Evelyn was exhausted, yet dreaded sleep that night. She knew deep down that the anniversary of that dream would haunt her in its most vivid form and she could not bare it. How the death of a fictional character whose identity she knew not could haunt her so much was a mystery to her, but she bore the burden of it nonetheless. That night she tried valiantly to stay awake, armed with a tub of ice cream and a movie marathon on Netflix she sought to avoid the throes of sleep. Yet, she eventually lost that battle.
As Evelyn slowly came into consciousness she found herself splayed out with towering trees rising above her. She fumbled her hands and found cool dirt covered with leaf litter below her. Strange. She couldn't recall falling asleep in the woods...
Suddenly, the memory hit her. It was the anniversary of the dream, the night where she knew that she would be assaulted with that terrible vision and be forced to relive it as if it were reality. She had tried so hard to stay awake and yet obviously failed in that task... but how did I get here? She asked herself.
Slowly standing up, she examined the woods around her. Trees rose up higher than she had ever seen and there seemed to be a dark shadow across the land, as if something more than branching canopies blocked out the sun. As she looked down upon herself she noticed that she was still clothed in her pajamas and frowned in thought. She was further distressed by a feeling on her back- there was a twitch.
Turning suddenly she craned her neck to see her back, in a move that to an outside observer would seem like a dog chasing its tail, and found two massive feathery appendages protruding from her shoulder blades. She gaped in shock. She had wings?! Her mind began to race until she recalled that haunting dream, in it she had wings. She remembered the way they felt as they rose in power when she commanded the beast to turn, she remembered the way they fluttered with apprehension and distress upon watching the fair being fall, and she remembered how they fell forward to cocoon both her and the fair being as she watched the life fade from his eyes.
They were here. That must mean the I'm still dreaming... but how? She wondered. This felt exactly as real as her dream did all those nights ago, but never before had it changed. Even though the forest held an air of foreboding around it, it was nothing close to the nightmare she was used to. A light breeze played with tendrils of her hair and ruffled the feathers of her wings. She closed her eyes at the sensation as she could feel every single feather shaft, the way the wind lightly tickled and the soothing feeling of the feathers settling once more.
When she opened her eyes she decided that she must explore, she had to find out where she was and what was going on. It seemed that this dream, even if ver real feeling, had the potential to be more pleasant than the last. She walked resolutely forward, one foot after the other, relishing in the feeling of soft earth and crackling leaves beneath her bare feet. She was chilled slightly by the breeze, but soon found that she could wrap her wings around herself to keep off the chill. This of course seemed altogether ridiculous, but she thought hey, if my dream gives me wings then I might as well use them. The thought of flight of course crossed her mind several times, however her fear of heights, uncertainty as to if those wings would actually work, and the density of the sturdy looking trees ensured that such thoughts were quickly pulled from her mind. She would continue to walk.
After several hours however, Evelyn was growing frustrated. This was a boring dream indeed if it were to only be her walking through the woods alone with wings. It was also much longer than the last vivid dream she had. That one took place over the course of no more than an hour, this time she was certain that she had been walking for several. Just as feelings of exasperation crossed her mind once more to make her wish for something interesting to happen, her wish was granted.
From out of the treetops a massive spider, about the size of a small horse, flung itself towards Evelyn. She shrieked in shock and dodged out of the way of the massive pincers, just barely missing them. Having fallen on her back she scuttled backwards until her back hit a thick tree trunk, forcing her to stand once more. The hulking thing was hideous, six glowing eyes seemed to gleam with joy as it raised tis massive black pincers, all eight legs moving forward as it slowly approached. Evelyn was frozen in shock, never had she witnessed such a sight and she was drawn briefly into the memory of the beast in her other dream.
But is this a dream? her mind so helpfully supplied. What if this is all real? It certainly feels real.
She shook her head to clear her thoughts and thus broke the spell of stillness that had come over her. Making up her mind in a sudden moment she decided that it was best not to tempt fate. If this were real, she would survive. In a move that shocked both the spider and herself she turned and ran, fleeing as fast as her legs could carry her. The spider quickly took to chasing its prey and was rapidly gaining on the poor girl. Eight legs against two, the girl's small size was the only advantage she had. She was ducking under every low branch she could find, but she was also panicked and clumsy, stumbling and nearly tripping several times.
"Help!" she cried out with all her might, tears streaming down her face at the realization that the spider was nearly upon her. She prayed to any deity that might be out there that there would be someone in this desolate forest.
