I didn't know how long I lay sobbing on the bed. I passed between waking and sleeping, between shade and sunlight, and watched the leaves blow in the breeze outside my room. It was eerily quiet, the stillness broken only by the gasps of breath I took.
The sun was still high in the sky when my last tear had dried on my face. My head was pounding, I was shaky and weak. This was ridiculous.
Stop it, I told myself. Get a grip. You've never been one to cry yourself sick before, and this had better be the only time you do so. What have you gotten out of this? Only the knowledge that Kleenex does not exist on Middle-Earth.
Estel will be back. He has not left forever. And while he's gone, take advantage of his absence and figure out what you really feel for him. Stop sobbing like a baby, get up, and DO something.
I got up. I didn't particularly feel like meeting anyone at the moment, so I grabbed a warm cloak and quietly slipped out the door.
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Tadandader HalfElvenWhen I woke up finally, no one was around. I studied my surroundings. Elrond's room was a library, and radiated a faint warmth that reminded me of him. Carefully I slipped out of the bed and crept to the door, relieved that I was able to walk once more. I peeked cautiously into the hall, and was happy that it was empty. Quietly I slipped away from the room, for I needed some time to think.
Before I knew it I was lost. But I didn't mind. Rivendell was beautiful, and the soft afternoon breezes were soothing. A soft bird song filled the air as I wandered about the woods on the outskirts of the city. I found a nicely shaped rock and sat down, watching the river pass.
Soon I grew aware of a presence behind me. I turned to find Glorfindel.
"Um, hello," I said, unsure of why he was there. He squatted on the ground next to my rock.
"Hello." An uneasy silence hung there for a minute. "I may have given you a bad first impression." Oh, now that was the understatement of the year!
"Perhaps." There, that was properly enigmatic for an Elf.
"It is not that I dislike you. I am concerned for my friend whom I have known for thousands of years. He was hurt not too long ago when the one who had become as a father to him, Gil-Galad, died." Not too long ago? I suddenly had insight as to the views of Elves on time. "I do not want him to be hurt again."
That made sense. "So we declare peace?"
He smiled. "What do you intend towards Lord Elrond?"
I knew it couldn't be that easy. But a girl could hope. "I don't know. I came out here to clear my head and think...in peace."
He looked at me, as if analyzing every piece of data he could. I had a feeling he could tell me how much I weighed, and what I'd eaten last. "You don't know. And yet you flirt with him. This does not add up."
I sighed. As if Glorfindel would understand what I felt. His smile widened. "Try me, Tadan." Drat, I hated it when I broadcasted.
"He...well..." I trailed off. It wasn't easy, putting what I felt about Elrond into words. "I feel like I am....whole...if that's the right word...when I am with him. But at the same time, I am Luitha's friend, and whatever her choice is will affect me. I don't know if I'm being clear. I'm sorry, my mind is so muddled." I looked down at the ground, ready for Glorfindel to whip out a sword and declare that I was violating his Lord's honor. Instead, he placed a hand underneath my chin and tilted my face up.
For a while he searched my eyes. Then he sighed. "I fear I misjudged you. Many females have thrown themselves at his feet, and few of them saw him. Instead, they saw his position, his renown. I am beginning to think you are different. No," he raised his other hand to stop my protest, "I know you are different. Enjoy your thoughts in peace, Tadan." He rose and walked through the woods. I watched him until the trees blocked my view. Then I went back to my study of the river, half hoping Elrond would find me there, half hoping Luitha would.
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El luitha urenI wandered through Rivendell, not paying much attention to where I was going. Not paying much attention to anything, actually. My heart ached still. Every time I closed my eyes I saw him, gazing silently at Elendil as the shadows of the evening danced with the light across his face.
I shook my head. Enough! Really! I needed a distraction.
I didn't have to wait long.
