Camille smiled as she meandered through the lush foliage and trees that grew in the massive gardens of Mirkwood. The sunlight pierced through the thick canopy of elm leaves above her, while a gentle breeze made them fall down on the path in front of her, covering it in a golden carpet.
It was autumn, and the leaves had begun to change their color in preparation for winter. I've never seen autumn before… She smiled as she whistled a random tune to herself, trying to get the birds to sing with her.
Many months had come and gone while she had been at Mirkwood, but they passed quickly enough for her. Everyone was kind and gracious to her, most especially King Thranduil and Legolas. Over time, she had managed to build a strong bond of friendship with the prince, while she looked to King Thranduil as a fatherly-type figure.
Those months hadn't been wasted in laziness, either. She had trained with Legolas to learn how to shoot a bow, which she did with little success initially. Her skills gradually improved, however, and though her skills still weren't on par with Legolas', she had done a pretty good job already.
As for horseback riding, that was a skill she didn't lack. Having lived on a horse ranch for nearly five years of her life, she was skilled enough to be considered a good rider by the Elves, who were very good themselves, even though she lacked the skill to ride them barebacked, like they did; she still needed a bridle, reins, and saddle. King Thranduil even gave her a horse of her own: a beautiful mare she had named Luna, in recognition of her silver-white mane and tail that spread over her gleaming gray coat like moonlight over a millpond.
When she wasn't tinkering with her bow or out in the fields riding Luna, Camille spent her time with Enarwen and Falurien, trying to learn Elvish from them. As she eventually found out, there were TWO kinds of Elvish: Quenya and Sindarin. After a bit of explanation, Camille realized that Quenya was more of a "ceremonial language", though it was still spoken by some of the High Elves. Sindarin was the more commonly used version, which had been derived from Quenya. Either way, however, Camille STILL had a hard time trying to learn either of the two. She just couldn't get used to the soft, flowing way of speaking Elvish, finding it hard to unlearn some of the speech patterns she had been used to. She could read it, yes, and she could understand it, but not if it was spoken quickly, as it too often was.
She stopped in her tracks when she heard a familiar voice from the treetops speak to her in Sindarin Elvish, ^What are you doing here, Eriol?^
Camille rolled her eyes. Legolas. Having long ago decided that she would NOT attempt to speak to any of the Elves in their own tongue unless absolutely necessary, she answered him in the Common Speech, "Get down from the tree, Legolas. I don't want to strain my neck while I talk to you."
There was a soft thud from her left, and when she turned to look, Legolas smiled at her as he approached. "Why are you not speaking in Sindarin? I thought that Enarwen and Falurien were teaching you how?"
"They're teaching me, but I can't get used to it," Camille replied. "I'm used to speech patterns that just won't conform to Sindarin – or any kind of Elvish, for that matter. And besides, I think that it's enough that I can read Elvish script and understand the spoken version. That way you and your father can't talk behind my back."
Legolas smiled at her mischievously, his eyes twinkling. "And what makes you say that Father and I have been talking about you behind your back?"
Camille wagged a finger at him. "I KNOW these things, Legolas. It's called 'female intuition'."
^Ah, I give up! Why is it that ALL women have to be so complicated?!^ Legolas threw his hands up in the air in an act of mock-exasperation to complement his words. He glanced at her. ^And I had hoped that you wouldn't be like all the rest, Eriol.^
"Why do you have to call me Eriol now?" Camille groaned as she rolled her eyes at the Prince. "What is it, some kind of pet name or something?"
Legolas shook his head, and his smile and gaze became slightly tender. "In a way. Eriol means 'One Who Dreams Alone' in Elvish. And I believe that it is a suitable name for you."
Camille lowered her gaze, and felt herself blush to the roots of her hair. There was something about the way Legolas talked to her, looked at her, and acted around her that simply made her heart flutter and the heat rise to her face. He makes me feel like I'm the most beautiful creature on Middle-Earth…even if I know that the other Elf-maidens are prettier than I am…
He clasped her hand, and tugged her gently down the path. He grinned at her, suddenly reverting to being the enthusiastic and down-to-earth Elf who had quickly become her best friend in this strange world. "Let us go for a ride, Camille. Autumn is the best season for riding."
