Disclaimer: We don't own anything but Camellia, Laer, and Salum, and any
other characters we deicide to put into this fic that don't belong in Lord
of the Rings. ^ ^ So, please don't sue… And one more thing: Laer will do a
lot of thought speaking, like Galadriel did in Lothlorien. So…
'…' means thoughts or thought-speech
"…" means regular speech
Sorry for the confusion and difficulty!!
~SpottedTree
Saruman's Revenge: Chapter 5
By SpottedTree
Laer suddenly bolted from her seat. She looked in the direction Camellia had gone. Her eyes widened. "No!!" she gasped, and ran out of the tent.
Legolas, Frodo, and Gandalf looked at each other, then ran out after her.
'Camellia!' Laer thought, her heart racing with fear. She kept running, her pace never slowing until she reached Camellia's prone body. "Camellia!!" she cried. She turned around quickly after she heard a twig snap. She came face to face with Salum, and gasped, her eyes widening.
Salum smiled cruelly, he hadn't had to go far to find Laer. In fact, she came right to him. Lucky for him, the brat was so close to his lovely elf, or he'd have to deal with their other companions. He pointed his staff at Laer, and chanted a spell, sending Laer into a deep sleep.
'Legolas,…' was Laer's last conscious thought.
'… Save Camellia…'
Laer opened her eyes. She found herself in the most unusual of places: a crystal chamber. She sat up and took in her surroundings. Outside the crystal chamber, she saw a dimly lit room, with torches on the walls, and candles in small crevices in the walls. The crystal chamber was just tall enough for her to stand up in, and as she did, she realized she was wearing an opaque-colored dress, that dragged on the floor, and changed colors as she moved. She wasn't too fond of this outfit, as she wasn't used to it, seeing as how she usually wore a green tunic over brown pants, and of course, her dark gray cloak. Her hair was up in a half bun, with the rest of it hanging down her back. That was another thing she was surprised about: her hair was the length most female elves preferred: way past her butt. She normally liked to keep it just past her shoulder blades, as she spent most of her time in the forest. She caught a dim reflection of herself in the crystal, and found that her eyes and cheeks were rosier, due to some eye and make-up, and her lips were covered in a form of lip-gloss. She was shocked to say the least. Her eyes widened. Where was Camellia?? She suddenly remembered her companion, and felt momentarily panicked. She started banging on the sides of the crystal chamber, trying to break out. This continued for several minutes when, realizing what she was doing, she sank down to her knees, tears streaming down her face.
When she regained her composure, she clasped her hands together, and channeled her energy, a bright light surrounding her.
Salum was quite pleased with himself. He'd managed to capture Laer again, and he'd thrown that brat Camellia into some closet, having sedated her so she'd cause no trouble. He was even more pleased, because Laer was to become his bride. She'd also be his prophet for those in need. He admitted to himself that all this would be against her will, but it was worth it. He didn't consider himself a bad person; he just felt he should get what he wanted. People would start coming to his beautiful Laer tomorrow, but now he needed to fill her in on what she was to do. He smirked evilly as he made his way to Laer's chamber.
The light around Laer faded. She sighed, not very comforted by the information she'd gathered. She'd found Camellia's whereabouts, but when she didn't respond, Laer got worried. Prying a bit further, she found Camellia had been drugged, and was currently asleep in a closet. Laer was relieved Camellia was safe, but then another worry came to her: where were the others?
Salum then entered the room. Laer wrinkled her nose and her lip curled in disgust at the sight of her captor.
Salum smirked. "Don't look so happy to see me, my little flower."
Laer looked even more. "Hmph. What the Hell did you do to Camellia?!"
Salum's smirk widened. "Why, I just want you to be my bride, that's all," he answered, ignoring her question and just telling her why he'd brought her here.
Laer glared. "Yeah right. There's something else. What is it?"
Salum was pleased. Yes, she'd be a perfect Prophet. "Well…"
Legolas got there right as Salum disappeared with Camellia and Laer. "NO!!"
Gandalf and Frodo arrived soon after. "CAMELLIA!!!!!!" Frodo cried.
Legolas turned to Gandalf. "We need to get them out of there."
"Yes, but the question is where are they?" Gandalf replied.
Legolas looked down. "Maybe…"
Gandalf smiled and nodded. "Yes, we'll have to combine our efforts. With the two of us, it should be easy to track Laer. If we're lucky, she'll know where Camellia is, as well." He looked around the forest they were standing in. "Well, we'd better get back to camp, then. We'll need to pack everything up so we can leave as soon as possible."
Legolas sighed. "Yes, but we don't even know what direction we need to take, and where the next village is. We've been following Laer, she knows this forest the best."
Gandalf then smiled cheerfully. "Well, we'll just have to make due. Besides, you're a Wood Elf, are you not?"
Legolas laughed a little. "Yes, I suppose I am…"
"WHAT THE HELL?? I DON'T THINK SO!!" Laer yelled. Her, be a Prophet? No way.
Salum smiled cruelly. "Of course! You'll be perfect!!"
Laer glared at him, the anger flashing in her eyes like fire and lightening as she hissed, "And just how, pray tell, am I perfect for this??" She was really beginning to hate this crystal chamber she was trapped in, as it was keeping her from charging at Salum, and killing him right then and there.
Salum's smile widened even more. "Why, because of your lineage, of course."
Laer glared even harder.
Salum continued on, pacing around the room now. "Why, the fact that you are an elf, and a very lovely and talented one, and that you are a wizard makes you the perfect prophet."
Laer just glared and stayed silent.
Salum took her silence as admission, and left the room.
Once he'd gone, Laer fell to the bottom of the chamber, her eyes full of sorrow. She was worried about the others, especially Camellia. She closed her eyes, trying to mentally prepare herself for the hell-hole of a life she'd unwillingly accepted, as she had no choice in the matter anyway.
It wasn't until two days later when Legolas, Gandalf and Frodo made it to the village. The first thing they noticed was the flyer telling of a prophet.