Elves were singing within the woods. I did not pay attention, they often did so. But the sound of hooves came, and many feet upon the ground. Curious and bored, I moved into the woods and followed the river down. Yes, there was definitely singing ahead. I was getting closer. It sounded like a dozen or so sets of feet shuffling along the earth. Grumbling? Elves did not shuffle nor grumble.
But I was distracted again. Was that Tadan sitting there by the river? I approached cautiously, unsure of what to say to her, my guilt still strong in my mind.
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Tadandader HalfElvenI threw a stone in the water and was mesmerized by the ripples that spread across it's surface. The lovely colors of a late afternoon sky were reflected in the river. I sighed, and threw in another stone.
My thoughts were all over the place. I looked at the sky. Still late afternoon. Time, which had passed all too quickly over the last few months had evidently decided to drag its collective feet. I tried to concentrate on the matters at hand. I really did. But my mind wasn't made to mull seriously over things for a while. Random thoughts kept popping out of nowhere. I suddenly decided that this was why Pippin had thrown rocks in the water at Moria. I felt an odd kinship with the little Hobbit, for it seemed that he too had trouble just sitting and thinking over serious matters. I threw another rock in, this time smiling as I remembered the scene. And then I went back to serious. Whatever was I to do?
A twig snapped behind me and I whirled around, small rock prepared for throwing. After all, Elves didn't snap twigs. I was relieved, and perhaps a little stressed, to see Luitha there.
"Hey," I said.
"Hey," she answered. She raised an eyebrow at the rock in my hand.
I shrugged. "Normal Elves don't make noises when they come up behind someone in the woods. I wanted to be prepared."
She nodded and took a seat on a small boulder. We both looked at the water. For some reason neither of us had anything to say.
I heard a distant singing, but that was normal for Rivendell. I liked singing. It was one of the many amentities of the city. I threw my other rock in. As it plopped into the water, Luitha sighed.
I turned to look at her. "So?"
"So?" she repeated.
"I asked first." She almost smiled.
"I don't know."
Hmm, we seemed to be saying a lot of that recently. When would we know? And know what? Agh, I needed to concentrate on the here and now. I sensed something about her, almost a tangible feeling, but at first I couldn't' recognize it. After all, I was pretty new at the telepathy business. I drew my knees up and listened to the singing. Oh, I knew where Elrond was. I could pick out his distinct and lovely baritone voice quite easily. Then it hit me. Luitha was feeling guilt.
"Luitha?"
"Hmm?" She looked up from the grass.
"Why are you feeling guilty?"
Then she looked guilty, too.
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El luitha urenI was really starting to get sick of this telepathy business. Tadan didn't see me running around and poking my nose her mind, now did she? How come I didn't have such a good handle of it?
"I'm sorry. I don't mean to. I can't help it." Tadan was wincing. I sighed. I was tired of being hurt and angry too.
"I'm sorry too. I didn't mean to think those things. I know you can't control it." Did Elves PMS? Maybe that was the source of my depression.
"Why do you feel guilty?" She asked again. Poor Tadan always had to ask me sensitive questions twice before she got an answer, didn't she? But she stuck to her guns, I had to give her that. She would not let up. "Luitha." That was more of a command.
I picked up my own rock and began running it through my hands. "It's my fault. You were here with Elrond and you were happy. Then I had to go fall in love with Estel and turn everybody's lives upside down. Now Elrond is ticked at Estel, you're worried that I'm going to somehow find a way to die with him, and I'm torn between the two of you."
Tadan sucked in her breath. "Did you say fall in love?"
I looked up from the stone in my hand in surprise. Had I? "Yeah, I guess so."
I turned from the river and looked through the trees behind me. The singing had gotten louder still, and the shuffling of feet was plain to my ears. I could see shapes moving in the trees, not far off, but beyond the reach of my eyes. I squinted, but that didn't help much. Short, I could see, and with a very long beard. There were thirteen of them? Were those dwarves? And who was that little figure following behind? I relaxed my eyes and concentrated on that last figure.
