Disclaimer: See chapter one
Thanks to my Beta JediKnight. Everybody say thanks!!! Here is chap four, I hope you will enjoy it. And i thank everyone who has read it for far and the reviews!!!
On with the story...
Chapter four: Troubled
"We are the champions,
my friends
And we'll keep on fighting
till the end
We are
the champions
We are the champions,
No time for losers
'cause
we are the champions
of the world"
We were singing in my room for good old times. It has been a week since we arrived here in Rivendell, and I must say that I adapted rather fast to my new lifestyle. Kate was lying on my bed while I sat on the floor with my back against the bedpost. Kate was playing with my hair which she always did, even when we were small. After we sang the chorus, we started to laugh.
"Oh, God! I miss home." Kate said, sighing. I crooked my neck to look at her.
"Me too. But if you get the opportunity to return home would you take it?" I asked her. I watched her thinking.
"I don't know… No, I guess. I like it here."
I looked back at the balcony doors. I liked it here too. Every day I was training with the twins or Glorfindel and soon I can join the patrol or wherever they are gonna put me. Actually I'm quite nervous about that.
"What about you?" she asked me.
"Well, I like it here too. Nice people, fresh air and you don't need to worry about life so much. Well, the life we knew. We got food everyday and a place to stay. I'm really not complaining." I told her.
"You right… but I was wondering; how did we ended up here anyway. I'm been asking myself that almost the entire week and I'm not coming up with any answers?"
Good question. "I think the Polar Light has something to do with it, or the accident." I had forgotten about the accident we had been in. Thinking back, it brought chills down my spine. Sometimes I saw the lights in my dreams. The fear and pain I still experience was sometimes so intents that I couldn't sleep for the rest of the night.
"Do you… do you think we died in that accident?" She said with a small voice. Guess I wasn't the only one with bad dreams. I shrugged.
"I don't really know, but my gut tells me we did." I turned back to look at her. "But don't worry about it. We are alive and well, so we just thank the Valar for that."
"Yeah… You know what, why don't we sneak out of Rivendell and look at the stars and thank them there." She said to me in excitement. I smiled. Why not, it was a nice thought. She jumped off the bed while I pulled myself up right. I took one of my swords and gave one to Kate. I pulled the door open and peeked outside. Nobody was in the hallway. I nodded to my friend and together we walked away from my room.
Kate started to hum the Mission Impossible theme and I tried not the snicker. We stuck close to the walls and in the shadows. I don't know why we acted like thieves, but it was fun. Suddenly I heard footsteps ahead of me and I stopped. Kate crashed into me and I pulled her into a alcove. I peeked around again and saw an Elf walking away.
Kate sighed and smiled. I smiled too. Soon we found our way to the gardens and run toward an open space. We couldn't leave the Realm without alarming the guards on duty, but we found a secure spot under the stars. I saw Kate dropping herself onto the ground and I did the same and laid on my back. There were no clouds in the velvet sky and the stars twinkled down at us. I rendered me speechless for awhile. We sent silent prayers toward the sky to thank the Valar at least that we were still alive. We laid there for several hours, neither of us needed to talk.
"Alex, can I asked you something?"
"Sure."
"How are we to move on?" She asked. I thought about that too. It wasn't that we had much of a choice. I sighed and watched the stars. Eärendil was shining brightly in the sky. I still though it was weird that the star was actually an Elf with a Silmaril upon his brow. Strange indeed.
"Like we always do, Kate. This life isn't so bad, besides me anyway, and we have Celebrian to back us up." I looked at her. "Just be yourself, I guess."
Kate smiled, then nodded. Suddenly she jumped on me and started to tickle me. But with my manly strength, I threw her off me and tickled her instead. I got a few giggles and laughs out of her. But then suddenly pain exploded between my legs when it made contact with her knee. I suddenly saw stars and the pain, people, the pain was horrible.
"I'm so sorry!!!" Kate said, apologizing.
"Girl. Watch out were you kick next time!" I moaned, rolling on my back. Now I knew how painful it was when you got kicked between the leg. I suddenly started to pity the male population, because this wasn't very enjoyable. This, ladies and gentlemen, was the disadvantage of being a male.
I hauled myself up and started to walk around to endure the slightly disappearing pain. Kate looked quite guilty of what she has done. Normally this wouldn't happen. We did that all the time, as females. He caught her eyes and grinned. "It's alright. I'm ok." I saw her visually sighing.
