Disclaimer: I own nothing but Melina and her story. Btw. In this story just for the sake of them understanding the lyrics, the tongues of man and English will be the same. btw, sorry it took so long. and check out the stories of others she'll meet in the future.
Ch. 3
When Melina woke in the morning she felt considerably better. But she couldn't get her dream from the previous night to leave her alone.
Her mother, father, brother, friends, distant relatives, and a man she didn't know were all gathered around her. Many were crying. Her mother was sobbing into her father's shoulder. Why were they all crying? Was she dead? She tried to speak out but nothing came out. She tried to move, but she couldn't. Not even a finger. Then the man she didn't know spoke to the people gathered. "I don't know what exactly is going on. There's no reason for her to be in this state. Her brain is alive and well…she's just…in a coma. We don't know how long she'll stay in this state. It could be a few more hours or it could be a few years." Her mother sobbed again into a tissue. "I am very sorry." He left with his charts and everyone looked at her like she was already dead. Is this what happened to her back home? She fell and slipped into a coma while the rest of her was in Middle Earth? Was Middle Earth all just a dream? It didn't feel like a dream. If anything…her being in a coma was the dream and Middle Earth was real. Her mother couldn't stop crying. She grabbed Melina's hand and held a tissue to her own mouth while her father placed his hands on her shoulders, trying to comfort his destroyed wife while his own world was falling apart in front of him. She looked to her brother. Seemingly forgotten. He sat in a chair next to her with his head down. He was playing with a small glass cube holding a bug. She had given it to him for his last birthday. What would happen to him now? Would their parents forget about him in their worry for her? All too soon Melina started to slip away from her coma dream and back into Middle Earth.
Melina splashed her face with water and looked in the mirror. Her freckles had faded, her eyes were a deeper green, her skin just as pale and her hair just as untamable. She sighed and dressed quickly. All she had were the clothes she had worn on Earth. She was amazed at how easy it was becoming to remember Earth with fondness instead of pain. Her outfit consisted of baggy jeans a t-shirt and a baggy hoodie. A knock at her door had her looking away from the mirror and around her room. Where was the door again? She searched for a little bit, all the doors in the room looked the same. Finally she found the correct one and when she opened it Legolas's smiling face was revealed. She smiled back shyly. "What's up?"
"Um…" He looked at her in confusion and then up at the sky.
"Sorry…" She hid a small smile behind her hand. "What is it you want from me?"
"Oh." He smiled again though there was still a little confusion in his beautiful eyes. "Would you care to join me in breaking your fast?" He held out his arm in a chivalrous manner.
Melina blushed lightly. "Oh…um…sure?" She took his arm and walked with him.
"I believe that the first order of business would be to get you out of those odd clothes." Melina looked down at her clothes and smiled embarrassedly. She nodded and he led her down a path lined with trees and vegetation. Melina soon found herself in a small room lined with materials of beautiful colors and textures. Legolas pushed her in and looked fondly at the female elf who ran the store. She smiled back warmly at both of them. Maybe this was one she elf who wouldn't hate Melina? "Melina this is Gwendolyn. She is the master seamstress." A male elf walked in and smiled in surprise at Legolas. "And this is her husband Nemin." As if to prove Legolas's point the elf took Gwendolyn around the waist and pulled her in for a long kiss. Melina smiled in embarrassment, feeling as if she were intruding.
"Please call me Gwen." Gwen smiled at Melina again as she laced her fingers with Nemin. "What can we do for you two?"
"She needs new garments." Legolas said unabashedly. "I will leave her in your capable hands. I will come back in an hour to pick her up for the morning meal." They all nodded to each other while Melina stood helplessly waiting. Gwen smiled comfortingly at Melina before getting out an extremely long piece of string. Melina looked at it curiously and wondered if this was supposed to be a measuring tape.
