*Disclaimer* The characters in this story are not my own, but the inspiring
Mr. Tolkien's. Only Enelya Annárë and Maeglin are of my making (so far) so
no need to sue me! :) I'm only borrowing the characters for my own little
fantasies.
The sun began to slip out of the sky, signaling the coming of evening. Enelya gazed up through the branches of a tall willow tree, watching the small birds fly past her and into the distance. She looked back down at her hand, at the small pendant her mother had given to her earlier that day. The light fragmented through it, casting specks of red and white across her pale green dress. Enelya wondered at it's beauty and what other secrets it held. Her mother had told her that it was imbued with a strong magick that only the women of the Annárë family could control. Enelya passed it between her hands, feeling the weight of it, hoping something may happen to give her a hint of its power. Her mother had left for the Undying Lands after giving her the gift. The moment played through Enelya's mind again. -You must keep it safe. Its powers will be shown to you when the time is right. - Her mother's voice echoed in her thoughts. -But why can you not just tell me its power? How am I to use it if need be?-
-You must learn patience first Enelya- Her mother's soft laugh rippled through her mind again.
She would miss her greatly, but her mother was quite old, even for an elf and she wished to make the journey to the land of the Elves across the sea. Enelya stayed in Middle Earth, to carry on the family's duty to the land. Only once every 2 thousand years, a woman from her family would rise up to defeat an untold enemy. The legends were kept secret from everyone, including Enelya. But whispers and myths would still rise up in gossip about the coming year that would mark the anniversary since it supposedly happened last.
Enelya placed the pendant over her neck, feeling a slight tingle run through her body. She could definitely feel the magick coursing through her whenever the pendant hung around her neck. She stretched out her legs, which were getting sore from sitting cross-legged for nearly an hour. She stood and walked back to the tree that held her flet. It was hidden amongst the other tress and almost.
Her family lived apart from other Elves. The Annárë lived in flets positioned high in the trees on the edge of the southern tip of the Mirkwood forest. No other Elves traveled in this area often, but once in a while a horde of orcs would swarm though. The Annárë would remain unnoticed in their trees. The family kept to themselves, finding joy in the nature that surrounded them and playing in the thick woods with no worries of their own.
Enelya scaled the tree nimbly, jumping onto her flet gracefully. She watched the others walking and climbing around their small settlement before pulling out her small shoulder bag. She had placed some clothing and a few need items into it the day before, after her mother had told her she was going to the Undying Lands. Enelya had been waiting for this moment for a long while now. She felt bound to stay with her family, but now that her mother was gone, she was eager to leave these trees that she had known for so long. Enelya changed into a darker green dress that was shorter than most dresses and more fitted to her body so she could move more easily. It felt like a second skin to her. She had to thank Elven ingenuity for being able to create such perfect pieces of clothing. She pulled some of her hair back in true Elven fashion, slipped her bag over her shoulder and strapped her long sword to her belt along her waist. It was beautifully decorated and curved slightly. She looked around the forest that surrounded her one last time, then descended to the ground from her flet.
She knew she should leave quickly and quietly before any one from her family tried to stop her. It wasn't that she disliked her family, but she needed more of a life than dancing through the trees and feasting continuously everyday. A thousand years of this can be tiring, especially to someone as adventurous as Enelya. She was always trying to find some excitement in the woods surrounding, but she soon tired of the groove her life had slipped into, everyday monotony had gotten to her to a point where she needed to leave right away.
The sun had vanished from the horizon, the settlement lit only by the soft glow of a dozen or so torches. Enelya had timed it right. Most of her family would be at the main flet, feasting on the meal prepared by her sisters and cousins. She slipped comfortable through the darkness, letting the shadows blanket her in secrecy. She had decided earlier that she would make her way north to Mirkwood. She was interested in what kind of life other Elves led in Middle Earth, she hoped it wasn't as dull as the one she lived here.
She was soon away from the settlement, running quickly over the rough terrain. Each step gave her a more heightened sense of freedom. She ran until she became weary and hunger took over. She stopped near a clearing and was wise enough to climb a tree to stay out of view of any danger that may be lurking. She pulled out a piece of bread she had wrapped in a thin cloth and chewed away on it slowly.
