A/N: And here we go. The new chapter is up. Fair warning some more mature happenings in this one. Enjoy.
(11. 10. 2017): I thought about the ending of the interrogation more and more and found it lacking. I revised it to have a more believable impact.
(5. 11. 2017): It's Nanowrimo time and About Alice is the center interest of my writing - thus I won't post new chapters till the end of November. The first draft for whole Arc II and maybe ARC III will be finished by then. So from December as I will revise I will post all the chapters as they will be finished. Stay tuned.
Chapter VIII
- XXXII -
As she looked up, her breath caught in her throat. One moment, they were alone on the riverbank, the next they were surrounded by six men, far too tall, their silhouettes darker against the tenebrous background of the forest behind them.
A quick step backward in surprise and she bumped into Hador, his hand strong on her shoulder as he pushed her to the side, not sparing her even a glance.
The rangers, it seemed, were unphased, exchanging a few words in a titillating language that when spoken by the strangers, left her with goose bumps all over her arms and legs.
She wanted to ask who the strangers were.
What they were.
How could she even start to describe them? Alice was not sure.
Her stomach knotted at hearing them, at seeing them. She wanted to extend her hand and touch them to confirm they were real and not illusions of the twilight. To taste them… and that was clearly a disturbing thought. Alice would have laughed at imagining herself licking their skin if it wouldn't send a sharp spike of desire down her spine. What was wrong with her?
And then she froze, as the eyes of the men surrounding her were on her - watching. Were they discussing her? Could they know what she felt? Heard her heart quickening? Her mouth was suddenly dry unable to utter a single word.
Alice silently cursed her lack of concentration. Their eyes were unnerving and she squeezed her legs involuntarily together, for the first time really glad for wearing a dress instead of pants as no one saw her doing so. At least she hoped they hadn't seen her shift.
Fortunately, their attention quickly turned back to the conversation at hand and she was left alone for the time being.
She wanted to sigh with relief, shudder with the excitement. Alice felt heat creep up her cheeks.
Then all the eyes were back upon her, dispassionate as if unraveling her being layer after layer.
What did I do? But the question on the tip of her tongue was not asked as she was beaten to it.
"She may come. But her eyes must be bound. Lead her, or leash her. I care not, but we will not wait."
"Wait..., what… don't I get a say in this?" Instead of a reply, strong hands of a ranger wrapped a sash around her head, and the world went dark. The very same hand grabbed her wrist, and dragged her forward in swift strides, forcing Alice to run and stumble to keep up.
Is this really so much of an improvement over the slaver? Alice's hope faded and flickered as they dragged her on and on, her head pulsing in unison with her heart, light due to her short breath and heavy with the strange scent of the newcomers.
The sound of rushing blood in her ears mingled with the voices of a multitude of rushing waters. They stopped abruptly, and she bumped into her guide's back.
"Are we there yet?" she mumbled in between his shoulder blades.
"Actually, yes." The ranger pulled off the sash, and a moonlit valley unveiled itself before her eyes. The whispering streams were akin to cascades of iridescent stones falling off the edges of the cliffs. Interwoven with the precipitous stone walls were towers, colonnades and lithe bridges lit in warm yellow light of countless lanterns. Fresh air, carrying the spray of waterfalls and scent of spicy pine blew into her face. At their feet, a silvery path wound its way towards the valley's heart.
And there it stood.
"Imladris, last homely house. " one of the newcomers whispered.
A pregnant moment for them all, even for her as she blinked into the night adjusting her vision to the glowing valley below her. It was breathtaking...
Then they moved, letting her go on by her own for the first time from the moment at the river bank. Not once the men that they met by the river, now walking swiftly and silently, looked at her. It appeared she didn't even exist for them. Only Hador looked at her time and again with a slight scowl.
It was beyond her what were they thinking. She was too tired from the whole ordeal. Bath and bed would be wonderful right now and she hoped she would get both once they reached the city.
