A/N: This is my first LOTR story. I haven't read the books yet, but I'm working to remedy that soon. If anyone wants to volunteer to be my beta for this project let me know.
Just a heads up to Tolkien purists...the beauty about fan-fiction is that the writer can shape dialogs and situations as they see fit; it's rather liberating to use your imagination. I don't know if my female character will be considered a Mary-Sue or not, judge at your own discretion. So, if you're a purists or a possible Mary-Sue loather, do not flame me if you read this and find that it violates your literary taste buds. This is essentially for fun.
Timeless
Chapter 1: Unexpected Beginnings
It was a beautiful, sunny day. The sky so blue, so clear, barely any clouds in sight, and the wind a perfect temperature, slow and steady. Trees so green, the grass inviting, fields of gold decorating the multi-hued landscape. A perfect day to be outdoors.
"Kara, wait!"
A young girl, long blond hair trailing behind her fleeing form, smiled mischievously while running from an older woman, called out gleefully, "Catch me if you can!"
Her giggles erupted and danced on the wind as she ran around one of the fields that rested along the border of Mirkwood. Little did either know that more than one creature was aware of their presence, their merriment.
Kara laughed harder as she tripped and her mother gained on her. She let out a squeal, finding herself wrapped tight in her mother's arms. "Again, again," she requested, eager to enjoy the beautiful day, a perfect moment.
Her daughter squirmed, wanting free of her hold. She was eager to run, to play, to explore.
"My sweet one, where do you wish to go?"
"There."
Her finger pointed towards the shadowed confines of the forest.
Her mother's face paled slightly, knowing the dangers that lay within; almost every mortal she'd ever known who'd entered never returned. There were rumors of a powerful Elven King, who fought the evil that threatened to corrupt the ancient forest in its entirety. It was told that the influence and strength of he and his skilled warriors prevented the evils within from spreading, affecting mortals and immortals alike.
How does one explain such a dilemma to a eight year old child? She wouldn't understand the dangers, and if she happened upon one of the elves, how could she begin to comprehend the interactions with their ancient, solitary race? Elves had chosen long ago to avoid the affairs of men and dwarves, if possible. So they'd decided after much deliberation to leave the world of men to their own devices: their love, hate, misery, greed, prejudices that were no longer the elves' concern.
No, her daughter wouldn't understand. 'Twas a conversation best addressed when she grew older, when she was better able to comprehend a race both complex beings that lived fairly simple lives. Her attention returned to her daughter, away from her private musings, inquiring if she was allowed to enter the forest that bewitched her so.
"Can I go there, mama?" Wide-eyed innocence radiated from her green eyes.
"Maybe someday, but not today, dearest."
Kara begin to pout and beg, wishing to visit one of the places in her dreams, a place of beauty to her young eyes. "When?"
"Perhaps when you're older. There's much you don't understand, but you will. It looks like something out of a fairytale, doesn't it?" Her mother asked quietly, her eyes held captive by the deceptively dark, yet enthralling forest. Beyond the tree-line, a feeling, a call, emanated, as foreboding to her as it was thrilling, exciting, to her daughter.
Kara nodded, blond curls bouncing with the movement.
"Mirkwood is anything but a fairytale. There is both happiness and tragedy that exists, entwined with the land and the elves who dwell there." The sombre light in her green eyes slowly faded. Joy and laughter filled them once again.
Setting her daughter down, she smiled and watched the source of her pride, her joy, her love, run free. She was bright as the shining sun, heating their skin on this fair weather day, swift as the ever-changing wind, filled with many questions, always seeking answers.
"No! Kara! Don't..."
She watched in horror as her daughter darted past Mirkwood's boundary. She momentarily hesitated. Suddenly, fear propelled her forward into the forest, and she prayed to whatever deity listening that they would watch over her child, spare her from any evil, from the hands of death, itself.
…...
"Legolas."
Turning to his friends behind him, Legolas, Prince of Mirkwood, glanced back questioningly. Bow in hand, arrow notched and ready to fly, his blue eyes surveyed their surroundings feeling a presence quickly approaching. He nodded silently, acknowledging the sounds his friends heard.