"Raise your arms to the side. Yes like that." Melina's body made a 't' shape and Gwen took measurements with the string and jotted notes down, though Melina was completely confused as to how she was going to get all the lengths right. "Your bust is very large." She commented making Melina blush deeply. "I'm afraid I don't have anything made at the moment that will fit you properly, your proportions are beautiful." Melina felt pleased for once about her body.
"Thank you."
"Now what colors do you like?" Gwen continued taking measurements of Melina's legs and waist.
"Um….dark ones? I don't really know."
"Alright. Then you'll just be stuck with whatever I make you." Gwen stood to her full height and put her hands on her slim hips. "Now, what all do you need?"
"Well…this is all I have." Melina looked down at her earth outfit.
"Ok. Nemin take notes." Her husband sat at a desk and took out a quill. "Ten dresses to start with. Seven casual, three dressy. Four night gowns. And undergarments." She turned back to the blushing Melina. "I don't think we need to clarify how many. I'll just make everything and give it to you as it's completed." Melina nodded. "I think for now though I might be able to finish one before Legolas comes back." Melina nodded again and followed the beckoning Gwen. "Do you like this color?"
Gwen held out a long piece of dark maroon velvet. Melina felt it and smiled in a girly manner. Gwen nodded and took the fabric to go sit by the desk with her string and measurements. "Take a seat." Nemin carried in another chair and set it down for Melina to sit in.
"So where are you from?" Gwen asked as she played with the beautiful fabric.
"Um….Earth." Gwen stopped and looked with her husband in confusion at Melina. "Um…a whole different place." Melina went into the explanation she told the king.
"How did you get here?"
"Um…" Tears filled Melina's eyes as she remembered painfully.
Gwen laid a hand on her knee. "It's ok. We'll talk about it later." She went back to work. "So do you have any questions about this place?"
"Um…Why do all the females hate me?"
Gwen and Nemin laughed. "Probably because the Prince is with you and they long to be in his presence for even a split second. Many won't admit it, but they will see you as a threat."
"They shouldn't." Melina mumbled before smiling in embarrassment remembering elves had excellent hearing. Gwen looked at her sadly, seeming to understand. They talked the hour away and Melina felt more comfortable than she ever had.
"All done." Gwen held up the dress and held it out to Melina. "Go ahead. There's a room in the back.
Nemin led Melina to the back room and left her to try the dress on. Melina looked in a mirror on the back of the door and blushed uncontrollably. The curves she had so hated were very prominently displayed in the dress. The sleeves were off her shoulder and tight until the elbows where they flared and engulfed her hands. The neck was a deep square shape that engulfed and showcased her assets. The material was tight. It clung to her body all the way to her waist before gradually getting looser and flowing around her now bare feet. Looking at her bare feet, actually hidden by her dress, reminded Melina that she would need shoes as well. She walked out carrying her earthen clothes and saw that Legolas was already waiting for her. She stopped at the doorway and stared at the staring Legolas.
He had never seen anyone so beautiful. She truly was gorgeous. "How does it fit?" Gwen asked interrupting the awkwardness.
"Great. But, I think it's a bit fancy for everyday things."
"Don't worry. Come by after breakfast and I'll have another dress ready." Melina nodded.
"Oh. I also need shoes."
"Ok. I'll have some waiting for you. Are you ok for now?"
"Of course." Melina nodded and walked to Legolas.
"Are you ready to leave?" He asked a bit breathlessly. Melina nodded, blushing.
Legolas led the way and soon Melina found herself eating a surprisingly filling breakfast of fruits and laughing quietly with Legolas despite all the women glaring at her. "Is there anything you would like to do today?"
"Um, well I was wondering if I might learn to fight. Seeing as I'm in Middle Earth, I think I should know how, just in case."
"I hope it never comes to that for you, but I agree." Legolas stood.
"What about our plates?"
"Someone will come to collect them." He led her back to Gwen's shop.
"Oh just in time!" Gwen grabbed a parcel and thrust it into Melina's hands. "You better get out of here quick." She whispered hurriedly.
