Lavelynne." 
Elrond's kind words were complemented with a smile. `You are my youngest daughter. I love you 
dearly.' 

"Look at me, my eyes are not the endless blue of Arwen's, they are a plain and unnoticable grey. 
My hair is not the lustrous black of yours, it is fair, but white streaked with blond! If I were as 
stunning as you say then an Elf-Lord would have come here and swept me off my feet by now! 
Never will that happen though for I am not lovely! " In that moment my largest and most secret 
worry, never finding a Lord to marry, had come to the surface. It was a secret no longer. 

I looked away from Father. 

"Ahh. Then that is it? That is your fear?" Elrond asked. 

I did not reply. 

"I am surprised, Lavelynne, that of all Elves you are worrying of such things! Look at yourself! The 
Elven-Lord for you is out there somewhere, and he is indeed the luckiest of all our people." He 
paused for a moment, staring out over the spires and towers of Rivendell and into the mist 
covered mountains beyond. "It is time for you to leave. Mirkwood is waiting." 
***************************************** 

The next morning I set off on my journey. The morning was unusually cool, giving the Elves but a 
hint of the autumn approaching. 

I was riding upon Spreelo, a gallant steed of my brother Elladan's. Spree, as he was sometimes 
called, was indeed on of the best of the herd, even including Arwen's Losaloth. His coat was a 
deep burnished bronze and as bright as the sun. He had a creamy white mane and tail that were 
streaked with the color of his coat. Rumor abounded that Spree was a direct descendent of the 
Meara stallions in Rohan. It was believeable. Spreelo carried the noble presence of a Meara. 
However, Elladan was only letting me ride his horse as Spree's willingness and fine temperment 
made him the only horse for the long, dark journey into the heart of Mirkwood. 

I gave a soft cluck to Spree a set off. With a final wave to my family, for all had come to see me 
off, even my ever-busy brothers Erohir and Elladan, I sat firmly, loosened my reins and urged 
Spreelo on. 

For the first time in my life, I was eager to leave Rivendell. 

******************************************** 

"Oh Spreelo! What did I do to deserve this?" 

I was despondent. Already I should have been safe in the House of King Thranduil, and yet I was 
still wandering the Forest. Worse yet, I had already taken so many forks and turns in the road that 
I feared I would never be able to even backtrack. I was lost. 

Upset and afraid, I, Lady Lavelynne, began to cry. 

Dismounting quickly I explained to Spree, "I don't care anymore Spreelo! I don't care about the 
Ring or my message or anything! I just want to see light again! These dark woods are so 
strange." The horse nickered softly and nudged me. 

"We'll camp tonight and hope for the best, Spree." 

Suddenly Spreelo pricked his ears up with interest and whinned. He tore the reins out of my 
fingers and galloped off into the increasing darkness. 

I was stunned, had he been afraid? What was out there? It was very unlike Spreelo to leave his 
rider. I drew the small sword Father had given me and stood in a fighter's stance, anticipating my 
enemy. 

"What do we have here?" a rich and beautiful voice filled my ears. "An beutiful Elven-Maiden from 
far off lands? Lost in the forest with out her faithful steed? Afraid and sure of death?" the voice 
seemed to be coming from all directions. Despite its beauty, I feared the speaker. 

I spun sideways in an attempt to catch a glimpse of the speaker, but only succeeded in tripping 
over my long, silver dress. I fell to the ground in a heap. 

I heard a laugh, not harsh though, as I had expected, but the soft lilting laugh of an Elf. A figure 
stepped out from the shadows of the trees. 

Indeed, it was an Elf, a handsome young male at that. 

He looked to be about my age and yet was more handsome than I had ever imagined an Elf to 
be. He advanced slowly towards me, his hand out to show he meant no harm. Looking back, I 
suppose I looked afraid, but in actuality it was awe. 

He was clad only in then leggings of a forest green and a brown tunic. I could see the tight 
muscles of his legs through the leggings, and it was apparent that this Elf was strong and sure of 
himself. His hair was long and the sides were braided back to prevent the blocking of his sight. It 
shone like gold, even in the low light of the evening. His face was almost angelic. His eyes 
seemed to jump out at me, his gaze penetrated my soul. They were eyes of the clearest blue, a 
bright icy color that would melt any young elf-maiden's heart. The eyes held, like my own, a spark 
of curiosity that my Father had told me was rare in Elves of this time. His lips were thin and drawn 
back in a dazzling smile of welcome. 