Without warning, the forest came looming towards me and the scene magnified. The far-away moving dwarves became so close I felt like they were passing right by me. I gave a startled yell and fell off the rock I was sitting on.
I had just discovered the zoom lens of Elves.
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Tadandader HalfElvenI felt horrible. I didn't know what to say. I mean, deep down, I had known. But I hadn't wanted to admit it. I was about to try to say something when Luitha yelped and fell over.
I turned as fast as I could, fearing the worst, i.e., a dragon was behind me. Instead, I saw a group of travelers. Fifteen travelers. And most of them were short. For some reason this rang a bell in my mind.
Oh my word! That had to be Gandalf and Bilbo and the Dwarves! I never could remember all of their names. After all, I had more important things to remember, like Elrond's whole family line.
"I want to meet Gandalf!" I exclaimed, and broke into a run. Then I recalled Luitha on the ground. I turned and saw her running right behind me, grin restored.
I was happy to discover we weren't the only ones running. I was told Rivendell always held celebrations when Gandalf showed up by Elrohir, who was running too.
The three of us stumbled into the courtyard to hear the Elves singing "Tra la la lally, here down in the valley."
I felt overjoyed. The tune was exactly as I had sung it when reading The Hobbit!"
I laughed as they told Thorin to watch his beard, and Bilbo not to eat too much. This was amazing! An arm rested on my shoulders as I laughed. Elrond smiled at me, his eyes looking relieved for some reason. I smiled back at him and leaned into his side, feeling very much at home for the first time in Middle Earth.
El luitha urenGandalf!? I picked myself up and went tearing after Tadan. Gandalf! We came to a gleeful halt in a gathering of what must have been every Elf in Rivendell. Elrond moved to stand beside Tadan and put an arm around her shoulder. I smiled. How happy they looked together. Why was I being so egotistical and worrying about Estel and I so much?
Estel. His blue eyes twinkled in my mind, his rough voice saying my name...
Stop it.
"Daydreaming again, Luitha?" I started and turned to see who had said my name. I had not recognized the voice. The Elf was tall and dark of hair, as were most of the Elves of Rivendell. He had a rather large nose that reminded me of Haldir and sharp eyes that looked like they missed nothing. His voice was higher-pitched than those of Aragorn, Elrond, and his sons.
"How could you tell?" Oh, I knew. Drat these Elves and their telepathy. I needed to talk to Elrond and get it under control.
"Your eyes unfocus and you stare into nothing." Wow he was standing close to me. I stepped back. The look in his eyes was not one I could easily read. It was a hunger of some sort. I took another step back, uneasy about this new Elf's presence. Had Elrond broadcasted to everyone that I was looking for a new love-interest?
"I'm sorry." I told him, as he moved closer again. "I think you've mistaken me with someone else." I turned and ran into the wood.
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Tadandader HalfElvenI watched as the strange procession came in. Gandalf came in first, a huge smile on his face as he came up to Elrond. Elrond unwrapped his arm from around me in order to hug the very tall Istari. I was feeling kind of short when I saw the one who had to be Bilbo, right behind Gandalf. He looked like he was enjoying every minute of this.
My eyes fell on the Dwarves. They were glaring right and left. Obviously they were not happy to be in Rivendell. I heard one mutter, "Elves. Do we have to stay with Elves?"
Erestor came from behind them and said, "Now Mithrandir, what much needed supplies are we giving to your party at this time?"
I grinned. And the Elves score! Then I heard my name.
"Tadan, it is nice to meet you."
I turned to see Gandalf smiling at me, holding out his hand. "Gandalf, the pleasure is mine."
Elrond looked surprised. "Oh, have you already met?"
"What?" I asked, a bit confused.
"I introduced him as Mithrandir."
"Oh, no, I haven't met him before. Um," I looked behind me to see if Luitha could give me a hand, and found her missing. In her place stood a tall Elf. "Where's Luitha?"
