Fëawen stared intently at the painting before her. It was beautiful, there was no doubt about it, but at the same time there was something that made her feel uncomfortable. The way Sauron had been painted with such perfect skill and detail, made it seem almost…

'Life-like, isn't it?' Fëawen started and turned round to find a tall male elf standing behind her. 'It's almost like you are really at the last alliance.' He continued. 'Terrifying.'

'Yes, I was just thinking the exact same thing.' Fëawen replied as she studied the male. He was the most handsome elf she'd ever seen - he had long golden her that was braided back, much like her own. And his eye…So dark and intense, there was a whole new world behind them…

'I'm Celebtathar, by the way.' She jumped and came back to reality, realising that he was still speaking to her.

'F… Fëawen.' She managed to stammer.

'Right. So what brings you here? I haven't seen you at Rivendell before…'

'I carry tidings to Rivendell from my Lady Galadriel of Lórien. The Lord Elrond bade me stay a while and rest, before departing back to my home realm.'

'So you are a lady of the Golden wood?'

'As some might say, though I am not married, therefore I am only a maiden, not yet a lady.'

'Tell me then, have…' Just then, another female elf entered the small room. 'Excuse me, Lady Fëawen?'

'Yes?'

'The Lady Arwen Undomiel sends me. She suggests you retire to your room to prepare for this evenings meal. I will show you the way.'

'Very well.' Said Fëawen, and the to Celebtathar: 'Namaarie ~Goodbye~, Celebtathar. I pay our paths will cross again in time.' With that, she left the room, following the servant.

'Namaarie, arwen en amin. Tenna' ento lye omenta ~Goodbye, my lady. Until our next meeting~.'

* * * * *

The servant stopped outside the third door of a long decorated corridor. 'Here are your sleeping quarters.' She said. 'You will find a dress already prepared for you. The meal will start shortly - I will send a servant when it is ready.'

'Diola lle. ~Thank you~'

'Seasamin ~My pleasure~.' She replied, as she handed a small silver key to Fëawen. 'Namaarie.'

Fëawen stood for a moment, before opening the door. Then she entered, and walked over to the large bed by the far wall. Sure enough, a dress had already been laid out for her use. It was silver, long and flowing, with golden flowers embroidered on it. 'Elanor.' She whispered, and then smiled. 'The golden flower of Lórien.' Fëawen ran the tips of her fingers over the soft elven silk, before walking across the room to the stone basin to get washed.

She had put on the dress, which fitted perfectly, and was just sitting down to brush her hair, when there came a knock at the door. 'Come in.' She called.

The door opened and a pretty female elf walked in. 'This evenings meal is served, My lady.' She said, smiling politely. 'Follow me, please.'

The servant led the way back down the corridor, and down several others. Eventually, they came to a large, rectangular room. In the centre was a huge table, with food already set out and several Elve's were seated around it. Fëawen recognised one of the elves to be Celebtathar. 'Enjoy your meal.' Said the servant, before turning to leave quickly.

'Fëawen, sit and make merry!' Lord Elrond instructed her, then whispered, 'I must see you straight after.'

Fëawen nodded and turned to Celebtathar, who was watching her with those dark eyes.

'May I sit next to you?' She asked, indicating to the wooden chair beside him.

'Of course.' Celebtathar beamed at her at she lowered herself into the chair. Then he began to introduce the other elve's around them. 'This is Malmîr, this is Gaergil, and this…' He said pointing to a shy female opposite her 'is Irani.' Irani smiled weakly, and then quickly looked down towards her plate.

'Vendui ~Greetings~' Fëawen said as a smile spread across her face, and then she lowered her voice. 'Vendui, Irani.'

''Quel undome ~Good evening~.' Irani replied. 'I see you have met Celebtathar?'

'Yes we…'

'Right, now everybody has arrived - let us feast!' Declared Elrond, and began to eat. The others quickly followed his example and tucked into the delicious food before them. After the food had gone, the conversing began. Fëawen learnt numerous stories, histories and accounts - it seemed that the Elve's of Rivendell loved to reminisce. However, after an hour or tow, Fëawen began to tire. She caught sight of Elrond's eye, and he signalled for them to leave.

