TO KNOW A HUMAN
Disclaimer I do not own Lord of the Rings or any of the charters in it. This was writen just for fun and nothing more.
This fic is an
A/U
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I asked kittyloverluna if I could re-write this story and she said yes. I am going to do my best. If anyone has ideas for this story please let me know. I am going to be making many changes and fixing things. So I would lover to here from all those who have read this and like it in the past. It will also be a point of view story, each chapter being from a different point of view.
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CHAPTER ONE
Aria's point of view
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I sat the mug of ale down and sighed. Could this night get any longer, could the men be any drunker? I shook my head moving around and out of the way of a man's cold hands. Every night it never failed that one or more of them tried to grab me. Men can be such pigs. I shoved him back as I twisted around giving him a warning.
"Touch me once more and I'll give you a reason to wish you were dead." I hissed
The man just laughed not taking me very seriously.{They never do.} I walked away to get my next round of ale for another table. I got half way their and turned as the door opened. I paused and could not help but smile when I saw who came in the door.
He came here several times a week. He kept to him self he just sat and watched the my kind from the far corner. Is he studying us? Did he enjoy watching my kind drink themselves into a dark abyss? I knew his name, knew he was an Elf Lord. I even knew why he had come from his home to the White City. I just never understood why he came here.
I delivered the ale to the men I had been waiting on and then walked over to him.
"Good evening my Lord is all well?" I asked
"Yes Aria it is. Is all well with you?" Was his reply. He had a very kind and soft voice.
"Yes my Lord all is well and it is the same as always in this dark place." He smiled then laughed.
"It is not so dark here; perhaps it is the company that surrounds you that makes it so dark." I smiled at his statement.
"Perhaps so my Lord." I said
He smiled and laughed once more. I looked at him and wondered so many things. We had spoken before, we had even once had a somewhat lengthily conversation; but I desired to know more about his kind and their ways. I would love to just sit and spend the night or even day talking to him about his people. I often wondered if he was studying my kind. When he came in here he just sat and watched the people. He never spoke with any of the others just myself.
"Would you care for some food and wine my Lord?" I asked.
"Yes that would be very nice. Thank you." He said to me.
I got the things he needed, his wine and some food. I then walked back over to his table and sat everything down for him. His eyes were fixed over in the far corner of the room. Their sitting at one of the tables were four men cloaked in black. They had come in earlier this evening and asked for two rooms. They paid my boss well and had been sitting their all evening drinking and talking. Who were these men? Their was something dark and sinister about them. He drew his attention from them back to me as I set his stuff down.
"Thank-you Aria." He said to me.
"Your welcome my Lord." I turned to leave when he reached out and placed his hand on mine.
"Aria the men opposite me in the far corner. Do you know who they are?"
"No. They spoke to Goren when they came in. They got two rooms and have been sitting their all evening drinking and talking. They paid Goren quite well for their rooms and the Ale. Is something wrong My Lord." I asked.
" I am not sure, there is something about them that is odd." He said looking over at them.
"Do you wish to speak with Goren?"
"No." He said smiling at me then removed his hand from mine and went to eating.
I walked away with a feeling I could not explain. I had not given much thought to the men till now. Why was he so worried about them? I walked over to the bar and reached over and touched my boss Goren.
"Goren the men in the dark cloaks have they said anything to you? Did they say where they were from?
" No they did not, nor have they said much girl." He said to me looking rather upset I had disturbed him.
I looked back over at them and then back over to Goren I smiled and walked away. I was taking an order when one of them stood. He walked across the room and walked by me. As I took a step back I bumped into him. I turned around and came face to face with him. I took a startled step back as I saw his face.
"Forgive me I did not see you sir." I said staring into his deeply scared face. He looked at me and his eyes never moved from my face. I did not liked the way he looked at me.
His eyes were dark and empty. His face horribly scared as though something had tried to tear it off. I felt as if he were looking right through me.
He said nothing to me simply walked away to the bar. I watched him go and turned to look back at his friends. They were all looking at me. Their was something about these men that suddenly made me nervous and scared. I looked across the room and saw Glorfindel's eyes on me.
I walked across the room towards him. I took several deep breaths as I walked across the room stopping in from of him.
"Are you all right Aria?" His voice was full of concern.
"Yes my Lord." I said.
"Then why is their fear in your voice?" He asked. How could he know that they had scared me. Is that something his kind could tell by the way mine spoke.
"It is nothing my Lord. He just seamed so…." I paused not finding the right words to finish my sentence.
"Evil." My words were finished for me. I looked at him not knowing if those had been the words I was looking for.
