Chapter two: Imaginary

"Swallowed up in the sound of my screaming
Cannot cease for the fear of silent nights
Oh, how I long for the deep sleep dreaming
The goddess of imaginary light."

"Atar," she heard a smooth, elegant, yet masculine voice call from behind her. Her body stiffened and her blood raced at the sound. She didn't dare turn, but yet she couldn't hear the foot steps she knew were there.

"Lle quena i'lambe tel' Eldalie?"

Swallowing thickly, she looked down, her cheeks flushing.

This seemed to be a little excessive, even for her.

"Westron Legolas," she heard the king chuckle. "she knows not Sindarin."

'Something tells me I didn't know Westron before today, either' Evie thought with a confused expression.

"Aiya," she heard the beautiful voice say lowly before saying, "please raise your head, young mortal. I cannot see your face if you look upon the ground."

Evie swallowed thickly. Twisting her hands in front of her. Her heart was thumping as she hesitantly raised her big eyes to look to where the voice was coming from.

Her heart dropped, quite literally in her stomach.

He was...beautiful. There was literally no other way to describe it.

If she had thought his father was handsome, he was nothing compared to his son. She breathed in sharply, watching his steel, blue eyes casually flick over her form. His long, feathery blonde hair fell down onto his muscular shoulders. His face remained expressionless, his perfectly chiseled jaw set and his thin lips in a straight line.

His outfit really resembled Robin Hood; especially with the large, long fingered hand that was currently clutching a bow. His tall, lean form was in complete stillness as his intense blue eyes assessed her. She couldn't tell what he was thinking from his blank face, but his eyes conveyed curiosity about her presence.

She wanted to flinch when she felt an air of arrogance come off this Adonis looking man. Not that it was an unjustified arrogance; he could walk around with the cockiest attitude ever and he had the looks to back in up in her opinion.

Unable to meet his steel gaze anymore, she flushed deeply looking off to the side. She saw the female Elves around her staring at him with adoring and swooning eyes, including Uranthial. Well, that settled it. They were probably all super infatuated with him, all wishing to be his princess no doubt. Not the blamed them. At least they had the courage to even look at him. They were only maids and servants, but they were all so perfect and beautiful that Evie felt like a stretched out earth worm next to them.

She was surprised to see that Tauriel was the only one not looking at him. She was looking at the ground with a blank expression.

"What is your name, young one?" she heard Legolas ask, making her eyes widen and snap back to him.

His elegant head was tilted to the side slightly, looking complimentary. An elegant eyebrow was cocked at her.

'Yeah, definitely a snooty elf thing.'

"Genevieve," she stuttered, cringing at the way her voice broke as his other eyebrow joined his raised one. "But um, I prefer Evie..."

He studied her form for moments, making her swallow thickly and cast her eyes a little further down. Of course, staring at his slightly broad and lean chest did nothing whatsoever to calm her nerves.

"I am Legolas. It is a pleasure to meet you, Arwen en amin," she heard his smooth voice say calmly and smoothly with an elegant grace that Evie knew she could never achieve. And she was the one that was female!

Evie bit her lip nervously, forcing a small smile on her flaming face as she nodded at the prince. Cringing at herself for her idiocy. She really wished he'd stop using his language. The words rolled off his tongue almost sensually, and it was really starting to get under her skin. She already felt like a pathetic fan girl. She didn't know if she could handle that sultry voice for three days straight.

She was so weak.

He inclined his head to her, glancing at his father for moments in question as he waited for him to speak.

"Galadriel said she was important, but does not remember her life," the king said smoothly, his cold eyes flicking towards her for moments as surprise flitted across her face. "I have chosen you to escort her to Lothlorien. You will remain there with her as her protector, until I summon you or Galadriel orders you otherwise. You will also collect all the information on our young guest, as I am much curious about her. Is that understood?"

"Atar," Legolas said in a respectful voice, but she could see the irritation in his blue eyes. She looked down, embarrassed. He didn't want to take her. Of course he didn't. Did he really have to stay there with her? How long would she be there? Would she remain there, or come back here? Would the elleth know how to send her home? She knew that she didn't remember her life, could she also help her remember her life? There were too many questions to voice.

Legolas's voice broke the silence, and although it was in their native tongue, she knew it was a question.

"Mankoi?"