She heard a rumbling coming up from the Earth. It was so subtle but her enhanced senses alerted her to an approaching enemy. She placed her bread back in her bag and hooked it on a branch. She peered down from her perch, anxious to see what would approach. She jumped from her branch to another that was a few feet away and then to another lower branch. She crouched low so she was almost hugging the tree, blending into the dark leaves. A single orc sprang into view, snarling and grunting loudly. It obviously wasn't worried about being secretive. Then it came clear as to why. A group of 15 orcs scampered into the clearing huddling together. Nothing would dare to attack such a large force, except Elves.
"Why cant we stops now!?" An orc's sharp rasp echoed off the trees.
"We must keep going, we must not remain in Elven lands!" said another vile creature.
"I'm hungry NOW!"
"We must rest for a bit, let us have a meal at least!"
"Yes, we have been trudging for 2 days straight! I need a break!"
Many other grunts and yells filled the night air. Enelya watched, perplexed as to why they were in Mirkwood and how they had gotten so deep into the dense forest without being stopped. The orcs had quieted some, rustling in their thick armor.
"We will stay here for awhile, but keep quiet! We don't want any unwanted attention!"
Enelya saw a larger orc belting out the orders to the rest. He had a long crude sword in one hand, pointed at the lot that stood in front of him. It seemed all at once the orcs dropped to the ground, letting out sighs and calling for food. A patrol was set up quickly, 5 orcs heading away from the gathering, circling them in the trees to keep some sort of watch.
Enelya climbed carefully back up the tree, to where her bag hung. She pulled out her bread once again and continued eating.
"Guess I'm stuck here for a while now." She sat comfortably and watched the ugly beasts below her clamor around on the ground. She leaned back on the tree trunk and looked up into the sky, hoping she could be off soon. She grew restless quickly though and decided to chance it and slink away through the trees. She slung her bag over her shoulder again and swung herself onto the next tree, and swiftly moved through the branches effortlessly. The pendant seemed to fill her with strength every time she wore it and now she was able to move through the dark as well as by day. A few minutes more and she was beyond the orc party. She jumped down from the tree she was in, deciding it was safe to walk.
She kept to the shadows, trying to find concealment. A howl sounded behind her. She spun around to see one of the patrolling orcs coming at her with his dagger raised. Enelya unsheathed her long sword and barred herself against his approach. The ignorant orc swung early and only caught the ground at her feet. She used the chance to cut into the creatures side. It groaned loudly as it rose and spun around to attack again. This time Enelya kept her sword out in front of her, trying to gain the offensive from the attacking beast. The orc swung at her sideways, cutting her arm. Enelya cringed as the dagger bit into her. Enelya brought her sword up hard, cleanly loping off the orc's head. She gazed at the body a moment before heading back down the direction she was going. She ran at a quick pace. She feared the others had heard the struggle and she was no match for 14 more orcs.
Behind her, she heard another chilling cry come from another orc, followed by a number of others.
"Oh no." Enelya pushed herself harder, trying to keep distance between her and the oncoming horde. She launched herself between the close knit trees. The orcs were still coming quickly. Enelya grabbed a branch that was jutting out in her path and swung herself into the tree. She hoped the orcs were not good climbers as well. One orc scratched at the bottom of the tree trunk, eager to take her down. The others fell in a huddle around him, all eyeing her wickedly.
"Come down Elf, so we may escort you back home!" One orc said loudly.
"Only to expose myself to the slaughter of vicious beings!" Enelya yelled back.
"We wouldn't do such a thing, fair one!" The same orc cried. The other orcs smiled deviously around him.
"I feel better keeping to my perch up here snake." Enelya retorted. The orc snarled.
"Little Elves should not be so stubborn!" The orcs closest to the base of the tree tried to clamber up it, scraping the bark off it's sides. Enelya moved up another branch, but not fearing their attempts, the orcs soon clumsily fell down off the tree.
"Snakes should stay on the ground and slither back under their rocks!" Enelya called down to them.
Suddenly two orcs dropped to the ground in the thick of the crowd, an arrow protruding from each of them. The other orcs screeched loudly, alarmed by the unexpected attack.
"She-elf! You will pay for that!" The orc screamed up at her. Enelya looked confusedly through the trees, searching for who had done it.
"It was not I snake, but I wish it had been!" Enelya called back. More arrows found their mark in the backs and sides of some of the remaining orcs.