Finally, one massive tree root was just a little too tall for her stumbling form and she tripped, sprawling herself out on the ground. The spider was quickly upon her and jabbed its pincer down right as Evelyn attempted to roll over. It was no use however, the massive pincer pierced her leg and drew a gash down the length of Evelyn's calf. She felt a searing pain take over and her wings fluttered in panic as the poison quickly entered her bloodstream. It was like her leg was on fire. She cried out in pain and slapped down in defeat, waiting for the beast to make her its meal.
Then, a slight whistle sounded past her ear and a loud thud was heard behind her. She froze and no more sounds came. Slowly building up her courage, she took a few deep breaths before rising up onto her elbows and turning to look over her shoulder. Every move felt like agony, but she managed to glimps the giant spider slumped over, dead with a single gold fletched arrow protruding from directly between its two largest eyes.
A whisper of wind stirred near her head and she slowly turned to fine another arrow, just as deadly looking, pointed directly between her eyes. Fear hammered at her hear as her eyes traced the arrow up to a beautiful man, dressed in dark greens and brown, oaken colored hair, and finally pointed ears. An elf?! Evelyn's mind raced just as the six more appeared soundlessly around him- around her. They had her surrounded.
"What are you and business do you have in the Woodland Realm?" he questioned imperiously, voice strangely accented.
The Woodland Realm? Evelyn's mind wondered. Suddenly it clicked, eerie forest, giant spiders, elves, and the Woodland Realm... I'm in Mirkwood. This is Tolkein?! She gasped at the sudden realization, however before she could manage a response the pain in her leg pulsed with agony. She drew in a rapid breath and watched as the fair faced beings began to double, only to fade. Darkness was calling and she wondered if was waking up.
Evelyn groaned and began to slowly awaken. She felt sore and slightly achy, like she had done a hard day's work of gardening before falling asleep. She yawned and turned over in bed, only to be whacked in the head by something soft and rather muscular. Eyes opening slowly she notices a massive, black feathered wing pushing on her cheek, only to sit up with a sudden jolt. Her memories came back in a flash and she looked down to find herself on a strange bed in an ominous stone room that looked far too much like a cave for her comfort. This was also the moment when she realized that her dream had perhaps gone a bit too far. Never before had she fallen asleep and then woken up once more whilst in a dream. She was starting to believe that maybe this wasn't quite a dream.
Rolling her shoulders and then, experimental, her wings, she found that her body was still relatively function despite the dull ache. She had no more time to contemplate the thin white dress she was clothed in before her door was thrown open with a flourish. Two tall, fully armored elves stepped in keeping their eyes straight ahead whilst a third, help tucked beneath his arm walked in. All three were male, slender, and impossibly tall. The unhelmed one turned to Evelyn and with that same, strangely accented voice commanded her.
"The King of the Woodland Realm order for your immediate attendance. Stand." Evelyn froze at the voice before hesitantly finding hers.
"How long was I..." her voice grew hoarse and she shakily reached for a small wooden cup filled with what she presumed was water next to her.
"You slept for three days," the commanding elf answered her unfinished question. "Stand," he once again repeated with a voice indicating that this was not merely a polite request.
Evelyn rose on shaking legs, there was a slight pounding in her head and she willed away the instant feeling of nausea that swept over her. She began to walk, the ridged elf leading the way with his silent two companions flanking her on either side. The King of the Woodland Realm she thought. If I'm truly in Mirkwood, then that must be Thranduil. She immediately wracked her brain for every bit of knowledge that she held of Mirkwood and its king. She could only assume that she had somehow landed in the Third Age of Middle Earth, but exactly when she was she was uncertain.
A small spark of hope alighted in her chest as she realized that there was a chance for her to do something. Perhaps I can change things for the better, she thought. She knew however, that she would have to be careful. Knowledge is dangerous and what would happen if she were to give too much away? She could make things worse. Resolutely, she decided that she would first determine at what point in time exactly she was in. From there, she would explain her situation to the King and from there, request to speak with either Galadriel or perhaps Gandalf. They would certainly know what to do.
As the walk continued however, her plan quickly seemed rather intimidating. The tight corridors had given way to thin walkways made of massive tree roots with a massively arched ceiling revealing a vast chamber. With each step her apprehension grew and she found her wings twitching despite the suspicious glances of the guards station on either side of her. No one had spoken to her since she left the chamber and she was starting to feel increasingly nervous.
Calm down, she thought to herself, attempting to breath deeply. What do I know about Thranduil? If there are giant spiders then it must be Mirkwood now, so his wife is probably dead... he has a son Legolas who either is or is going to be super important... Tolkien thought that he could be arrogant at times but he was a good King... oh come on Evelyn, he wears different branches in his crown for the seasons, he can't be that bad.
