Author's Note:
Come now, good Tolkien fans! Do you not like this story? I am not the best author in the world, I know… though lack of reviews is very saddening because I need them to survive! *Wheezes convincingly*
By the way, in this chapter there is an OC that is mentioned only very briefly. Sinta is the older half-sister of Finlos, Bungo Oldbuck's already two-year-old daughter when he won Lossë's hand.
Please review! *Puppy-dog eyes*
Luv always, Fëaruin
P.S. Lee, I'm sorry about the whole you-Legolas-wife thing. I only wrote this chapter within five minutes so I had no idea how offensive it sounded until I actually read it through properly. I've fixed the section about Legolas-you-wife thing and now I hope you won't slap me. Hennaid Evyr!
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The Secret Tale of Finlos
Part I: First Meeting
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Many long years ago, Finlos Kallesilya, the beautiful daughter of Lossë, an Elf, and Bungo, a Hobbit, was hungry, weary, and very, very grieved. Her once bright milky hair hung below her ankles brittle and stained, and she dragged herself along the forest, trying to fight the way she swayed, a sign that she was about to fall. The wound in her arm was beginning to fester, and it soaked clearly through the material that was tightly wrapped around her arm to cease the bleeding.
The half Hobbit, half Elf- and very lately part Werewolf- released a strangled cry as she tripped over a buttress root of a tree, finally wavered and fell to the earth, trembling intensely. Sinta, half-sister of Finlos and step-daughter of Lossë, wailed Finlos' name and ran to her, sobbing as she knelt beside her and wrapped her arms around her adored younger sister tightly. They were both very young and afraid, for Sinta was only sixteen years old, and Finlos twelve.
It was Finlos' innocence and great love of everything around her that led to that agonizing wound in her arm. For by the recent death of their father Bungo, and the passing of Finlos' mother the year before- they were cast out by the Shire, lost in the woods, staring death in its arrogant face. And whilst in the forest, trying to battle their excruciating hunger- a beautiful silver wolf appeared before them, with a sleek, frosty fleece that mirrored the little light of the sun that was peering through the trees, reflecting back a sparkling white light that was Finlos' byname, Kallesilya- bright silver shine.
In trust and a heart filled with love she had approached the wolf and stroked its silver head, forgetting instantly her hunger and her weariness, as she portrayed her innocence, feeling the smooth, silken fur of the wolf. However, the wolf in its trespassed suspicion snapped at the gentle arm that touched him; at the choked scream that followed, he bolted away, already making his mark.
It was thus that led to the first fall of Finlos; unknown to her, as her highly protective half-sister cradled her in her arms as she wept. But there was a greater downfall to follow that they could not have known at this moment in time- as Kallesilya meets her other half, the lover of her heart.
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Over a century later, Sinta had passed away (for although she was step-mothered by an Elf in her youth she had no strain of Elven blood), and Finlos, found by Lord Elrond of Imladris and sent to Lothlórien, was beginning to take the likeness and beauty of her mother. They had both been respected and graced Ladies of Lothlórien, being trained by their uncle Lord Celeborn in all arts and refinements of a princess.
Blossoming, maturing Finlos, slightly shorter than an Elf and taller than a Hobbit, wandered in the forests one day to view the beauty of Lothlórien, and did not expect the young one who was also wandering the wilds, seeking solitude from the burdens of everyday before he was to seek counsel with Lord Celeborn. Finlos, hearing footsteps approaching, quickly took cover behind the nearest tree, having almost lost trust for many since her encounter with the beautiful silver wolf the century before.
Finlos waited in subtle fear, hoping against hope that whoever or whatever it was would quickly pass and allow her peace. Silence, for a blissful moment, devoured all noise, and almost sighing she crept out from behind the tree, believing that the footsteps had gone. But as her pale head appeared from behind the broad trunk, a flying arrow struck the tree, causing Finlos to jump back behind in shock. She let out an alarmed cry and promptly wept, memories of the regretful trust of the wolf suddenly flooding back to her mind.
Legolas, the charming Prince of Mirkwood, had also roamed alone in those woodlands to seek isolation and had heard soft footsteps approaching him, before he perceived something scrambling behind the tree right before him as he entered the scenery. Believing it was a fox or any other race of wild game, he notched an arrow and waited for whatever it was, supposing it was a considerable idea to bear a gift for the Lord of Lothlórien whose counsel he was about to seek.
Seeing something appearing from behind the tree, he had released the arrow, cursing himself that he did not hit his prey. Instead of a thunder of footsteps scurrying away he instead heard a fearful wail, and the sounds of someone weeping. Being filled with horror at the realization that his prey had not been an animal he approached the sounds, hoping he had not hurt the Elf or whomever it was that he had foolishly hunted.
Gazing around the tree he beheld the most exceptional sight he'd perceived in his life so far; a fair lady, with long hair as white as the niphredil that had blossomed in Lothlórien and eyes as clear and blue as the sunlit sky, crouching timidly behind the tree, with teardrops silver like the light of the Moon that so he loved. However, he could not make out exactly what she was; he could see that she had pointed ears like himself, and was fair as he and any other Elf was, but she was much shorter than an Elf, in fact quite shorter than a Man.
Seeing a shadow loom over her fallen body she hesitantly looked up, and instead of seeing what rogues she'd expected, before her stood the most handsome Elf that she'd ever seen, with golden hair hanging below his shoulders and pale skin, a quiver and slender bow slung over his shoulder. Her fear dissolved only a little, but nonetheless she was more relieved and puzzled at the way he was gazing at her with amusement and even enchantment.
