Title: Enigma
Author: Shan Lee
Rating: PG-13
Feedback: misli22@aol.com 
Disclaimer: What is Tolkien’s is his. Don’t sue, just a poor college student.  
 
  
 
 
“All fear what they can not understand.” 
Chapter 2: Childish Tendencies.  
 
  
 
 
Rhiannon looked around at the beauty that was Middle-Earth. Her land was beautiful, called the Insula 
Smaragdus, the Emerald Isle because it was so green. But there the surroundings did not talk so. Everything 
had voices, eyes, ears, and mouths. Ever little thing had a story and history to tell. And the land would tell 
it if it was provoked to. The land whispered of the what was coming. Rhiannon noticed that the elves did 
not talk as they traveled. Rhiannon found this slightly odd. Her people always desired to talk to each other. 
Someone always had and an adventure to tell. They would still listen to the surroundings but the voices 
were needed to offer a small bit of comfort. After traveling for quite sometime, so long Rhiannon’s back 
was cramping, Legolas said,
“We will rest for a quick camping. Menepaurion, take the horses to the river for a quick drink and rest. 
Lostladion, come with me to search this area. Rhiannon, try not to cause any harm to yourself and stay 
here.”
Rhiannon fought back the very childish urge to stick her tongue out at Legolas’ back. She hated the fact she 
was being treated like a child. Although to these elves she must seem like one. She was twenty years shy of 
a thousand. Rhiannon looked around her, trying to find something to entertain her now that her companions 
had left. She needed something to distract her and quell the fear that was in the back of her mind. Such 
sadness, that such darkness must come to these people. She cocked her head to the side and heard very light 
footsteps. She opened one eye very slowly to see Legolas standing in front of her.
“What troubles you?” He asked 
“Oh, now you have concern for my feelings.” 
“Are you always this irritable and sarcastic?” 
“Do you always treat non-elves with such condescension? As if they are so far below you? I know that it is 
not because I am female. Your most powerful leader, the Lady of the Wood is female. And the most 
beloved of elves is Arwen Evenstar. So, it must be because I am not full elf that you would treat me with 
such flippancy. Well, I must tell you. I am ¾ elf and ¼ wizard. In a sense my kind is more powerful than 
your own.”
“You assume much my half-eleven friend. My treatment of you is simply because I have many thoughts on 
my mind. Many worries. And because of your young age. You are but a child to most elves.” 
“Age is a matter of experience, not years. You may find, Legolas of Mirkwood, that before your return 
home, you will have more experience and feel even more aged than your father.” 
“How can you speak of such things, as if you know?” 
“I am part wizard and gifted with the secundus visibili, my people’s term for the second sight. I can see 
what might happen. But the future is never a definite thing.” 
“Then why do you tell me such things?” 
“You go to Rivendell to tell the Lord Elrond that Gollum has escaped. Gandalf is there because a hobbit, 
named Frodo Baggins, heir of Bilbo, now bears the one ring of power. Elrond is to conduct a meeting, with 
representatives of each of the free peoples of Middle-earth; to pick a group to journey to the fires of Mount 
Doom to destroy the ring. Someone must represent the elves. You are a good warrior and one of the best 
archers. I just assumed you would be the elf to go. But I could be mistaken.” Rhiannon took a long breath 
then looked to Legolas, “Your companions are coming. How much longer till Rivendell?”
Legolas, lost in his own thoughts mumbled, “We shall be there by nightfall.” 
Rhiannon was now riding behind Menepaurion, the other companion. He seemed extremely displeased that 
he must share his horse with someone. Rhiannon did not understand the dislike and unease of this elf. 
Lostladion had spoken to her, if but a little, and there was always a tone of amusement in his voice. Even 
Legolas had treated her more kindly, since she had pointed out his behavior. This elf seemed very tempted 
to throw her off the back of his horse. Rhiannon was very tempted to say something to Legolas; but she 
kept her tongue. As opinionated and hot-tempered as she could be she did not normally like to be the cause 
of trouble. So she decided to try something she had not tried with an elf for over a hundred years. She tried 
to send a mental plea to Legolas. She focused solely on him and asked the questions of why the rider 
distrusted her so, why he wanted her thrown off the horse, and if she was safe with such an elf. Legolas 
suddenly halted, almost causing Lostladeion to crash into him. He turned and stared at Rhiannon with 
wide-eyes. She nodded, signaling she had just sent a message to him. Legolas turned and looked forward. 
Staring off in space for some time. Then he continued on, his gaze really focusing on nothing in front of 
him. A voice came into Rhiannon’s head, 
“How and why did you do that?”  
Rhiannon silently answered him, “Legolas, all elves have the ability to speak to people with just their 
minds. It just takes lots of concentration and most elves cannot be bothered with it. I don’t wish to yell my 
worries to you. Why does this elf in front of me, dislikes me so? I guarantee when you are not looking, he 
will try to buck me off his horse.”  
 