"I'm really sorry… how does that feel like?"
I stared at her in disbelieve. Did she hit her head or something? "You don't wanna know, honey. Leave it that way."
"Right… sorry again."
"Would you stop apologizing, p-lease." I smiled. Kate came and hugged me. He gave her one back. "Maybe it's time to return."
"Yeah, you're right."
Together we went back to Homely House of Rivendell. We said good night and I went back to my room. Once inside I started to curse in several languages I knew, went to the bathroom, emptied my bladder and went to bed. For all the boys out there, I sympathize with you all.
Elrond of Rivendell was standing on his balcony overlooking the Valley. It was once again a beautiful morning, almost noon anyway. When his eyes caught the training field, he watched when a red haired Elf engaged in a duel with two identical dark haired Elves. He had his questions about the newest addition to the Elves that were living in Imladris now.
His wife may not show it, but he was quite worried about it, Lady Kate a bit less, then the red haired one. His son was right, not many elves had that colour anymore. But in his heart he knew that they didn't mean harm. Only a small sense of tingling in the back of his mind kept him alert.
Suddenly his Seneschal was on the terrace. He must have been very deep in thought if he didn't hear Glorfindel enter. Elrond sighed and watched the duel.
"What do you think about him?" Glorfindel asked. Elrond was quiet for a few minutes.
"I don't see anything wrong about him. Surely I find this hard to believe that two elves wandered around in the wild with no reason at all." Elrond replied.
"Their friendship with Man?"
Elrond looked at him and smiled. " Yes, very strange indeed." He looked back over the valley. "His fighting style is very remarkable and the rumours say that he is the only one who can keep up with you."
Glorfindel smirked. "He does… he doesn't use his swords but his whole body. I've been living for a long time now and I have never seen anyone fight like that, men alike, which leaves me confused."
"To true."
"And the Lady Kate isn't that bad either." Glorfindel replied. Elrond looked surprised.
"What do you mean, my friend?"
"When I was watching the both of them, I caught them sparing in the fields. It seems that Lady Kate is very good with a quarterstaff and has the same way of fighting as Lord Beriadan." He explained. Elrond arched his eyebrows. Then he left the balcony and went into his study, followed by Glorfindel. He placed himself in his chair and waiting for nothing in particular. Then he eyed his Seneschal.
"When is the next patrol going out?"
Glorfindel looked outside for a minute. "In three days, with your sons and myself. We are going to relieve the guards close to the western borders, my Lord."
"Good. Take Alex with you. It will not be a problem." Elrond replied.
"As you wish, that's why I was here, my friend." Glorfindel said, smiling. Elrond gave him the look.
"Not my presence, Glorfindel?" He mocked. The golden haired Elda grinned.
"No. Actually, I will be glad to get out of Rivendell for awhile."
"Now you are hurting my feelings."
"Only for a short time, my friend." The Seneschal bowed and let the Elf-lord to himself; Elrond smiled at the retreating back of his old friend. He still thanked the Valar for such a good friend. He couldn't complain.
I felt good. The reason: well I had a good couple of spares with the Elves and even the twins were nice to work me out. After the nice little training, I took a much deserved bath and put on some nice fresh clothes. Then I wandered around Rivendell and enjoyed the view. I stopped here and there to take in some air and admired the sight that Imladris gave. After a time you started to learn all the nice spots in the Last Homey House, but it never tired you. You will find always some new stuff around the House anyway. Like now for instead.
I was walking down the corridor that let out side to the garden, took a few turns and then stopped in my tracks, letting my jaw fell down the ground. I couldn't believe what I was witnessing. Kate and Elrohir were sucking faces, right in the middle of the clearing. And I just ran into them. Slowly and silently, I moved back out of earshot. Lucky for them, they didn't see me. so I turned back and leaned against a trunk, waiting.
I knew this was going to happen. Kate had her eyes on one of the twins for several days now. But so soon? Well, that was Kate for you. She looked happy. But it made me jealous, somehow. Not that I wanted her for myself, p-lease, I'm a girl. Sort of. Anyway, I'm glad for her. But still, I just hope that Elrohir doesn't pull a Greg and hurt her. That made me smile. As soon as I catch that Elf I'll have a few words with him.
Suddenly I heard some movement from the path that I came from. Then Kate came walking down the path, cheeks red and lips swollen. I smiled. The power of Love. Still, standing against the tree, I watched until I made myself aware.
