I own nothing, except everything you do not recognize.

All credit goes to Tolkien.

At Your Mercy

Laila was in the university library, reading a book she recently discovered. She enjoyed reading poems very much, especially historical ones, as she was a historian at the university. Playing with her red hair with one hand, she touched the old pages of the book with the other as if they were the most valuable gems on earth. She continued reading until a sunray hit her face and she looked at the sky through the tiny space between green curtains of the huge window, realizing it was a beautiful day, she got up and closed the book delicately.

It was April and a most beautiful wind danced with her hair, a brightest sun touched her pale skin as she walked between the trees in a park, which was just next to the university and she visited very often during her college years. She thought she knew every corner of this large park but now Laila was discovering new parts that she has never seen before, which was very unlikely. She curiously passed through big trees and a pond she had never knew that existed appeared. She started to question her sanity as she got closer to the pond. When she was beside it, seeing her reflection on the water, she felt this sudden urge to jump in it. She did so without even considering taking her clothes off. She had a simple black maxi dress with short sleeves and red flats. She let the cold water shiver her body until her head was finally beneath the water. She stayed in the cold water for some time until she could no longer hold her breath. Then the reality hit her, she tried to reason her own odd action. She was confused with her own behavior and her little control over herself.

When she got out of the pond, the sun was brighter and the birds were louder to her. She tried to find her way back but was not successful. It was like the park turned into a forest and Laila started to get worried, getting lost in a park was a very hard thing to do. She wandered through trees as time passed and sky darkened, looking for something familiar. When she realized she was drawing circles, she could not find the strength in herself to continue walking. She sit under a big tree and leaned her back against it. Only then she felt some kind of peace and safety in this foreign forest. She felt very tired and fell into sleep.

When she opened her eyes, it was already morning. She got up started walking again but her efforts to find her way back were interrupted as a man walked towards her and bowed.

"My Lady, are you lost?" asked the man with long dark hair and blue eyes. He wore old boots, a leather jerkin on his white shirt, and black breeches. He also had an arrow on his back and two daggers hanging on his belt. Shocked, Laila thought there must be some kind of costume party nearby at first, but the clothes were pretty realistic and he had addressed her as a lady. She decided to play along until she found out what was happening.

"Yes, I am afraid I am." she replied after bowing and adding an exaggerated concern in her voice.

"My name is Belamir, and I am travelling to Mirkwood, your home I believe as it is not very far from here. If you would like, I could accompany you there."

"And I am Laila, Belamir. I would be glad to accept your offer but you are mistaken. I am not from Mirkwood but I also travel there. It would be unlikely for me to get lost so close to my home, would it not?" She had no concern in her voice now, she liked playing along, she liked talking like this and even if it was a prank she was going to have her fun. And if it was not a prank and she actually traveled in time, that was the only explanation, she had to cover her true identity and story. She did not want to be treated as a witch like every character in time travel novels. Now, her first goal was to get to safety, to this place called Mirkwood.

"Of course, you are right. Forgive me." said the gentleman apologetically.

"No, you do not need to apologize." She smiled. Belamir returned her smile and offered her some food. She gratefully took it as she was starving but still maintained her grace. They started to walk to Mirkwood in silence. Perhaps Belamir had noticed she had no desire to tell about herself and decided it was best to not force her to talk. As for Laila, she still had no idea about what was happening but she could not have imagined all these. She hoped to find some explanation in time, maybe in Mirkwood, which sounded like a civilized settlement.

"Belamir!" she cried. Everything was good until a giant spider appeared from nowhere. She quickly pulled the dagger from Belamir's belt while he froze, as he was shocked at the sight of a giant spider jumping on his face. Laila held the long dagger tightly, jumped in front of Belamir, where the spider intended to reach. She didn't know she had such good reflexes but thanks to her quickness the dagger was now in the spider's chest, knocking it down. She was panicked, scared and proud at the same time. She had saved Belamir's life.