"Looks to be something we should check out, Legolas," Gandalf said as the two of them and Frodo read over the paper.
Legolas nodded, deep in thought. 'Strange… something's… calling…' he thought. He looked towards a temple. "Gandalf, I think we should check out that temple."
Gandalf turned to where Legolas was looking. He, too, felt something calling to him from that place.
"Camellia," Frodo sighed. He was worried about her, and missed her terribly.
Gandalf and Legolas turned to him. They looked to each other, nodded, then turned back to Frodo.
"Let's go," Legolas said. Gandalf and Frodo nodded, and the three of them took off towards the temple.
In order to gain entrance to the temple, the three men had to use disguises, so they hid their faces behind their cloaks from Lothlorien. They were now awaiting their turn to see the prophet in a line, with Legolas in front.
"Alright, sir, it's your turn," the door warden said to Legolas.
"Please, sir, I must have my younger brother and father come with me to see the prophet," Legolas said, feigning innocence.
The door warden hesitated, then let out a sigh. "I don't see any harm in it," he said, allowing the three to enter the chamber.
Once inside, and after the door had been closed, they took off the hoods to their cloaks, and bowed before a small crystal chamber. None of them knew quite what to expect when speaking to the prophet, and so stayed silent, kneeling in the middle of the room before the crystal chamber, waiting for the prophet to greet them.
'Legolas, Gandalf, Frodo,' a silvery voice spoke into their minds.
The three of them immediately lifted their heads to see Laer as the prophet, dressed in a beautiful flowing gown, and her hair styled long, her eyes sorrowful, and seemingly lifeless. However, when her mind registered that it really was them, they saw her eyes light up with hope.
'I'm so glad to see the three of you. I was worried about you,' she continued in their minds.
"It was a risk to do that, Laer," Gandalf stated aloud.
Laer nodded, but continued speaking through her mind, instead of her voice, 'Yes, I know, but I figured I'd be able to cover it up, had it not been you.'
"Where's Camellia??" Frodo asked, intensely worried.
This time, Laer sighed aloud. 'She is locked in a closet. I cannot get to her,' she thought to them. 'However, you can.'
"How?" Frodo asked.
Laer smiled softly at him. 'Find a way to stay in the castle until tonight. Legolas should be able to contact me through his mind, and I will direct you to Camellia. However, I will need you to find my belongings, as well. If I ever get out of here, I will need my staff…'
Legolas nodded, Gandalf and Frodo falling suit. Gandalf and Frodo stood up to leave, but Legolas stayed kneeling on the floor. They looked at Legolas inquiringly. Legolas had his eyes closed, and appeared to be concentrating. When they looked up at Laer, they saw that she was in the same position. Gandalf motioned to Frodo to come with him to stand by the door to wait. Frodo nodded, and walked to lean against the wall. When Legolas was done, he stood up, bowed to Laer, and joined Gandalf and Frodo by the door. The three of them took one last glance at Laer, then exited the chamber. Laer sighed once they'd gone, then prepared herself for the next person needing guidance from "The Prophet." She snorted in disgust.
It was after dark when Legolas thought it safe to contact Laer. It wasn't hard, as she was obviously already concentrating on finding him and Camellia.
Through her directions, they found the closet that held Camellia, still drugged. With her, they also found Laer's staff and belongings, along with Mr. Stone. Legolas carefully picked up Camellia, while Gandalf gathered Laer's belongings and the stone, and as quietly as possible, they made their way over the temple walls and into the forest. Once safely inside the forest, they sat down for rest. They'd long since lost contact with Laer, and had to assume she'd be alright on her own. Meanwhile, they'd have to awaken Camellia. This would take some time…
As soon as Salum had entered the chamber, Laer knew trouble was near.
"Are you ready, Laer?" Salum asked, smiling cruelly.
Laer was on her guard immediately. "For what?" she asked harshly.
Salum's smile widened. "Why, for our wedding, of course."
Laer's eyes widened, and her breath caught. Shit… this wasn't good… She needed to get out, and now. She frantically looked about her, but there was no way out. Unless…
Salum disappeared, and then reappeared in front of her – inside the crystal chamber.
Laer instinctively took a step back from him.
Legolas had a bad feeling, a sense of foreboding. Camellia was finally awake, and Frodo was helping her by feeding her and supporting her. Legolas shared his concerns with Gandalf, and the two of them immediately started packing up the gear, and loading the horses. Camellia and Frodo both sensed the urgency in the wizard and the elf, and didn't complain about being rushed. Without a word, the two of them climbed atop Arod with Legolas' help, and sat there, waiting. Gandalf sat astride Shadowfax, and Legolas handed Camellia the pack containing Laer's gear. Camellia took it without word or hesitation. She was worried about Laer. Where was she??
Salum grabbed Laer by the arm, and phased out of the chamber with her. As soon as her feet touched the ground, Laer roughly shoved Salum away from her and began to run from the room. Salum managed to grab hold of her gown, and though it slowed her down, Laer continued running, until she heard a loud –RRRRIIIPPP- and she took off running even harder. She nimbly evaded all the guards and wardens, and made her way outside. She tried to mentally link herself to Legolas, and when she did, she didn't lose her speed.
'Legolas, hurry!! Get out of the forest and head to the nearest village! It's half a night's ride on horse!'
'What about if we don't have a horse??' was Legolas' frantic reply.
Damn… 'Then stay near a tree, and I'll find you. Send the others on horse to the village, though!' and with that, she severed the link between them, and ran to the forest ten feet in front of her. The guards were late in coming, but she could hear them gathering behind her and following.
Legolas was worried about Laer. She sounded rushed, and urgent. That wasn't good. He'd relayed the message to Gandalf, and sent them on ahead to the village. Standing behind a tree trunk, he looked back towards the temple, and saw the most hauntingly beautiful sight: Laer came running down the path, her hair flying behind her, with the moonlight seeming to surround her. When she saw him, she stopped beside him, trying to catch her breath.