Finally he spoke. "Tell me, I can see you are an Elf, but you are like none I have ever seen. You 
are more beautiful than even the fair Arwen Evenstar, though her beauty is widely known. Your 
hair is so fair, just barely it seems to have been kissed with gold. Your eyes are of a misty grey 
not known to me. Where are you from, fair Maiden, for it has been long since an elf so lovely has 
walked in Mirkwood." 

I was speechless, could this Elf, as beautiful as the stars, actually think such things about me? 

I regained my voice quickly. 

"I am called Lavelynne and the reason for my journey is to be told only to King Thranduil of 
Mirkwood." I told the Elf. "Do you know where I can find him?" 
"Of course, where are my manners? Sweet Lavelynne, I am called Legolas Greenleaf. I can show 
you to the King." 

He grabbed my hand and pulled me to my feet. His hand was strong and he pulled me hard 
enough to make me fall into his strong chest. 

"Ummph!" I gave a muffled snort of surprise as I fell face first into Legolas's tunic. 

"I am so sorry fair Lavelynne. I did not realize you were so light!" I looked into those clear eyes of 
his. He did not look very sorry to me. Before I could comment though, he whistled softly and 
called out something in a tongue new to me. 

Spreelo, accompinied by a shorter and stockier grey horse, appeared in the small clearing. 

"Here are our mounts mi'lady," Legolas said with a grin. "Though I daresay your horse surrpasses 
my own in every form!" he grinned and slapped the grey in a friendly way on the shoulder. 
Legolas then deftly lept upon the grey. I looked up at Spreelo's saddle. Suddenly his 17 hands 
seemed to grow and I felt impossibly tired. 

Legolas looked at me, his cocked slightly to the side and said "I see you are tired. Would you like 
to ride double on my horse? Tantanna is not lovely to look at like your steed, but her stride is 
comfortable and she knows the woods." 

I nodded shyly, then blushed. "I would like that..." 

Legolas stretched down a long arm from Tantanna's back. I took his hand and he pulled me 
aboard. He sat behind me, assuring that I would not fall and held my waist lightly with his free 
arm. 

I lurched forward as Tantanna cantered away but soon found that the mare was as surefooted 
and smooth as Legolas had promised me. 

"Are you okay? Do you feel secure?" He whispered in my ear as we went up a small rise. 

Legolas didn't wait for my answer, instead he squeezed me closer to his body. Together we rode 
Tantanna through the forest, with an empty-saddled Spreelo following, until I saw lights dimly 
glowing ahead. 

"Behold lovely Lavelynne! The city of the Elves of Mirkwood! You will rest here, I will take you to 
my father in the morning." his words were soft and quiet in my ears. 

"Your Father? You are a Prince, then?" I had been almost asleep, but the curious comment 
awoke me immediately. 

Legolas swore softly under his breath. "I am sorry to have decieved you. I....I..." 

"Yes?" I prompted softly. 

"Get some rest. I will talk more in the morning." With a sigh, the mysterious Elf helped me off his 
horse and led me into the Palace and directly to a sleeping chamber, much to the wonder of the 
other Mirkwood Elves. 

He sat me on the bed and whispered "Sleep well mysterious maiden from afar, I will see you in 
the morning." 

With that he kissed me softly on my forehead. I had never felt a kiss such as that one. It was 
warm and comforting yet sweet and passionate. Pondering this, I fell quickly to sleep. 
***************************
Part 4


The Council is Called 

Going back to Rivendell was one of the saddest things I have ever had to do. I did not wish to 
return, for though I missed my father Lord Elrond greatly I could not bear the thought of an 
eternity lived without my newfound love – Legolas Greenleaf. 

I returned to Rivendell a day late. My father was overjoyed to see me. 

"Lavelynne! You worried me greatly! I was sure you had lost your way or had been captured by a 
band of orcs!" Elrond hugged me tightly as I dismounted. 

"Greatly worried, indeed! He nearly sent Elrohir and I out to search for you. What a waste of our 
time!" my brother Erradan smiled at me to show he was jesting as he walked out of the 
Courtyard. 

"Erradan! Why are you here? I thought you couldn't spare time for me!" I laughed happily as I 
hugged my brother. 

"Yes, well, I have to leave right now. Elrohir has already departed. I suppose he did not wish to 
deal with you." 

"Pity you didn't leave with him." I returned my brother's barb with my own. 

"Namarie, Father! Namarie, Lynnie!" Erradan called as he swung onto Spree's back lithely and 
trotted away. He knew I hated it when he called me by that pet name. Who created brothers, 
anyway? 