"Because my son, she shall be safest with you," the king smiled. "Am I wrong to have the most confidence in your skills?"

"Amin naa lle nai, Atar," Legolas said after a long pause.

Thranduil smiled widely, apparently pleased with his son's answer, whatever that happened to be.

"Your journey shall start at daybreak," Thranduil commanded.

Legolas bowed deeply and respectfully to his father, before turning and walking away, not even sparing her a glance.

"Khila amin!" Legolas suddenly bellowed in a commanding voice, making Evie slightly jump as he addressed the other four elves that accompanied him. Funny, she'd just noticed them...when Legolas and his father were in the same room, it was kind of hard to notice anything else. Both of their presences commanded attention.

Evie watched him go with wide eyes, her face flushing. Prince Legolas seemed to be of a more kind nature than that of his father, but she knew that he was also arrogant. He did not want to leave his home and escort her. She could tell that he didn't wish to be in a young mortal woman's company for so long. But he did not object and she could tell that he was very loyal. He was just obeying orders. His curiosity about her was evident, but it was slight.

"Uranthial," the kings voice broke her thoughts. "help Lady Genevieve prepare for her trip."

"My Lord," Tauriel stepped forward in front of the other elf. "I wish that I may help in her stead?"

Thranduil inclined hid head in thought. "Very well. You may assist her, Tauriel."

"Thank you, My Lord," Tauriel bowed to him as he glanced at Evie, nodding before he made his way from the room, his guards and maids following him.

"Why don't we go to the stables and pick you a horse?" Tauriel said with a smile, turning to her.

Evie scratched her arm. "Um, about that...I don't think I know how to ride a horse?"

"Don't worry," Tauriel said kindly, linking their arms. "I'll show you the basics. Prince Legolas will not let you fall."

"O-oh, okay..." she giggled softly, feeling at ease with the elleth that had saved her.

"So, what did you think of the prince?" Tauriel asked as they walked outside and down a green path.

"Well...he's..." Evie trailed off, admiring the greenery and the dark forest that sent chills up her spine.

'Sexy as hell.'

"I mean, he seems...nice."

Tauriel let out a pretty laugh.

"He is. Both him and the king rule the people with love, not fear," she smiled. "but I should tell you, Legolas can come off as cold at times, but deep down, he is a caring elf. He is sometimes too honest. Don't let his words hurt you."

"I'd rather go with you," Evie murmured, not liking this new information. Not that she was the type to cry if someone called her a butthead, but having that beautiful being insult her...well, that didn't sound very pleasant. Even if it was unintentional.

"You may find good friendship in him, as I have," Tauriel smiled, looking off towards the stables.

Evie looked at her out of the corner of her eye. Should she ask? Oh, the hell with it.

"Is there...more?" Evie asked, raising her eyebrow. Was she in love with Legolas? She shifted uncomfortably at the thought.

Tauriel paused, giving her a surprised expression.

"I..." she frowned. "There was a time where Legolas had feelings for me, actually." Tauriel said quietly.

Evie's heart dropped at her words, a sickness going through her body. Legolas was...in love with her? As she looked down Tauriel, she didn't blame him. In many ways, she was more beautiful than Uranthial. Tauriel had a kindness about her, a gentle nature. Her golden hair, light green eyes, and absolutely adorable dusting of freckles on her face. Not to mention, her perfect body under those manly looking combat clothes. She was strong and beautiful.

Evie knew she could never even begin to compete with her, but from the sound of it, it sounded that she didn't have feelings for him. How she could not at least be attracted to Prince Legolas was beyond her.

"It's a long story and I'm afraid we don't have time tonight," she laughed bitterly, sadness piercing her pretty eyes. "I never saw him more than a brother. I loved another."

"Where is he?" Evie asked as they approached a pretty, mahogany colored horse with a shining coat.

"He..." her eyes held great pain. "he died." she finished in a whisper.

Evie let out a horrified gasp. Oh God, why did she have to ask?

"Oh! Oh my God – I'm so sorry – I shouldn't have asked, I mean-" Evie blubbered, coming to a halt as Tauriel smiled and held her hand up.

"It is quite alright. You knew not," she smiled, but it was empty. "this horse matches your hair in ways."

Evie blinked, feeling utterly guilty and all around horrible as the elf led the mahogany horse to her.