"Lady Laila, I am in your debt." He said with terrified look on his face. Laila couldn't answer him. She simply nodded and looked at the blood on the dagger and on her hands. "Are you alright?"

"Yes. Yes, I am alright but I believe I am a little bit shocked." She answered after taking a long look at the dead creature.

"How did you do it?"

"I do not know. It was simply instinct. I did not think."

"No, I am not talking about your skills with the dagger, my lady. You called my name and moved to get in front of me before the spider appeared between the trees. How could you see it in a dark night like this?" Laila was puzzled. She had acted as soon as she saw the spider. Maybe he was late to actually comprehend what was happening.

"I warned you the moment I saw the creature, Belamir. Maybe you should be more careful in the dark next time."

"Indeed, or you will have to accompany me every time I travel." He said with a small smile and some relief on his face. Laila gave the dagger to him and they continued walking. But she was now aware of the fact that this was neither dream nor imagination. This world she had fallen into was very real and she had just faced death not long ago. She needed time to process this but unfortunately she had little of it until they reached to Mirkwood.

When the light of moon replaced sun, the Woodland Realm appeared thorough big trees. They reached the gates and were greeted by the guards with respect. She figured that Belamir was an important person but he looked so young. Maybe he is somebody's son, she thought as they walked into the city.

"If you have time, Lady Laila, I would like to introduce you to my friends and host you during your visit in Woodland Realm." Belamir offered kindly. She knew it was because she had saved his life, and she had no place to go, but she didn't want to accept the offer so easily.

"You have already escorted me here, I would be still lost if it was not for you. I do not wish to outstay my welcome."

"My lady, I owe you my life. Besides your company kept me away from loneliness. You must have some important business to have traveled a long way here. If it is something I can assist you with, please say." His kind words were sincere and Laila knew she needed him.

"Please, do not feel indebted to me. But I would like to accept your offer as I enjoy your company too. I have no business here, I only wished to see this realm and these woods." She lied very smoothly.

"You have pleased me Lady Laila." He smiled and asked, "You enjoy travelling?"

"I have not travelled much, but I decided I should start from somewhere."

"This explains why you were lost somewhere very close to the main path." He laughed and she joined him. He has a beautiful laugh, she thought and took her time to examine him for the first time as they talked about travelling until they reached a big gate, which was guarded by soldiers. Belamir was actually handsome. He had beautiful blue eyes, cute dimples and shiny brown hair.

The guards opened the gate when they were near and bowed to them. They walked into the cave-looking building. Laila couldn't help but stare at the furniture and decoration. She was suddenly very curious about the people she was going to be introduced to.

"Belamir, to whom am I going to be introduced?" she asked, still effected by the majestic halls they were walkin in.

"It is obvious that you have not traveled much, my lady. Such halls can only belong to kings." He replied without looking at her.

Laila couldn't believe her ears; she was actually going to meet the king, though she had no idea about this realm or its people. When a servant girl passed, Laila realized she had pointy ears. So the elves were actually real. This was the first time she had seen elf ears in her life but she managed to conceal her bewilderment. She kept walking and wondered if Belamir was an elf too. His hair was covering his ears, so she had to wait to find out. She had read about elves before, but now they were here for her to actually get to know them. She was rather excited than scared. She had most probably traveled back in time and she had the opportunity to discover and witness things no one in her world knew about. Laila wondered what they would do if they knew elves were real. She felt very special. She put all her worries aside and decided to enjoy this thing she couldn't explain, while she could.

They were now in the throne room and silently waiting. She heard some footsteps and turned her gaze to their source. A young looking elf with bright blond hair and the most captivating blue eyes she had ever seen was walking gracefully towards them. He wore a maroon velvet tunic with golden buttons and black breeches. His hair from both sides above his ears were braided while the rest fell onto his shoulders and chest. This cannot be the king, thought Laila as she examined the elf with wide eyes, he is too young.