"What happened?" Legolas whispered.
Laer shook her head, not answering. She grabbed hold of his hand, and led him deeper into the forest. When they were a good distance from the main path, she looked at him, silently asking if he was ready to run. When he nodded, she did likewise, and took off running in the direction of the village, Legolas beside her. This was going to be a long night…
"Gandalf, where're Laer and Legolas?" Camellia demanded, hands on her hips. She, Frodo, and Gandalf were in an inn, awaiting the arrival of their lost comrades.
Gandalf shook his head, showing he didn't know.
Now Camellia was very worried. 'Laer…' she thought.
Frodo came up and hugged her, hiding her face in the crook of his neck, allowing her to cry.
The door to their room burst open suddenly some minutes later, causing the two hobbits and the old wizard to jump slightly. In burst the two missing elves, both falling onto the beds in exhaustion.
"Laer!" Camellia cried gleefully. She jumped onto the bed Laer had fallen on, and Laer wearily sat up and gathered the hobbit to her, not saying anything, just breathing heavily. She fell asleep this way, sitting up and holding Camellia. When the young hobbit realized her companion had fallen asleep, she gently eased herself from her grip, and lay the elf down onto the bed. She then curled up and fell asleep next to her. Frodo slept next to Legolas, leaving Gandalf to a bed by himself. Thus, the night passed by peacefully.
When Camellia next awoke, she was sitting in front of Legolas on Arod. Looking around, she found that once again, Laer was walking beside the horse. Camellia studied Laer, taking in her youthful beauty and proud gait. When Laer looked up at her, she smiled. Camellia couldn't help smiling back. The journey continued on in silence, except for the short conversation between the two girls.
"Only one more stone to go," Camellia chirped cheerfully.
Laer smiled. "Yes, one more."
At camp that night, no one saw Laer at dinner. No one saw her after dinner, either. Camellia was the one to find her, some time after they'd eaten. She was in a trance, but this time, she'd been in it longer than ever before.
"Laer… Laer…" Legolas said, trying to shake her out of it. Nothing happened. Everyone looked at each other, then back at Laer. Camellia got down and tried to bring Laer back, as well, but with no luck. Each one of the travelers tried their luck, but Laer was not to be brought back to reality. However, something odd happened when all four of them touched Laer. Everything went black…
When they awoke, they found themselves inside a tree. All of them were quite shocked. They started yelling and banging on whatever they found to try and get out.
"Now, there's no need to attack me," a voice told them.
Everyone immediately stopped what they were doing. They looked around, but they couldn't figure out where the voice had come from.
"You're the tree, aren't you?" Camellia asked.
"Yes," the tree answered. "The one you're looking for, my friend Laer, is here, but she's chosen to hide for awhile. She said she needed a breather from everything that's happened, and she's sorry that she's hurting you like this."
"Where is she?" Legolas asked, getting a little bit impatient.
"I already told you. She's here. She likes to look at trees' memories. None of us know why, except for the fact that we give her information on what's going on around us. However, currently she is in much pain, and is here for healing. And that is what we are here for: to help and heal her."
"What pain is she in?" Gandalf asked.
Here the tree hesitated.
"You aren't talking about nothing!" Camellia exclaimed.
The tree chuckled. "Yes, I know. I am one of the younger trees, so I do not like to take the time to go on about nonsense. Now, Laer wasn't too keen on my showing you this, but I feel you have the right to know this. I will show you Laer's past. It will help you to understand her better." Without waiting for a reply, the tree went on into Laer's past, showing it like a movie.
The four companions saw a beautiful young elf with blonde hair in a wood, stopping suddenly and staring at a young wizard with brown hair. They then saw what seemed to be some time later, with the elf and the wizard getting married, though the elves surrounding them weren't too happy at the union. After that, they saw a child being born, a young female elf, and then they saw her as she grew up, learning the ways of the forest, and the spells of a wizard. They saw her grow up with no friends but the forest, and seeing the distant respect of those of her village, growing up into the elf they knew today. What the four companions saw next, though, was something they'd never forget: they saw the small village of elves being attacked by Saruman's orcs, and the elves fleeing, with Laer and her family being the last to leave. They saw that as Laer and her family were leaving, her father and mother were cut down, and Laer was taken captive to Saruman. They saw the torture Saruman and his henchmen had put her through, along with the entrance of Salum, and when Laer was taken away just as the Ents had come. As soon as the ship she and Salum were on had docked, Laer had managed to escape and ran away. They saw Laer jump into the trees and use them as her mode of transportation. When she realized that the orcs who'd followed her had finally stopped their search of her, she fell to the ground with a –thud- and fell unconscious. They saw an old man come along the way and find Laer.
"What's this? An Elf? Quite a long ways from your race, aren't you deary?" the old man said. He picked up the unconscious and naked Laer and took her back to his hut. When she awoke, she found herself in the hut, wearing an old shirt, with the old man looking over her.
"Who are you?" she asked.
"I am Nandar, and who are you?" the old man replied.
"I am Laer… where am I?"
Nandar smiled kindly. "You are in my hut. You were hurt quite a bit. Mind telling me what happened to you?"
Laer looked down at the bed she was lying in. "I… I'd rather not talk about it…"
"It's alright. You don't have to tell me," Nandar said. "I have some things for you, though. While I was nursing you back to health, I found you reacted strongly to my magic. Now, -"
"You're a wizard??" Laer interrupted, eyes wide with shock.
Nandar smiled. "Yes, I am a wizard. And I'm going to assume that you are, as well, are you not?"
Laer nodded. "I am… but I don't have my staff anymore…"
Nandar looked at her sharply. "Was it broken?"
"No… I honestly don't know what happened to it… It was taken from me," Laer answered.
"Well, then, assuming your staff is still in one piece, I have one for you."
Laer looked at him sharply. "What?"