"My Lord Legolas!" A high pitched voice came from the back of the shop. Legolas cringed next to Melina and Melina tightened her grip on the parcel, fearing a conflict.
"Good Morning Lady Lillian."
"Who is this?" Lady Lillian asked disdainfully looking at Melina.
"This is Lady Melina, I was just going to teach her how to fight."
"Heaven's why?" She seemed disgusted at the thought. "Only peasants and men need to know how to fight." Melina shrunk back and Legolas had to fight not to put an arm around her in protection.
"We should be on our way."
"Alright. But if you ever want to spend time with a real lady, just call on me." She smiled too sweetly as Legolas left with Melina.
"We'll go to your apartment for you to change and drop off your clothes then we'll go to the armory."
"Is something the matter my lord?"
"Please don't call me that. I hate it when they act like they're better than others because of their status."
"Oh." They were back at her door. "I'll be right back." Melina scurried inside and shut the door quickly. Legolas reminded her so much of her father she thought she might cry. In order to keep her mind from such thoughts she distracted herself by opening the package Gwen had shoved at her. Inside was a beautiful leather and green dress. "This'll probably be good for today?" She adorned it and looked in the full body mirror she had. The sleeves were green and tight all the way to her wrists. It had a high green neck and a long brown leather vest overtop that went to the floor as well. "Oh thank you." Melina looked to her bed and found that in the package there was also a pair of brown soft leather boots. Melina smiled softly and went back to the door.
"Oh." Legolas just stared. There truly was no other elf who could compare to Melina. "Um.." He realized he was staring and looked to the ground. "Shall we be on our way?"
"Um…yes." Melina watched the ground as she followed Legolas's feet to a different room. When she looked up Melina found herself in the midst of an armory. "Wow." She breathed.
"Look around and choose whichever weapons call to you." Melina nodded and began gazing down the aisles. The first item that drew her was a tall, slim bow made of dark cherry wood with leaves and vines intricately carved into it. She picked it up and caressed it, it felt right in her hands. As Melina walked back to Legolas she gave a fleeting glance at a shiny sword before stepping away. She stopped and looked back at it longingly. Leaning the bow against the shelf Melina grasped the small, thin sword. The metal was so sharp Melina was afraid to pick it up, but she did. It was lighter than she had expected, it felt like she was hardly holding anything at all. She grasped the hilt firmly. It had leather bands wrapped around to make it easier to hold when her hand was slick with sweat or, she gulped in fear, blood.
"Do you like those?"
Melina jumped and nicked herself with the sharp blade. "Oh!"
"Oh! I'm so sorry. Forgive me Lady Melina." He grabbed her hand and wrapped a small piece of cloth over her cut.
"If I'm not allowed to call you 'my lord' you're not allowed to call me 'lady'." Melina fought to talk despite the slight throbbing she felt in her finger due to the butterflies taking flight in her stomach.
Still holding her hand he looked up. "Very well, you will call me Legolas and I will call you Melina." Melina nodded and smiled. "These are the ones you want?" She nodded again. Legolas grabbed a quiver full of arrows that had the same signature carvings as were on her bow. "Let us go to the training field."
Melina soon found herself in a large open field on the edge of a forest. All over there were male elves training in sword, hand to hand, and archery. "She was right…"
"Excuse me?" Legolas looked at her knowingly.
"Nothing." She tried to brush off what she said, but it wasn't going to work.
"Many of the female elves here don't know a sword from a bow, they think it is unimportant, but if we aren't around they won't know what to do to protect themselves. I want you to know how to protect yourself in case I'm….in case you are on your own." He wanted to say in case I can't protect you, if I'm called away and am not here, but he couldn't say that. Melina nodded feeling a little better about training. "Set your weapons over by that tree." Melina obeyed and returned to Legolas who was standing just outside of the shade. "We will focus on hand to hand combat first." Melina nodded gratefully. "Alright. Stand like this." Melina copied Legolas's position. He was standing straight with his knees slightly bent and his arms up protecting his throat and chest. She couldn't help but remember the phantom of the opera.