'I'm afraid I shall have to leave you there.' He said to the elf who was engaging him in conversation. 'As I have some urgent business to attend to. Me Lady Fëawen, will you kindly escort me?' He winked at Fëawen.

'Of course, My Lord.' She replied, and the two of them headed out towards the garden.

Once they were outside, Elrond stopped and sat down in a seat that had been carved into a tree. He beckoned for her to join him. 'Fëawen, I have read the message from Galadriel, and I have the need to send a very urgent reply. I need to know, would you be willing to take it for me tomorrow? Or do you wish to stay and rest a while?'

'I will take it, on one condition, if I may.' Fëawen paused, waiting for a reaction.

'Continue.' Prompted Elrond.

'That I may have some company for the journey. If you could spare but one to go with me, I would be most grateful.'

'Of course.' He replied, smiling. 'You may have a hundred companions if you so wish. I shall send someone to accompany you, maybe a warrior, as the journey back may be hard. Would that be satisfactory?'

'Most certainly, my Lord.'

'Then it is settled, you shall leave tomorrow at dawn, accompanied by the best warrior I can spare. Go now, and rest - for you shall have need of your strength.'

* * * * *

The follow morning at dawn, Fëawen awoke with a heavy felling in her heart - but she couldn't think why. Then she remembered, this morning she had to leave Rivendell and set off on the long, long journey home. And as for her company - a warrior? She had been thinking more along the lines of a fellow messenger or traveller, but a warrior? Fëawen could only hope for the best…

* * * * *

Celebtathar sat in his room, making sure he had everything packed, and trying to figure out what had happened over the past day.

First he meets a beautiful female elf, then he finds out she's leaving Rivendell on an urgent errand, and the next thing he knows, he's going with her! 'What a world…' He said to himself, as he went through his things one last time. 'I wonder if she knows yet?'

Sure he had got everything he could possibly need, Celebtathar made his own way towards the meeting point.

As he moved closer and closer, he could just about make out the shape of Fëawen staring at him in disbelief. He chuckled to himself and carried on down, his sword bumping against his side, and his bow in his hand.

* * * * *

'Celebtathar? What are you doing here?' Fëawen stood, confused as to why he had come down, especially this early. She had to leave soon, and yet there was no sign of the promised warrior. Still, at least this meant she could say goodbye to Celebtathar. She had only known him for a day, and yet she knew that if she'd left before seeing him, she would miss him.

'Did Lord Elrond not tell you?' Celebtathar grinned. 'I am to go with you and protect you. Your knight in shining armour, if you will.' He winked at her and his grin widened. 'There will also be two others travelling with us.' He continued, ignoring the startled look on Fëawen's face. 'Irani and Malmîr. They are journeying to Mirkwood, but need to stop off in Lothlorien for a while.'

'Oh.' Fëawen said, Whilst trying to prevent the huge feeling she was holding inside from bursting out. 'I'm glad.' She finished, then smiled.

'They will be here soon.' He told her.' I shall fetch the horses. Do you have your own?'

'No, I walked here.'

'I shall meet you all here then.' With that, he left, leaving Fëawen alone to ponder on the events of the past few minutes. She allowed an enormous grin to envelope her entire face. It was unbelievable, but to be honest, she couldn't wait to get going now she had some familiar faces with her. She'd love to get to know Irani and Malmîr. And Celebtathar, she surprised even herself at how pleased she was to find out he was travelling with her! Suddenly, this journey didn't seem all that bad…

* * * * *

Irani nervously finished packing her bag, and sat on the bed thinking. She would miss this place - the gardens especially. Over the past year or so, she'd come to know Rivendell as home, even though her real home was back in Mirkwood. But on the other hand, Irani was excited about the journey ahead of her. She'd finally be able to have the freedom she so badly longed for - no barriers, just land as far as the eye can see. At one with nature. And even better still, Malmîr had said he would go with her - wherever she went. Irani sighed, a smile on her face as she thought of her lover.

Just then, she heard a soft knock at her door. 'Irani?' Malmîr entered. 'Are you ready?' He asked gently. He knew Irani would be finding it hard preparing to leave Rivendell, but he promised himself that he would be there for her whatever the cost. Malmîr took her hand in his and tenderly brushed her hair back from her face with the other. 'You'll love it.' He said.