He looked at me. "She had something to attend to in the woods."
I was puzzled. What could be more interesting than meeting Gandalf? Then I was distracted by Elrond's arm going around me again, and I turned back to walk with him into the Chamber of Fire.
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El luitha urenWhat was that all about? I was angry again. I hated being angry. For all the Rivendell was peaceful, I seemed to have spent the vast majority of my time there in anything but a peaceful mood. The only time I remembered being truly happy was in Estel's arms...
Enough! Really Luitha! This has got to stop! Why not see what that Elf had to offer, hey? You are not bound to Estel because of one kiss.
No. But my heart longed for him. I could never give it to another, not while his grey-blue eyes haunted my mind. Grey-blue eyes...
I had to forcefully keep myself from banging my head into a tree. This was not working. I needed another distraction.
I did an about face right there to head back to Rivendell. I was going to meet Gandalf and Bilbo. So I spun on my heel and neatly conked heads with the Elf that I had just run away from.
"Uh... hello?" He smiled at my puzzled words. I gave him a weak smiled back.
"Hello Luitha. I am Telemandor. I'm sorry if I frightened you earlier. I did not mean to be so forward. But I have been watching you since you first came to Rivendell."
Uh-oh.
I put a hand to my head. "Telemandor, I'm very sorry, but I'm not interested. I'm not feeling very well. I'm sorry to leave you, but I'm going to head back and sleep now." I attempted to circle him, as he was standing right in front of me and blocking my way back.
"Would you like me to carry you?" He moved toward me.
"No!" I jumped back. "No, I'll walk, thank you." I felt bad. I certainly was not being very nice. But I really was not interested at all, and the obsessive bit was starting to bother me just a little.
"Then I shall walk with you."
Fine, I thought, just don't jump on me in the middle of the woods. I was beginning to discover how the poor objects of the Elf hunt felt. Well, they enjoyed it, I guess.
I set off for Rivendell at a brisk pace.
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Tadandader HalfElvenThe mood was still light when we entered the Hall of Fire and Gandalf began to tell of some of his journeys. After every tale he told, a song was sung, and I was utterly enjoying myself.
About thirty minutes into the meeting, Luitha walked in with the tall Elf that had been behind me. She came over and sat right beside me, and appeared to be ignoring the Elf.
Her eyes met mine, but she just shook her head 'no'. I would ask her when we were alone. I studied the Elf. His eyes were fixed on her, and he was singing quite loudly, as if to show off. Very odd behavior for an Elf, I thought. But then Bilbo walked over.
"Lord Elrond, my Lady, I want to say how much of an honor it is to be in your house." Elrond smiled, and I looked around. Where was the Lady Bilbo was talking to?
Luitha poked me and I realized what Bilbo thought.
"Oh, Mr. Baggins, I'm not..."
Elrond cut me off. "What she means is that she is not used to having quite so many Dwarves here at one time, and is happy to meet a Hobbit."
I looked at him, puzzled. Bilbo thought nothing of it and continued around, quite the perky chap.
"I'm no Lady." Elrond grinned. Oops, that didn't come out right. "I mean..."
"I know what you mean. And do not worry about it. Let him think of you as he does." But he was still smiling. I knew I was going to regret saying that.
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El luitha urenSo Elrond wanted Bilbo to think Tadan was his lady, hmm? I just about fell back to my elementary school tendencies and tittered right there. The Dwarves were amusing. They all seemed to be having an ongoing argument, and their voices kept rising above one another. Very different from the melodic voices of the Elves.
When stalker-Elf wasn't paying attention, I quickly got up and moved closer to the fire. Huddled in my cloak and feeling very much alone, I watched the flames through half-dropped eyes. Funny how one could feel so very alone in such a large group, I mused.