"Perhaps. I am just not sure if they are the right words." I said trying to force a smile. Suddenly realizing they were the right words to describe these men. "I must get back to work before Goren has my head." I said turning to get back to waiting on the tables.
He smiled and looked from me to them. "May I have more wine?"
"Of course my Lord."
"Aria. Glorfindel is fine I have told you that before." I gave a nod and turned walking away.
It was well after midnight and near time for closing. Glorfindel had left hours ago and the strange men had gone to their rooms. I sighed it had been a long night I could not wait to get home. I took some bread, cheese and wrapped it up.{Goren always gave me some} Said good night to Goren then walked out the door. I paused after only a few steps and could not help but smile.
"Always walk your self home this late at night?" Glorfindel asked as he stepped towards me.
"Yes." I replied. "Why do you ask?" I said with a smile.
"Perhaps it occurred to me tonight that I never asked you if you did. I thought I would wait and see for my self. If I saw you leave on your own then I would ask if you would like an escort home."
"Are the males of you kind so caring and protective of females?" I asked.
"Yes we are. Females are a great gift to us. You see with out them the world would be full of males. That would be a very boring world to be in." He said smiling offering his arm to me. I took it and we started to walk away.
"Ah yes that would be a very boring world to live in." Glorfindel gave a small laugh.
"Then let us go, the hour is late and it is quite cold." He said to me.
We walked along the now empty city streets. I wondered if I ask questions if he would answer them. I knew very little of his kind. I was not sure if asking questions would seem rude.
"Glorfindel." I thought I would ask him to see.
"Yes"
"I was wondering if I might ask you something? I wanted to ask first, I did not want to seem rude."
"Are you asking if it is alright to ask my kind questions?" I hoped I had not over stepped my boundaries.
"Yes."
"You can ask me questions Aria." He stopped so he could look at me. "What is it you wish to know."
"Why do you come into the inn often, surely it can not be because of Goren's wonderful cooking?"
"I come for may reasons. I like to watch your kind." He said to me. "I am also seeking friendship, which you seem to have granted me."
"I am glad you consider me as such. I would very much like to get to know more about you." I was glad I had asked him the question.
"Aria." He said with a smile.
"Yes." I answered.
"I was wondering if you would like to go for a ride with me." I looked at him staring into his blue gray eyes.
"I would enjoy that very much." I said.
"Then it is settled. When is your next day off."
"That day is two days from now."
"Then that is the day we go" I looked up at him and gave him a nod pointing to the dwelling a few doors down.
"We are here" I said pointing to the one that was mine. "Thank you" I told him with a smile.
"Your most welcome" With nothing more to say he bid me a good night and he watched as I walked into my home.
The next day
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I sat down at the far end of the bar drinking a mug of water and eating my dinner. I had come in early today as a favor to Goren. He was allowing me to take a moment to myself. I had not seen the men in the dark cloaks today. I was wondering where they had gone, Goren had said they gave him money for several nights. I picked up my plate and mug then walked away. I need to get back to work.
It was nearly three hours later when the strange men walked in. They sat in the same far corner as they had been the night before. They sat, and the same evil looking man walked up to the bar to get ale. I turned my back from him and walked away. I watched him lean across the bar and say something to Goren. I made my rounds to the tables, taking orders and getting drinks.
I watched as Glorfindel walked in, behind him was a second elf I had never seen before. He had long dark hair and deep blue gray eyes. They walked over and sat down in the same place Glorfindel always sat. I delivered a round to a table then walked over to them.
"Good Evening My Lord." I said
"Good evening Aria, I thought we were past calling me My Lord?"
"Forgive me I did not want to seam rude in front of your guest." I gave a nod in the other elf's direction, he smiled at me giving a nod in return.
"Thank you Aria." Glorfindel said with a smile. "That was well thought of, but there is no need for formulates here. My elven companion is Elladan I think he would agree with me that we may skip such titles." Glorfindel looked at Elladan, Elladan turned smiled at me.
"Yes I agree there is no need for such formulates." Elladan said to me, I smiled.
"Very well then, would you like some wine or food tonight. Their is salted pork with potatoes and warm bread."
"Yes" Glorfindel replied
I watched as Glorfindel looked behind me towards the men in black. He said something to Elladan in what I am guessing was elvish. Though I do not really know.
"I will be right back with the food and drinks." I turned to go fetch them their food and wine.
I walked over to the bar and started to gather what I needed. I placed it on a tray and carried it over to them. I sat the food and wine on the table and then turned walking away.
I was about to go to check on a regular costumer when Goren called me over to the bar. He was placing food on a try along with some ale.
"Take this over to the men dressed in black." He said to me I could tell he was in a fowl mood.