Camille quickly glanced down at her clothing. She was still wearing the pants and shirt Falurien had given her for riding. Smiling, she followed Legolas down the path. "Sure, let's go!"
* * *
Legolas felt the wind in his face as he urged his horse Celeberiseth onwards. Beside him was Camille, a brilliant smile on her face as she too urged her horse Luna onwards, the beautiful beast now neck-in-neck with his. By the time they reached the stream that would be their finish line, Luna had nosed in ahead of Celeberiseth.
"HAH!!!! Beat you this time!" Camille declared triumphantly as she reined in her horse. Luna first slowed down to a canter, then a trot, and finally to a slow walk as they approached the banks of the brook. They stopped at last, and Camille gracefully swung her leg over the side of the horse, and got off, landing on the thick grass with barely a sound.
Legolas gazed at her as he got off Celeberiseth. Even if she dresses like a Mirkwood archer, she still looks so beautiful. She was clad in soft leather breeches the color of the earth, as well as a dark green tunic over a white shirt. The breeches were held around her waist by a black leather belt with a silver buckle. As for her feet, they were shod in leather riding boots that came up to the middle of her calf.
But there was no denying that even with such masculine clothing, her femininity still shone through. In fact, the close-fitting clothes only served to bring out her curves. There was no mistaking the swell of her breasts, tapering down to a narrow waist, and then flaring out again over her hips and thighs.
Legolas only snapped out of his thoughts when Camille spoke to him. "This place is beautiful, Legolas. Why didn't you bring me here before?"
The Prince smiled slightly as he walked up to her. She was standing near the edge of the stream, her eyes gazing westward towards the mountains. The sun was setting, and set the entire landscape ablaze in reds, purples, and gold. He laid a hand on her shoulder as he replied, "I was saving the best for last. On a clear day, one can see Imladris, or Rivendell as some people call it. It lies over those mountains, hidden within the Ford of Bruinen. In that fair land dwells Lord Elrond the Half-Elven, and with him reside his sons, the brethren Elladan and Elrohir, and his daughter, Arwen, whom we call Undomiel, for she is the Evenstar of our people."
Camille nodded in response. "I see. Evenstar…that must mean she is very beautiful, then. I wonder if I will ever get the chance to meet her."
"You will, someday soon," Legolas replied with a shrug.
Camille laughed, but there was a sad tone to it that made Legolas look at her. "Maybe for you, but remember, I'm only mortal. What may seem as 'someday' to you may actually mean 'never' to me."
Legolas winced at her words. Of course, she's right. How could I have forgotten about that? He bowed his head, and kissed her hand lightly. ^Forgive me, Eriol. I didn't mean to insult you…^
"It's okay. We've been together so long and so often that you sometimes forget that I'm mortal, and there are times when I forget that you're actually immortal. It goes both ways, at least." Camille pulled her hand away from his grasp, and moved to stand a little farther away from him. Her dark brown eyes were lost in thought as she looked towards the darkening peaks.
Legolas was silent as well, but then, his keen hearing picked up the sound of galloping horses. Something's not right. He took his bow, and removed an arrow from his quiver.
Camille must have noticed his gesture, because she walked swiftly towards him, her eyes worried. "Legolas? What's wrong?"
^Get onto Luna,^ Legolas whispered, unconsciously slipping into Sindarin as he spoke. ^Ready your bow, and nock an arrow, if need be. Be prepared for anything.^
Camille opened her mouth as if to argue, but she closed it, and mounted Luna. She readied her bow, and held an arrow in one hand.
Legolas watched two riders drew nearer. He squinted in the afternoon glare, trying to see who or what they were. When they were around five leagues away, he finally saw their features: long dark brown hair, piercing gray eyes, and gray Elven cloaks flying in the breeze. Elladan and Elrohir. He turned to Camille, and smiled. "It is alright, Camille. We have nothing to fear from these riders."
She cocked an eyebrow at him. "Are you sure?"
He laughed lightly as he approached her horse, holding his arms out to her. "Yes, I am certain. Now, give me your hands. Allow me to help you down."
"You're being quite a gentleman now, Legolas Greenleaf!" Camille exclaimed with a laugh as she held her arms out to him, balancing them on his shoulders as he placed his hands around her waist and lifted her up from the saddle and placed her on the ground.