Nandar smiled. Laer thought his smile was one of the kindest she'd ever seen. "We had a wizard pass away not too long ago… But his staff was never broken for some reason. Perhaps it will work for you…" He shuffled away for a moment, and came back with a few things in his arms. "Now, this staff is very unique, as it can come apart… like this." He showed Laer how the staff twisted together and apart. He handed the staff to Laer, and then took out a bundle of clothes. "They're a male's clothing, but they're the only things I have that'll fit you." Nandar handed Laer a green tunic, brown pants, and a dark gray cloak.
Laer smiled in thanks.
"Now, this pack I give to you so you may carry your things in it," Nandar continued, as he handed Laer a drab green knapsack and some dried fruit, meats, and bread. "I have a feeling you might also need this," and he held up a small bundle of cloth. "I also have a few knives for you, as well as a bow and arrows."
Laer was confused. "How do you have all these things?"
Nandar smiled. "Why, in my younger days, I used to hunt and trade."
"I can't accept these things, then," Laer said.
Nandar shook his head, still smiling. "I insist. I have no use for them. Take them, at the very least to remember me by."
Laer reluctantly took the items. "I really must be going then."
Nandar smiled. "That is why I gave you the gifts." He then got up and left the hut so Laer could dress. He was still standing out there when Laer came out of the hut. He smiled when he saw her, and drew her in for a hug. "Come back to visit me when you can," he said cheerfully as he let her go.
Laer smiled and nodded, then thanked Nandar one more time before she turned and fled through the trees.
"That is the story of Laer's life, at least in a nutshell," the tree said afterwards.
"What about when she met me?" Camellia asked.
"Very well," the tree said, and proceeded on with when Camellia and Laer first met.
"Well, Camellia, here we are! The new world!" a young hobbit said, as the ship they were on came towards land.
"It doesn't look much different than Middle Earth, Carl!" Camellia said.
Carl laughed. "Of course it doesn't! But it's a land of opportunity, and we can start a new life here."
Camellia looked apprehensive. "If you say so…"
After the ship had docked, Carl and Camellia disembarked, ready to start a new life in this new world. Just as Carl had stepped off the loading plank, he was thrown backwards by a blast of light, screaming in pain.
"CARL!!" Camellia cried. The Camellia standing with the others turned her head away, tears streaming down her face, as the Camellia from the past ran to her fellow hobbit, leaning over him, trying to shake him awake. She saw his chest rising, and felt she could still bring him back. She heard some twigs crack, and her head snapped up to see Salum standing there before her, staff raised and aimed at her, surrounded by his orc followers. Her eyes widened in fear.
Before Salum could finish his spell, however, an arrow shot through the air, striking him down. Laer shot from the trees, and landed next to Camellia. She took one look at Carl, shook her head, grabbed Camellia, and shot through the trees again. Camellia was about to cry out again, but Laer, sensing what she was going to do, quickly put her hand over Camellia's mouth. Salum's orcs were trying to follow them, but Laer was so nimble and quick through the trees, it was quite impossible for them to follow. When they were a good distance from the orcs, Laer dropped from the trees, gently setting her precious cargo down.
"Why did you leave my brother there?! He'll be killed!!" Camellia cried.
Laer's eyes widened. "My dear one, he was already dead. I'm sorry to be the one to break it to you."
Camellia cried harder. "You're lying!! I saw his chest rising with breath!! He was alive!!"
Laer gathered the small girl to her, cradling her head in the crook of her neck, trying to soothe her. "Listen, little one, what you saw was only a cheap wizard's trick to lure you into thinking you could save him. Please, put your heart at ease."
Camellia quieted at these words, tears still streaming down her face.
"Where were you headed?" Laer gently asked.
"I don't know… Carl and I were going to start over here in this new world. We had no place to go," was the answer.
Laer took a deep breath. "Then you will travel with me until we find a place for you to stay."
Camellia pulled back from Laer's embrace. "Really? You'd do that for me?"
Laer smiled, and brushed the tears from Camellia's face. "Yes, but first we must change your clothes." Laer took the pack off her back and rummaged through it until she took out a small bundle of clothes. It was a forest green dress with beige bloomers. Once Camellia had dressed, Laer handed her a white apron with a pocket on the right side of it. Once Camellia and Laer were on their way through the forest, Camellia decided to strike up a conversation with her new traveling companion.
"What's your name?" she asked.
"I'm Laer. Who are you?"
Camellia raised her head. "I am Camellia Loamsdown of Hobbiton."
"You're a hobbit?" Laer asked.
"Yup!" Camellia replied, pride evident in her voice.
"Nice to meet you," Laer said, amusement creeping into her voice.
Camellia just smiled as they continued on in companionable silence.
"And so, the history of Camellia and Laer ends," the tree said.
Legolas was the first one to wake up the next morning. His mind was a jumble of thoughts concerning Laer and last night. When he went to the creek to get some water, he found Laer already there, staring off into space.
"Are you feeling better?" he asked.
She turned around to face him. "Yes," she answered, smiling. "Listen, I'm sorry about last night. I really didn't intend for you four to learn my life story."
Legolas smiled. "Don't worry about it."
Laer smiled back, and turned back to the creek.
Legolas stepped up behind her and placed his arms around her waist, resting his head on her left shoulder. "You act as if the weight of the world is upon you," he whispered into her ear.
A shiver ran down her spine. She closed her eyes as she answered, "Sometimes it feels that way. But I know I have Camellia, and now you guys, to depend on, and that thought lightens the load."
Legolas smiled, "Good, I'm glad." He then released her from his embrace, and bent down to scoop water into his canteen.
Laer was just beginning to mourn the loss of his heat from surrounding her when she suddenly gasped and went into a trance.
"Laer?!" Legolas asked, worried, straightening.
Laer shook her head, coming out of the trance. When she looked up at him, she smiled. "I know where it is!! I know where it is!! Come on!!" She took his hand and pulled him back towards camp. 'The final stone…'
Whew!! That was long!! That's the longest thing I've ever done in my entire life!! I have to say I'm very proud of this fic, and I'm glad that Tree and I are writing it. I've had the idea for this for so long, it's plagued me, I swear!! Eee!! I love this fic!! Stay tuned for Tree's chapter, coming soon!!