Surely not. It couldn't be...
A giggle.
A young child by the sound. What was an elfling doing in the forest, and alone at that?
More giggling floated their way, dancing on the light breeze, lightening their stoic hearts, bringing smiles to all the ellyn present.
Innocence. Naivety. Curiosity. Joy.
Qualities that malice and hatred and evil would quickly obliterate. Darkness would extinguish the beauty and purity of such a precious, resplendent soul. Time was of the essence and this little one must be found and returned home safely.
Legolas gestured to the other elves to move forward when the snapping of twigs grew louder, closer. He stood there watching in amusement as a young girl ran towards him, unaware that her path was obstructed, caught up in the enchantment surrounding her. She quickly glanced behind her before facing forward again and promptly ran into a solid wall. She fell to the dirt, her body twisting sideways with the sudden shift in balance. She winced as small rocks, sticks and slivers of plant-life and tree roots slid across her head, palms and knees abrading the delicate skin, blood rising to the surface.
He frowned, concerned for her well-being. Several gasps reached his superior hearing as she fell. His company alarmed at her fall would be upset to bear witness to the injuries she now bore. The prince was taken aback as a small but slightly grim smile touched her lips and vanished as rapidly as it had come. "Are you alright, young one?"
"Ow", she muttered, getting up slowly and rubbing her head. "Oh, momma will really be mad now." she stated quietly. Abrasions covered both palms, skin slightly peeled back, small amounts of blood smeared across the pale, torn flesh. Damp earth soiled her formerly pristine, blue gown, now ripped around her tiny wrists and knees, her long blond hair disheveled and hanging in messy tendrils, framing her young, fair face.
Her head snapped up quickly hearing laughter surrounding her. Who dared laugh at her? She may not be Elvish, nor possess their gracefulness, but she deserved respect, not mockery. Narrowing her eyes, pine colored orbs snapping in momentary anger, small fingers nimbly pushed her pale locks behind her ears, blood coloring the strands of hair caressed by her wounded palms.
Legolas' smile vanished as he fully observed her countenance. Bright blue eyes widened in astonishment, hardly believing the sight before him.
She was human.
"What is your name little one?"
Eyes wide in surprise or fear, her emotion ambiguous until she graced him with a blinding smile. "I am Kara. I've been instructed not to speak to strangers, but I suppose you're allowed since you're an elf, and elves are good."
He nodded, agreeing to her affirmative statement, bending down to gather her in his strong arms, cautious of his weapons, even more cautious of the gleam emanating from her inquisitive, emerald eyes.
"You're a beautiful elf!" She exclaimed and gently took his face in her tiny hands. Her eyes perused his eyes, face, arms and hands, wonderment and curiosity abounding.
He smirked, giving his thanks, ignoring the fact that her blood marked his cheeks.
"That's all we need, child, he's already rather arrogant for an elf." A second voice teased from the confines of the trees.
A blond and two brunette elves stepped from their hiding places, bows in hand and arrows ready to fire at a moments notice.
He greeted them one by one. "Haldir. Elrohir. Elladan." He gestured to the little female in his arms, "This is Kara." He pointed to each one as he named them. "Haldir lives in Lothlorien and is a warden there. A warden is one of their border guards," he said, anticipating her unspoken question. "Elladan and Elrohir are sons of Lord Elrond. He's the ruler over Rivendell, another Elven city on the other side of the Misty Mountains."
Legolas' voice dropped lower, whispering, "Those two are vicious pranksters. It'd be best if you stayed far from their reckless influence. Stay by me, and I'll protect you."
If possible, the hero worship in her eyes increased. She sighed happily, wrapping her arms around his neck and sighed blissfully, "I knew it! You're everything I thought you'd be." Her small fingers lightly caressed his forehead and slid down his cheeks, wiping away the traces of her blood, to rub his masculine lips softly. Wistful, she smiled innocently. "You're so beautiful," she exhaled slowly, confiding to him her child-like, truthful thoughts.
The twins lowered their weapons and snickered, attempting to hide their mirth behind tightly pressed lips, eyes darkening with laughter, their expressions boding ill for the young royal.