Only 6 remained of the raiding party so Enelya decided to jump down from the safety of her tree and attack the offending creatures. She jumped from the lowest branches into the closest orc, sliding her sword into its abdomen. The orc sunk to the ground before raising his sword in protest. Enelya turned to face another orc to her left, swinging her shining sword high to deflect a blow. She parried its second thrust, then pierced its chest with her sword, feeling it's rough skin give to the sharp edge. The orc to her right crumpled to the ground, brought down by another arrow loosed from an unknown ally.
Three remaining orcs stood around her, readying to attack. Enelya lunged at the one to her right, slicing at its midsection. The orc grunted and cried as her sword found its arm. The severed limb lay on the ground, still clutching the orc's long dagger. The other orcs ran at her, planning to bring her down together. She held, standing firm to meet their attack. One clumsily swung his sword in her direction but clearly missing his mark. The other was a little more coordinated and cut her leg slightly before she jumped away from the thrust. She brought her sword up in between his ribs, cringing at the sound it made. The orc pulled back from her, clutching its side while striking again. Before his cut came down though, an arrow had found its way between his eyes. It fell with a thud, staring at Enelya. She turned to meet the other orc, but realized that it had also been brought down by another arrow.
Enelya collapsed to the ground, exhausted by her efforts. She looked up to see a group of Elves she had never seen before approach her. They circled Enelya, each pointing an arrow at her. She turned around slowly, counting them. There were eight of them, all male, all fully armed. She wanted to get up out of the pool of orc blood she was kneeling in, but thought it was more wise to remain where she was.
"Hello." Enelya offered, glancing from face to face. Some of them just looked smugly down at her. One Elf stepped toward her, showing her no intent of harm her. He was quite fair to look upon and seemed regal. Enelya bowed her head slightly, averting her eyes from what may come next. She assumed they were here to take her back to her family.
"Who are you?" He asked her. Enelya looked up at him. He had blue eyes that pierced her heart. She melted slightly then realizing he had asked her a question.
"Enelya Annárë." She stated quietly. He looked at her with interest.
"Annárë...I have heard of your family. They keep a great power don't they?"
"I don't know what you speak of." She said flatly. She feigned a look of confusion, but his sharp eyes seemed to see right through it. He nodded slightly, not pressing the issue.
"How have you come so close to our borders?" Another Elf asked.
"I have left my home to go to Mirkwood, to visit my kin." She said, not taking her eyes off the first Elf.
"I will give you leave to travel in our lands, but you must speak with Thranduil when we arrive. We are heading back to Mirkwood so you may accompany us." The Elf with the blue eyes said, the others lowered their weapons without a word.
"Thank you, I am very grateful. May I ask your name sir?" Enelya ventured. He peered at her for a moment before answering.
"Legolas, Prince of Mirkwood." Enelya felt awe wash over her, but she tried not to show it. She had heard many tales about Legolas and his quest to destroy the One Ring. It had been a few years ago, but everyone still talked about it endlessly. Enelya stood up and bowed slightly to him.
"Pleased to meet you Prince Legolas." The tall Elf cringed at the title. "Please, you may call me Legolas." Enelya smiled at him. The Elves started off, heading in the direction Enelya had been going beforehand. Legolas walked beside her, at the back of the group.
"Why do you hide the truth when it is known to me that you are in possession of the Annárë power?"
"I do not hide it for my own sake, but it was entrusted to me, to be kept secret. But since you are a noble of Mirkwood, I know I may trust you with it." Enelya turned to him and showed him the jewel pendant that still hung around her slender neck.
"It gives me strength and a magick power, though I do not know what that is." Legolas held the pendant in his hand and examined the jewel.
"It's beautiful." He simply said. They continued walking for a few moments in silence, each left to think freely. Enelya marveled at the chances of meeting the Prince of Mirkwood in these circumstances. *But then it's not so uncommon to be attacked by orcs, so I shouldn't look to deeply into it.* Enelya thought, though she secretly wished it was fate. Now was her chance to become apart of something more important than what she had left behind.
