As Haldir and I finished off our training one particular afternoon, we just stood about speaking with the other elves in the guard and army. Just then they all straightened up as if someone of great importance had come up to us and behind me. I turned around to see Celeborn, aunt Galadriel's husband standing there alone. The man very rarely cracked a smile but was never unkind toward anyone especially his wife's kin. He regarded me as if I was a queen in my own right even bowing to me frequently, which I thought was particularly strange. Aunt Galadriel had explained to me that because of my lineage, I was higher than him rank wise even though he was her husband. She also had asked him to bow to me as a preparation for my future as princess of both of my lands. It still took a lot to get used to. 

"Princess Hedraliel." Celeborn said my name and bowed to me. I looked at him with my eyebrows raised. He obviously had come to tell me something very important and therefore did not send for a messenger.

"Yes?" I said in a whisper before clearing my throat so I could be audible. He continued:

"My apologies for interrupting your training but Lord Elrond requests your presence immediately back in Rivendell. He says it is time."

"I understand. I shall leave at once. Thank you." I replied as a thousand thoughts raced through my head. Celeborn bowed again and turned around and left without a word.

"Time? Time for what?" Haldir asked.

"Time to prepare for war." I said as I started gathering up my weapons.

            As I bid farewell to the army and started heading up the pathway leading to my quarters, Haldir followed me the whole way. As I entered my quarters and started gathering up my clothing to put into my satchel as well as my weapons he finally spoke as we were alone.

"War? What war?"

"Do not worry about it. This has nothing to do with you." I said as I hurriedly prepared for my departure. Just then someone knocked on my door, I opened it and it was a caretaker from the stables who was sent to receive my orders.

"Please prepare Sunset, I must leave at once." I told the elf.

"As you wish, princess." He said bowing low before he left. Once we were alone again, Haldir turned to me:

"Is Rivendell under attack?" He asked as I looked at him with wide eyes.

"Of course not. Where would you get that silly idea?"

"Then what war would you be fighting if it was not in defense of your homelands?"

"I am only there to assist...." I said not wanting to go into an explanation.

"Assist whom?"

"The Lord of Dale and the men of his homeland, the Dwarves of Erebor, and the Elves of Mirkwood." I answered exasperated and turned my back to him then as you could have heard a pin drop. My clothes were packed and everything was ready. All I had to do was leave my quarters; which would have been easier if Haldir was not blocking the door at that moment.

"You are going to Mirkwood, are you not?"

When I said nothing:

"Answer me!" His voice got angrier.

"Yes we are. My uncle is also coming. Now please stand out of my way, I must leave at once." He stepped aside long enough for me to pass but then grabbed my arm and turned me to face him.

"This is not your war, Hedraliel! This is not your evil to fight!" He said harshly.

"It is my war and it is my fight!! It has been for a very long time! You do not have any idea what of anything that has been going on! Now let go of me before I remove you!" I said coldly, with my free hand on Altherial's handle. He immediately let me go.

            I started walking away briskly as he followed me a lot more slowly. I reached the stables and in seconds, had my satchel attached to Sunset as I mounted him myself. I was ready to ride out but stopped in front of Haldir to issue a final warning. I hated pulling rank, but in this case, I felt like I had no choice; he had not given me any.

"Stay out of this, Haldir. That is an order. Do not dare disobey me."

        I looked at him coldly as his eyes got wide with shock. I have never used that type of tone nor a command on him before nor did I bother waiting for an answer because I knew that he could not disobey or break the order; it was as good as sealed and he was bound by it. Without looking back, I kicked Sunset lightly toward the exiting bridges and gates of Lorien as we reached the plains of Middle Earth, Sunset flew back toward Rivendell. As I rode, I forgot all about Haldir for there was a lot more important things to think about. Plans had to be set in motion and others worked out. I had to go to my uncle immediately. 

        Upon reaching Rivendell and its stables, I was off Sunset in the blink of an eye with my satchel. I swung it around my shoulders and made my way to the royal sitting room where I knew my uncle would be waiting and indeed he was. I knocked before entering. When I came toward him, he looked me over but it was my eyes that interested him the most. He saw the same things that I had felt. All those weeks of training had hardened me into a war ready princess. I was even alright with the moniker. If I was going to represent both Lorien and Rivendell, I had to give up on the childish annoyance of my lineage and embrace it. My uncle sensed the change and asked me:

"Who are you?" For the first time in my life, I did not even hesitate.