~SpottedTree
'…' means thoughts or thought-speech
"…" means regular speech
Sorry for the confusion and difficulty!!
~SpottedTree
Saruman's Revenge: Chapter 5
By SpottedTree
Laer suddenly bolted from her seat. She looked in the direction Camellia had gone. Her eyes widened. "No!!" she gasped, and ran out of the tent.
Legolas, Frodo, and Gandalf looked at each other, then ran out after her.
'Camellia!' Laer thought, her heart racing with fear. She kept running, her pace never slowing until she reached Camellia's prone body. "Camellia!!" she cried. She turned around quickly after she heard a twig snap. She came face to face with Salum, and gasped, her eyes widening.
Salum smiled cruelly, he hadn't had to go far to find Laer. In fact, she came right to him. Lucky for him, the brat was so close to his lovely elf, or he'd have to deal with their other companions. He pointed his staff at Laer, and chanted a spell, sending Laer into a deep sleep.
'Legolas,…' was Laer's last conscious thought.
'… Save Camellia…'
Laer opened her eyes. She found herself in the most unusual of places: a crystal chamber. She sat up and took in her surroundings. Outside the crystal chamber, she saw a dimly lit room, with torches on the walls, and candles in small crevices in the walls. The crystal chamber was just tall enough for her to stand up in, and as she did, she realized she was wearing an opaque-colored dress, that dragged on the floor, and changed colors as she moved. She wasn't too fond of this outfit, as she wasn't used to it, seeing as how she usually wore a green tunic over brown pants, and of course, her dark gray cloak. Her hair was up in a half bun, with the rest of it hanging down her back. That was another thing she was surprised about: her hair was the length most female elves preferred: way past her butt. She normally liked to keep it just past her shoulder blades, as she spent most of her time in the forest. She caught a dim reflection of herself in the crystal, and found that her eyes and cheeks were rosier, due to some eye and make-up, and her lips were covered in a form of lip-gloss. She was shocked to say the least. Her eyes widened. Where was Camellia?? She suddenly remembered her companion, and felt momentarily panicked. She started banging on the sides of the crystal chamber, trying to break out. This continued for several minutes when, realizing what she was doing, she sank down to her knees, tears streaming down her face.
When she regained her composure, she clasped her hands together, and channeled her energy, a bright light surrounding her.
Salum was quite pleased with himself. He'd managed to capture Laer again, and he'd thrown that brat Camellia into some closet, having sedated her so she'd cause no trouble. He was even more pleased, because Laer was to become his bride. She'd also be his prophet for those in need. He admitted to himself that all this would be against her will, but it was worth it. He didn't consider himself a bad person; he just felt he should get what he wanted. People would start coming to his beautiful Laer tomorrow, but now he needed to fill her in on what she was to do. He smirked evilly as he made his way to Laer's chamber.
The light around Laer faded. She sighed, not very comforted by the information she'd gathered. She'd found Camellia's whereabouts, but when she didn't respond, Laer got worried. Prying a bit further, she found Camellia had been drugged, and was currently asleep in a closet. Laer was relieved Camellia was safe, but then another worry came to her: where were the others?
Salum then entered the room. Laer wrinkled her nose and her lip curled in disgust at the sight of her captor.
Salum smirked. "Don't look so happy to see me, my little flower."
Laer looked even more. "Hmph. What the Hell did you do to Camellia?!"
Salum's smirk widened. "Why, I just want you to be my bride, that's all," he answered, ignoring her question and just telling her why he'd brought her here.
Laer glared. "Yeah right. There's something else. What is it?"
Salum was pleased. Yes, she'd be a perfect Prophet. "Well…"
Legolas got there right as Salum disappeared with Camellia and Laer. "NO!!"
Gandalf and Frodo arrived soon after. "CAMELLIA!!!!!!" Frodo cried.
Legolas turned to Gandalf. "We need to get them out of there."
"Yes, but the question is where are they?" Gandalf replied.
Legolas looked down. "Maybe…"
Gandalf smiled and nodded. "Yes, we'll have to combine our efforts. With the two of us, it should be easy to track Laer. If we're lucky, she'll know where Camellia is, as well." He looked around the forest they were standing in. "Well, we'd better get back to camp, then. We'll need to pack everything up so we can leave as soon as possible."
Legolas sighed. "Yes, but we don't even know what direction we need to take, and where the next village is. We've been following Laer, she knows this forest the best."
Gandalf then smiled cheerfully. "Well, we'll just have to make due. Besides, you're a Wood Elf, are you not?"
Legolas laughed a little. "Yes, I suppose I am…"
"WHAT THE HELL?? I DON'T THINK SO!!" Laer yelled. Her, be a Prophet? No way.
Salum smiled cruelly. "Of course! You'll be perfect!!"
Laer glared at him, the anger flashing in her eyes like fire and lightening as she hissed, "And just how, pray tell, am I perfect for this??" She was really beginning to hate this crystal chamber she was trapped in, as it was keeping her from charging at Salum, and killing him right then and there.
Salum's smile widened even more. "Why, because of your lineage, of course."
Laer glared even harder.
Salum continued on, pacing around the room now. "Why, the fact that you are an elf, and a very lovely and talented one, and that you are a wizard makes you the perfect prophet."
Laer just glared and stayed silent.
Salum took her silence as admission, and left the room.
Once he'd gone, Laer fell to the bottom of the chamber, her eyes full of sorrow. She was worried about the others, especially Camellia. She closed her eyes, trying to mentally prepare herself for the hell-hole of a life she'd unwillingly accepted, as she had no choice in the matter anyway.
It wasn't until two days later when Legolas, Gandalf and Frodo made it to the village. The first thing they noticed was the flyer telling of a prophet.
"Looks to be something we should check out, Legolas," Gandalf said as the two of them and Frodo read over the paper.