Haldir his back against a tree, long, silvery hair hanging neatly over his shoulders, smirked. "How 'bout that, your highness? She says you're beautiful. She doesn't know you like we do, nor how quite the number of elleth know you."
Flashing Haldir a smug look she stated with certainty, with conviction "He may be arrogant, but he's still beautiful. He's mine," she growled protectively, jealously, like two children over a favorite, coveted toy. He's my beautiful elf."
Tenderly gripping his handsome face in her grasp, she leaned forward and lightly touched her lips to his.
Four sets of eyebrows rose into the treetops. Shock, and nothing less, could be named for her surprising actions.
"Taking to them whilst fledglings? You'll have somewhat of a wait for this one." One of the twins, Elrohir, indicated with a slight nod of his head. Elladan grinned in agreement.
Elladan and Elrohir chuckled behind their hands. Haldir shook his head, amazed at the girl's brazenness. They could readily recall the number of incidences where maidens either took or shared certain liberties with the handsome heir. However, they had all reached their majority and this female couldn't be more than ten years of age.
Abruptly, four heads swiveled in one direction, their exceptional hearing picking up sounds of breaking twigs and dead leaves crunching under someone's feet. Someone in a great rush.
"Someone's coming."
"Kara!"
A very distinct, worried, feminine voice echoed through the clearing and nearby area. "Kara, where are you?"
Haldir approached Legolas; the young girl held firmly against his chest watching him warily. "I mean you no harm. Kara is your name, I take it?"
She nodded. "That's my mama calling."
Elladan approached the trio. "Call out to her sweeting. She needs to know that you aren't harmed." He slowly reached out and rubbed the top of her head. "We will stay until you're safely reunited."
"Okay, Sir Elladan."
"Mama!" Her cry rang loudly, almost forcing the elves to cover their ears, protect their hearing; an asset that was both a blessing and a curse.
Moments later a frightened woman stumbled into the clearing, her forest green eyes relieved to find her daughter safe, yet uncertain of the motives of the elves standing there, one who held her child close. Protected.
Haldir and the twins moved back, allowing the mother and daughter their space.
"I found you," she exclaimed anxiously. Her hands reached out to take Kara but her little girl willfully clung to the extraordinarily handsome, blond elf. "Kara, come. We must leave."
Kara obstinately refused to relinquish her hold.
Legolas found himself the object of the woman's suspicious, questioning gaze. He smiled and reached out a hand. "I am Legolas of Mirkwood."
She took his hand, returning his goodwill. "I am Lariana. I apologize for bursting into your woods. We haven't offended any of you, I pray?"
"The two of you are quite safe from committing any offense here." He spoke warmly, gently, soothing her worries as he did with Kara.
"Mama, can we stay? I'd like to be their friend and learn all about them." She'd been silent for so long that she'd almost fallen asleep against his muscled chest; the sound of his heartbeat so comforting, so familiar.
"Kara, we can't. We must go back." Her mother insisted firmly.
"I won't leave him!"
Her mother's jaw dropped at her daughter's disobedience and attitude. Kara was normally a docile, happy child filled with curiosity, yes there'd been minor temper issues as a very young child, but never insolence. Inwardly, she sighed, knowing it was an indication of the years to come. Years where temper tantrums would explode and tears would run aplenty. It was difficult to see her like this. This was the beginning of letting go, and she found it was a rather bittersweet subject to breach, much less contemplate.
Legolas shrugged slightly and smiled awkwardly at Lariana. None of them were certain how to approach this situation. None of the ellyn had ever dealt with an adamant, sulky child whose emotions exploded into a myriad of experiences for them.
"I think I have a solution, if it would be agreeable to you, Lariana?" He looked down at his newest friend and smiled sweetly, almost adoringly. Hopefully, Kara's mother would give her blessing and they all would be satisfied, Kara especially.
"I'm listening." Lariana knew her patience wouldn't be a virtue for much longer. This forest wasn't the safest location, although she deemed their safety wasn't much of an issue with four male elves present. If she judged them by their clothing, weapons and braids, she'd assume they were warriors.
"Would it be permissible for us to visit your home and occasionally allow her to come to King Thranduil's home for several days?"