As they crossed the first bridge their escort disappeared speaking with the rangers in that overly melodic language. It sounded almost like… no, it sounded like nothing she had heard so far and once again the too pleasant shivers ran down her spine. Now, this was outright weird. All this tension in the air and all. She felt like a teenager on her hormone rampage. Oh fine.
Her thoughts were rudely interrupted by the hand on her elbow. Not too tight, but definitely demanding, dragging her in the direction of the main house. Alice focused and nearly choked out something inappropriate. A woman of unearthly beauty, a head and half taller than she was looking at her with soft eyes, pulling her towards their destination insistently, but gently like someone would a tired child. So she let her. Too stunned, speechless she followed.
Through slender bridges and open paths in the gardens illuminated by gentle glowing lanterns, they reached the house. Alice was not sure whether it was a house or a palace. Maybe a cross between the two? The female urged her up the sidewise staircase, through the open archways, then deeper into the house where the corridors were taller and had an ancient quality to them. She lost count how many turns they made and how many crossroads they walked by. On some, they met someone, but on most, the place looked more deserted than lived in.
Alice had no time for contemplation as she was rushed to a room. As she looked out of the open window they were on the second floor in the east wing. The chamber, because it was definitely one, looked deserted but still prepared for guests. The blond haired woman ushered her to the next room. Only then they stopped in their haste. And that was her first real opportunity to look more closely around.
They stood in a smaller room that on the first sight looked as a well-furnished bathroom, with a large tub, a basin with fresh water and a recliner.
A bath in a real tub. Oh, Alice's hopes went up. She turned to the woman wanting to thank her when the silky haired, too tall woman grasped her laces on her dress.
"No, no thank you, I can do it by myself."
"Given how filthy you are, I am certain you will require ample assistance." The woman continued without even looking up from her work.
Alice battered her hands away backing. "Really thank you for leading me here, but I can bath myself quite well, thank you very…"
Her accent was heavy, filled with the titillating sounds of her mother tongue, "Nonsense, young ladies should never bathe themselves alone. And now stop squirming. We have to get you presentable, quickly."
"Presentable?" Alice squeaked as the woman's long fingers brushed her bare back peeling her filthy and sweaty dress down. She almost forgot to ask.
"Presentable for what?"
"To meet the Lord of course. Your companions will receive an audience first and then it is your place to inform the council about what you have seen. I was told by the Housekeeper to make you passable and accompany you to the council lest you run afoul of our customs."
"Couldn't the council wait until morning?" Alice was panicking as the woman was getting closer to get her undergarments down. "I am honestly too tired. You see, we were walking for the last five days."
"Oh young Lady, I understand. But this is not my place to question Lord Elrond and his councilors decision. The Lord Erestor asked me to prepare you for the meeting. So, no more talking." Her hand once again grasped her linen underwear and Alice jerked backward.
"Ah little one, I almost forgot you are one of the Edain. You need not be afraid of me." She smiled reassuringly. "Have you not seen a firstborn before?"
Afraid? No, she was not afraid. Uncomfortable - that was the correct word. And no she had not seen them - ever. They call themselves first born? What was that? "I have not… My Lady, I can..." her cognitive functions seemed to stop working as she could not get herself to answer a simple question.
The woman understood too quickly as she sighed and smiled even more reassuring at her.
"You can call me Aglareth, little one. Now come. Into the tub with you. The water will get cold if you linger." Before she could blink, her chiffon was down and she was pushed in the direction of the tub. Instinctively, Alice crossed her hands in front of her breast, shielding herself.
Her face red, she could feel the heat blossom on her cheeks, crawl slowly down her neck and spread on the top of her breasts. She was naked in front of this elven woman who looked like a goddess cut out from some modeling magazine and even more. Her beauty was ethereal, her touch light but firm as she pushed her down, making her sit in the tub. The water was warm, oh and so pleasant. She would enjoy it even more if she would be alone.