By the time they reached the throne room, Evelyn was practically quivering with fear and held together only by some desperate plea that the Sindarin elf would be in a good mood. What she saw as she entered however took her breath away. The throne was massive, covered in elk antlers rising up on a platform practically suspended in the air. The ceiling was breathtakingly high and her head began to swim when she looked down and found the chasm below to be endless. Her knees quaked as she was pushed forward to the foot of a small flight of stairs. Hesitantly, her eyes moved upwards and she saw the elf sitting on the steps, long limbed and elegant, white-blond hair spilled out beneath a massive crown of thorns accented slightly with autumn leaves. His robes were of shivering silver and his skin was as pale as moonlight, he looked like a wrathful ghost. Cold ice blue eyes gazed down at Evelyn with utter contempt and perhaps just the slightest bit of curiosity.
Remember, Elves are good, Evelyn chanted to herself in her head, casting her eyes downward as she found it impossible to meet the King's icy stare.
"So you are the little creature they found trespassing in my lands," he asked. His voice haughty with the tone of one used to being obeyed, words slipping from his lips like silk. "What are you?"
Evelyn froze, words of reassurance that she was there by mistake, that had much to say but needed to know the date dying at her throat. What am I? she asked herself, unsure of how to respond. She knew she was human, and such would be the obvious reply if not for her wings. The King's eyes however were boring into her skull and she knew that he demanded an answer.
"I- I am unsure, your Majesty," she added quickly, still not meeting his eyes. "The last I remember I was- am human... but now I have wings," she cringed internally and the wings on her back fluttered in nervousness as she realized how idiotic she sounded.
"You now have wings," he drawled, sounding utterly bored.
"That is unimportant you Majesty," she hurriedly cut in, a slight surge of courage rushing through her. "I have important knowledge that I wish to share, but I must first know the date." She finished her words in a half-whispered hurry, eyes still downcast.
"You found this one where?" Thranduil asked the guard in Sindarin.
"Along our southern boarder my King, she was being attacked by a lone spider," he answered curtly.
"It is in your best interest to tell me what you are. And why must you know the date, Crebain?" Thranduil questioned, eyes accusing and voice ice cold.
"Please," Evelyn started, worry and panic clouding her mind. "I do not know why I have wings but you must believe me, I want to help. I just need to know the date," she all but pleaded.
"You are a spy," he stated bluntly, halfway to raising his hand inorder to have his guards escort her to his dungeons.
"No," she gasped, rushing forward until she was at the foot of his stairs. "Please just tell me the date! Greenwood has obviously become Mirkwood, but what else?" she gasped. Her panic caused her to miss the nearly imperceivable twitch of the elvenking's eyebrow at the nickname for his beloved forest. Later, when given ample time to contemplate Evelyn would realize that this was her first fatal mistake.
"What about dwarves, have you had any dwarves pass through your lands?" she asked, still grasping at straws and still not noticing the fire in his eyes at the mention of the recent (at least in elven time) sting of the escapees. This was of course Evelyn's second fatal mistake.
"Your son!" she cried, a sudden idea in her mind. "Does Legolas still dwell here, or is he... elsewhere."
Those words put a seal on her fate. They were her third and final fatal mistake. Although King Thranduil could be a fair and just ruler, he was prone to having a temper most especially where his personal life was concerned. His beloved son had abandoned him, left the Woodland Realm and traveled off somewhere whilst Thranduil knew not if he even still lived, and this girl had come in and wretched his heart once more. He rose from his seat in fury and glided down the steps till he could lean his face in close to hers.
The bravery had all but vanished from Evelyn by the time Thranduil made it down those steps and gazed into her eyes. She could feel the fury riding off the elvenking in waves as she forced herself not to stumble backwards with some steel she was unaware of possessing.
"You trespass in my realm, disrespect my lands, and speak of things which you know not. You are either a spy of the enemy or some other form of evil mischief," he practically spat the words, baring his teeth like a hungry wolf. "You will rot until you tell me what you are and why you are here."
He rapidly stood and turned his back on Evelyn, mounting the stairs and flicking his hands at his guards. The seized Evelyn's arms and dragged her backwards towards the exit of the throne rooms and the dungeons deep within the caves.
"Wait!" Evelyn called, but it was too late. The King of the Woodland Realm was not one to waiver often in his decision and she had seared his heart with her words. It was unlikely for his ager at her to dissipate.
The guards dragged Evelyn along, uncaring for her cries or pleas until they reached the lowest, darkest, and dankest section of the caves. They opened an iron door and threw her in a tiny cell before slamming it shut and walking away.
Evelyn looked around her and saw a bucket in one corner, and a small pile of hay in the other. Sniffling lightly, she crawled over the hay pile and cried. She was scared, lost, and utterly alone.