LOTR: The Rider 5

He quickly disappeared from view beneath the talan and Liafael was left alone, the whispering leaves overhead reminding her of her mother's soft voice. She felt tears in her eyes again and this time she let them fall without reserve, holding the blanket to her mouth to muffle the sobs that wracked her body.
She cried until her tears ran dry and her body felt as if she'd been running for hours. Exhaustion seeped into every part of her being and she wanted nothing more than to fall into a deep, forgetful sleep. She resisted the call of slumber and instead looked around the talan for her pack. She cursed herself when she remembered leaving it at the campsite when she fled and cautiously attempted to stand. Her leg shook under her and sat quickly, slamming a fist onto the wooden platform in frustration. She grimaced and rubbed her hand as she looked hopelessly around; she was going nowhere.

Liafael healed quickly, much to the surprise of Haldir and his brothers. As her wound healed she took to wandering the forest with the elves, they were happy for her company and impressed by how rapidly she became fluent in their tongue. Her heart seemed to heal as quickly as her leg; she laughed often and delighted in listening to the brothers tell her of their home, deep in the forest. It was only when she told them tales of her own, of her family and their travels; that a shadow would fall over her and the elves would quickly divert her attention to other things.

"The Lady of the Wood sent word that she would like to meet you." Haldir said one evening. "I will lead you to Caras Galadhon in the morning."
Liafael nodded, "I have heard much of the Lady of Light; it will be my honor to meet her."
"You seem apprehensive." Haldir said, studying her with a smile.
Liafael smiled sheepishly and shrugged. "I am a Ranger, Haldir. I may have some distant connection to the kings of old but I have never been more than a vagrant. What about me could possibly interest an elven queen whose wisdom and beauty far exceeds that of any of my sires?" She shook her head and studied her hands in her lap. "I know my place, my friend."
Haldir frowned slightly; Liafael was young, even by the count of her people, but there were times when her words held more weight than her years could have afforded them. "You are not without merit, Liafael." Haldir said gently, putting a hand on her shoulder.
Liafael smiled nervously at Haldir, his words comforting her but not completely relieving the nerves that fluttered in her stomach.