"He does not have a name," she said smiling. "go on, see if he likes you."

Evie bit her lip, slowly approaching the brown eyed horse. She raised a shaky hand, lightly touching its face. The horses eyes widened a little, alarming Evie before they went back to normal. She giggled as the horse started sloppily licking her hand.

"An elvish horse loves you so readily," Tauriel said kindly, smiling as she rubbed his neck. "you have a kind soul. Vanimle sila tiri."

"What does that mean?" Evie smiled, petting 'her' horse that was currently bumping its nose into her. She felt comfortable asking Tauriel what things were in elvish. She really wanted to know what Legolas had said in the throne room, but she forced herself to refrain from asking.

"Your beauty shines bright. Your soul," Tauriel smiled, making Evie flush slightly as the horse nuzzled her face. "what shall you name him?"

Evie thought for moments, petting her new friends mane lovingly. The horse eased into her touch, briefly reminding her of a cat or something similar. It was a bit unusual. She wanted to give him a name from her world, that was for sure. Not that she knew any names in this world anyone. Well, except the ones she already met. She didn't think it would be well received if she named her horse Legolas.

"Sebastian," Evie nodded. "Do you like the name?" she asked in a baby voice to the horse, patting his neck.

The horse neighed, surprising Evie as Tauriel laughed at her dumbfounded expression.

"Elvish horses are quite intelligent," she chuckled. "I do believe he likes Sebastian. You have the most beautifully unique names...Evie."

"Thank God, you're the only one to listen to me so far!" Evie grumbled, smiling as Tauriel laughed.

She walked to the stable and picked up a saddle, showing Evie how to fasten it around Sebastian safely.

"Now that he's chosen you, he will only ever carry you," Tauriel smiled. "Of course, unless you order him to carry another, he will be loyal to only you. He has chosen you."

Evie raised her eyebrows in surprise. Wow, that was actually really neat! These horses were definitely more intelligent than the horses from her world. Maybe the friendly horse would make her three day trip more bearable. At least she didn't have to walk.

"I'll help you mount him," Tauriel beckoned her to his side.

Evie felt nervous, walking over.

"Grab the saddle and hoist yourself up," Tauriel explained, putting her hands on the appropriate parts.

"Um...okay..." Evie felt a feeling of dread.

"Urrrgghh..." she groaned, trying to hoist herself up on the saddle pathetically. She wasn't aware she was so physically weak. Sebastian bristled as she held on, trying to clamber on top of him awkwardly.

She could hear Tauriel trying to stifle laughter behind her.

"Uuurrrgggh-uuuuurrrr," Evie made more unladylike noises and she struggled. She managed to hoist herself across the horse. Her head hanging off one side and her feet on the other. The long dress surely wasn't making it much easier. This was bullshit; she needed pants. Clearly, she wasn't a warrior elf, so they had given her lady clothes. No, she needed mens clothes or something.

After about five more minutes of struggle, she finally managed to get up and straddle the saddle, her dress being pushed up to her thighs as the elegant slippers showed.

"I did it!" Evie smiled, looking at Tauriel who was outright laughing now.

"My lady, that is quite inappropriate. You should pull your dress down," Tauriel chuckled as Evie shrugged. They were just legs.

Tauriel shook her head and began leading Sebastian around the grass, giving her tips on how to not fall off. Eventually, Evie even managed to ride him in a slow gallop. Of course, she couldn't get up on him worth a damn, but once she was there, she did alright...amazingly.

"I really wish you could go," Evie frowned down at Tauriel, feeling comfortable.

'Only if Legolas doesn't go.' her mind chirped in, surprising her. Seriously? So what if the guy was hot? That was all. She buried the feelings of hurt when Tauriel had said that he had feelings for her. It made her sound insane in her own mind, so she'd prefer to pretend it did NOT happen.

"I as well," Tauriel sighed, looking down. "ever since Thranduil banished me and then accepted me back, I've regretted returning," she sighed. "I just didn't know what else to do with my love gone...I felt a break would be beneficial. But, he is no fool. He knew that's what I wanted. I could scream of frustration."

"I wanna scream and shout, and let all out. And scream and shout and let it out. We saying ohhhhhh we ohhh we ohhhhh we ohhhhhh," Evie joke sang, feeling seriously awkward and trying to cheer the elleth up.