Author note: Thanks Air! I hope you people enjoyed some of this at least- Finally after 2 years contemplating I've finally got this sucka up! Review please I need encouragement!! ( - It may seem Mary Sue and it may lead to that...I don't care- so PLEASE don't send me msgs of grrrs for it....does that make sense?? Meh. ----Spirited_feiry *nibbily bits!!*
The sun began to slip out of the sky, signaling the coming of evening. Enelya gazed up through the branches of a tall willow tree, watching the small birds fly past her and into the distance. She looked back down at her hand, at the small pendant her mother had given to her earlier that day. The light fragmented through it, casting specks of red and white across her pale green dress. Enelya wondered at it's beauty and what other secrets it held. Her mother had told her that it was imbued with a strong magick that only the women of the Annárë family could control. Enelya passed it between her hands, feeling the weight of it, hoping something may happen to give her a hint of its power. Her mother had left for the Undying Lands after giving her the gift. The moment played through Enelya's mind again. -You must keep it safe. Its powers will be shown to you when the time is right. - Her mother's voice echoed in her thoughts. -But why can you not just tell me its power? How am I to use it if need be?-
-You must learn patience first Enelya- Her mother's soft laugh rippled through her mind again.
She would miss her greatly, but her mother was quite old, even for an elf and she wished to make the journey to the land of the Elves across the sea. Enelya stayed in Middle Earth, to carry on the family's duty to the land. Only once every 2 thousand years, a woman from her family would rise up to defeat an untold enemy. The legends were kept secret from everyone, including Enelya. But whispers and myths would still rise up in gossip about the coming year that would mark the anniversary since it supposedly happened last.
Enelya placed the pendant over her neck, feeling a slight tingle run through her body. She could definitely feel the magick coursing through her whenever the pendant hung around her neck. She stretched out her legs, which were getting sore from sitting cross-legged for nearly an hour. She stood and walked back to the tree that held her flet. It was hidden amongst the other tress and almost.
Her family lived apart from other Elves. The Annárë lived in flets positioned high in the trees on the edge of the southern tip of the Mirkwood forest. No other Elves traveled in this area often, but once in a while a horde of orcs would swarm though. The Annárë would remain unnoticed in their trees. The family kept to themselves, finding joy in the nature that surrounded them and playing in the thick woods with no worries of their own.
Enelya scaled the tree nimbly, jumping onto her flet gracefully. She watched the others walking and climbing around their small settlement before pulling out her small shoulder bag. She had placed some clothing and a few need items into it the day before, after her mother had told her she was going to the Undying Lands. Enelya had been waiting for this moment for a long while now. She felt bound to stay with her family, but now that her mother was gone, she was eager to leave these trees that she had known for so long. Enelya changed into a darker green dress that was shorter than most dresses and more fitted to her body so she could move more easily. It felt like a second skin to her. She had to thank Elven ingenuity for being able to create such perfect pieces of clothing. She pulled some of her hair back in true Elven fashion, slipped her bag over her shoulder and strapped her long sword to her belt along her waist. It was beautifully decorated and curved slightly. She looked around the forest that surrounded her one last time, then descended to the ground from her flet.
She knew she should leave quickly and quietly before any one from her family tried to stop her. It wasn't that she disliked her family, but she needed more of a life than dancing through the trees and feasting continuously everyday. A thousand years of this can be tiring, especially to someone as adventurous as Enelya. She was always trying to find some excitement in the woods surrounding, but she soon tired of the groove her life had slipped into, everyday monotony had gotten to her to a point where she needed to leave right away.
The sun had vanished from the horizon, the settlement lit only by the soft glow of a dozen or so torches. Enelya had timed it right. Most of her family would be at the main flet, feasting on the meal prepared by her sisters and cousins. She slipped comfortable through the darkness, letting the shadows blanket her in secrecy. She had decided earlier that she would make her way north to Mirkwood. She was interested in what kind of life other Elves led in Middle Earth, she hoped it wasn't as dull as the one she lived here.
She was soon away from the settlement, running quickly over the rough terrain. Each step gave her a more heightened sense of freedom. She ran until she became weary and hunger took over. She stopped near a clearing and was wise enough to climb a tree to stay out of view of any danger that may be lurking. She pulled out a piece of bread she had wrapped in a thin cloth and chewed away on it slowly.
