| Chapter 7
Celebriän had been practicing her harp and so had Alatáriël. Arwen had was helping Elrond around Rivendell. Aragorn helped also, and often his head was bent in a whisper to Arwen and Elrond. Nevertheless, all of them heard the approaching elves from Mirkwood. Some were the messengers from Rivendell. One was Legolas himself, clad in green and brown as always.
The five were waiting for him. He dismounted and came up to Elrond, then bowed.
"Legolas, it has not been so long since I have seen you on your last quest, but nevertheless I welcome you again to Rivendell," said Elrond.
"Thank you, Lord Elrond. My father sends his greetings," responded Legolas.
"My old friend and companion, greetings," said Aragorn. "It is a pleasure to see you again, though the meeting may be grave."
"I feel the same way, your Majesty," Legolas said courteously, starting to bow, but Aragorn stopped him.
"That is no way to greet a friend," Aragorn said.
"Queen Arwen," Legolas greeted, bowing to her.
"Legolas, though the times are gray, I greet you with joy, for I have not often visited the other elf kingdoms," said Arwen. They looked at each other-one elven royal to another.
"Legolas, my Master Archer," said Celebriän, for Legolas had taught her friends and herself archery. "It is under serious circumstances that I have contacted you."
"Princess Celebriän, it is always my pleasure to serve you," Legolas said. Then he looked at Alatáriël. "Are you all right? You look a little red."
Alatáriël blushed even more and stammered, "Y-yes, of c-course I am."
The sun began to sink.
"And so it grows dark," Elrond murmured to himself. Then, louder, he said, "Legolas, you will rest tonight. Tomorrow, we will explain everything."
Legolas nodded. He turned to Celebriän and offered, "Shall I escort you to your room?"
"No, thank you," Celebriän began mischievously, "but I'm sure Alatáriël would like to be escorted."
"But shouldn't I escort you since you're the princess?" Legolas asked.
"Well, I really don't need that much help, and besides, Alatáriël would like some company," Celebriän said in a persuading tone, and nudged Alatáriël. She nodded furiously up and down.
"Very well," Legolas said, utterly confused. He offered his arm to Alatáriël, who accepted it immediately. They started off.
Eámanë woke up in a bare desolate land. The land was stony and black. The sky was dark. However, she was enclosed in a tower. There was an evil aura in the air, and desperation to be felt.
"Ouch, my head," she said. She had been knocked out by an orc. She slowly got up. "There's a really strong smell of orc in here," she commented.
"Welcome to Mordor, Eámanë," said a voice.
"Sauron," said Eámanë, for she knew who it was without looking. "Why am I here?"
"You are here because you have something I want," Sauron said. "And you will stay here until I get it."
"I don't even know what you want," said Eámanë.
"No," answered Sauron. "But I do." Then at that moment, he glared at her, and his concentration streamed fiercely at her. The power overwhelmed her, and she dropped back.
The next morning, everyone met.
"Lord Elrond, I hope you have decided what to do," Celebriän said. "I grow impatient with every delay."
"Yes, I have decided," said Elrond. "I think it is best if Legolas and Aragorn go to the east. Fear not," he added quickly, seeing two young elves with their mouths poised to protest, "You two shall also go.
"Aragorn will reach Gondor and decide what can be done there. Arwen, you will stay in Imladris for a while. I wish to have you under my protection," said Elrond.
"I do not fear the ringwraiths or Sauron," said Arwen.
"Nevertheless, I beg you to stay," said Elrond. Arwen nodded.
Alatáriël said, "I will need to bring my bow and arrows, my sword…"
Elrond said, "Yes, and provisions as well. I presume you would like to take animals to ride, also. Now, what does the council think of the plan?"
Legolas said, "Lord Elrond, it shall be as you command. The plan is fitting. One thing though. How do we know that the elf is in Mordor? If she is, how do we get her from Mordor?"
"True," Elrond said heavily. "But she would be there first, then moved. I'm sure Sauron would entrust no one else with the charge of her.
"Now, I am eager for this journey to end, so you shall be off as soon as possible, preferably, tomorrow morning. Tonight we will gather all of the things you need."
The next morning, the 4 of them set off on horses. Elrond bade them farewell in a very grave voice.
"Farewell to all. Save our world-for your sake and for mine," Elrond said sadly. He turned away.
"Celebriän and Alatáriël, be careful. The world holds more than you know. Legolas, I charge you thus-protect these maidens as you must. You have my fondest farewell too. And you, Aragorn. Go swiftly and come back the same way. I await you here, in Imladris. And now, farewell to you all," said Arwen. The fairest elf of her generation glided away, but a trace of her tranquility was left in the air.
"Arwen, namárië!" murmured Aragorn.
The air seemed to answer back, the wind with a thousand voices.
"Namárië…namárië…"
Legolas understood. He began to lead the way out of Rivendell, out of safety and peace and comfort, and towards the east. Celebriän and Alatáriël rode touched hands briefly as an assurance to each other. Aragorn rode grimly in the rear as they left.
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