Camille looked towards the west, and her lips fell down into a frown. She could see the horses now, and hear them as well. Seeing that the girl had now fallen into a different mindset, Legolas pulled away from her, but still stood close, watching as the two horses and their riders drew ever nearer.
* * *
Elrohir could not help but grin when he saw what lay before him. This is a charming scene. There was a stream and a small grove dead ahead, and his keen Elven eyes saw two figures standing there, talking and laughing with each other. One he recognized as his friend Legolas Greenleaf, the son of King Thranduil and heir of Mirkwood. Beside him was a young girl, dressed like a Mirkwood archer, down to the bow and quiver that she carried with her. However, this girl was no Elf, if her eyes and her ears were any indication of that.
Elladan moved his horse closer to Elrohir's, a note of curiosity in his voice. ^Who do you think that maiden with Legolas could be? Fair as an Elf-maiden she is, and yet she is only a mortal! What could a mortal such as her be doing here in Mirkwood?^
Elrohir shrugged. ^That is not our business to ask. We shall know if Legolas or King Thranduil or the lady herself chooses to tell us.^
They had come close to the two now, who were standing with grave looks on their faces, looking on at them. Elrohir smiled, and held up his hand. ^Worry not so much, friend Legolas! Long it has been since my brother and I have visited your kingdom, and this is the welcome we get from you?^
A smile broke on the Prince's face while the two dismounted, and he walked up to them, holding up his hand in greeting. ^It has been a long while, dear friends, since you last came here. What brings you out of Imladris this time? Out hunting Orcs again?^
Elladan shook his head, and though he smiled, his eyes were grave. ^I am afraid we come for other reasons, my friend, though we have had some dealings with Orcs on our way here. But that was not our purpose.^
"Is this a private party or can I join?"
Elrohir looked up, his gaze falling on the girl he had seen with Legolas. She was standing beside a gray horse with a tail and mane as white as moonlight, a cocky smile twisting her dark rose lips slightly, while her dark brown eyes twinkled with mirth. He smiled back at her, and bowed. "Forgive us for not recognizing you earlier, My Lady, but Legolas has not introduced us yet."
Legolas walked up to the girl, and smiled at her. "Yes, forgive me. Elladan, Elrohir, this is Lady Camille Selvitar, a…guest at the palace. Camille, these are the sons of Elrond, Elladan and Elrohir."
Elrohir stepped up, and gently kissed the Lady's hand, as was proper. "I see. It is a pleasure to meet you, My Lady. Forgive us for speaking in Elvish earlier; we did not know you were there."
The girl – Camille – smiled brightly, and shrugged. "It's okay, it wasn't a problem. I can understand Elvish, but I'm not so good at speaking it. That's why I'm sticking to talking in Westron; I've made a personal note to myself NEVER to talk in Elvish unless absolutely necessary."
"Surely you meant that in jest, My Lady!" Elladan exclaimed as he too bent down to kiss the Lady's hand. "Elvish is a beautiful tongue!"
"That's the point! I'm not used to talking it, and when I DO talk in Elvish, it just doesn't sound the way it should. I don't think it's good to talk in such a lovely language if I'm just going to botch the job, right?"
Elrohir laughed at her joke, amused at this girl's easygoing nature. In fact, there was something about her manner of speech that he found very familiar…
It took him a while before he realized whom it was. Lady Eli. In fact, he soon realized, the girl standing before him fit the Lady's description of the friend she had lost. Long straight reddish-brown hair, gleaming dark brown eyes…the resemblance was uncanny. Dare I hope that this girl is the one Elladan and I promised to find?
But he knew that there were other reasons why he and his brother came here. He turned to Legolas. ^We must go to the palace now. We have come here to deliver a message to your Father.^
The Prince's face became serious again. ^Is that so? Well then, we must go now. We cannot tarry here longer.^ He turned to Lady Camille. "Camille, we must go back to the palace now."
The girl nodded, and didn't say anything further. She merely walked up to her horse, and got onto it swiftly. The beast stirred under her weight, nickering slightly as she made it turn towards the direction of the palace with but a slight touch of the reins. "Let's go then."
Elrohir sprang onto his horse, his action imitated by his brother. Soon, the four riders were off, heading towards the Palace of the Elvenking.