 
Legolas seemed to consider her statement, but she could not tell because she could not see his face. “He 
was once engaged to a half-elven and still bears a bitter wound from loving her. He does not trust ones that 
are not pure elves. He does not even trust Lord Elrond. I do not know why he wishes to throw you off his 
horse but I can guess it is because of your looks. You do look remarkably like the half-elven that left him. I 
do not think that you should fear your safety, but I cannot guarantee it.” 
“Then I wish to ride with Lostladion.” 
“You seem oddly attracted to Lostladion.” 
“He has shown me kindness, I feel safe with him.” 
“Do you not feel safe with me?” 
“I do feel safe with you; but I can only imagine the sight we would make.” 
“It would certainly put a frown on Menepaurion’s face, let us stop this, my head is starting to ache.” 
“Ooh, you’re not used to having to concentrate. Did the pretty boy elf find he is not good at something.”
Legolas suddenly halted the group once again. “My dear companions, I feel weary and would like to rest. 
The horses probably need the rest too. We are not that far from Rivendell and have no need to hurry the rest 
of the way, but let us just this once so we may get there soon and then have rest.” 
The horses then started to run at a break-neck pace. The elves rode bare-back, therefore Rhiannon had 
nothing to grab onto, save the elf in front of her and she did not wish to touch him. So she begged the horse 
to not buck her off and dug her hands into it’s side. The horse seemed to understand her distress and did not 
once try to buck her off. She looked up and her breath caught in her throat as she spied Rivendell. It was a 
sight she would not soon forget.
Chapter 3: Thoughts and Confusion
“Friends are those rare people who ask how we are and then wait to hear the answer.”


     Legolas was feeling many things at the moment. One was pure fury, the other was 
wonder, but fury was more prominent. Legolas did feel emotion intensely at times, fury 
like this was usually only on the battlefield.  Is all his years Legolas had not felt the need 
to yell at a female so much. Rhiannon was absolutely infuriating. She had deliberately 
provoked him with that comment about being a pretty-boy elf. How dare she? And 
furthermore, Legolas was not bad at the mental and silent conversations; he was just used 
to it only coming to him from elves that ranked much higher. She had spoken to him as if 
he was a child! True, he may have seemed like quite a youth to Galadriel, Elrond, Haldir, 
Celeborn, Gandalf and many others of the wise; but he still had lived in more than one 
age and Rhiannon had not lived to see her first. And as much as he hated to, he did have 
to admit that Rhiannon had a point when she said age and experience do not necessarily 
go hand and hand. Arrogant little, whatever she was, mutt maybe. He considered the 
council he had received from his two friends. Lostladion felt the girl was harmless, only 
coming out from her home for a reason. Legolas was leaning more to Menepaurion side, 
the mistrust of something so unknown. 
   
      Rhiannon was in awe as she looked around Rivendell. She had only been here two 
other times: When she was 18 and just had discovered she was to live forever, being an 
elf and a wizard.. She had not yet learned to appreciate the beauty around her. The second 
time had been when she was over one-hundred years and that was in the nighttime, she 
did not get a good glimpse of the city. Now that she was older and had lived longer she 
could admire the beauty of all that was around her. Admire the peacefulness that was 
such a part of the beautiful elven city. Elrond had done more than well. 
 
   
     Two weeks had passed since the arrival at Rivendell and Rhiannon had not spoken to 
Legolas in that short span of time. Rhiannon did not like being avoided or ignored, her 
father had admonished her more than once for acting so conceitedly human. Rhiannon 
had remarked on how many of the elves she had met acted even more conceited than she 
did. Oh, her father, how she missed him. The story of the world seemed to be long eras of 
turmoil with very few glimpses of peace. The tumult of her home land had led her here 
for safety. Now the tumult was coming here and what was she to do. She wished to speak 
with Gandalf, but he always seemed so busy and was starting to appear as if the weight of 
the world rested on his shoulders. She had decided to speak with Legolas, but he had 
been avoiding her. Indecisive little elf, one moment he distrust her, then she is consider 
safe, then distrusted again, and now avoiding her. The very female side of her brain 
wished to purposely do something to make him even more uncomfortable just to see how 
he would react. The more rational side of her brain, the one that had been drilled into her, 
warned her that in the coming times, no bridges should be burned.  So, she decided to 
seek the Prince of Mirkwood out. She traveled through the many mazes and gardens and 
tell she came upon Legolas standing in the middle of one of the fields, staring out into the 
great wide open. 