I picked up the tray and walked over towards them. I felt my insides twitch and my stomach lurch. I sat the tray down on an empty table and served the food followed by the drink. The man from last night the one with the scares looked me over. I hate when men do that. This how ever was different. His looks made me feel strange, as if he was thinking of something. Something that would boast bad for me. I need to get away from him and his look. I walked over to the bar and yelled to Goren.
"I need some air Goren." I did not even wait for his answer I simply walked out the door.
I took a deep breath as I walked out hoping the cold air would calm me. Closing my eyes I took slow calming breaths. I felt a soft touch and I spun around and came face to face with Glorfindel.
"Aria are you all right?" He asked.
"I needed to get some air." I did not know how to explain what I was feeling right now. It was just the way the man had looked at me.
"Did one of them say something to you? He asked me. "Or was it the way the one with the scares looked at you?" How did he know that?
"You saw the way he looked at me?"
"Yes. Was it his look."
"Yes. It made me feel as though his thoughts would boast bad for me.
Glorfindel smiled at me. "Do not worry about his looks, I do not think he would try something in such a crowed room. I would how ever not bring anything to his room alone."
"You are right." He was right these men might be bad men, but I do not think they would harm someone in the open. I felt his hand gently touch my face and I looked at him.
He could tell I was shaken the strange men had him on edge as well. I could tell be the way he watched them, and the fact he had someone with him tonight. He had never come here before with someone, so it was clear they were watching the men. As to why I did not know, many bad looking men came and went out of the city. I was about to ask him about it when he answered my question himself.{I did not even have to ask.}
"Elladan and I have been following them all day today."
"I see and what have you found out about them?" I figured sense he was telling me about this it was alright to ask more questions.
"Nothing much as of yet. They went to many places today, but we were not able to find them in any wrong doings."
I looked back to the inn and sighed. "I need to go back Goren will be furious if stay out here any longer." I went to walk away and he stopped me.
"Aria it is all right to feel uneasy. Sometimes that feeling is a warning."
"I know that. It is just I was told such feeling can make one weak not strong."
"That is not true. Feelings make us stronger no matter the feeling." I gave and nod and smiled.
"Aria"
"Yes."
"How old are you?" He asked changing the subject.
"How old do you think I am?" Wondering why he had changed the subject.
"I believe you to be in your eighteenth year."
"You are correct. Why do you ask?"
"You wisdom is well beyond your years."
"You mean I am smarter then most my age?"
"Yes."
I was about to say something when the door flew open and Goren stormed out.
"ARIA" He yelled then paused standing still. He was staring at a rather annoyed Glorfindel. "Forgive me my Lord I did not know she was speaking with you." Goren said trying to cove up his rage.
Glorfindel stepped in front of me facing Goren.
"Do you treat all those whom work for you with such disrespect?" Glorfindel questioned.
"I was not trying to be disrespectful my Lord." He had no idea if they were the right words to be saying. I could tell by the way his voice sounded.
"She will be in shortly; I believe you can tend to your customers till then."
Goren said nothing he simply walked back in to the inn. I stood speechless. I had no words for what I had just seen. Goren was not a man whom took orders easily from others. I had never seen him so speechless.
I looked at Glorfindel and shook my head. He looked at me and gave a soft smile. His expression was unreadable. He masked his expressions hiding them from those around him.
"Where were we?" He chimed unmoved by the interruption. "Ah yes. I remember we were discussing how smarter you are then most your age. You are not like other young women your age Aria."
"Thank you. Your words are full of kindness. It means a great deal you see me in such a way."
"I see you how you are."
He turned and looked back at the inn. "I should get you inside before your boss decides I am no longer a welcomed customer."
"That is not going to happen and you well know it." That was true, he paid more then his food or wine was worth.
He snickered and placed his hand on my back guiding me towards the door. I stooped at the door and turned slightly.
"Glorfindel."
"Yes."
"How old are you?" I stared at him looking in his eyes."
"How old do you believe me to be?"
"I have not a clue."
"My kind does not like to revile our age, but you have told me so I shall tell you." Why did elves not speak of their age? I wondered if I asked him if he would tell me.
He leaned in and whispered in my ear. I looked at him in amazement, it was unreal to know a being could live as long as he had.
We walked in and I walked over to the bar looking at Goren. I looked over at the table where the men were and they were gone. That would mean they had gone upstairs for the night. I could not help the feeling or joy at seeing them gone. I made my way around the inn taking orders and waiting on customers. The rest of the night flew by, and soon it was time to close. Tonight Glorfindel and Elladan had stayed behind never leaving the inn.