Alice pushed her knees up, crossing her ankles and hugged herself. She must have looked like a little girl, because the elven woman started to make shushing, soothing noises, but she still slathered her hands in some kind of fragrant soap. It invaded her senses. A little bit bitter, but mostly fresh, the alluring scent seemed to refresh her.
"What, what is it?"
"An ointment to refresh you, little one. You seemed to be bone weary and frightfully jumpy. Have you never had an ointment mixed of hypericum and athelas? It will soothe your aches and improve your state of mind." And as she spoke, her hands rubbed the substance into her neck and shoulders, arms and back in hypnotizing circles, pushing and kneading, luring her to relax and let go. It was hard to resist, so finally, reluctantly she let her hands fall to her sides and allowed herself to loosen up.
Alice's muscles unwound, the aches of previous days faded into a distant throb and the warm water lulled her into a half-slumber. Her head empty of anything, the treatment could have lasted five minutes or an hour, she wouldn't know. Alice leaned against the bathtub, almost bonelessly adrift in the water, breath leaving her in small puffs. It was pleasurable as the first shivers run down her arms, her nipples hardening…
Alice's eyes flew open and she scrambled in the bathtub to a more proper sitting position. What the hell just happened?
Aglareth was smiling knowingly as she continued to wash her inner thighs and continuing higher. Her moves sure and deliberate but without any passion, Alice jerked as she touched her core and her breath left her in a whoosh.
"Plea…. plea..." Alice coughed clearing her throat "I can wash there, please let me finish it." Oh, it sounded that much desperate as her confused body wanted more.
"Do not be silly," Aglareth replied noncommittally. Her voice brooked no argument.
It happened all too quickly to get her even more embarrassed than she already was. One touch, a stroke in the right place and Alice's breath left her in a whoosh of surprised crescendo, her body appreciating the tingling pinnacle leaving her mouth dry.
The golden-haired woman then turned and called in her warm mother tongue to someone in the adjacent room leaving her the time to compose herself.
The warmth of an afterglow left her body in a pleasant heaviness and her head with a very clear idea what had just happened. Was "that" something normal here? Should she say something or do something or… the cooling water splashed around her in little waves as she shivered. It seemed her further examination of the situation would be fruitless as Aglareth hoisted her out of the tub, two pairs of hands towelled her down and dressed her in a soft underdress and a grey long-sleeved gown as if nothing had happened.
They were off in a flutter of skirts as Aglareth ushered her from the guest rooms thanking the other elf on their way out.
- XXXIII -
The halls were empty. High arches, open corridors, the moon was visible in its crescent form and many elves were in the great hall singing, their voices echoing through the valley alongside the roar of falling waterfalls. As they turned corner her steps seemed too loud even for her ears, disturbing the tranquil atmosphere of the place. Alice felt like an intruder of an overly colourful dream. What was she doing here? Why was she here? She wanted to be back home. But home was so abstract a word in this moment she was really not sure where it was.
Now she had to play a charade with these people in the middle of the night when the only thing she wanted was to get herself to bed and sleep until she would wake... in HER bed. So she was childish and what. She can be childish at least once in awhile. So what, so what...
The whiff of scent from long blond hair made her hormones play havoc. From the moment in the bath, it was one tantalizing rollercoaster that she was unable to stop. For heaven's sake, why was everything here so alluring? Even the air was heady with the fragrance of arousal or was she imagining things? She had to somehow control herself if she was to survive this meeting.
Alice made herself listen to Aglareth as they stopped in front of the antechamber. As she could tell, everything here was furnished lavishly in deep browns and golden hues. Leafy motives, berries, and wines all in harmony. Her eyes wandering Aglareth cleared her throat to catch her attention.
"You are not listening little one. It won't do." Her voice reproachful, she sighed. "Once more, but very briefly, as time is scarce: Do not speak unless spoken to, answer questions in full, factually and do not stray, and most importantly, do not look at anybody's face for longer than ten heartbeats."