"Keep you hand at the level of your eye." She sang softly.
"Excuse me?"
"Oh." She blushed. "Nothing."
Legolas smiled. "We will start slow. You will block when I come at you." Melina nodded and tightened her fists. "No, do not tense. You must be like a river. You must flow and ebb, but be strong to erode the earth blocking your way. Be gentle and strong." Melina nodded, his words were so poetic she wondered again if this was real.
As Legolas moved his fist toward her face Melina almost let him hit her, all she did was flinch. Legolas had to clench his jaw in order not to curse. He wasn't mad at her, he was furious at who ever made her so afraid. "S-sorry." She saw the fury in his eyes and mistakenly believed it was directed at her.
"It is not your fault. I am actually a little relieved you dislike violence so much. But…you did not block, you simply flinched. Why?"
"I…" Melina looked down. How many times had Jason given her bruises or gotten in fights or screamed at her for being stupid? "It's nothing…It doesn't matter any more."
Legolas nodded. She would open to him when she was ready, or maybe she simply wanted to forget. "Alright, when I punch like this," he pushed his fist toward her face. "You will block like this." With his other hand he took her left hand and brought it up like a windshield wiper to block.
"Ok. Like Karate Kid."
"What?"
"Wax on," she moved her right hand. "Wax off." She moved her left hand.
"Um?"
"It's an Earth thing." She blushed. Legolas nodded, still confused.
"Shall we?" Melina nodded. Legolas moved his fist toward her again, this time she blocked. "Good." He punched again in slow motion, she blocked again. "Very good." They went at it for an hour or two and got to medium speed with Melina being able to block all punches. "Good. Let us now work on archery?" Melina nodded and grabbed her bow and quiver before joining Legolas a ways a way from a target. "I will save you the embarrassment of getting a bow from the quiver on your back, we will just set the quiver on the ground." Melina nodded again. "Now, do you know how to notch an arrow?"
"Umm…maybe?"
"Well go ahead and try." Melina nodded and tried to remember her freshman year in p.e. where they had a quarter of archery. By the feathers at the end was a slit in the wood to fit the string of the bow. Melina notched it then put her left index finger under the arrow to keep it level. "Very good." He watched her posture and made slight adjustments. Melina blushed and he couldn't resist the temptation. Positioning himself behind her he let his chest mold to her back, his arms went up to hers and he rested his head on her shoulder so his eye level was closer to hers. He felt her heat with a blush as he adjusted the level of her arrow. "You will want to keep both eyes open." Melina nodded. Legolas reluctantly stepped away. "Give it a try."
As she pulled the arrow back as far as she could Melina felt her arms tremble with the effort. She had been fairly good at archery in her freshman year of high school, but the arrows back then had been made of plastic and the target wasn't as far away. When she released the arrow it fell far short and way off target. Melina sighed heavily. "Here." Legolas handed her another arrow. "Notch it again." Melina did so then waited for his next instructions. Instead of receiving verbal instructions though, she felt his body once again mold to hers and a blush rose on her face again. He adjusted her level once again and helped her pull the string back. He pulled it back as far as he could pull it. "I'm going to let go now. Are you ready?" Melina braced herself and nodded. He released slowly and Melina felt the bow start to pull her hand back in, she struggled against it and tried to retain the position Legolas had helped her attain. "Alright. Release." Melina did so and her arrow actually hit the target, not the middle, but it embedded itself in the target. Melina jumped up and down excitedly before becoming bashful again. Legolas didn't mind though, she was opening up a little. "Try again." Melina tried for two more hours before Legolas told her they were done for the day. Most of her arrows hit the target but were not strong enough to stick. "You did very well. Let us stop by Gwendolyn's and see if she has any more clothes for you?" Melina nodded and rubbed her sore arms. She rolled up her left sleeve to her elbow and saw that it was very red. Despite her knowing that if she didn't hold her arm away from the bow it would get slapped and hurt, sometimes she had been unable to move her arm the right way. "Are you alright Melina?" She looked up; she liked the way he said her name.