Lariana's mouth shot open. Allow her daughter to venture into the heart of Northern Mirkwood for days? What was Legolas thinking?
"It would be best to allow several days for travel time, not to mention as long as she's in my father's home she would be cared for, watched over and protected. She wouldn't be allowed to roam the forest without me or any of the elves present along with a contingency of guards. You would also be welcome to come with her. I wouldn't presume to overstep your authority."
"Your father? You're Prince Legolas?"
The astonishment and awe in her voice was the typical reaction he hated.
"Yes. I am royalty, but you never need use titles or fear me. Consider me your friend- both of you."
Cocking her head to the side, Lauriana stared at Legolas trying to discern if there were any hidden motives. "Why are you doing this? You don't really know either of us."
The trio of elves that had fallen back stepped forward. Haldir smiled briefly. "I am named Haldir of Lothlorien. Within the extremely small amount of time we've known your daughter, she has entertained us, proven that mortals still possess courage and has given us a glimpse into her loyalty, the qualities that she will bear as she ages."
"Simply put...Kara is a gift. I am Elladan, son to Lord Elrond of Rivendell." He inclined his head in a slight bow. "Her laughter lifted our spirits, lightened our hearts."
The last elf stepped forward. "I am Elrohir, Elladan's twin, which I'm certain you've already arrived at that conclusion." Dark twinkling eyes lit up his face coupled with a beautiful grin. "Kara is an intriguing creature, pure, inquisitive, everything that we adore. Elflings are so rare these days that the only little ones we see are mortal children," he ended sadly.
"We need her light, her curiosity, her giving nature, her spiritedness. Whatever she can give...whatever you can give, will allow either of you to give, will be considered the greatest blessing and gifts you could ever hope to bestow. We ask for nothing more."
"I could come as well?" Lariana's resolved seemed to melt under such eloquent persuasion.
"Yes," Legolas affirmed. "The both of you would be welcome to stay as long as you wish. It is my hope that you'll come. I think there's much we all could ascertain from each other."
"Can we, mama?"
Legolas turned his gaze to the precious girl in his arms. I thought you'd fallen asleep! He mused with a grin. "You've been so still and quiet," he admitted with a laugh, the sound gentle, airy as the breeze that crept in, stirring their clothes and hair.
"As long as I can accompany her, I agree, Legolas." She swallowed hard and hoped this wouldn't return to haunt them. "When will these visits begin?"
"The end of the week, perhaps?"
"That is fine for us. I have a little something to add, though." A serious expression crossed her face. "The first several visits are to be at our home- no negotiations on this. I will also come with her to your home until she's older and we're much more familiar with you, your father, your friends and your people."
"I agree." He lifted his hand from Kara's back and shook hands with her mother. Only, and only, then did Kara release Legolas and jumped to the ground.
"Until next time, Legolas, Haldir, Elrohir and Elladan!"
Kara hugged each of them in return and giggled at the twins' good natured ribbing, joking that they meant the most as they'd been the last to receive any affection.
Lariana took Kara's hand and solemnly walked out of the forest, their forms vanishing from sight; Kara's sweet laughter cajoling the wind to play, the sun to shine, and four ellyn to wander how a mortal captured their hearts so easily and swiftly.
Legolas stood silently. Placing a hand over his heart, he felt the stirrings of something unfamiliar, something so foreign that he hadn't a name for it. Regardless, he felt it was the beginning of something timeless, something wondrous.
That night little Kara dreamed of four male elves, one in particular. A male with long, pale-blond hair, eyes as blue and deep as the sea, his soft voice soothing her like a gentle lullaby. Within the confines of her dream she saw him, heard him. Wrapped in the arms of peaceful dreams, she whispered, "Good night, Legolas."
Deep within the safety of his room, he heard her exhausted whisper and smiled. Something wondrous and timeless, indeed.
A/N: Jeez...I didn't mean to write a chapter this long! I can't recall ever writing one this long, but I just couldn't stop. Sad, isn't it? I hope that for those of you reading that you enjoyed it at least a little bit. If you did, just hit the button and let me know. Have a great weekend everyone! :)