She heard a rumbling coming up from the Earth. It was so subtle but her enhanced senses alerted her to an approaching enemy. She placed her bread back in her bag and hooked it on a branch. She peered down from her perch, anxious to see what would approach. She jumped from her branch to another that was a few feet away and then to another lower branch. She crouched low so she was almost hugging the tree, blending into the dark leaves. A single orc sprang into view, snarling and grunting loudly. It obviously wasn't worried about being secretive. Then it came clear as to why. A group of 15 orcs scampered into the clearing huddling together. Nothing would dare to attack such a large force, except Elves.
"Why cant we stops now!?" An orc's sharp rasp echoed off the trees.
"We must keep going, we must not remain in Elven lands!" said another vile creature.
"I'm hungry NOW!"
"We must rest for a bit, let us have a meal at least!"
"Yes, we have been trudging for 2 days straight! I need a break!"
Many other grunts and yells filled the night air. Enelya watched, perplexed as to why they were in Mirkwood and how they had gotten so deep into the dense forest without being stopped. The orcs had quieted some, rustling in their thick armor.
"We will stay here for awhile, but keep quiet! We don't want any unwanted attention!"
Enelya saw a larger orc belting out the orders to the rest. He had a long crude sword in one hand, pointed at the lot that stood in front of him. It seemed all at once the orcs dropped to the ground, letting out sighs and calling for food. A patrol was set up quickly, 5 orcs heading away from the gathering, circling them in the trees to keep some sort of watch.
Enelya climbed carefully back up the tree, to where her bag hung. She pulled out her bread once again and continued eating.
"Guess I'm stuck here for a while now." She sat comfortably and watched the ugly beasts below her clamor around on the ground. She leaned back on the tree trunk and looked up into the sky, hoping she could be off soon. She grew restless quickly though and decided to chance it and slink away through the trees. She slung her bag over her shoulder again and swung herself onto the next tree, and swiftly moved through the branches effortlessly. The pendant seemed to fill her with strength every time she wore it and now she was able to move through the dark as well as by day. A few minutes more and she was beyond the orc party. She jumped down from the tree she was in, deciding it was safe to walk.
She kept to the shadows, trying to find concealment. A howl sounded behind her. She spun around to see one of the patrolling orcs coming at her with his dagger raised. Enelya unsheathed her long sword and barred herself against his approach. The ignorant orc swung early and only caught the ground at her feet. She used the chance to cut into the creatures side. It groaned loudly as it rose and spun around to attack again. This time Enelya kept her sword out in front of her, trying to gain the offensive from the attacking beast. The orc swung at her sideways, cutting her arm. Enelya cringed as the dagger bit into her. Enelya brought her sword up hard, cleanly loping off the orc's head. She gazed at the body a moment before heading back down the direction she was going. She ran at a quick pace. She feared the others had heard the struggle and she was no match for 14 more orcs.
Behind her, she heard another chilling cry come from another orc, followed by a number of others.
"Oh no." Enelya pushed herself harder, trying to keep distance between her and the oncoming horde. She launched herself between the close knit trees. The orcs were still coming quickly. Enelya grabbed a branch that was jutting out in her path and swung herself into the tree. She hoped the orcs were not good climbers as well. One orc scratched at the bottom of the tree trunk, eager to take her down. The others fell in a huddle around him, all eyeing her wickedly.
"Come down Elf, so we may escort you back home!" One orc said loudly.
"Only to expose myself to the slaughter of vicious beings!" Enelya yelled back.
"We wouldn't do such a thing, fair one!" The same orc cried. The other orcs smiled deviously around him.
"I feel better keeping to my perch up here snake." Enelya retorted. The orc snarled.
"Little Elves should not be so stubborn!" The orcs closest to the base of the tree tried to clamber up it, scraping the bark off it's sides. Enelya moved up another branch, but not fearing their attempts, the orcs soon clumsily fell down off the tree.
"Snakes should stay on the ground and slither back under their rocks!" Enelya called down to them.
Suddenly two orcs dropped to the ground in the thick of the crowd, an arrow protruding from each of them. The other orcs screeched loudly, alarmed by the unexpected attack.
"She-elf! You will pay for that!" The orc screamed up at her. Enelya looked confusedly through the trees, searching for who had done it.
"It was not I snake, but I wish it had been!" Enelya called back. More arrows found their mark in the backs and sides of some of the remaining orcs.