Legolas nodded, deep in thought. 'Strange… something's… calling…' he thought. He looked towards a temple. "Gandalf, I think we should check out that temple."
Gandalf turned to where Legolas was looking. He, too, felt something calling to him from that place.
"Camellia," Frodo sighed. He was worried about her, and missed her terribly.
Gandalf and Legolas turned to him. They looked to each other, nodded, then turned back to Frodo.
"Let's go," Legolas said. Gandalf and Frodo nodded, and the three of them took off towards the temple.
In order to gain entrance to the temple, the three men had to use disguises, so they hid their faces behind their cloaks from Lothlorien. They were now awaiting their turn to see the prophet in a line, with Legolas in front.
"Alright, sir, it's your turn," the door warden said to Legolas.
"Please, sir, I must have my younger brother and father come with me to see the prophet," Legolas said, feigning innocence.
The door warden hesitated, then let out a sigh. "I don't see any harm in it," he said, allowing the three to enter the chamber.
Once inside, and after the door had been closed, they took off the hoods to their cloaks, and bowed before a small crystal chamber. None of them knew quite what to expect when speaking to the prophet, and so stayed silent, kneeling in the middle of the room before the crystal chamber, waiting for the prophet to greet them.
'Legolas, Gandalf, Frodo,' a silvery voice spoke into their minds.
The three of them immediately lifted their heads to see Laer as the prophet, dressed in a beautiful flowing gown, and her hair styled long, her eyes sorrowful, and seemingly lifeless. However, when her mind registered that it really was them, they saw her eyes light up with hope.
'I'm so glad to see the three of you. I was worried about you,' she continued in their minds.
"It was a risk to do that, Laer," Gandalf stated aloud.
Laer nodded, but continued speaking through her mind, instead of her voice, 'Yes, I know, but I figured I'd be able to cover it up, had it not been you.'
"Where's Camellia??" Frodo asked, intensely worried.
This time, Laer sighed aloud. 'She is locked in a closet. I cannot get to her,' she thought to them. 'However, you can.'
"How?" Frodo asked.
Laer smiled softly at him. 'Find a way to stay in the castle until tonight. Legolas should be able to contact me through his mind, and I will direct you to Camellia. However, I will need you to find my belongings, as well. If I ever get out of here, I will need my staff…'
Legolas nodded, Gandalf and Frodo falling suit. Gandalf and Frodo stood up to leave, but Legolas stayed kneeling on the floor. They looked at Legolas inquiringly. Legolas had his eyes closed, and appeared to be concentrating. When they looked up at Laer, they saw that she was in the same position. Gandalf motioned to Frodo to come with him to stand by the door to wait. Frodo nodded, and walked to lean against the wall. When Legolas was done, he stood up, bowed to Laer, and joined Gandalf and Frodo by the door. The three of them took one last glance at Laer, then exited the chamber. Laer sighed once they'd gone, then prepared herself for the next person needing guidance from "The Prophet." She snorted in disgust.
It was after dark when Legolas thought it safe to contact Laer. It wasn't hard, as she was obviously already concentrating on finding him and Camellia.
Through her directions, they found the closet that held Camellia, still drugged. With her, they also found Laer's staff and belongings, along with Mr. Stone. Legolas carefully picked up Camellia, while Gandalf gathered Laer's belongings and the stone, and as quietly as possible, they made their way over the temple walls and into the forest. Once safely inside the forest, they sat down for rest. They'd long since lost contact with Laer, and had to assume she'd be alright on her own. Meanwhile, they'd have to awaken Camellia. This would take some time…
As soon as Salum had entered the chamber, Laer knew trouble was near.
"Are you ready, Laer?" Salum asked, smiling cruelly.
Laer was on her guard immediately. "For what?" she asked harshly.
Salum's smile widened. "Why, for our wedding, of course."
Laer's eyes widened, and her breath caught. Shit… this wasn't good… She needed to get out, and now. She frantically looked about her, but there was no way out. Unless…
Salum disappeared, and then reappeared in front of her – inside the crystal chamber.
Laer instinctively took a step back from him.
Legolas had a bad feeling, a sense of foreboding. Camellia was finally awake, and Frodo was helping her by feeding her and supporting her. Legolas shared his concerns with Gandalf, and the two of them immediately started packing up the gear, and loading the horses. Camellia and Frodo both sensed the urgency in the wizard and the elf, and didn't complain about being rushed. Without a word, the two of them climbed atop Arod with Legolas' help, and sat there, waiting. Gandalf sat astride Shadowfax, and Legolas handed Camellia the pack containing Laer's gear. Camellia took it without word or hesitation. She was worried about Laer. Where was she??
Salum grabbed Laer by the arm, and phased out of the chamber with her. As soon as her feet touched the ground, Laer roughly shoved Salum away from her and began to run from the room. Salum managed to grab hold of her gown, and though it slowed her down, Laer continued running, until she heard a loud –RRRRIIIPPP- and she took off running even harder. She nimbly evaded all the guards and wardens, and made her way outside. She tried to mentally link herself to Legolas, and when she did, she didn't lose her speed.
'Legolas, hurry!! Get out of the forest and head to the nearest village! It's half a night's ride on horse!'
'What about if we don't have a horse??' was Legolas' frantic reply.
Damn… 'Then stay near a tree, and I'll find you. Send the others on horse to the village, though!' and with that, she severed the link between them, and ran to the forest ten feet in front of her. The guards were late in coming, but she could hear them gathering behind her and following.
Legolas was worried about Laer. She sounded rushed, and urgent. That wasn't good. He'd relayed the message to Gandalf, and sent them on ahead to the village. Standing behind a tree trunk, he looked back towards the temple, and saw the most hauntingly beautiful sight: Laer came running down the path, her hair flying behind her, with the moonlight seeming to surround her. When she saw him, she stopped beside him, trying to catch her breath.
"What happened?" Legolas whispered.