"Beautiful weather, isn't it?" I said cheerfully.
Kate turned around, first she looked shocked then relieved. "Alex! What are you doing here?"
I arched an eyebrow. "Why, enjoying some fresh air, of course."
She smiled.
So I went and broke the ice. "So, you and Elrohir are getting along good together, ah. But next time, get a room before you two go at it." That got some reactions, which was priceless. Kate turned red in the face from embarrassment and looked like a fish on the dry.
"You…"
"Yeah, that's right. Some of us like to take a stroll in the garden. So mostly we don't anticipate something like that. You have no tact, girl. Some people would take a room or go behind a bush or something, you know. Not in the middle of a garden for everyone to see." I told her. She shrugged and looked me in the eye.
"Well, some of us do have someone to love or make out with, unlike others." She retorted back. Ok, that hit a nerve.
"What?! Would you care to repeat that?" I shot back, narrowing my eyes. Kate, seeing her mistake, put her hand in front of her mouth, eyes wide.
"Alex, I-"
"Don't even start with me, Kate. How many times did I tell you not to talk about this! How many?" I shouted. I was really pissed. Not only could I love someone back, but also being stuck in a male body was even worse and now she came around talking like this. "I thought you were my friend. I know I have problems with the opposite sex, but like this. I'm happy for you, but are you happy for me?"
"Do you think this is my fault? I didn't wish to end up here, Alex. I didn't make Elrohir love me and I know how hard it is for you. I'm sorry." She cried back.
I was fuming. I couldn't believe we had this fight. I felt some tears forming in my eye corners. "I… I wished this never happened. I want to be loved to, but not like this. I'm sorry, but I just…" I turned around and left. I heard Kate calling back for me, but I didn't listen. I couldn't stand to see Kate kiss Elrohir or any other elf. Because she had something I could never have, unless the Valar or any other high power gave me back my own body. But that will never happen.
I flew up the stairs, passed every single Elf on the way, but they didn't stop me. I didn't care at the moment. Besides there was no rule that you couldn't run in the corridors, if not Elrond himself would stop me from going. I arrived at my room, threw open the door and went inside. I don't know how long I sat there brooding until I heard someone knock at my door. I called out and the person in question (thank God it wasn't Kate) came in.
Glorfindel looked at me. I stared back, placed my poker face on. Nobody needed to meddle in my affairs. "Good evening, my Lord."
The seneschal nodded. "You weren't at dinner. Something wrong?"
I shook my head. "No, I wasn't hungry." Whoa, the Balrog slayer was worried about little old me? The sky must be falling.
"Very well. Elrond has decided to put you on patrol duty." The Eldar explained. I looked surprised. "The next patrol will leave in three days, make sure everything is needed before we depart."
"We?" I asked.
"Yes. I'm captain of the guard and the twins will join us."
"Great. I Can hardly wait." I said. Maybe its for the best. A few days in the wild will work off my frustration and Kate will be alone as well to think about her little stunt. I crossed my arms and nodded. "I'll be ready. When do we leave and how?"
Glorfindel smiled. "At dawn, with horses. I believe you haven't one yet?" I nodded. "Search for the twins. They will help you with it. We will take our basic gears with us. We travel light as possible."
"Sure, no problem."
"Good. If there are any questions, feel free to ask." With that he left. I stood still for a few moments. So the moment has come to prove myself worthy. That also meant to scrap together some gear which I have no clue of what that consisted of. Damn. Guess I needed to call in help from the twins, which I was going to do anyway. One thing was for sure; I couldn't wait to get out of here.
I followed the twins towards the pen where many horses stood there grazing. When I arrived at the fence I couldn't believe my eyes of the numbers. Maybe I hadn't told anyone about this, but I love horses. My father uses to have a horse when I was a little girl. He took my out riding, with me in the front. So I had some knowledge about horses. But these were Elvish horses, but horses nonetheless. I tried not to think about my family, but suddenly I was hauled out of my musing.
"Well, here we are." I thought it was Elladan. "Go right in, Alex. And pick one you like."
I looked at him in shock. Pick one I like? I stared back at the horses, mustered my courage, jumped over the fence and took easy steps towards the horses. Suddenly a piercing whistle ran through the paddock. Like synchronized, all horses turned their neck toward us and started to gallop right at me. I took a step back out of fear. But the horses skidded to a halt in front of me. I held my breath. It was like a stampede.