'I know I will.' Irani replied, leaning against Malmîr. 'I'm worried too, though. And Fëawen, what if she doesn't like me?'

'Anyone who cant see the amazing person I do must be blind. Amin mela lle, Irani. ~I love you~' Malmîr pulled her closer and their lips locked in a passionate embrace.

'And I love you.' Irani said, pulling away from the kiss. 'I always will.'

'Malmîr smiled and placed a light kiss to Irani's forehead. He picked up their bags and they exited the room, arm in arm.

* * * * *

Celebtathar returned to find Fëawen, Irani and Malmîr all in deep conversation. Fëawen threw her head backed and laughed, her golden hair shimmering in the early sunlight. Celebtathar smiled to himself and continued to lead the horses over to the group.

'Irani!' He called. 'This one's yours.' He handed the reins of a beautiful dappled grey mare. She had a Light grey mane and tail, and the calmest of natures. Irani held her hands gently over the horses muzzle and allowed it to get used to her scent. It nickered softly to her, as if greeting an old friend.

'I don't think I'll be needing this.' She said as she took off the mares saddle. 'What's her name?' She enquired

'Lorelei.' He replied. Irani stroked Lorelei's face and whispered tenderly to her. The horse nuzzled up to her and from then on, they were the best of friends.

Fëawen looked admiringly at Irani - she had a gift with animals. 'You make a good pair.' She told her, and Irani blushed.

'Thanks.' She said, quickly looking down to the floor.

Celebtathar broke the moment, by shoving a set of reins in Malmîr hands, these reins were attached to a tall dark bay stallion, who went by the name of Typica. 'He's called Typica.' He said. 'Look after him - he's one of the favourites.'

'I will.' Malmîr replied, as he stroked its neck, admiring the large powerful muscles that lay beneath.

'And lastly,' Celebtathar continued. 'This is Folca.' At the sound of his name, the chestnut stallion tossed up his head and pawed a hoof. Celebtathar laughed. 'He's a feisty one, but is fast and loyal once he knows you. He will bear you for a thousand leagues if it's your will.' Fëawen stared aghast at the beautiful creature that had been entrusted in her care. Then, a huge smile of content spread across her face.

There was one last horse. This was a tall palomino mare named Elosa, who was to be Celebtathar's mount. Once the group were up on their horses, Elrond came to wish them good-luck.

'Vanya sulie ~fair winds~.' Elrond said, raising a hand. 'May you return to us again soon.'

'Namaarie!' Celebtathar replied, and the others nodded in acknowledgement. They began to depart - Celebtathar and Malmîr at the front, with Irani and Fëawen following closely behind. At first, Folca struggled against his bit, unwilling to have a new riding on his back, but Fëawen handled him with such care that he relaxed and allowed her to control him.

As they left the city behind them, Fëawen studied the female elf riding beside her. Irani's long dark hair reached her waist, and the rich brown of it matched her eyes. She was wearing a brown dress too, which contoured her body perfectly, complimenting her delicate figure. Even astride a horse, Irani sat dead up right, her eyes watched for the tiniest movement. Fëawen suddenly felt very insignificant against this enchanting female.

'So err…' Irani attempted to break the uncomfortable silence. 'How do you know Celebtathar?'

'Well, I wouldn't say I particularly know him as such. We've met a few times. His coming on the journey was a complete surprise to me. You too!'

'And so you expected Malmîr to come?!' Irani laughed. Fëawen noticed how much more at ease she was out in the open. Much like myself she thought. The two of them rode on together silently, there was no need for words. Fëawen sighed, a mile of pure content on her face.

Further ahead, Malmîr and Celebtathar deep in discussion. 'So how are things going with you and Irani?'

'Great.' Malmîr replied, stealing a fleeting look back at the females. 'I've never been so happy in my entire life. Mind you, it looks like I'm not the only one with romance on the cards - look at you drooling like that.'

'Am not!' Celebtathar denied. 'I just, well, I like her - that's all.'

'So tell her!' Said Malmîr, leaning over and humorously punching Celebtathar on his arm.

'I can't. she couldn't ever like me. Look at her!'

'There's only one way to find out.' Malmîr replied, smiling cheekily.