"I am Princess Hedraliel Anorithilian of Rivendell and Lothlorien." I said it proudly in Elvish and without flinching. I could see the pride on my uncle's face. Considering how I spent my whole life since learning how to talk, skirting that title; now I was ready to accept it and show the whole world!

"I know you have just arrived but we must be on our way soon, please go to the dining hall and eat something then you can go to your wing and get ready. We have until tomorrow. King Thranduil is expecting me." Uncle said with a wink. I was confused.

"Just you?"

"You shall be my surprise. A few things, you have to understand about Thranduil. He is a good King when it comes to leading, but he is quite arrogant. So do not be at all surprised if he talks down to you." I nodded.

"I know all about him already." I said looking down and then away; remembering letters long ago exchanged with his son. Many suns and moons have passed since that time.

"Oh yes, of course." My uncle said frowning a bit. I shook my head to get rid of the depressing thoughts.

"So what is the plan of action uncle?" I asked. He smiled at my eagerness though my attempt to change the subject did not fool him one bit.

"Plan of action as described; food, packing, rest, and an early rise tomorrow for the trip to Mirkwood. We shall talk about it more on the way."

"Alright, I will go unpack and get myself ready for dinner."

            In the next several hours, I had eaten, unpacked, and repacked everything that I would need. I packed my armor as I would not need that until the actual war and who knew how far away that was still. For the trip, I was wearing my battle outfit; which was all black and sapphire blue leather and suede over coat that blew in the wind to which all of my weapons were either strapped to or hidden in strategic compartments. On top I wore an elven sapphire cloak. I reached into my jewelry box and took out my own distinct headpiece that would set me apart from any other royal elf in Middle Earth. I would fight in this. I also wore my familial necklace of the sun and moon joined together. I left the bracelet in the box.

            As I was putting my special pieces on, I noticed something else in that jewelry box that I had almost forgotten about and it made my heart seize as I reached in and took it out, holding it in the palm of my hand. It was the Greenleaf broach, given to me by the Prince of Mirkwood himself as a symbol of his love and affection. And now that I was on my way to Mirkwood on official business, I could bring it back to him. For it was not mine to keep. It belonged to Tauriel, his chosen. I was not born yesterday. He never said he did not care about her. He always said he cared about me more but that is not good enough. You can really truly love only one person. He made his choice and now I was making mine.

        Though my heart was broken, I would not deprive him of happiness with the woman he picked. It was only the right thing to do. Uncle Elrond told me that all of the elves were returning to Mirkwood upon our arrival so there was a very obvious chance of us running into each other there. Besides, the sooner I returned to him what was rightfully his, the sooner I could start moving on. I could not get on my path as aunt Galadriel put it with this reminder constantly invading my thoughts at night. I had to finish it once and for all. For everyone's sakes. So I put the broach into a safe pouch as well to prevent it from falling out during the journey.

        That was the thought that lingered in my head as the following morning, my uncle and I as well as the guard set astride our steeds to get ready for the long journey to Mirkwood. I was ready. The whole regalia was ready, even Sunset was fitted with his royal saddle and hood. No matter what, he knew whom he belonged to. So the semi battalion got ready for the ride. We exited Rivendell and preceded at a fast gallop with flags flying. Uncle Elrond and I were in the front surrounded by very skilled Rivendell guards. As we were riding past forests, through plains, and across rivers, my thoughts were definitely elsewhere but I was ready for anything. I was lost in thought when out of the blue my uncle asked me:

"You brought it with you, did you not?"

"I am sorry, what was that?" I said trying to shake my head back to the present.

"The broach; you have it with you." He stated matter-of-factly.

"I do yes; I am returning it to its rightful owner." I said without any hesitation this time as my heart was locked behind 100 steel bars and gates.

"And what if you are meant to keep it?" He asked curiously. Did he know something I did not?

"I doubt it uncle, but thank you for worrying on my behalf. The war matters now and meeting Thranduil." That last part came out of my mouth rather distastefully as my uncle chuckled which was rare for him. He was the stoic one in the family.

"Just do not let him get under your skin, my dear." My uncle said wisely.

"I think he should be more worried about me getting under his." I said shrewdly.