I heard the twins laugh their asses off behind me. I turned around and gave him my best death glare. But it didn't help. "You could have warned me, gwenyn (twins). Don't worry, I'll get you back." I patted them. One of them arched an eyebrow.
"Really, Lord Alex?"
I 'harrumped' and turned my attention toward the horses. They were watching me, some of them went back grazing while others were staring me curiously. I took a deep breath and walked between them. There were so many choices. But I wanted my horse to be a special one. There many coloured one, but no dark ones. Like black or very dark brown. It seemed they were reserved for the Dark Lord. But then one horse caught my attention.
It stood far away from the entire herd. I couldn't see which gender it had, so I walked toward it. It started to neigh and it ears laid flat on his neck. A trouble maker, huh. I looked back at the twins. They were very quiet and… serious? The horse started to stomp with his foot. But it didn't scare me, so I walked closer with my hand in front of me. The horse didn't move, only looked very nasty at me. I stopped twenty feet away from him.
Ever saw the 'Horse Whisper'? Well, I was doing it now. I waited for the horse to come to me. It is still an animal, but they are smart as well, especially Elven horses. The horse didn't make any moves, until I started to speak; his ears went up.
"Well, my friend. Don't be afraid of me." I said calmly. The horse looked at me. It was a beautiful one, with his brown-red coat and strong legs. It had a little star on his brow in a form of a spear, and two pair of socks on his front legs. A truly magnificent horse.
"Let's make a deal. I need a horse and I think you are the most beautiful of all and I like you colour. Like my own. So, what do you say, my friend?" Call me girly, but that's the best way of persuading a horse. By speech. But of course, not all horses did that. But I hoped it worked. The horse swapped his tail from one side to the other until it took a step forward. He nuzzled his nose against my hand and I smiled. "Good …" I looked down, under his belly. "… boy." I started to pat him on the neck. He sniffed at me. I turned around to look at the twins. Their jaws were literally hitting the ground. Then I swung myself on top the horse. He felt a bit uneasy, but I encouraged some words against him. Then he broke into a gallop.
He literally flew over the grassy plains. He was indeed a carefree and fast horse, one that suited my liking. Then we made toward the fence were the Elven brothers watched us with mostly confusion and surprised and… jealous. What can I say? I loved horses.
"I will not ask how you manage to do that." Elrohir said, shaking his head.
"Why?" I asked, still on top of my horse.
"He is the most troublesome horse and you manage to pick him of all horses. I don't understand." Elladan explained. "Even the brave Lord Glorfindel thinks twice before he approaches this horse."
I looked surprised, arching my eyebrows. Then I patted the horse underneath me. "Troublesome? I think not. I like him very much." Then I looked at the twins. "Does he have a name?"
"He does, but it is custom to give him a new name." Elrohir said. I thought about a good name and found one quickly.
"Hotaru."
"Hotaru? That's a strange name. what does it mean?" Elladan said, confused. I know, it isn't even an Elvish word, but Japanese. But I wasn't about to tell them that.
"Firefly."
"Firefly?… It fits him." One of the twin told me. I nodded. Of course it fits him. Just look at his fur. I dismounted and gave my new friend a pat on his neck.
"Very well." Elrohir told us. "Let us return to the stable with Hotaru." The name didn't roll quite nice from his tongue. I smiled at that. Elladan opened the fence and I stepped through it, followed by Hotaru. Then the Elf closed it again. The twins walked at the front with me behind them and Hotaru a few paces behind me. Soon as I saw the stables, I had to laugh. The stable workers who were working outside, stopped in their work to watch my horse with wide eyes in fear.
The twins had to reassure them that Hotaru wasn't running free. I shook my head and walked inside the barn, close followed by my horse. One of the stable helpers opened a stall for Hotaru to walk in. Soon as the horse was inside, he tried to take a bit out of the poor Elf. I laughed and swatted Hotaru away. The Elf in question left as fast as he came. The twins were amused by this as well. So, the day ended with me having a new horse who soon will become my best friend.
Well, did you like it, hate it? I don't care, but leave a review behind. I love reviews, but it is fun writing anyway.
AN: Hotaru means Firefly in Japanese, but Unnor in sindarin, creature of fire. There are no words in Sindarin for 'fly'.
Song is by Queen, like you didn't know.
Until next… with the twins on patrol and a suspicious Glorfindel
Kisses
Jessie