"Should I count them?"
"What do you say? Count what?" Aglareth sighed as she saw that the girl wasn't paying any attention, not to understand what was required of her. She would get a dressing down if the girl didn't mind her hopefully adjust manners.
Aglareth sighed "Recite me what I just said please. You are after all going to meet just the Lord and only his council."
- XXXIV -
Sitting in front of them was unbearable. They were all too regal in status, unblemished, charismatic, overwhelming and altogether too good looking. Alice was unsure, how else she should describe them. From the moment they crossed the ford and she saw the first of them, until this moment, when the Lord of Rivendell pushed her to a breaking point, she was drowning in their presence.
Her heart fluttered in a quick rhythm. Too quick, like a rabbit. How could she successfully get her story to pass as plausible when she couldn't hold her thoughts together? Impossible, it was impossible. They were too perceptive, too perfect, too alluring...
Alice shivered. Should she declare defeat? Openly? What would be the cost?
She lowered her lashes, hiding her thoughts in this gesture, her head still on the backrest. Looking at her hands lying like tired birds in her lap, her nails now too clean. How must she look to them? All her strength was gone, replaced by fatigue. Was the lord talking to her? Was he? She looked up.
The intensity of his stare pierced her. Head still tilted back, chin up, she focused all her left energy to gather her courage. So be it, she decided in a split second, she would push all her chips in. Did they want the truth? They should get it. The full one, ugly one and with a barely contained snarl she pushed herself from the chair and started pacing.
In retrospect, she had to look like a lunatic. But it was his fault. The Lord's. He pushed too far, he probed too deep. In that moment she hated him. How dared he to try and uncover her, lay her bare before him and his council. Who was he who wanted her soul?
She paced, three steps to the right, then turn and six back to the other side and back again. Once, twice, never saying a word, muttering under her breath. The lot of them just sitting there and waiting - unreadable to her. Alice glared particularly at nothing as she made another brisk turn. How to begin? This drove her crazy.
"Enough!" the commanding voice was not the Lord's. Her head snapped up once again meeting the gaze of the dark-haired elf sitting next to the Lord. "Stand still Lady and speak. The council has no time for your foolishness."
If nothing else, it ended her crusade of wearing the marbled floor down. It seemed her time was up. No one was smiling except the Lord. This whole charade lasted less than half an hour altogether when he had her pinned and she was now, while not ready, unwillingly spilling her guts.
"Fine," she growled, tugging on her unfamiliar clothes, twisting her fingers in the long sleeves and glaring at the dark Elf in particular. Animosity, at the moment, was apparently mutual.
"I do not know how I ended up here. First thing I remember are the large grassy plains and the son of a bitch who dragged me half across them to sell me to the highest bidder as he had told me not so eloquently. Thank goodness for the wargs as they ripped him apart. Is it enough truth for you?" God damn it all she wouldn't cry.
From that moment, she recounted most of her travels as truthfully as she dared. Not the embarrassing parts no, even if she was angry and pushed to expose herself so, she wasn't furious enough to disclose such things. They would pity her anyway and oh how she despised the idea. Even now agitated as she was, she could see the sympathetic glances that crossed the golden-haired councilors face.
Indeed, even the Elf Lord seemed benign after she finished. Shaking, she clenched her fingers into fists, her arms limp by her side and spine straighter than before.
To Elrond, she looked like bow strung too tight, ready to break. He smiled more gently at her as she flinched back at his attitude. "Now child this is better don't you think?"
Better? How could this humiliation be better? Should she answer? What…? She hung her head in fatigue and shame.
"My Lord, I believe it is time to retire. As I see it the lady Alice poses no threat to Imladris, nevertheless I will leave a guard outside the guest chambers." the golden-haired elf spoke almost lazily turning his clear gaze to his Lord. He was like the sun, too bright to look at and Alice did not even dare to try.