I watched my brother trot out of Rivendell and head east. East…how I longed to go that way, for 
east was the way to Mirkwood. 

Elrond noticed my sigh and told me, " Let us go into the sitting room. There you can tell me of 
your trip." He led me into the House and to the sitting room. "So," Elrond asked as he sat, "How 
was the trip?" 

"Fine, I suppose. I got lost in the Forest at first, but Spreelo showed me the way." I changed my 
story a bit there, afraid of telling even my Father of my love interest. "King Thranduil is very nice. 
He agreed with our decision, to hold a council, I mean. He promised to send several 
representatives here, if called for." I stopped there. "That's all." 

"You are unusually quiet Lavelynne, I know something bothers you." Elrond looked me straight in 
the eye. "You can tell me, you know, I am your father…." 

"I met someone in Mirkwood. His name…He's…Legolas Greenleaf." After stating the name I 
quickly looked up at my Father, trying to sense his thoughts. 

"Prince Legolas? I see…." A smile crept over Elrond's lips, slowly, like the sun rising. "How do 
you feel about him Lavelynne?" 

"He is dear to me, precious one might say. I…I love him Father. I really do." I wasn't sure how 
Elrond would react to this; I was rather apprehensive as I made eye contact with him again. 

His face showed no statement. 

"Please don't be angry Father, it is only the truth." I resorted to pleading, trying to prepare myself 
for his wrath. 

"My baby girl has found the Elf Prince of her dreams? My youngest daughter is in love? How 
then, Lavelynne, can I find myself angry? For I find the news joyous, Prince Legolas has long 
been under my eye as a suitor for you. He is a wonderful Elf, you would be happy with him." 
Elrond grinned widely, years falling off his face. 

As Father leaned over and hugged me I felt happiness as I had never felt before. I knew then, in 
my heart of hearts, that I would marry Legolas one day, but I could never have imagined how far 
off that day truly was or what obstacles stood in the way. 

******************************************************* 

"Lavelynne! Wake up, wake up! You must go to Mirkwood! Hurry!" 

The voice of my father sounded unnaturally urgent and worried. I felt sure I was dreaming again, 
until Elrond's hand came down and shook my shoulder. 

"Did you hear me? You must set off right away!" 

"Whaa…?" I said groggily, still shaking the remnants of sleep from my brain. 

"Listen closely, I will say it only once. The Ring-Bearer is on his way! He is making for Rivendell 
and I must gather the much-debated Council. Arwen and Glorfindel are waiting outside. You three 
must go to your respective race and gather the representatives from it. Arwen is going to the 
Men, Glorfindel to the Dwarves and you to the Elves of Mirkwood. It is very urgent, when the 
Ring-Bearer arrives we must have the Council immediately, for the Nine are already after him and 
the Eye is fixed on Rivendell." Elrond explained in a rush, throwing a dress at me to put on. 

Yanking the long, elegant, sapphire-blue dress over my head and grabbing my slippers I said, 
"Alright. I will go, but Father? You must send Arwen to aid the Ring Bearer. I dreamt he needed 
help, and badly. Send another Elf to the Men." I looked up and saw my father nod. 

"Yes, it shall be done. Go now, for you are riding Urtios, as Spreelo is with your brother." It was 
my turn to nod. Urtios was younger and more temperamental than Spreelo, but he was smart and 
sure-footed. 

Following my Father, I ran outside and into the bright light of morning. Urtios was prancing in 
place, his golden coat shimmering, ready to be off. I mounted hurriedly and called a goodbye to 
my Father and sister. I was off to Mirkwood yet again. 

*************************************************** 

This time, I did not get lost nor did I go at a leisurely pace. Urtios had gone many miles at a 
canter, he never seemed to tire, but I felt his weariness now. 

Before entering Mirkwood I had seen a glimpse of Black. I knew in my heart that it was a Black 
Rider. I had pushed Urtios at his fastest speed for a while after that encounter. I now knew the 
danger the Ring Bearer was in. 

I knew from my last trip that I was almost at the threshold of the city. Urging Urtios on, I galloped 
the last quarter mile. 

Elves scattered as the golden horse ran into the center of Mirkwood. I knew they were curious, 
but there was not time to explain. I patted Urtios quickly on his neck and told him to stay. I ran 
into the Palace, much to the surprise of the guards. 

One grabbed me roughly by the arm as I sprinted by, pulling me hard. 

"What are you doing? Do you want to be killed? We should have shot you dead by now!" The 
guard sputtered in his rage. 

"Unhand her!" a regal voice suddenly said. 