"You should not sit so close to the fire, Lady Luitha. From what Lord Elrond has told me, you and your friend Tadandader are prone to natural disasters." Now that was a voice I'd never heard before. I turned from my musings to see a tall shadow standing over me. He sat down on the bench next to me, blue eyes sparkling merrily from under a wide-brimmed hat.
A pointy wide-brimmed hat.
"Gandalf?" The words escaped my mouth before I could check them. The wizard chuckled.
"The Lady Tadan used that name as well. Where did you hear that name, I wonder? I am known as Mithrandir to Elrond and his kin."
Oh. "I heard Bilbo call you that." Gandalf did not seem entirely convinced, but did not press the subject.
"I hear you are not from these parts."
"No," I replied. "Tadan and I are from a land unknown to your people." The wizard's blue eyes glittered and a small smile played at the corners of his lips. I realized that I had just told an Istari that I was from a place he did not know. Despite the slight roll in my eyes, Gandalf asked,
"Aragorn said you spoke of the hobbit Tolkien? That you hailed from a land near his?"
Aragorn. The name threw me off and I hesitated. "Uh, yes," flustered, I tried quickly to cover. "You could say Britain is near my home in Virginia. It is across the sea though."
"I see." Was it my imagination, or did his eyes sparkle even more in that moment?
"Aragorn, how is he?" I tried to sound casual. Oh his eyes were definitely twinkling now.
"The Dunedain have accepted him as their leader. He is fairing well enough." Gandalf bent closer. "He sends you his greetings."
I tried not to visibly start, but I did anyway. How many months had passed in his time? How many days in mine?
"He wished me to remind you that the light of Earendil shines down on him as well, and that he too looks to it every night."
I turned my gaze to the fire to let the warmth of the blaze dry my gathering tears.
"El luitha 'uren," the old wizard continued softly. "He is very fond of you. He did not have to ask me to specifically find you. I think somehow that I would have anyway."
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Tadandader HalfElvenI watched Luitha slip away when the Elf wasn't watching, and sit down by the fire. Then I saw Gandalf go over to talk to her. Then my attention shifted to the Dwarves who had just entered the room, arguing. Their harsh voices disrupted the singing and merry atmosphere.
Elrond seemed distracted talking with Thorin, so I glanced back at Luitha. At first I thought it was the light, then I noticed she was about to cry! What was Gandalf doing?
I quickly crossed the room to their side, intent beating Gandalf up if he had hurt her. Then I remembered he was a Maia. I decided to just be casual.
"Will… Aragorn be back soon?" Luitha asked. I froze. Bad timing, Tadan, I told myself. I tried to slip away, but somehow Gandalf knew I was there.
"Tadan, I am not harming your friend." Shoot. So much for slipping away unnoticed. But maybe it was for the best. I sat down by Luitha and placed my arm around her shoulders as Mithrandir continued. "He hopes to return soon. And he promises to keep you in his thoughts."
"Mithrandir, Luitha, Tadan?" It was the Elf again, the one who had been sitting oddly close to Luitha. "Are you okay? It is nice to meet you, Tadan. My name is Telemandor."
I just looked at him. What did he want?
"Luitha, are you all right?"
If looks could kill, Telemandor was dead yesterday. Why was she so angry? "I'm fine. Thank you for your concern." Hmm, that sounded a bit forced. No, not a bit, it sounded very forced.
Telemandor obviously was deaf and blind, for he took a seat next to the three of us. It was then that his intentions became very clear to me. "Luitha, if there is anything I can do for you, I will."
"I am a bit busy right now. If I want you for anything, I'll call. Look, isn't Erestor waving you over? Quick, he just went into the kitchens!"
Erestor wasn't anywhere to be seen. But Telemandor got up and headed for that door. I looked at her. "Luitha, that wasn't very nice!"
"He's stalking me! What do you expect?"
"Stalking you?"
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El luitha urenIt was then that I remembered Gandalf was still with us.
"Telemandor is one of the few Elves here that does not easily understand hints, even when forced upon him," the wizard said. "I too was once the object of his attention. Pay him no mind. He will give up soon enough."