* * *
Thranduil had felt that something was wrong the moment he saw that four riders instead of two had returned from the west. He had seen his son and the Lady Camille ride out of the gates earlier that afternoon, and now, in the darkening twilight, they were returning with two more riders in their company.
Thranduil had recognized them as they rode into the courtyard. The brethren Elladan and Elrohir…news from Rivendell?
He waited a little impatiently in the throne room, wishing to hear right away the reason why the twins had come to Mirkwood. For certainly it isn't to ask for a place to rest after hunting Orcs…they are dressed too lightly for that.
At long last, two dark-haired Elves entered the room, bowing low before him. One of them, whom Thranduil recognized as Elladan, said, ^Good evening, Thranduil, King of Mirkwood. We thank you for seeing us on such short notice.^
Thranduil smiled slightly. ^Rise, Elladan, Elrohir, sons of Elrond. I see that you are dressed lightly; you have not come to Mirkwood for rest after another Orc-hunt, have you?"
Elrohir nodded as he straightened up. ^Unfortunately, no, Your Majesty. We come bearing news from our Father, Lord Elrond of Rivendell. He wishes that you come right away to Imladris for a Council. If you cannot come yourself, then he asks that you at least send a representative in your stead."
Thranduil sighed, his thoughts immediately going to Legolas and Camille. It is as I feared. The evil has spread almost completely. For why else would Elrond call a Council? Mirkwood is too close to the source of this Evil, and she will not be safe here any longer. The farther she is from this place, the better. He looked up at the twins, and nodded. ^Very well then. I cannot go myself, but I shall send Legolas as my representative.^ He stood up. ^But for now, rest here in Mirkwood! You may leave during the dawn, or stay longer, if you choose.^
Elladan shook his head, not ungratefully. ^We thank you for such kind hospitality, Your Majesty, but I am afraid that my brother and I are wanted elsewhere. By your leave, we shall take a few supplies, and then be on our way.^ He paused a moment, then said, ^Your Majesty, may I put forth a question and a request?^
Thranduil raised his eyebrow, but nodded. ^You may.^
^Thank you.^ Elladan took a deep breath. ^Your Majesty, that girl…Lady Camille Selvitar, if I remember correctly…did she mention anything about a friend of hers, a girl she calls Eli?^
Surprise lit up Thranduil's eyes for a moment, but he answered in the affirmative. ^Yes, she says she has a friend by that name. We have been searching the whole of Mirkwood for her ever since Lady Camille awakened. She seemed terribly anxious to find her friend again.^ His gray eyes darkened slightly as realization dawned on him. ^So this Eli that Lady Camille spoke of is in Rivendell?^
Elladan nodded. ^Indeed, she is. We found her in the forests near Bruinen, being chased by a large group of Orcs. She managed to cross the river just as Elrohir and I arrived. She fell unconscious just as we had reached her. We took her back to Rivendell, where she slumbered for two days until Father awoke her with his skill.^
Orcs. ^You say that when you found Lady Eli, she was being chased by Orcs?^ Thranduil muttered. ^How odd. When Legolas found Lady Camille in Mirkwood, an Orc, only one, was chasing her, but it stabbed her in the right shoulder with a poisoned blade. He brought her here to be treated, and luckily, she was saved.^ He glanced again at the two. ^Now what is your request?^
It was Elrohir who answered. ^Our request is this: that when Legolas sets out for Rivendell, Lady Camille should accompany him. We made a promise to Lady Eli that we would find her friend, and now that we have, we wish to send her to Rivendell to be reunited with her friend. She cannot accompany us, for we shall not return to Imladris right away. That is why we wish that she goes with Legolas to Rivendell. A smaller company will be less noticeable, and they shall be going straight for Rivendell. The sooner she gets there, the better.^
^I see. Yes, I understand it now,^ Thranduil said thoughtfully. ^Very well then, I shall speak to my son and the Lady about this tonight.^
Elladan and Elrohir bowed. ^Many thanks, King Thranduil.^
* * *
Legolas stood by Camille's door, waiting for her to appear. He sighed impatiently as he leaned against the wall. Why is it that women take so long to get ready?