Goren had never said a word to either of them. That I found funny. It seemed Goren had been put in his place. I could not help the enjoyment that brought.
I walked over to the table and stood sighing, tonight my feet were killing me. Elladan stood and held his hand out for me to sit. I did then looked back at him watching him grabbed a chair to sit down in.
"I think he fears you now." I said looking at Glorfindel then at Goren.
"No he does not fear me. He knows I will not tolerate his rude behavior. Are you ready to go?"
"Yes I am."
We stood and walked out the door. We walked along talking about the evening and other things. When a scream broke our conversation and the mood. The scream was of terror, and it belonged to a woman.
"Stay here with Aria." Elladan said as he took off towards the scream.
He was gone before I could blink. I never knew a being could move so fast. I took a step back and backed into Glorfindel. His hand came out and he wrapped an arm around me. I shuttered as a second scream came and then their was silence. I could hear running all around us. I was guessing the city guards were responding to her cries as well.
"Aria let us walk." Glorfindel said I said nothing as he guided me along.
I walked willingly with him ever once in a wile looking back. I am not sure why I did that. We walked towards a fountain in the center of the market place. We walked over and he sat me down. He sat next to me and placed his hand on my knee.
We walked to my home and I paused at the door. I felt his hands on me and then Glorfindel opened the door. He walked in before me taking a look around. I watched as he lit a fire then took a look around.
"I will stay with you till Elladan returns." He said to me pointing to a chair. "Sit relax all is well."
"I have never heard a woman scream like that before?" I said knowing that some one some where was either hurt or worse. I felt very ill at that moment.
"Aria are you well?" He asked walking towards me.
"Yes. It is just unnerving hearing such a scream." I turned and looked at him.
"Go sit Aria" His words were soft and calm. I stared into his eyes and could not help but do as he said.
I sat down and felt suddenly calm and safe. Was this because of his presence? Was it his words and how calm they had been?
I looked at him Glorfindel was very breath taking. He had long hair golden hair and blue gray eyes. He was taller a man. His skin was flawless. His looks were not what captured me though. It was his kind heart. Those things were what I found breath taking in him.
I saw him pause and turn towards the door. He walked over to the door opening it allowing Elladan to come I. The two stood still by the door speaking in elvish I assume. I could tell by Glorfindel's tone something was wrong. He looked at me then walked over to me as Elladan walked over to the fire.
"I have asked Elladan to stay here with you Aria. Their has been a murder and we think the man is close by. If he killed one woman tonight there is nothing to stop him from killing another."
"Someone was killed?" I gasped.
"Yes. You must excuse me I need to go and help find him." He said nothing he turned then left, Elladan shut the door latching it.
He walked over to me and stood just inches from me.
"You bedroom is where?" He asked
"I beg your pardon." I said shocked
"Your bedroom I wish to check and see if anyone is in it." He would know very well if someone was in my house.
"I think you would know if someone was in their would you not." I figured I should ask than assume.
"Yes I would. I promised Glorfindel I would check so I plan on doing so. So would you please show me your bedroom?" I looked at him and he smiled at my confused look.
I pointed to a door to the left at the far end of the room. He walked over to my room opened the door walking in to it. I hope I had left nothing out this morning that should not be seen by him.
I waited till he returned. He looked around the room we were in and walked over to a second door that was my bathroom.
"This is." He asked
"The bathroom." I stated watching him open the door and walking in then out.
"Are you fine now that you have seen where I sleep and wash myself?" I asked. He gave a small laugh though it sounded more like a snort.
"Yes. I knew no one was in the house, but I promised Glorfindel. I could not ignore his request. You look tired, do you wish to wash up and change into your bed clothes?" He said
"Yes I do, but that would not be proper?" Was he joking? Did he really think I was going to change into my bed clothes and walk around.
"Well I am not going to wash you or change your clothing so I think it would be fine." I could not help the strange look I gave him.
"Forgive my rudeness but it would not be proper for you to see me in my bed clothes." I did not want to seem rude to him or offend him. Though something told me it would be hard to do that.
" I work in the halls of healing. I have seen many mortal women with out their clothing and in their bed clothes. I think it will be fine."
"You are a healer?" I asked
"Yes. My father had the gift and so do I."
"I see." I took a deep breath. "I will go do as you have spoken of. If you wish there is wine, bread and cheese.
"Thank you that is very kind."
I turned and walked silently away towards my room to change. As I did so I could not help but think of the woman screaming tonight. What had happened to her in her last moments. They found her near here. Did I know this woman? I suddenly was glad some one was here. I shut the door to my room and changed my clothes.
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Here is chapter one. I hope it is ok and you like the changes I have made.