"Legolas!" I nearly cried with happiness 

At the same time a guard said with a bow "Prince Legolas. This, this, this girl came here and tried 
to get into the King. She is dangerous, we will take care of her." 

"This maiden is here by my will. I will deal with her. Thank you." The blond headed Elf took me by 
the arm and led me away quickly, to the amazement of the guards. 

"What is wrong, my lady Lavelynne? Why do you return, and with such a frightened look on your 
face?" Legolas's kind face was twisted with worry. 

"The Council. The Council of Elrond, Legolas. It has been called for. The Ring is on It's way." I 
looked up into his deep, clear eyes, finding comfort. 

He remained silent for a moment, contemplating. 

"Let us go tell my father. He will give the command." 

Legolas took my hand and together we ran into the Throne Room. 

****************************************************** 

The group which had been sent out from Mirkwood was now only one day's ride from Rivendell. I 
had wanted to ride through the night, but Legolas along with the three other Mirkwood 
representatives convinced me to rest. 

But rest was hiding in an elusive place, and none of our group could find it. 

As I sat next to the fire I looked around at the others of our group. 

There was Legolas, of course. King Thranduil had let the Prince come without an argument. 
Legolas now carried a bow and arrows. The bow was made of fine wood and inlaid with silver and 
red, the colors of the King. His arrows were also of the same wood, light and flexible and yet 
strong and sturdy. Legolas was talented with the bow, I felt safer having him near me. 

There were also three trusted members of Thranduil's House. Garenith was an older Elf. He had 
the same longish blond hair of most in this area, but it was streaked now with gray. 

Eguliph was younger than Garenith, but older than Legolas and myself. He also carried a bow, 
but it was of a different make than that of Legolas's and les impressive. 

The last was an Elf called Bernqith. He was a warrior, having fought in many battles, but he was 
sullen and quiet. He did not seem happy that the Ring was moving about. 

And so we camped. All were worried about the days ahead. The Council was foremost on 
everyone's thoughts. 

"What can we do? The Ring is dangerous; it has to be destroyed. What other choice do we 
have?" Eguligh commented as the fire began to burn low. 

"It could help us in our battles! Why destroy it?" Bernqith argued 

"Please, let's just save this for the Council. Surely someone there will know more." Legolas 
interrupted. "Let's try to rest." 

He sat down next to me and I rested my head on his strong shoulder. He caressed my cheek 
softly and put an arm around my waist. I quickly fell asleep in his arms. 

*********************************************** 

The next afternoon the group arrived in Rivendell. I leapt off Urtios and into Elrond's arms. 

"Father! We're back!" I cried 

He laughed, "I can see that Lavelynne." 

To the rest he smiled warmly. "Welcome to Rivendell Elves of Mirkwood. You are welcome to 
explore the House and its grounds, but there is one rule: the feast is at 7 sharp." He smiled again. 
"I must be off. The Ring Bearer has awoken. He was very sick, poisoned by a Morgul blade in 
fact. I must see to him." 

I motioned to the group. "You can dismount now. Your horses will be attended to, have no 
worries." 

I grabbed Legolas's arm. "Now it is MY turn to show YOU around, master Elf." 
He and I spent the day walking about in the gardens and exploring the streams and waterfalls of 
Rivendell. Legolas's wonder never ceased to make me smile. He could look at a flower and find 
beauty even the flower itself could not have known it had. Just like he found the beauty in me I 
thought. 

Glancing at the sun I motioned that it was time to go to the feast. 
I met many people at that feast. Samwise Gamgee, `Pippin' Took, `Merry' Brandybuck and Frodo 
Baggins (the ring bearer) were the Hobbits from the Shire. I found them adorable and spent time 
talking at length with Samwise about gardening. 

There were dwarves, which amazed me, as I had only heard terrible stories about them. They did 
not seem so terrible to me. One in particular, Gimli, was rough around the edges but nice enough 
to me. 

Too soon, the eating and merry making was over and I decided to go to bed. 

Bidding farewell to my little Hobbit friends, and kissing Legolas goodnight on the cheek, I toddled 
up the staircase. As soon as I hit the soft bed, I fell asleep. 

****************************************** 

"BONG! BONG! BONGGGG!" the warning bell for the Council sounded. 

Always the late one, I hurried down the halls to the Courtyard, where the Council was being held. 
I took my seat next to my Father. On his other side sat Errestor, his head counselor. I looked 
around. 