"Good morrow, Lady of Lórien," he greeted, smiling warmly.
Finlos doubtfully stood and wiped away her tears, struggling to look into the eyes of the Elf and maintain a normal breathing rate at the same time. "Good morrow," she said hesitantly.
"Pray tell," he suppressed his uncivil urge of laughter, "what are you, Lady? For though I mean no insult, you have the ears of an Elf, and the height of a Dwarf… although your beauty is so radiant, and…"
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* "Oh, is that so?" I accused, a twisted, evil grin spreading across my face. "What about the King of Gondor? You have known Aragorn longer than your wife and NEVER have you said anything to him that was that eloquent, ignoring the fact that he is not your lover!"
Legolas' eyes filled with horror, as If he'd not known what I was accusing him of. "What did I do?!" he demanded, glaring back with a slight twinge of irritation.
"That's not what really happened, was it?"
Legolas glared poisonously, and ultimately surrendering, he sighed and finally admitted the truth, mumbling about 'Dúnedain pests'
* (A/N: Check Author's notes at beginning of chapter)
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"Woah!!!!" Legolas shrieked as Finlos stood up, revealing her size. "W….o…..é…. What… WHAT, in the name of Eru…"
Finlos stood right where she was, eyeing the Elf that was about to run away in bursts of laughter, and promptly sobbed loudly, shattering the Elf's eardrums. At that instant everything within earshot- birds, beasts, and several wandering Orcs that were about to ambush- ran away, hoping to find solace near Orodruin. At least erupting fires and thunder were more safe for the eardrums than to stay any longer near- whatever this Lady was.
"Wait, wait…" Legolas rushed over, comforting the sad Lady by placing a gentle arm on her shoulder. "I meant no offense… I… I was just startled."
Finlos suddenly stopped the ear-shattering wailing and in complete silence lifted the hand off her shoulder, stepping back. "I could tell, Sir Elf."
"Yea?" Legolas tilted his head, getting a better look at the admittedly not at all bad-looking part-Elf. "So… what are you, Lady? For you have the ears of an Elf… and yet you are about as tall as a Dwarf."
Finlos noticed the way this comely Elf was struggling to restrain his laughter, and wrinkled her nose in jested disapproval. He appeared to be somewhat noble, and it was not expected by Finlos at the first that he would jest so. Suddenly, to her surprise, Legolas burst out into peals of laughter, falling onto his knees onto the ground.
"My thanks to you, stranger," she said sarcastically, before continuing. "For your information I am the niece of Lord Celeborn, daughter of his younger sister Lossë and a Hobbit of the Shire. I am as you say before a Lady of harmonious Lórien and therefore I do not believe you should jest just yet if you do not know who I may be, even though I may be a Dwarf. At any rate, what is your name, and what is your business here?"
Legolas' laughter trailed off in a high-toned sigh and stood up, raising a dark eyebrow at Finlos' slight fear and lack of trust, but paid it no heed, for she had a reason to, especially since he'd tried to shoot her with an arrow beforehand. "I am Legolas, Crown Prince of Mirkwood," he replied more seriously although kindly, trying to avoid offense. "I am here to seek counsel with the Lord of Lothlórien. Now, if you do not mind, I would like to know the name of the Lady to whom I am stating my purposes, for I can see that even to you trust is very priceless."
Finlos was overcome by shock that she had spoken so discourteously to a Prince and paused for a moment in a panicked hesitation, before finally giving in, for she knew that it was even more disrespectful not to reply. "Finlos," she stated, hanging her head slightly. "Finlos… Kallesilya."
The Elf beamed instantly, hearing the splendid name. "Snow hair… bright silver shine," he repeated her name in awe. "It is a magnificent name, Lady Finlos, and I can understand by your radiant hair why you are named so. And your eyes are so brilliant and clear, blue as the skies of Middle-Earth, and I can harbor a guess that it is of the always merry Hobbits' descent. Although I still find difficulty attempting to imagine the rarity of a Hobbit and an Elf parenting anyone, even you."
"How do you manage to make so many jests, Master Elf?" Finlos answered, slightly amused.
Legolas smiled at the way Finlos was beginning to gain his trust, and spoke. "To be honest I myself know not. I guess it eases the burdens of the heart. And I believe that is why I have come to see your uncle… "
Finlos curled her mouth disapprovingly at the smirk on Legolas' face, but tried to disregard it, for he was a Prince… a very attractive Prince, at that. She shook her head, knowing that if she thought about it any more she would turn red in the face, and offered as a gesture of respect to escort him to the presence of Lord Celeborn. Legolas confidently agreed without any trace of hesitation, and they both walked back to Lórien together with gazes locked, each saying nothing to the other.
To be continued…
Author's Note:
There you go, Finlos! A memorable first meeting, although made slightly spoofed than what Legolas' tales told. No more pestering me about Legolas being entranced by your hair and your eyes! We all know you're beautiful anyway ^_^
By the way, Finlos and Morauko, I need you to give me some info on Celebel in the next turn of events. Please email me JUST ONCE if you're too lazy to talk to me about LotR every single day at school [like you already are] and tell me what was NOT told in The Tale of Finlos. *Dramatic Beethoven's 5th Symphony-type music plays*
To everyone else, please review! And yes, it would be good for Morauko and Finlos to review me too. Feedback appreciated! [Aww c'mon, thought you'd guess it already]
Luv, Fëaruin