I smiled at the peaceful garden and checked to make sure no one was around, before softly beginning to sing a song I had learned years ago somewhere.
"Promise me we'll stay for the sunset, and when the moon shines through the darkness."
I plopped with my back to the tree and smiled as I sang on, "We can find a path that leads us home. And on the way you'll, maybe, sing me a song.
Promise that you will always be there.
To hold my hand if ever I'm real scared.
Help me stand up tall, if I fall down.
Make me laugh away, on my bluest days."
My smile began to fall as I sang softer, " How could you promise that you'll always be there. Why'd you have to go away somewhere.
Every morning till every night.
Do you watch over me, like the stars in the sky?
Am I all alone or standing in your light?
I wish that I could, maybe, sing you a song. Tonight."
My smile returned and I nearly whispered, "You promised me that we'd stay for the sunset."
Grinning I jumped in surprise as I heard clapping and saw Elladan and Elrohir smiling at me. I squeaked, cheeks heating up and jumped up into the tree to hide and hid in the branches. Elrohir called, "Oh sorry miss, we didn't mean to startle you."
Elladan called, "Yes, please come down."
I closed my eyes and took a deep breath before jumping down to the lowest branch and swung upside down to face them, "Yes, what can I do for you?"
They blinked and I frowned, as they were silent. Swinging upright I landed softly in front of them and Cloud peered over my shoulder, "They really are identical aren't they?"
I cocked my head to the side and asked, "Well?"
Elrohir smiled and said politely, "First may we have your name?"
I smiled softly, blush beginning to fade and said, "My name is Ariana, and this is Cloud."
Elrohir nodded and said, "Sorry for startling you, we were just taking a walk when we heard your singing."
I smiled a bit wider; "Well I'm sorry for jumping like that."
Elladan grinned, "Some jump too, like a little rabbit."
I smirked and said. "Then you're a squirrel." I wasn't about to let him insult me without fighting back, Prince or no.
He blinked and stepped in front of me, hands on hips, "well then your a bug."
I smirked, "Then you're a pile of horse dung."
He gave a snort and his hand swung and smacked the back of my head, "Don't talk back to your elders."
I yelped from the smack and smacked his shoulder, "Don't hit a lady!"
He glared and I stuck my tongue at him and said, "Bleh, dung face."
He grabbed my cheeks and pulled, "What was that worm?"
I squeaked, then grabbed his ears and growled, "Let go before I make you into a rabbit!"
We glared, sparks flying and Elrohir said gently, "Now you two, enough."
We growled at each other and let go. I rubbed my cheeks and wined, "Owie! You nearly tore them off!"
He gave a grunt, rubbing his own ears, "Stop wining."
I glared, "Make me, squirrel dung!"
Elrohir sighed and stepped between us and I sighed as Cloud nudged me, "Alright, fine. So anyway, what would your highnesses want with me? I did apologize."
Elladan shook his head, and Elrohir explained, "No, we heard from father that you were from another world and wanted to know what it was like."
That got me to stare at them, and I had to ask, "Why?"
They looked at each other then smiled, "Duh, curiosity."
I blinked and had to smile. I shrugged and plopped next to the tree and said, "Grab a seat. So what did you want to know?"
They sat down in front of me and Cloud started eating grass nearby. Elrohir said, "Well, Father said that you were a warrior and from another world. We would like to know what it's like."
I cocked my head to the side, thinking, "Well, it's much like this world. Except we have monsters and demons that we battle to survive. Kind of like the orcs and goblins here."
Elladan interrupted, "Wait how old are you?"
I said patiently, "18 1/2."
Elladan raised an eyebrow, "You mean you've battle monsters at your age?"
I nodded, trying to keep from smiling, "Yes, for a while now. I'm not one to stand by when people need help."
They thought a minute and Elrohir asked, "He also mentioned you had a brother, is he here as well?"
I shook my head sadly; "He passed away a few days ago."
They looked at me sympathetically and I grinned, "But he taught me a lot and was a good brother, so I'm not too sad."
They smiled at me, and I smiled back and asked, "Anything else you want to know?"
They glanced at each other and then Elrohir asked, "What about your parents?"
I shrugged, "Died when I was about 5-6 years old."
Elladan raised an eyebrow and asked, "Are you sure you can fight? No offense, but your rather small."
I snorted, not offended. I heard that a lot. "So? I can still handle a sword."
Elrohir grinned, "Prove it."
I grinned back, "Training area in ten minutes?"
He nodded and we stood and went to get our weapons. Cloud shook he head in amusement at me and went to the training ground as I hurried to my room and gathered my weapons and hurried back out excitedly. I got there ahead of them and stood beside Cloud to wait and thought about the journey ahead.
I sighed and looked up at the palace and said, "Frodo should be waking up soon."
She looked and gave a nod. I sighed and leaned against her shoulder, "Then we head off on the journey."
I rubbed my forehead thinking, "Wait, we're going to be traveling through places where a horse can't go."
I looked at her a bit fearfully and she reached back and nuzzled my arm, "Well, when that time comes, I'll have to go off until we can meet again."
I bit my lip thinking about it. Cloud watched me and I finally gave a sigh, "Your right, though I don't like it."
I smiled at her and hugged her, "We may be separated, but we'll still be in contact."
Cloud nodded and said gently, "And if you ever need me, call and I'll charge to you."
I grinned, feeling relieved and cocked my head in thought, again leaning against her shoulder and thought about where we would be able to meet again. I finally said, "I'm not sure when we would meet again, when I'm sure, I'll call."
She nodded and Elrohir and Elladan walked up. Elrohir smirked, "Ready to lose?"
I smirked back, facing him, "That's my line."
We drew our swords and I made the first move. I lunged in with a side cut, which he blocked. He made to retaliate at my head and I blocked and parried.
He looked surprised by my moves and speed, for a mortal.
Smirking I did a crescent cut and he barely blocked and nearly got me in a sweep, nearly taking out my leg but I jumped just in time. We attacked each other in a flurry of blows before we both froze. My sword was pointing at his heart, and his was next to my neck.
We both panted for a bit before grinning widely and stepping away. We sheathed our swords and he held out his hand, "not bad, for a mortal."
I chuckled, "Not bad for an elf."
Elladan grinned at us and I knew we would be good friends. Then an elf ran up and whispered in Elladan's ear. He nodded and smiled at me, "We need to talk to father, see you later Ariana."
I nodded and waved bye as they left. Then as my hand fell, my stomach gave a growl. I blushed and said, "Looks like it's time for lunch."
Cloud whickered, "Oh I can go for some oats right now."
I laughed and we headed back and I separated as I walked into the palace and she went to the stables. Humming a bit, I made my way down the hall and saw Feanor walking towards me. I smiled and waved, "Glad to see your alright Feanor."
He stared and then smiled, "Ah the trespasser, how are you?"
I smiled softly, "Good, glad to see you up."
He smiled and said, "Yes, thanks to you."
I blushed a bit and waved it off, "Nah, just a bit here and there. Well, I'm off to see someone, are you heading for Glorifin?"
He nodded and said, "Thank you again. Goodbye." I waved after him and smiled, glad he was better.