Frodo was sitting next to Gandalf, both looked a bit worried. Then came the four Elves of 
Mirkwood, who sat talking among themselves. Legolas caught my eye and winked. Then sat the 
Dwarves, who looked gruff and sat strongly clutching their battle-axes. Then the Men. All looked 
old except for a young, light-haired man who sat with the dignity of a leader. He carried with him a 
large horn and a strong shield, both of the make of Gondor. He was the man they called Boromir. 
And last, at the end of the chairs, almost isolated, sat Aragorn. He was the rightful heir to Gondor 
and had helped the Hobbits get from the Shire to Rivendell safely. 

"Elves, Men, Friends of Old," Elrond began "We are here to answer to the threat of Mordor." 

On father went about the Ring, telling It's story. He then let Frodo show the Ring and set it on a 
podium. Boromir went off on a rant about how to use the Ring for good, and Aragorn corrected 
him. 

"The Ring must be destroyed!" Gandalf spoke up. 

Gimli went forward and tried to destroy the ring with his axe, but Elrond simply smiled. The axe 
was broken into many pieces. 

Then Elrond went and explained that the Ring could be destroyed only by throwing it into the 
cracks of Mount Doom, in the heart of Mordor. 

"One of you must do this." He said 

No one spoke or moved. The birds in the trees seemed incredibly loud. 

Boromir said something and Legolas boldly stood up and asked the man, "Have you heard 
nothing Lord Elrond just said?" He looked even more handsome than usual as he looked angrily 
upon the tall man. "This ring must be destroyed!" 

"And I suppose you think you're the one to do it?" Gimli stood and it was clear that he was 
growing very angry now. I glanced nervously at my father, but Elrond only blinked in 
acknowledgement. 

"I tell you I would DIE before I would see the Ring in the hands of and Elf!" Gimli said right to 
Legolas's face. I gasped loudly, but it was muffled by the angry shouts of the Elves. 

Bernqith immediately jumped to his feet and pushed past a stunned Eguliph to get at the Dwarf. 
Garenith also jumped up and followed. Legolas held his arms out to prevent the killing of the 
Dwarf, but it only took a moment before everyone was out of their seats yelling at each other and 
fighting. My father shook his head slowly. Then the Hobbit, Frodo, stood up. 

"I will take it!" he said slowly a little reluctantly. "Though I do not know the way." 

Everyone stopped and stared at the 3 foot tall being. I could have hugged Frodo for speaking up. 

Gandalf immediately said he would help Frodo on the journey. As did Aragorn. 

"You have my Sword." Aragorn said striding proudly over to Frodo. 

"And you have my bow!" I heard Legolas's clear voice ring out. 

I was stunned. I did not listen to much more of the Council. I could not believe that Legolas had 
volunteered; he was going to leave me. 

As soon as the Council was adjourned I stood up, a bit shaky on my legs, and ran out of the 
Courtyard. 

I heard Legolas call to me in Elvish, "Lavelynne, wait! Come back!" but I did not turn back. 

No, I did not turn back, not even when Legolas called out "Lynnie?" in a questioning and hurt 
voice. 

*************************************
Chapter 5
Namarie 

I do not remember how long I sat on a rock by a small stream crying and thinking. I remember 
staring out into the running water, wishing I could float away like the many leaves that were upon 
it. 

"You hurt him." I scrambled around to see who was behind me, nearly falling into the stream in 
the process. It was my old friend, Gandalf. 

He was leaning against a tree, looking at me with a quelling expression and smoking his long 
pipe. He seemed to have been standing there for some time. 

"Well he hurt ME!" I yelled loudly at the wizard. "He's the one who did this! He's the one! He's l-l-
leaving me!" 
I had made a rule when I was young, never to cry in front of my elders. I broke that rule now. I 
started to bawl. 

Gandalf quickly strode over to me and put an arm around my shoulders. 

"Lavelynne. My dear, I have known you from a child and understand how you feel. But the only 
way to feel better is to speak to Legolas. He was very upset that you left him. He wants to speak 
with you; will you now come back to the House with me and do so?" Gandalf questioned 

"I will go back, but I do not wish to speak with Legolas tonight. Perhaps tomorrow." I averted my 
gaze. 

"Yes, well." The wizard replied gruffly. It was clear he wasn't happy with my decision. "Take my 
cloak then, for the evening grows cold and I'm sure you do, too." 

Thankfully, I wrapped the old, gray cloak around me as I followed Gandalf back to the House. 

"Remember, however, Lavelynne, the Fellowship leaves the day after tomorrow. You do not have 
unlimited time." Gandalf quietly said as we walked up the steps. Legolas was waiting at the top. 