Only 6 remained of the raiding party so Enelya decided to jump down from the safety of her tree and attack the offending creatures. She jumped from the lowest branches into the closest orc, sliding her sword into its abdomen. The orc sunk to the ground before raising his sword in protest. Enelya turned to face another orc to her left, swinging her shining sword high to deflect a blow. She parried its second thrust, then pierced its chest with her sword, feeling it's rough skin give to the sharp edge. The orc to her right crumpled to the ground, brought down by another arrow loosed from an unknown ally.
Three remaining orcs stood around her, readying to attack. Enelya lunged at the one to her right, slicing at its midsection. The orc grunted and cried as her sword found its arm. The severed limb lay on the ground, still clutching the orc's long dagger. The other orcs ran at her, planning to bring her down together. She held, standing firm to meet their attack. One clumsily swung his sword in her direction but clearly missing his mark. The other was a little more coordinated and cut her leg slightly before she jumped away from the thrust. She brought her sword up in between his ribs, cringing at the sound it made. The orc pulled back from her, clutching its side while striking again. Before his cut came down though, an arrow had found its way between his eyes. It fell with a thud, staring at Enelya. She turned to meet the other orc, but realized that it had also been brought down by another arrow.
Enelya collapsed to the ground, exhausted by her efforts. She looked up to see a group of Elves she had never seen before approach her. They circled Enelya, each pointing an arrow at her. She turned around slowly, counting them. There were eight of them, all male, all fully armed. She wanted to get up out of the pool of orc blood she was kneeling in, but thought it was more wise to remain where she was.
"Hello." Enelya offered, glancing from face to face. Some of them just looked smugly down at her. One Elf stepped toward her, showing her no intent of harm her. He was quite fair to look upon and seemed regal. Enelya bowed her head slightly, averting her eyes from what may come next. She assumed they were here to take her back to her family.
"Who are you?" He asked her. Enelya looked up at him. He had blue eyes that pierced her heart. She melted slightly then realizing he had asked her a question.
"Enelya Annárë." She stated quietly. He looked at her with interest.
"Annárë...I have heard of your family. They keep a great power don't they?"
"I don't know what you speak of." She said flatly. She feigned a look of confusion, but his sharp eyes seemed to see right through it. He nodded slightly, not pressing the issue.
"How have you come so close to our borders?" Another Elf asked.
"I have left my home to go to Mirkwood, to visit my kin." She said, not taking her eyes off the first Elf.
"I will give you leave to travel in our lands, but you must speak with Thranduil when we arrive. We are heading back to Mirkwood so you may accompany us." The Elf with the blue eyes said, the others lowered their weapons without a word.
"Thank you, I am very grateful. May I ask your name sir?" Enelya ventured. He peered at her for a moment before answering.
"Legolas, Prince of Mirkwood." Enelya felt awe wash over her, but she tried not to show it. She had heard many tales about Legolas and his quest to destroy the One Ring. It had been a few years ago, but everyone still talked about it endlessly. Enelya stood up and bowed slightly to him.
"Pleased to meet you Prince Legolas." The tall Elf cringed at the title. "Please, you may call me Legolas." Enelya smiled at him. The Elves started off, heading in the direction Enelya had been going beforehand. Legolas walked beside her, at the back of the group.
"Why do you hide the truth when it is known to me that you are in possession of the Annárë power?"
"I do not hide it for my own sake, but it was entrusted to me, to be kept secret. But since you are a noble of Mirkwood, I know I may trust you with it." Enelya turned to him and showed him the jewel pendant that still hung around her slender neck.
"It gives me strength and a magick power, though I do not know what that is." Legolas held the pendant in his hand and examined the jewel.
"It's beautiful." He simply said. They continued walking for a few moments in silence, each left to think freely. Enelya marveled at the chances of meeting the Prince of Mirkwood in these circumstances. *But then it's not so uncommon to be attacked by orcs, so I shouldn't look to deeply into it.* Enelya thought, though she secretly wished it was fate. Now was her chance to become apart of something more important than what she had left behind.
Author note: Thanks Air! I hope you people enjoyed some of this at least- Finally after 2 years contemplating I've finally got this sucka up! Review please I need encouragement!! ( - It may seem Mary Sue and it may lead to that...I don't care- so PLEASE don't send me msgs of grrrs for it....does that make sense?? Meh. ----Spirited_feiry *nibbily bits!!*