Laer shook her head, not answering. She grabbed hold of his hand, and led him deeper into the forest. When they were a good distance from the main path, she looked at him, silently asking if he was ready to run. When he nodded, she did likewise, and took off running in the direction of the village, Legolas beside her. This was going to be a long night…
"Gandalf, where're Laer and Legolas?" Camellia demanded, hands on her hips. She, Frodo, and Gandalf were in an inn, awaiting the arrival of their lost comrades.
Gandalf shook his head, showing he didn't know.
Now Camellia was very worried. 'Laer…' she thought.
Frodo came up and hugged her, hiding her face in the crook of his neck, allowing her to cry.
The door to their room burst open suddenly some minutes later, causing the two hobbits and the old wizard to jump slightly. In burst the two missing elves, both falling onto the beds in exhaustion.
"Laer!" Camellia cried gleefully. She jumped onto the bed Laer had fallen on, and Laer wearily sat up and gathered the hobbit to her, not saying anything, just breathing heavily. She fell asleep this way, sitting up and holding Camellia. When the young hobbit realized her companion had fallen asleep, she gently eased herself from her grip, and lay the elf down onto the bed. She then curled up and fell asleep next to her. Frodo slept next to Legolas, leaving Gandalf to a bed by himself. Thus, the night passed by peacefully.
When Camellia next awoke, she was sitting in front of Legolas on Arod. Looking around, she found that once again, Laer was walking beside the horse. Camellia studied Laer, taking in her youthful beauty and proud gait. When Laer looked up at her, she smiled. Camellia couldn't help smiling back. The journey continued on in silence, except for the short conversation between the two girls.
"Only one more stone to go," Camellia chirped cheerfully.
Laer smiled. "Yes, one more."
At camp that night, no one saw Laer at dinner. No one saw her after dinner, either. Camellia was the one to find her, some time after they'd eaten. She was in a trance, but this time, she'd been in it longer than ever before.
"Laer… Laer…" Legolas said, trying to shake her out of it. Nothing happened. Everyone looked at each other, then back at Laer. Camellia got down and tried to bring Laer back, as well, but with no luck. Each one of the travelers tried their luck, but Laer was not to be brought back to reality. However, something odd happened when all four of them touched Laer. Everything went black…
When they awoke, they found themselves inside a tree. All of them were quite shocked. They started yelling and banging on whatever they found to try and get out.
"Now, there's no need to attack me," a voice told them.
Everyone immediately stopped what they were doing. They looked around, but they couldn't figure out where the voice had come from.
"You're the tree, aren't you?" Camellia asked.
"Yes," the tree answered. "The one you're looking for, my friend Laer, is here, but she's chosen to hide for awhile. She said she needed a breather from everything that's happened, and she's sorry that she's hurting you like this."
"Where is she?" Legolas asked, getting a little bit impatient.
"I already told you. She's here. She likes to look at trees' memories. None of us know why, except for the fact that we give her information on what's going on around us. However, currently she is in much pain, and is here for healing. And that is what we are here for: to help and heal her."
"What pain is she in?" Gandalf asked.
Here the tree hesitated.
"You aren't talking about nothing!" Camellia exclaimed.
The tree chuckled. "Yes, I know. I am one of the younger trees, so I do not like to take the time to go on about nonsense. Now, Laer wasn't too keen on my showing you this, but I feel you have the right to know this. I will show you Laer's past. It will help you to understand her better." Without waiting for a reply, the tree went on into Laer's past, showing it like a movie.
The four companions saw a beautiful young elf with blonde hair in a wood, stopping suddenly and staring at a young wizard with brown hair. They then saw what seemed to be some time later, with the elf and the wizard getting married, though the elves surrounding them weren't too happy at the union. After that, they saw a child being born, a young female elf, and then they saw her as she grew up, learning the ways of the forest, and the spells of a wizard. They saw her grow up with no friends but the forest, and seeing the distant respect of those of her village, growing up into the elf they knew today. What the four companions saw next, though, was something they'd never forget: they saw the small village of elves being attacked by Saruman's orcs, and the elves fleeing, with Laer and her family being the last to leave. They saw that as Laer and her family were leaving, her father and mother were cut down, and Laer was taken captive to Saruman. They saw the torture Saruman and his henchmen had put her through, along with the entrance of Salum, and when Laer was taken away just as the Ents had come. As soon as the ship she and Salum were on had docked, Laer had managed to escape and ran away. They saw Laer jump into the trees and use them as her mode of transportation. When she realized that the orcs who'd followed her had finally stopped their search of her, she fell to the ground with a –thud- and fell unconscious. They saw an old man come along the way and find Laer.
"What's this? An Elf? Quite a long ways from your race, aren't you deary?" the old man said. He picked up the unconscious and naked Laer and took her back to his hut. When she awoke, she found herself in the hut, wearing an old shirt, with the old man looking over her.
"Who are you?" she asked.
"I am Nandar, and who are you?" the old man replied.
"I am Laer… where am I?"
Nandar smiled kindly. "You are in my hut. You were hurt quite a bit. Mind telling me what happened to you?"
Laer looked down at the bed she was lying in. "I… I'd rather not talk about it…"
"It's alright. You don't have to tell me," Nandar said. "I have some things for you, though. While I was nursing you back to health, I found you reacted strongly to my magic. Now, -"
"You're a wizard??" Laer interrupted, eyes wide with shock.
Nandar smiled. "Yes, I am a wizard. And I'm going to assume that you are, as well, are you not?"
Laer nodded. "I am… but I don't have my staff anymore…"
Nandar looked at her sharply. "Was it broken?"
"No… I honestly don't know what happened to it… It was taken from me," Laer answered.
"Well, then, assuming your staff is still in one piece, I have one for you."
Laer looked at him sharply. "What?"
Nandar smiled. Laer thought his smile was one of the kindest she'd ever seen. "We had a wizard pass away not too long ago… But his staff was never broken for some reason. Perhaps it will work for you…" He shuffled away for a moment, and came back with a few things in his arms. "Now, this staff is very unique, as it can come apart… like this." He showed Laer how the staff twisted together and apart. He handed the staff to Laer, and then took out a bundle of clothes. "They're a male's clothing, but they're the only things I have that'll fit you." Nandar handed Laer a green tunic, brown pants, and a dark gray cloak.
