The two Lyons, one bearing a cleverly designed travelling pack, the other bearing the figure of a Dunadan ranger, stood on an outcrop overlooking a wide, verdant meadow that stretched before the outskirts of the legendary woods like a welcoming mat. An image that was quite deceiving, as this forest was well guarded by the renowned Galadrim.
{ We are being watched. } Ja-zel sent to her mate, her posture tensing.
{ Worry not, beloved. The Galadrim Guardians, though fierce in their defense of the Golden Wood, do not attack indiscriminately. } Erestor reassured her.
{ Indeed, they do not. For you and your Lady are welcomed guests, Erestor of Imladris and Ja-zel of Harad. As is Aragorn, who is well known to us. }
The voice of Galadriel, Lady of Light, sounded in both of their minds and Ja-zel gave a startled mental growl. But Erestor only bowed his great head in an unconscious act that caused Aragorn to cast a perplexed glance down at the top of the Lyon's mane.
{ My Lady. You honor us with this welcome. } The advisor responded, as Ja-zel concurred.
{ Indeed. Please forgive my reaction. I did not know any of your race could communicate thus. }
{ There is nothing to forgive, daughter of the desert. } Galadriel graciously replied. { Do come forth. Our Marchwarden awaits your arrival and will guide you to our city of Caras Galadon. He bears with him garments that have been prepared for you both, that you may enjoy walking through our woods on two legs..if that is your wont. }
With those words, her voice retreated from their minds and the Lyons descended from the outcrop to begin the short trek across the meadow.
{ Is this Lady the only one who can mind-speak among the elven race? } Ja-zel asked.
{ Nay, though there are very few others living in Arda who possess this gift. Lord Celeborn, the Lady's own spouse; Lord Cirdan, who presides over the Gray Havens; King Thranduil, who rules the vast forest now known as Mirkwood and Lord Elrond, in Imladris. The twins also have this gift, although they can only manifest it when speaking to each other through their twins' bond. } Erestor explained.
{ Mmm...I shall have to try to communicate with those two at some point. Just to see if we can, perhaps, reach them. } She responded, pensively.
As she finished, they reached the edge of the woods and entered. They had gone in but a short way, when three figures materialized in front of them. Aragorn slid down from Erestor's back and, not knowing of the Lyons earlier conversation with the Lady Galadriel, came to stand before the foremost elf.
" Mae govannen, Haldir o' Lorien."
The ranger placed his hand over his heart and executed a short bow before continuing.
" I come seeking audience with the Lord and Lady. My companions bring no ill to the Golden Wood, this I pledge, for they are..."
" We know who they are." Haldir interrupted, with a slight smile. " For the Lady was aware of your impending arrival."
The Marchwarden stepped around the ranger, going to stand in front of the two great Lyons and placing his own hand over his heart as he bowed, respectfully.
" Lord Erestor. Lady. I bid you welcome to LothLorien. We are honored by your presence."
The Lyons inclined their heads, acknowledging and returning the greeting. Haldir then gestured to the two elves behind him.
" These are Orophin and Rumil, my brothers." The two other elves bowed as well. " They have garments for you to wear and will lead you a short way to a place where you may change in privacy."
Ja-zel sent Erestor a mental grin, then the two Lyons followed the fair-haired elves as Aragorn and Haldir began a quiet conversation.
They returned a short time later, both wearing tunics and leggings over soft elven boots that molded comfortably around their feet. The garments had been thoughtfully and beautifully altered to accomodate their tails, which swished happily behind them as they approached. Ja-zel fingered the hem of her tunic, belted around her waist by an intricately-embroidered sash.
" This material is quite wondrous!. It is light and comfortable against the skin, yet I can feel it's hidden hardiness." She remarked, pleased.
" Aye, that it is Lady. The weavings of LothLorien are truly unsurpassed." Aragorn said.
As the ranger spoke, Haldir could not help a brief smile of pride, before resuming his formal miem as he addressed the three guests.
" The journey to Caras Galadon will take two days of leisure travel, as our Lady has informed us that you wish to enjoy some of the sights on the way."
Again, Haldir could not quite help the pride he felt for his beloved home from showing in his face as he continued.
" There are some Talans being prepared for our rest this coming night. So, if you would follow me, we can begin our journey."
Erestor took the pack from Ja-zel's hands and proceeded to adjust the clever harness so that it could be carried in their present form. Then he foisted it upon his own back, earning an amused and tender smile from his mate for his gallantry.
" Lead on, Marchwarden." He said.
As they walked, Ja-zel looked around her with ever-increasing pleasure. Having spent most of her existence in the hot desert lands of Harad, the sight of so much greenery and water still filled her with child-like wonder.
Then they came upon the first Mallorn.
Ja-zel craned her neck back as she followed the seemingly endless height of the massive tree, her breath escaping her in awed exclamation. Never, had she beheld it's like and she went to stand beside it, placing her palms on the venerable trunk as she bowed her head in deep respect. She stood thus, for some moments, before turning back to face the group.
" Oh!...So ancient...so majestic..." She whispered, her eyes moist.
Haldir, Orophin and Rumil looked at her with changed eyes, for her reaction had raised her in their esteem as nothing else could have done. Aragorn and Erestor also looked on, small smiles curving their lips because they knew, as Ja-zel herself did not, that with that unguarded act of reverence she had just earned the friendship of the three fierce guardians.
After that pause, the rest of the day's trek became much less formal in tone and therefore much more enjoyable, as the elves, the Lyons and the Dunadan began to chat amiably. At one point Erestor and Ja-zel, who had been holding hands as they walked, swung their tails toguether so that they coiled around each other, leaving the tuffed ends to hang like two halves of a heart-shaped tassle. Orophin and Rumil, who had fallen a bit behind, exchanged wide grins at the sight and Ja-zel, sensing their mirth, looked back over her shoulder, giving them a saucy wink.
So it was, that amidst laughter and good conversation, the group finally reached their resting place for the night.
TBC...