At long last, the door opened, and out stepped Camille. She was clad in a flowing Elven-dress, pale blue in color, while her hair was left loose around her shoulders, with only a small strip of blue silk on her head to keep the locks from falling over her face. Her feet were shod in slippers of blue velvet. She smiled at him apologetically. "Sorry if I took so long. Enarwen and Falurien were making a big fuss about what I should wear."
Legolas smiled at her, his initial impatience now melting away at the sight of her so finely arrayed. ^It was worth the wait, Eriol.^ He held his arm out to her, encouraging her to take it. "Now, let us go. My Father waits for us in the library."
The girl nodded, and slipped her arm through his, letting him lead her. Arm in arm they walked through the palace, he clad in a silver tunic and loose-fitting pants of the same color, and she in the light blue Elven-dress. Though they did not notice it, many of the Elves in the palace who saw them pass remarked about how lovely a couple they made, and rumor flew about that they would soon see a wedding to unite Mirkwood and the kingdom from which the Princess Camille came from.
But the two being talked about paid no heed, for they had other thoughts in mind. They soon reached the library, and as soon as they walked through the doors, Thranduil, who had been sitting in an armchair close to the fire, said, ^Please close the doors, Legolas. This is a matter I do not wish anyone else but the two of you to hear.^
Legolas did as he was told, then turned to Thranduil. ^Father, what is this matter that you wish to tell us?^
Thranduil smiled at him slightly. ^Please, take a seat, the two of you.^ After Camille and Legolas did as he asked, he continued, ^Elladan and Elrohir have brought me much news from Rivendell. First of all of this is for the Lady.^ He turned to Camille, and smiled. "My Lady, it seems that your lost friend has been found."
A smile suddenly lit up the whole of Camille's face. "Really?!?! They found Eli?!?! Where is she?!"
"She is in Rivendell, and awaits your arrival."
Legolas was confused. "Awaits her arrival? Father, do you intend to send Camille to Rivendell?" He discreetly clenched his hand into a fist, hoping that his father had not seen it. Please, tell me this is not so!
Thranduil nodded. "Aye, that is right. Lady Camille will travel to Rivendell, but she will not travel alone. For Elladan and Elrohir brought me other news." Here, he frowned again. ^Lord Elrond has summoned a Council. He has asked me to be present, but since I cannot go, I have decided to send you, Legolas, as my representative. Also, since Lady Camille is traveling with you, you shall act as her protector.^ He shook his head. ^These times are dangerous. Mirkwood is no longer as safe as I had hoped it would be. It is good that Lord Elrond has offered to take in Lady Camille. The farther away she is from Mordor, the better.^
Legolas smiled slightly. Though it hurt him that this mission would take him far away from his homeland, the fact that he would be traveling with Camille made him feel a little better. At least she will come with me, and I will be able to protect her should the need arise. He looked at his father with a determined gaze. ^I shall do as you request, Father. When do we leave?^
Thranduil smiled, evidently proud of his son's answer. "I believe that it would be best to leave the day after tomorrow. Use that time to get your provisions together, and prepare everything that you will need for the journey."
"Yes, Father." Legolas turned to Camille, and it seemed that she had listened and understood every single word of their conversation, Elvish and all. There was something akin to fear in her eyes, and worry, but beneath that burned a fire of courage and steel will that would face anything at all, even if it was an entire battalion of Orcs. And when Legolas saw that fire, he felt his heart lighten a little, for he knew that here was one girl who would not yield so easily to anything, be it an Orc or Sauron himself.
It is too bad that there are few with hearts like hers. We could find a great use for them in these troubled times.
AUTHOR'S NOTES: FINALLY, another chapter done! I think my writing seems to have improved, and almost seems to match Tolkien's style of writing…though I know I could NEVER imitate him. I come close enough, anyway laughs! Oh yeah, and I pilfered the name "Eriol" from "The Book of Lost Tales I"; from now on, whenever Legolas talks in Elvish to Camille, he'll call her by that name, but ONLY when talking in Elvish or when he wants to tease her. ANYWAY, on to the next chapter! Legolas and Camille are going to Rivendell for the Council of Elrond, and Camille is excited to see Eli again. But there are some things that will be uncovered in the next few chapters, even as Elrond throws a feast to celebrate Frodo's awakening and the arrival of the Mirkwood party. How is this information related to our two heroines? And what have they got to do with the One Ring and gulp Sauron himself? Stay tuned for the next chapters!