"Yes, just a little sore and banged up." She smiled at him to let him know that it really was fine. He nodded and let it drop as they made their way to Gwen's shop. It was almost dark and Melina didn't even want to eat dinner, just go to bed.
Legolas led the way in and called for her. "Oh! Hello again. Nemin and I were wondering if Melina would like to come to our house for supper?"
Melina looked at Legolas unsure. He nodded at her encouragingly. "Sure. That sounds nice." Gwen nodded.
"Here, you can wear this and I've made a few other garments for you as well." Melina nodded her thanks as wrapped parcels and boxes were piled in her arms. "My Lord, if you don't mind." Gwen began piling parcels in his arms as well.
"Wow." Melina was completely taken aback by all the things she was getting at once. It was like her birthday all over again. Her birthday. Tears filled her eyes but she willed them away with all her mind.
"Nemin will be by to pick you up in two hours." Gwen turned back to her work and Melina was lead out of the shop by Legolas. Melina didn't notice him stop at her door and soon ran into his back.
"Careful." Legolas laughed.
"Sorry." Legolas opened Melina's door and stepped to the side. Melina hurried in and dropped her new garments on the bed. She moved so Legolas could do the same but noticed that he wasn't behind her as she had expected. "Um…Legolas? You can come in and put them on the bed. She heard him grunt as he entered and dropped them. "Thanks."
Legolas watched her carefully, she moved as if all her muscles were sore. "Through that door," he pointed to a door next to a dresser, across from her bed, "is a bath, you should use it before supper with Gwendolyn." He had a slight blush crossing his cheeks as he thought of her in the tub. He quickly pushed that image from his head and took his leave. "I will see you in the morning Melina."
"Good night Legolas." She shut the door after him and drew a bath.
As she sank into the hot steaming water filled with lavender oils she tried to relax, but to no avail. Her mind kept wandering to Earth and her family. What were they doing? Were they paying attention to Nate? Were they moving on with life as easily as she was? Suddenly guilt and sadness overwhelmed her and she buried her face in her hands, crying softly, then sobbing. She cried until she didn't think she could cry any more then looked at the numerous oils and crèmes. She couldn't read them, but she tested their consistency and scents before settling on lavender that looked the consistency of soap, shampoo and conditioner.
Walking to her room proved to be difficult as her muscles were screaming in pain. "I wish I had some Icy Hot or some Mineral Ice." She mumbled as she searched for the parcel Gwen had told her to wear that night it was buried at the bottom of the massive pile. Melina drew it out and saw a long blue gown with silver lining and star designs. "Oh." She whispered. After laying it on her bed so it wouldn't wrinkle Melina unwrapped her other parcels and put them away in the drawers and large wardrobe. She quickly stepped out of the cloth she was using to dry herself and into dark purple underwear and a bra that felt like they were made out of silk. Slowly she pulled the dress down her body until the bottom hung well below her feet. Melina breathed in awe of the beauty of the dress. She went to her wardrobe and pulled out a pair of silver slippers. As soon as she had them on her feet and her hair drawn back and tied loosely in silver fabric to show off her ears there was a knock at her door. "Um, coming." She slipped her second slipper on and answered the door to see Nemin waiting for her.
"Lady Melina." He offered his arm.
Melina took it nervously. "Please don't call me lady, just Melina."
"Aright then Just Melina." He smiled warmly and Melina couldn't help but smile back.
As they walked she took the time to study Nemin. He really was a perfect match for Gwen. Gwen was tall with long blonde hair, high cheek bones and sharp features. Nemin had sharper features and long brown hair. His eyes looked sharp but kind. He kind of reminded her of a kinder version of Elrond. "I hope the females of this city have not given you too much trouble?"