When he met my eyes, I turned away. I would not speak to him. 

************************************************ 

The next morning dawned cool and rainy. The angry gray clouds and driving rains seemed to 
reflect my feelings. "I know how you feel." I grumbled out my window to the clouds. 

This meant, however, that I was trapped inside…with Legolas. 

I ignored him at breakfast and even when he tried to speak with me afterwards. Looking back, I 
was very foolish. He could have gone on and forgotten me. Fortunately, my sharp ears 
intervened. 

Back in my chamber I again stared out the window. I heard some shouting, I could barely make it 
out over the driving rain, but I did hear it. Going to the window I saw Legolas standing in the rain 
holding his horse Tantanna. He looked ready to leave. Tantanna's ears were flat back on her 
head, it was clear he disliked the rain. 

I heard Legolas yell to another, it sounded like Eguliph. 

"I'm just going out to be alone for a while! To think!" he yelled, mounting his horse. 

"What about Lavelynne?" Eguliph replied. 

"She doesn't want anything to do with me! That's why I must go to think. Tell anyone who asks 
that I will be back this evening!" Legolas clucked to Tantanna and the gray mare reluctantly 
headed out into the wet, rainy forest. 

I watched him go. My heart said to follow, but my feet would not move. That is, they wouldn't 
move until I heard the howl. 

"Wolves! This close to Rivendell?" I knew the howl was unmistakable; wolves were out there. Not 
to close, for they cold not enter the threshold of the city, but perhaps just across the Ford. 

Worse yet, I knew Legolas could not of heard the howl, for he was in the midst of the storm and 
had not my keen ears. 

I thought about going to father first, but then I realized that Legolas was heading to the River. The 
wolves would ambush him if he crossed. 

I forgot about my anger and ran, pushing past anyone in my way, out into the rain. "Urios! Urios! 
Come here!" The young golden stallion seemed perplexed at having to be ridden in the rain. He 
shook his head in an annoyed fashion as I mounted. 

Urios sensed my urgency and did not wait for a signal. He galloped off, splashing mud 
everywhere, hot on Tantanna's trail. No one even knew I had gone. 

I heard another howl son after departing. Urios stopped dead, frozen with fear. I pushed him on 
with my legs. He was reluctant, but did as I asked. We were almost to the Ford. 

Galloping up to the Ford I looked out across the expanse of water. Visibility was poor, but I could 
still see enough to make out a gray horse crossing the River. 

"Legolas! Wolves! Don't cross! Please listen!" I yelled at the Elf. 

Legolas twisted around on Tantanna's back to face me. "What are YOU doing here?" he asked, 
surprise evident in his voice. 

"WOLVES!" I yelled, trotting Urios up to Tantanna's just as another piercing howl caught on the 
wind. 

Legolas heard this one. He whipped out an arrow and held it at the ready in his bow. 

Unfortunately, that was all the young Urios could take. He reared and bucked. I could neither 
hang onto the wet mane nor the slick back. I flew straight over Urios's head and onto the facing 
bank. Then he fled back to Rivendell. 

There I lay, hurt and only semi-conscious. I heard growls all around me. Looking up, and yet 
fearing what I might see, I counted ten dark shapes circling around me. 

The wolves had come. 

One stepped out of the shadow and into my line of vision. I froze. 

The Wolf snarled, curling his lip up in hatred. He gathered his powerful haunches and prepared to 
leap upon me. His pack whined in anticipation. I closed my eyes and prepared for death, wishing I 
had told Legolas that I was sorry. 

Just as the Wolf began to jump I heard a scream. The Wolf-Leader lay on the ground, pierced in 
the heart by an arrow. An arrow inlaid with silver and red, carved of wood. 

Legolas. I had forgotten he was there. 

The rest of the Wolves did not flee, instead they snarled in rage. Before they had time to attack 
Legolas hit two more with arrows and rode up to me. His bow still ready, he motioned for me to 
climb onto Tantanna. I heard more growls in the woods. 

"How many are there?" I asked breathlessly, my head spinning as I tried to stand. 

"Enough to kill you, me, and Tantanna without breaking a sweat." He answered coolly. "Are you 
hurt?" 

"I'm dizzy, I can't stand either, my ankle." Tears mingled with the rain as I realized the danger I 
had just put both myself and Legolas in. 

Legolas slid off Tantanna and slapped her rear. "Go Girl! Go get help!" The mare galloped off 
back to Rivendell. 

It didn't take me long to figure out that without help, we were going to die. 