Tauriel gave her a shocked expression as Evie gave her a crooked smile.

"it's a song...where I'm from," Evie pointed out. "I thought maybe it would cheer you up...but now I'm thinking I didn't even like that song."

Tauriel chuckled, shaking her head. "You are quite the oddity. But you were correct, that shocked me and cheered me up at the same time."

Evie gave the elf a smile as she struggled much less to actually get off the horse. They led him back to the stable, feeding him some oats as Evie said her goodbyes.

"Come, we need to pack a few items for the trip," Tauriel said, holding onto her arm. "when you reach Lothlorien, the elves there will supply you with all your needs."

"Your people are very generous..." Evie said quietly, feeling a little overwhelmed. "I feel like such a burden." she finally admitted dejectedly. The whole ordeal with the prince had really brought her down. After all, it wasn't everyday someone inconvenienced a damn prince.

"I beg of you, do not feel that way," Tauriel said worriedly. "you come from another world, that has never happened before. Not to our knowledge, anyway. You are special and unique. You merit care to be something so astounding."

"Tell Prince Legolas that," Evie muttered, but elves must have superior hearing, as she heard her sigh.

"As I said, he can appear cold and maybe even selfish-"

"He's a prince, of course hes an ass. He's entitled to it," Evie chuckled, saying what Tauriel was trying to say in more words.

Tauriel shook her head, laughing in agreement. "Yes, that is true. He is good, but he is not my mate, nor I his. Deep down, he knows that."

"Mate?" Evie asked, raising an eyebrow and her curiosity was piqued.

"Nothing is so cruel to make anything spend an eternity alone," she whispered, giving her a small smile.

"So...all elves have a mate?" Evie asked as the approached her room. "how does that work?"

Tauriel frowned, walking up the wardrobe and opening it, shocking Evie when she saw many dresses inside.

"It...is complicated," Tauriel said. "the female usually feels it much more strongly than the male...well, in the beginning. Afterwards, its actually the male that feels it the strongest. It just takes them longer. Usually because females can be more emotional-"

Evie barely restrained herself from calling that sexist.

"-but yes, once the bond is recognized...that is the only one the elf will love for all of their existence," she smiled. "it doesn't mean you didn't love others before, but it is a love like no other. And without them, it does not exist. I pray everyday that I will find my mate."

"The...the one you lost," Evie whispered. "he...he wasn't your mate?"

Tauriel frowned. "No, he was not. He was a dwarf, not that elves cannot mate outside race. It IS possible, but rare," she smiled. "it also doesn't mean that what I had with him wasn't real. I was in love with him, but I know he was not my mate. If he had been, I wouldn't have been able to leave when he asked me to go with him..." she said softly.

Evie bristled, feeling sad for her new friend. Mate or not, she couldn't imagine...

"I also worried," she said, frowning. "I knew he was not my true mate, and if I had found my true mate...I would have left him. It wouldn't be my fault, but no other race mates as strongly as elves. I did not want to hurt him, because I did love him. It was a risk I wasn't sure I wanted to take."

"He loved you, didn't he?" Evie asked quietly.

"...yes, he did," Tauriel looked on the brink of tears.

"Then do not feel guilt," Evie smiled. "it did not come to pass, but if it was true, he would not regret one moment spent in your presence. It is better to have loved and lost, than not to have loved at all..."

Tauriel looked at her with wide eyes, looking thoughtful.

"You are...very wise," she blinked. "those words, they are beautiful and you are right."

"Don't give me too much credit," Evie chuckled. "Those are words from my world; not mine."

"But here in this world, they are yours," Tauriel said quietly, smiling as she turned to remove clothing from the wardrobe.

"I shall write Harry Potter," Evie nodded. "I could do it, ya know?"

"Harry Potter?" Tauriel asked, looking confused as she placed various items in a bag.

"Oh, its a really famous and amazing book series," Evie nodded. "its one of my favorites. I know there's another one, but...I cannot place the name."

Atar- Father

Lle quena i'lambe tel' Eldalie? – Do you speak elvish?

Arwen en amin- My Lady (non familiar)

Aiya- Oh

Mankoi-Why?

Amin naa lle nai, Atar- I am yours to command, father

Khila amin- Follow me

Vanimle sila tiri- Your beauty shines bright