        My uncle looked at me impressed. A lot had changed since my last training in Lorien. I was always confident in myself but I had found a new respect and understanding about my ability not only as a fighter but also as a princess. The only one I was still working on was being a woman. I would deal with that at a later time, I thought to myself as I fingered the broach absentmindedly. We were reaching Mirkwood when the horn went off that there was a high amount of elves on horseback approaching. The gates of Mirkwood opened and this was my first real look inside this hidden kingdom.

        So much smaller then both Lorien and Rivendell but still having an air of royalty about it. I looked about as we were taken to their stables and dismounted our steeds. We were then shown to our own quarters as we were obviously spending a night or more there. I took off my cape but kept my weapons on me. I was to follow my uncle and stay out of the way as he spoke to Thranduil. After which, he would introduce me.

        So from a distance I watched the mighty King of Mirkwood sit quite arrogantly upon his throne. He was blonde and had grayish eyes. His headpiece was made up of leaves and some kind of twigs. His throne however was fully adorned with antlers. It looked surreal to say the least. Even though he instantly gave me a negative vibe, I must admit that he looked every bit the part and even stood up when uncle Elrond entered. They shook hands as most of the guards departed. They spoke quietly about the upcoming battle as I awaited my turn for the introductions. 

        In the meantime, while still keeping close, I wondered around; looking at my surroundings. I could tell the other elves in the vicinity were wondering who I was but based on my regalia alone, they did not dare approach me even in battle wear. Finally, I was summoned to be introduced to the King of Mirkwood. I stepped to the top of the stairs so he saw me. He looked puzzled as I had a resemblance to my uncle but to Galadriel as well.

"And who is this? Surely it is not your daughter?" Thranduil addressed my uncle like I was not even there.

"It is not. She is my niece." My uncle looked proudly at me as I finished descending the stairway to stand not a mere few feet from the king.

"I see, niece of Elrond. Do you have a name?" His somewhat bored attention turned toward me as he asked me this question directly. Instead of cowering like he expected me to do, I looked him straight in the eyes which made him sit back a little for I did not blink as I answered.

"I am Princess Hedraliel Anorithilian of Rivendell and Lothlorien." I said nothing more as my own blue eyes pierced into his by now round ones. He definitely did not see that one coming.

"How is that possible?" He all but stammered.

"Oh you mean how is it possible that I am so unique? Because uncle Elrond is related to my late mother and aunt Galadriel is from my paternal side. Quite simple really."

        I said it as if I was teaching a youngin a lesson in history. I could tell out of the corner of my eye that my uncle hid a small smile. Two could play at this patronizing game and I did not care how many antlers he had on his throne. He sat there thoughtfully thinking about it and then with a smirk asked me:

"So you have come here to fight with me and mine own? Considering you have a reputation with not being all that proficient with a bow and arrow, what makes you think you can even defend our ki-"

            Before he could even finish the sentence, I had unsheathed Altherial, flew upon his throne, got into his face, and placed her blade first against his neck. It was done so quickly that no one, including his own guard had time to blink let alone gasp or react until it was too late. I held my sword there and did not budge an inch. Thranduil turned a color pale I was not sure elves were capable of. Our faces were inches from each other yet I did not budge. I had had enough of his superiority complex.

"You are lucky you are a king of an elven land and I am in a decent mood and/or not an orc or your head would have been lying on the floor beside your guards' feet. Let me make something awfully clear to you, your highness. I am not here to win your approval or get you to like me. I am here to protect our people from an upcoming hideous war against an evil that has risen in our land and I became connected to which I am sure my uncle has explained to you. This battle is mine as much as it is yours if not more so. As for my archery skills, I am very good at the long shot which is all I need as my weaponry is quite pronounced though you see only one thing at the moment. I hope we can come upon an understanding. Do not however in the future underestimate me. Many who have are not with us any longer. I hope we are clear."

            I finished my monologue and re-sheathed Altherial as well as let Thranduil breathe. I made my point and then looked at my uncle who smiled with a twinkle in his eye. I had stood up for myself in more ways than one. I had a done a lot of growing since this whole thing began. I knew I was following my path; the path my aunt had told me about. Without a second glance, I walked away toward the outdoor garden where the moon was starting to rise and the stars twinkled in their magnificence; I put my sapphire cloak back on to cover my warrior outfit. I looked out over the water as I processed everything I had dealt with in the last many months. And now I had stood up to a know-it-all king. My braided hair and cloak blew out with the wind as I was lost in my thoughts of how life can take many twists and turns. I did not hear the footsteps behind me, until I heard the voice that made my heart stop.

"I thought I might find you here."