Laer smiled in thanks.
"Now, this pack I give to you so you may carry your things in it," Nandar continued, as he handed Laer a drab green knapsack and some dried fruit, meats, and bread. "I have a feeling you might also need this," and he held up a small bundle of cloth. "I also have a few knives for you, as well as a bow and arrows."
Laer was confused. "How do you have all these things?"
Nandar smiled. "Why, in my younger days, I used to hunt and trade."
"I can't accept these things, then," Laer said.
Nandar shook his head, still smiling. "I insist. I have no use for them. Take them, at the very least to remember me by."
Laer reluctantly took the items. "I really must be going then."
Nandar smiled. "That is why I gave you the gifts." He then got up and left the hut so Laer could dress. He was still standing out there when Laer came out of the hut. He smiled when he saw her, and drew her in for a hug. "Come back to visit me when you can," he said cheerfully as he let her go.
Laer smiled and nodded, then thanked Nandar one more time before she turned and fled through the trees.
"That is the story of Laer's life, at least in a nutshell," the tree said afterwards.
"What about when she met me?" Camellia asked.
"Very well," the tree said, and proceeded on with when Camellia and Laer first met.
"Well, Camellia, here we are! The new world!" a young hobbit said, as the ship they were on came towards land.
"It doesn't look much different than Middle Earth, Carl!" Camellia said.
Carl laughed. "Of course it doesn't! But it's a land of opportunity, and we can start a new life here."
Camellia looked apprehensive. "If you say so…"
After the ship had docked, Carl and Camellia disembarked, ready to start a new life in this new world. Just as Carl had stepped off the loading plank, he was thrown backwards by a blast of light, screaming in pain.
"CARL!!" Camellia cried. The Camellia standing with the others turned her head away, tears streaming down her face, as the Camellia from the past ran to her fellow hobbit, leaning over him, trying to shake him awake. She saw his chest rising, and felt she could still bring him back. She heard some twigs crack, and her head snapped up to see Salum standing there before her, staff raised and aimed at her, surrounded by his orc followers. Her eyes widened in fear.
Before Salum could finish his spell, however, an arrow shot through the air, striking him down. Laer shot from the trees, and landed next to Camellia. She took one look at Carl, shook her head, grabbed Camellia, and shot through the trees again. Camellia was about to cry out again, but Laer, sensing what she was going to do, quickly put her hand over Camellia's mouth. Salum's orcs were trying to follow them, but Laer was so nimble and quick through the trees, it was quite impossible for them to follow. When they were a good distance from the orcs, Laer dropped from the trees, gently setting her precious cargo down.
"Why did you leave my brother there?! He'll be killed!!" Camellia cried.
Laer's eyes widened. "My dear one, he was already dead. I'm sorry to be the one to break it to you."
Camellia cried harder. "You're lying!! I saw his chest rising with breath!! He was alive!!"
Laer gathered the small girl to her, cradling her head in the crook of her neck, trying to soothe her. "Listen, little one, what you saw was only a cheap wizard's trick to lure you into thinking you could save him. Please, put your heart at ease."
Camellia quieted at these words, tears still streaming down her face.
"Where were you headed?" Laer gently asked.
"I don't know… Carl and I were going to start over here in this new world. We had no place to go," was the answer.
Laer took a deep breath. "Then you will travel with me until we find a place for you to stay."
Camellia pulled back from Laer's embrace. "Really? You'd do that for me?"
Laer smiled, and brushed the tears from Camellia's face. "Yes, but first we must change your clothes." Laer took the pack off her back and rummaged through it until she took out a small bundle of clothes. It was a forest green dress with beige bloomers. Once Camellia had dressed, Laer handed her a white apron with a pocket on the right side of it. Once Camellia and Laer were on their way through the forest, Camellia decided to strike up a conversation with her new traveling companion.
"What's your name?" she asked.
"I'm Laer. Who are you?"
Camellia raised her head. "I am Camellia Loamsdown of Hobbiton."
"You're a hobbit?" Laer asked.
"Yup!" Camellia replied, pride evident in her voice.
"Nice to meet you," Laer said, amusement creeping into her voice.
Camellia just smiled as they continued on in companionable silence.
"And so, the history of Camellia and Laer ends," the tree said.
Legolas was the first one to wake up the next morning. His mind was a jumble of thoughts concerning Laer and last night. When he went to the creek to get some water, he found Laer already there, staring off into space.
"Are you feeling better?" he asked.
She turned around to face him. "Yes," she answered, smiling. "Listen, I'm sorry about last night. I really didn't intend for you four to learn my life story."
Legolas smiled. "Don't worry about it."
Laer smiled back, and turned back to the creek.
Legolas stepped up behind her and placed his arms around her waist, resting his head on her left shoulder. "You act as if the weight of the world is upon you," he whispered into her ear.
A shiver ran down her spine. She closed her eyes as she answered, "Sometimes it feels that way. But I know I have Camellia, and now you guys, to depend on, and that thought lightens the load."
Legolas smiled, "Good, I'm glad." He then released her from his embrace, and bent down to scoop water into his canteen.
Laer was just beginning to mourn the loss of his heat from surrounding her when she suddenly gasped and went into a trance.
"Laer?!" Legolas asked, worried, straightening.
Laer shook her head, coming out of the trance. When she looked up at him, she smiled. "I know where it is!! I know where it is!! Come on!!" She took his hand and pulled him back towards camp. 'The final stone…'
Whew!! That was long!! That's the longest thing I've ever done in my entire life!! I have to say I'm very proud of this fic, and I'm glad that Tree and I are writing it. I've had the idea for this for so long, it's plagued me, I swear!! Eee!! I love this fic!! Stay tuned for Tree's chapter, coming soon!!
~SpottedTree