     Rhiannon normally did not like to interrupt people when they were in deep thought, 
but the look of utter confusion on the elf’s face compelled her forward. Lots had 
happened to the elf prince in the two weeks that had passed. He had come upon a creature 
he had not known existed, he had been chosen to travel with the fellowship in two 
months to destroy the one ring of power. She felt sorry for this being that had not traveled 
far beyond his own homelands borders. Rhainnon slowly approached him, deliberately 
making a lot of noise so he would not be surprised. She spoke to him in a voice above a 
whisper, “What troubles you so?”

A ghost of a smile came to Legolas’ lips, “I believe I once asked you a similar question 
and you avoided it. I don’t know if I want to, or should, answer yours. Maybe I’ll answer 
it with another question. Are you coming on our little quest.”

Rhiannon slowly shook her head, “My road lies similar to that of Aragorn and Boromir, I 
go near Gondor. I may ride beside the Fellowship, and assist when absolutely needed. I 
am not a warrior, that is not my area. I can not willingly kill anything, I am terrified at the 
thought of battle. Unless times are so grim that my help is all the can get you from one 
place to the next, I will then join you on that particular road.”

Legolas looked down at her, “What do you mean by that statement? You do enjoy 
speaking in riddles don’t you.”

Legolas had expected Rhiannon to give a small laugh but instead he saw that she had 
turned her face away from him so her eyes could not be viewed. He lightly turned her 
chin so he could see all the unspoken statements in her eyes. In her eyes shone sorrow 
and compassion. Legolas’ worries returned to him.

 Rhiannon spoke softly, “The road you will travel will be extremely dark and weary. 
There will be times when even you, my friend, will lose hope. But always know that 
there are people in Rivendell, the Shire, Mirkwood, Gondor, Rohan, Lorien, and the rest 
of Middle-Earth that wish you back home safely. The task is never truly done; once you 
realize that, you may feel wonder for why you even bother to continue on a seemingly 
futile mission. You must remember that all of you  have a part and a future in this world. 
The Ring-bearer has his own fate, but there will come a time when you, Aragorn, and 
Gimil will hold the fates of many in your hands. When you think there is no more hope, 
remember my words and share them with the others.”
   Legolas was silent for awhile, then turned to Rhiannon, “I am touched by your concern 
and I am amazed that one so younger than me can be so wise.”

Rhiannon smiled, “You are wise, Legolas, in your own way. You have been far removed 
from the wiser folk for some time and so do not realize just how wise you are. You’re 
much more than an archer.” A sly smile then came to her lips, “And a pretty-boy elf.”
Rhainnon turned to leave him with his thoughts, but as she walked she said to him, humor 
obvious in her voice, “And if you think I speak in riddles, listen to your own speech at                
sometimes. Or, talk to Gandalf.”
Legolas then let out a loud, musical laugh and for quite some time it seemed as if a 
burden had been lifted from his shoulders.



Chapter Four: Elvish Match-Making  
 
 
“Let your heart guide you. It whispers, so listen closely”  
 
  
 
 
A few days later the Fellowship was preparing for their leave in two weeks.. Rhiannon observed all at them 
during different times from perches in the trees. All had strength and weakness and wisdom, even Mr. 
Pippin. All had folly, even Gandalf. They represented their respective peoples well and yet differed from 
their respective stereotypes. Gimil was a dwarf, but she was quite sure when exposed to all the beauty of 
this world he would not take all the treasures out of the beautiful caves for granted. Aragorn was a man, 
even if he was an elven friend, but he had managed for some time to turn away from the temptation of 
power. Well, that wasn’t totally correct, unlike most men he seemed to fear his own power. Hobbits, from 
what she had learned, were usually calm, happy creatures that never went on adventures. Yet these four 
hobbits had volunteered for the journey, and the three companions of Mr. Frodo insisted they had to go. 
The two young ones even issuing a challenge to Lord Elrond. Gandalf was not far removed from all the 
people, unlike most Istari, he did not look down his nose at others with less power. Boromir was like most 
men, he craved power but he had the heart of a true warrior, a true defender of his people. Lastly, Legolas, 
the epitome of elven-beauty with less arrogance, haughtiness, and selfishness than many of the other elves 
she knew. Legolas, while he usual had a passive face, would reveal his emotions to others. To the good 
majority of elves you could run around naked with a bulls-eye painted on your ass and you’d be lucky if the 
response was more than a bat of an eye. Legolas would probably laugh or threaten the streaker with an 
arrow for fun. He seemed to understand immortality: What was the point of living forever if you did not 
enjoy all that the world had to offer? Sure, an elf had their good and bad centuries, and Legolas had gone 
through an awkward phase, but he was rarely a snotty elf anymore. It made one wonder what his mother 
was. Was she full-elf, half-elven? Why had their never been a mention of is mother? Now that she thought 
more about it, she had never heard of a Queen of Mirkwood. But, surely there had to have been one once. 
Quite a little question to ponder.   
 