"No, after this morning I have not had any more run-ins with them." Nemin smiled in satisfaction. Soon they were at a house in the middle of the trees. Melina's eyes filled with wonder. Inside was warm and comforting, smells of food surrounded her.
"Oh. You're early." Gwen put a platter of meats on the table. "Forgive the mess."
Melina looked around at the incredibly cozy, clean home. "Mess?" Nemin and Gwen laughed.
"Come, let us eat." Melina nodded and sat at the table with the amazingly welcoming couple. "Are there any questions you have about our world?"
"Not really. In my world yours is in a book."
"Really? Tell us more about your world?"
"Um…Well…What do you want to know?"
"What kind of animals do you have there?" Nemin asked as he reached for his goblet of wine.
"Um…cats, dogs, lizards, snakes, bears—"
"What?" Gwen looked at her like she was naming the most bizarre creatures she'd ever heard of.
"Which one?"
"All of them?"
"Okay…" Melina spent the rest of dinner explaining every animal she could think of. "So you really don't have any of those?"
"We do have some of them, I guess we just have different names for them." Gwen explained as they cleared the dishes from the dinner table. "Let's go talk in the sitting room over tea." Melina nodded and they left Nemin to do the dishes. "So, is there anything you want to talk about?"
"I-I don't know what you mean…"
"Melina, I have had three children and dealt with much drama and crying." She looked at Melina with a soft motherly loving. "What did he do to you?"
Tears filled Melina's eyes. "He had sex with my friend, for six months." The tears spilled over, not as forcefully as before though. "I thought I loved him, I thought he loved me, but I was so stupid. Looking back on it, I don't know how I didn't see it. I never argued with him, I never got mad at him, but he was always mad at me, yelling at me…h-h-hitting me then apologizing. That's what they warn you about right? That they'll say they're sorry about it but it'll never stop?" Though Melina couldn't see it, tears filled Gwen's eyes as well. "My parents never knew, but, my little brother, he got shoved by Jason once. That was the only time I ever yelled at him. And because of that I had a bloody mouth, a broken nose, and a headache for a couple days." Gwen held Melina's head to her breast and looked over her head at Nemin who was clenching his fists in anger. Gwen nodded and Nemin left.
"Sweety, how did you get here?" Gwen tried to calm Melina and it seemed to work ever so slightly.
Melina moved away so she could sit up straight and try to talk clearly. "I…I walked in on Jason having sex with one of the girls that was supposed to be my friend. She kept asking me if I thought I was good enough for him, an ugly middle class girl like me. I went home and looked at my reflection and I knew she was right. She was so much more attractive than me, a much better match for him. So," She looked at her still bandaged hand. "I punched the mirror and wished I could get away from everything. I woke up here…and now…I might never go back…I might never see my parents or my brother or my cat or my friends ever again." Tears yet again spilled down her cheeks. "And the worst part is that I'm moving on and it's only been a couple days." She broke down again. "I'm...I'm demeaning them. I'm acting like they mean nothing to me! I'm so focused on Legolas because I've been in love with him since I read the books of this world that my own world and family don't mean anything to me!" She sobbed even more.
"Shhh, sh, sh, sh, sh." Gwen held her and five minutes later the front door opened. "Deary, of course your family matters to you. They always will. But you are dealing with it the only way you can." Legolas and Nemin walked into the living room. Nemin led Legolas to the kitchen and let Gwen and Melina finish.
"Thank you." Melina lifted her head again and sat back to drink her tea.
"Anytime sweety. Legolas is here to escort you home."
"Um…Thanks, but I think I want to be alone for a bit." Gwen nodded and led her out the door. She then went to the kitchen. "Legolas." He looked up from his tea. "We need to talk." He set down his cup and stared at her intently.