"Lord Belamir, I am delighted to see you among us again. I hope you have returned for good?" the elf said with a sincere smile on his face as he bowed his head lightly to Belamir.

"My Prince Legolas, yes I am happy to say I am to stay as long as the king wishes me here. It will be my pleasure to serve this noble realm again." Belamir bowed respectfully and Laila was not late to imitate him.

Prince turned his gaze to Laila as she held her head down. She was very nervous and intimidated by his looks and title. She did not want to be disrespectful but she wanted so bad to look into his eyes.

"This is Lady Laila, she saved my life on our journey here. We were attacked by a spider, I was caught off guard but Lady Laila was very quick to step in and kill the creature. She will be my guest as long as she stays in Mirkwood." Belamir explained.

"I cannot thank you enough, my lady, for saving the life of our most beloved friend. If there is anything I could do to show my gratitude, please let me see it done." The prince said before bowing his head. His eyes studied the nervous woman, her long red hair, big brown eyes and full lips. When she finally looked up to him, he saw her nervous expression left her face to a determined and calm look.

"I only wish one thing, my lord. If you could allow me to read in your library during my visit here, I would be very glad." She said without breaking their eye contact. She had to know more about this world and its people, if she wanted her true identity to be a secret and of course to survive.

Legolas was definitely surprised at her wish. His expression made her feel satisfied as she enjoyed surprising him. When he opened his mouth to respond, another elf talked across the room and all eyes turned to him.

"Of course, Lady Laila, you can use our court library as long as you stay here. I assure you, it is one of the largest libraries in middle earth." The Elf had long grey robes and a crown on his head so it was not hard to figure he was the king. His eyes were as captivating as his son but darker. His eyebrows were bold and elegant at the same time. His hair was almost as bright as the crown on his head. When Laila remembered to bow, the kings's gaze had already switched to Belamir. "I thought you had already sailed, my old friend. Where have you been?"

"My Lord, you know I have a huge affection for the forests. I have spent my years to tend to their sufferings. But now it is beyond my power to help them, therefore I think my service to you would be more beneficial and noble." Belamir replied after bowing to his king. "And I would never sail without you. Forgive me for leaving your service without a reasonable explanation. It was rather personal."

"Even though you wished it to remain a secret, your reason was revealed to me, but not with my own efforts. Do not worry. I would do the same if I were you, Belamir. Now you must be tired. Rest now and I will talk to you in the morning." The King looked at Laila and smiled. "Both of you, if the lady would wish to leave her books, of course. Legolas, please show our guest her chamber. Belamir, I trust you remember the way to yours?" Belamir nodded and bowed before disappearing in the dark corridors when the King left.

"Please follow me, my lady." Legolas said at last. All Laila could think of right now was to have a hot bath and sleep in a fluffy bed.

She followed the prince upstairs. He walked into the first room on left and turned around to see Laila's reaction to her guest chamber. Her amazed expression was certainly a sight to look upon. There were plants everywhere and a tree in the middle of the room, though its roots were not visible. There was a bathtub and a fireplace in the side room. Everything was so natural and green that it felt like she was in a forest. Legolas smiled broadly at the look of her face.

"I take it you are pleased with your chamber, Lady Laila." She liked how he said her name, emphasizing the "a" and "i".

"Yes, I am so pleased with my room that I may never step out of it again." She replied laughing.

"It would be a shame, really. Because then you wouldn't have the chance to visit our library."

"Well, then I will leave my chamber only to visit the library."

"I would be happy to show you the library tomorrow morning, if you like."

"I would like it very much, my lord." She bowed and smiled at him. Then Legolas left her alone in her chamber. After studying every corner of the room she heated some water and prepared the bathtub for herself. She looked at her reflection at the mirror and gathered her hair in her hands to tie them. She barely stopped herself from screaming as she saw her ears were pointy.

She was an elf.