  
 
  
 
 
Rhiannon went in search of Gandalf, wanting to ask the questions that had been brewing in her mind about 
Legolas’ mother. She found dear old Mithrandir sitting with Elrond. In her life there had always been one 
constant, and that was Gandalf. Although in her lands he was known by one of his other alias, Sopho 
Amicus, the wise friend. He had not ventured much into her homeland, a land only reached by going farther 
north than any Ranger ever traveled.   
 
  
 
  
 
 
Rhiannon found herself drifting into memories of her homeland. Her people were not of on single, unifying 
race like Men, Elves, Hobbits, and Dwarves. They were not demi-gods like the Istari; though some like 
herself did contain a small portion of Istari blood. They were give many powers, but all powers can also be 
curses. Rhiannon knew this, none of her powers ever stayed constant. Some days she could read another’s 
mind, then the next day she could not. In certain times, such as times of fear, she could perform telepathy, 
not all the time. When she teased Legolas she had done it purely to get a rise out of him, quite precious how 
his jaw dropped and his cheeks go all pink like that. Her, what had been termed “second sight” was always 
with her; but the future could never truly be predicted. The smallest acts dictated the future of one’s life. 
Trying to figure out the future, something Rhiannon believed no one should have access to, was often 
found to be a waste of energy and time that could be valuable. She knew her people would stay in contact 
with Middle Earth until the day Men could truly rule and advise themselves. She never saw that day 
coming.  
 
 
“What is on your mind, Rhiannon? You’ve been standing out there for quite some time.” Gandalf’s voice 
rang out.
If Rhiannon was the blushing kinds, she would’ve been quite pink now. Instead she allowed the 
embarrassment to show in her hazel eyes, just to see a smile come to Gandalf’s worry-worn face.  
 
  
 
  
 
 
“I have jus been pondering about how the ability of second sight is quite futile.” She answered the wizard. 
Lord Elrond made a sound akin to choking, something along the line of shock showed in his blue eyes. 
“Lord Elrond, that is quote a human reaction you just had.”  
 
  
 
 
“Well, my dear Rhiannon, since I know you did not pay attention to your lessons years ago…” 
“Blame your sons for that.” Rhiannon mumbled, rolling her eyes.  
 
 
“Elrond gave her the look he would have given a small child, “You seem to forget I was once human.”  
 
 
“Yes, back before the first ring was even created you were human. I know. I honored my mothers wishes to 
earn the history and ways of her people.”  
 
  
 
 
Elrond gave her a small smile, “She intended you to wed an elf.”  
 
 
Rhiannon tried to stop the hurt and darkness from entering her eyes, “As did I. I was quite in love, as if you 
didn’t remember.”  
 
 
Elrond gave a small nod, “I will apologize for my son’s behavior once again. He was quite foolish then, but 
Elladan has never been and never will be the marrying kind. That does not mean you shall never wed 
another elf. Legolas seems to think that you and Lostladion have mutual attraction. I know he could 
convince his father to consent the marriage of one of Mirkwood’s great warriors”  
 
 
Rhiannon let out an exasperated sound, “Legolas should stay out of matters of the heart unless they concern 
his own.”  
 
 
“Did Elrond say that this matter did not?” Gandalf asked. 
Rhainnon once again rolled her eyes and shook her head, “I did not come here for Elven match-making and 
riddles of a wizard.”  
 
 
“No, you came her for protection. But this darkness seems to follow you. Two types of darkness settle 
around you. One is the great evil that has come to re-awaken in this world; a land you, yourself admit you 
love so much. The other is continued heart break you will feel if you do not now take a chance and make a 
decision.”  
 
 
Rhiannon rubbed her temples, “You confuse me, Mithrandir.”  
 
 
“You have many questions that should not be asked until much later. You should go now and seek solace 
from your worries on the arms of a new found friend.”  
 
 
“I told you I am not attracted to Lostladion!” 
“I do not speak of him. Honestly look into your mind and heart. First impressions aren’t always forever.”  
 
 
Elrond stopped the smile that came to his face from Gandalf’s words, “And yet, they are.” 
Rhiannon shook her head once again, an ache starting to form between her eyes, “You two are so very 
confusing and infuriating.” Rhiannon turned and left the two elders. 
Elrond and Gandalf watched the young girl walk away. Mithrandir spoke to Elrond, “I believe a greater 
adventure of the heart and mind will be performed between our little half-elven and her ‘pretty-boy elf’.” 
Elrond gave a ghost of a smile, “With their pride and foolishness of youth, it will be quite an entertaining 
game to watch.”