"Well then, we will continue tomorrow when the Lady is rested," Elrond concluded, his demeanor now relaxed as he stood.
Will he let her off the hook? No more pressure? Her eyes locked with his, bewildered. Did he know she was just a harmless thing from the beginning? Did he foresee her deceptions? Her lies? Was this charade only to lure the truth out of her? To make her compliant? Why would he do that? What purpose should it serve? The Lord was...
"Erestor."
"Yes my Lord?" a long robe gently rustled as the elf stood.
"I entrust the Lady to your care."
"As you wish my Lord." said the chief councilor as he stared coldly at the woman. She stayed perfectly motionless. Her head turned away, fixated on the exiting Lord, as he wished her a restful night. Yet, the councilors glare was like thousands of needles prickling her skin prompting her to dance under his gaze like a skittish horse.
The golden-haired elf Lord noted his stare. "Do you hate humans, Erestor?" Glorfindel asked, far too jovially as he passed by, patting his friend on the shoulder, trying to gain his attention.
It didn't work. Instead, he got a curt reply, "No, I hate lying cowards. Which Alice the Hare is."
The silence that followed was deafening. Alice froze, narrowing her eyes. This hurt her pride, a lot. But a curt retort wouldn't come to her, even if her life depended on it. From defiance to anger to shame and wallowing in self-pity, just great - a rollercoaster. Now the red army should come and all will be well.
Alice swayed unsteadily on her feet catching herself on the crest rail of her chair.
"Let the child rest my Lord Erestor. She barely stands upright." that was Aglareth.
"You can take her Aglareth. I expect no inconvenience." The high councilor then pierced her with his look, one of disapproval and denouncement. Apparently, she missed part of the conversation as the elven woman tugged her forward, urging her to move.
Before exiting the room, Aglareth turned her around thus she faced the remaining Lords. "Curtsy little one." What? She stared bewildered at the elven woman.
Aglareth sighed.
"Come, come. Be polite. Curtsy and excuse yourself." And she pushed Alice's shoulders for the emphasis.
What the woman thinks she is - three? Alice jerked herself from her grasp and fled, storming through the doors and finding herself in Andrea's living room.
- XXXV -
Now standing across Andrea once again, the cards screwed around them, chair on the floor she felt just confused and drained.
Was it not true she lied to all? Was it not? Even to herself? Most of all to herself? Does the Lord Elrond see all? Was her mind wandering? Was it even real? She pulled at her hair - too short. Seeing with unseeing eyes - everything. And then she gave up. Just so.
Looking back Alice thought she hadn't blabbered that much in her entire life. But whom else to tell the truth even if partial than not the "card reader"? Everyone else would laugh or think of finding her a good psychology coach. Yes, it had to be the influence of the Elf Lord … that was it. That had to be it. How else should she explain her lack of consistency and just so spill nearly all her beans to the blond curvy woman who sat opposite her in her turquoise kimono.
Andrea listened. To everything. And then she poured herself another cup of coffee, sent Alice back home to come in the evening after she thought her predicament through. Like a five-year-old Alice went. Without complaining, apologizing or anything, closing silently the door behind her.
And now, when the sun was setting down after a strenuous day in the too unfamiliar home, she thought it all had to be a dream. The elves, the rangers, dwarves and market fair. How could it not be a dream, or a hallucination, when once again she could use the toilet and get a shower and sleep in a real bed. Open the refrigerator and taking out anything she wants to eat, without having to kill her own food first. No peas and squash. And the variety. Her mouth watered, forgetting herself she nearly drooled on the expensive looking carpet in Andrea's living room.
The woman was reclining on the ottoman, this time dressed in black pants and blue long length satin shirt. What was it that every time Alice saw her she felt like in another time period.
A/N: I hope it was better and more explanatory. I tried to foreshadow the attitudes and starting relationships. If you have any suggestions if there are any discrepancies, or you have simply questions they need to be explained in later chapters let me know. I will consider any sugestions or ideas.