My hurt ankle would not allow me to walk, so I couldn't cross the Ford and to safety. Legolas 
couldn't carry me for the moment he put his bow down the Wolves would be upon us. The Wolves 
knew this. One licked his lips expectantly. 

Legolas shot more arrows, killing more Wolves. Still, no matter how many he managed to saly, 
more kept coming. With his last arrows, Legolas protected me. 

With his arrows spent, he quickly said to me "I love you, I'm sorry." 

I nodded. "I'm sorry to. I guess it ends now." 

Then the help arrived. 

Boromir and Aragorn had both seen Urios gallop back, riderless, followed my Tantanna. They 
had immediately headed out. It didn't take long for them to kill many Wolves. 

Aragorn handed Legolas new arrows. "Time to show the Wolves why you are to be feared, 
Legolas!" he laughed, drawing his sword. 

Boromir galloped his horse up to me and swung me onto it's back. "Go on! Get up!" he yelled to 
the horse, telling it to head back to Rivendell. He too, drew a long sword and began to fight. I held 
onto his horse's mane as it galloped back home. 

There my father who immediately wrapped me in a blanket greeted me. I hadn't realized that I 
was so wet and so cold. 

"Wolves." I said tiredly. "They attacked. I wanted to save Legolas, but saved me. My 
ankle…Urios…." I tried to explain. 

Elrond silenced me. "I know. I know. Don't worry; those three will kill the Wolves. Sauron must 
truly be regaining power if Wolves are this close to Rivendell." He shook his head. "You will catch 
cold. To bed with you." 

****************************************************** 

I woke up that evening and was greeted by the three who had saved me. Boromir was leaning 
against a wall, smiling. Aragorn sat at the foot of the bed, pleased to see me awake. Legolas 
stood from his position beside me. 

"That was quite a fall you had! Luckily your ankle was not hurt badly. You can even walk on it 
now!" Aragorn said. 

"We killed all the Wolves. But you must have guessed that. We'll leave you alone now." Boromir 
winked at Legolas as he and Aragorn exited the room. 

I looked up at Legolas and smiled shyly. "I'm so sorry. I did all of this. I caused it. I put many in 
danger." 

"Don't worry. If Wolves are the only thing we meet on our Quest then we'll be very glad indeed." 
Legolas said, reminding me of the dreaded Quest. 

"You leave tomorrow, then?" I asked sadly, knowing the answer. 

Legolas smiled softly and tugged playfully at my white-blond hair, which was now tangled beyond 
belief and dirty with mud. "You know the answer, I think." 

I sighed. "I know. But why did you do that Legolas? I thought…I thought we'd get to know each 
other more, you know, you could stay at Rivendell for a while, and now you are leaving on a 
Quest?" 

"The Quest is for the good of Middle Earth and all Elves, I could not live with myself if I did not 
help." He explained quietly. 

"And if you die? What then? What happens to us, what happens to our future, if…if…you..." I 
started to cry then, the tears rolled openly from my misty gray eyes. 

Legolas pulled me to my feet and touched my face gently. He brushed my white-blond hair out of 
my eyes and wiped my tears off my cheeks. He gazed deeply at me. "Do not think such things! I 
know not what lays ahead on this Quest, but I do know that I will return to you! I promise you 
that!" 

I leaned into his open arms and allowed him to hold me, rocking me gently. I sobbed quietly for a 
while, my head buried in Legolas's neck. He held me, the way I had always wished to be held, 
and let me cry. When all my tears were gone, he kissed me gently, sweetly, and whispered, "I 
know you're worried. But don't be. Just get rest and promise me you'll be there tomorrow to see 
me off. I shan't be able to live if you did not say goodbye." 

"Of course I will! I would not let my Prince leave without a goodbye." I smiled up at Legolas's 
handsome face. Tucking his fine blond hair behind his ears, I sat up and kissed him. 

Forever it seems we held the embrace, and yet, forever was too soon to let go. I lay back down 
and Legolas held my hand tightly in his own until I had drifted off. 

******************************************************* 

I got up very early the next morning, for I wanted to look more beautiful than ever for Legolas. 

I took a long bath, washing my hair carefully. As I waited for my long locks to dry I picked out a 
dress. 

I decided on the deep blue, silken one. It was very long, in fact it dragged on the ground and 
formed a silken puddle of blue around my feet. It had a deep V-neck that was trimmed with gold. I 
loved the way it looked on me. 

Then I brushed my hair. It fell to mid-back and lay in gentle, natural waves. I had always thought it 
was horrible and ugly, but now I realized that the incredibly fair color was actually beautiful. It 
seemed to glow in the dim room. 

As a final touch I slipped my small circlet of silver, braided into an intricate pattern, onto my hair. I 
was ready, ready to say goodbye. 

Walking down the stairs, I took my time. I thought of all the times Legolas and I had shared. All 
the talks, hugs and kisses. I now realized that even though I would miss him, my life would go on 
and I would live on memories until he returned. 

I walked outside. The Fellowship stood, preparing to leave, with their backs to me. Sam turned 
first and gasped, dropping his pack. "Save me! Is that really YOU Miss Lavelynne?" 

I laughed. "Yes Samwise. I have come to see the Fellowship off," I said, adding "as promised." 
When Legolas turned around. 

He smiled happily and ran to me. 

"Lynnie!" He grabbed me and gave me a quick kiss. I saw Pippin exchange a wink with Merry at 
this. 

I grinned. "Yes, I have come to say goodbye to all the Fellowship." 

"Goodbye, Aragorn son of Arathorn. May you be as helpful to the Fellowship as you have been to 
the House of Elrond. Good luck." 

"Goodbye, Boromir. I pray you fight well for Gondor and all of Middle Earth." 

"Goodbye, Gimli. May you serve the Fellowship well and may your axe be strong." 

"Goodbye my little friends." I said to the Hobbits. "This is perhaps the biggest adventure any of 
your kind has ever been on. Be brave and obey the others." I gave a plaintive look at Merry and 
Pippin when I said that. "May your garden be full when you return Master Samwise." I winked at 
Sam, making him blush. "Goodbye Frodo. I do not know what to tell you, except that you have 
more in you then you think." 

"Goodbye Gandalf. My old friend, I hope that you serve the Fellowship well, and return to me with 
many tales." 

I smiled at all of them. "I…I…" 

Gandalf knew where my mind was. "Go on Lavelynne, give Legolas your private goodbye! We 
can wait!" The wizard waggled his eyebrows at me. 

I grinned as I pulled Legolas into the garden. We walked a bit away from the group. 

I sat for a moment, taking in every detail of Legolas's handsome face and figure. He did the same 
to me. 

"You are so beautiful today, your memory will keep me going when all other hope is gone." He 
told me. 

"As yours will me. I love you Legolas. Please stay safe and remember me." 

Legolas touched my face, his hand was warm. `I have something for you." He told me shyly, 
pulling a tiny box out of his pocket. 

He handed it to me. I was stunned. 

"Well, open it!" he said excitedly. 

I opened the box and pulled out a necklace. On a long silver chain hung a jewel. It was a bright 
silver and red and it seemed to shine with a light of its own. 

"Oh!" I didn't know what to say. 

"It's a silver emerald of Mirkwood. They are very rare; most of the emeralds there are green. 
Sometimes someone finds one of these, the silver and red variety, the colors of the King. Some 
say these special stones hold a type of magic. They say if you split one in two pieces you can 
communicate with the holder of the sister piece." Legolas explained. 

I looked up at him. "Let me guess, this is one piece and you have the sister!" 

"Correct. Now we will never be separated. But I must warn you. You can only use it when you 
HAVE to. This stone is the only one found so far that you can communicate words with; usually 
you can only send feelings. But this stone is also dangerous, it was split into three pieces and the 
third was lost. There is no telling who has it, so do not use the stone unless you have to." He 
looked serious. 

I nodded. "I will only use it when I feel I am dying of loneliness, and then I will always be brief. But 
now it is time for me to give you a gift." 

Legolas smiled, he did not expect a gift. 

I smiled back and kissed him. He immediately put his arms around me and pulled me closer. I put 
my arms around his neck. 

"Mister Legolas, sir?" a voice called shyly. "Begging your pardon sir, sorry to interrupt sir, but 
Gandalf says we best be off." 

Legolas broke off the kiss and turned around. Sam stood there looking embarrassed. 

"Alright Sam, I'm coming." Legolas squeezed my hand. "And so I must go. I love you Lavelynne, 
don't forget that. 

"I won't as long as you remember that I love you as well." 

I followed Legolas and Sam out of the garden. The group smiled at seeing us. Gandalf stood up 
and nodded at Aragorn. 

They were off. 

After Elrond's blessing they nine walkers headed up the small dirt road that led into the wild 
country. 

I watched until Legolas was but a dot on the horizon. 

As I turned to go inside, the little silver and red jewel glowed bright on it's chain. 

"Namarie" it seemed to whisper to me. "Namarie" 
********************************************