Well that was encouraging, at least.
Elrond came over then and laid a hand on Gandalf's shoulder. "Mithrandir, we were wondering if you could enlighten us with another tale?"
"Of course!" the wizard boomed, standing with the aid of his staff. He bent over and rested his hand on my shoulder. "Do not despair, El luitha. Only Elrond knows Aragorn better than I. His heart is set. He will return." And he moved with Elrond to the cluster of waiting elves.
I turned to Tadan, feeling much better at the moment than I had for days. "I'd never want you angry at me! The glare you were giving Gandalf when you came over made ME cower!"
She laughed. "That was nothing compared to the one you gave Telemandor!"
Her arm around my shoulder was comforting, and I returned the gesture. We sat and watched the fire glow, listening to the tales of Gandalf as the night drew on.
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Tadandader HalfElvenThe night had passed swiftly while we enjoyed the celebratory atmosphere. I think I drifted off once or twice, or perhaps thrice. The sun rose all to soon, sending Gandalf, Bilbo, and the dwarves on their way. Poor Bilbo, I thought. I wouldn't want to deal with Gollum.
Elrond shot me an odd look, so did Glorfindel. I looked back at them. They looked at each other. Then they both opened their mouths at the same time. They looked at each other again. I was trying not to laugh when Elrond asked, "Who's Gollum?"
I could feel the blood draining out of my face. "No one!" I said quickly, too quickly.
They glanced at each other again, but this time it wasn't funny. An unspoken message seemed to pass between them, and Glorfindel nodded and left. I saw him head over to Luitha.
Elrond put his hand on my shoulder. "I believe it is time I taught you how to shield your thoughts, especially as it seems that you have details of the future."
I nodded mutely. It would be pretty bad if I broadcasted...wait... no... I shouldn't think about it. I needed to concentrate on... bunnies. That's an innocent thought. Like the ones Sam cooked for Fr...shoot!
"Um, is Glorfindel doing the same for Luitha?"
"Yes. We thought it prudent. Here," he pointed, and we entered one of the many gardens. We took a bench, and he placed his hands on either side of my head. "Concentrate on there being walls around your thoughts. A veritable fortress blocks any entry."
El luitha urenGlorfindel led me to a bench not far from Tadan and Elrond.
"Try to clear your mind." He placed his hands on my temples.
I gave him a skeptical look. "What're you doing?"
"Trying to keep you from letting the whole of Rivendell from knowing your inner thoughts. Concentrate on nothing."
It was hard. I let my eyes glaze over and stared blankly ahead. I'd never had trouble clearing my mind before, when I concentrated hard enough. But now strange thoughts came into my mind, not of my own origin.
I suppose Tadan would not be so bad for my Lord. I am hesitant to except her. We know nothing about her. She is strange, knows thoughts of the future...
The thoughts stopped. My head was clear. I hadn't realized how many conversations had been circling around. I looked up in relief, and in irritation. I had wanted to hear the rest of that.
"There. You will need much more training before you will attain full control. We shall see who your tutor will be. For now, you no longer need to worry about projecting."
"Thanks." I felt a little woozy. It didn't help that the great Glorfindel of Rivendell had just instructed me in the beginning steps of telepathy.
"You should lay down for awhile. Rest. Your mind is not used to this strain."
"Actually, I'd rather not." Laying down meant letting my mind wander. And I didn't want to think of where it would go. A sudden thought came to mind, one with which I had been toying for awhile. "Can I learn how to shoot?"
"Shoot?" Glorfindel sat down next to me, an amused expression on my face.
"With a bow and arrow?"
"You do not already know?"
"Um, it wasn't part of the basic training where I'm from."
"I shall have Elrohir instruct you then. Stay here." He got up and was back within a minute, Elrohir accompanying. Elrond's son held out his arm, a big smile across his face.
"Shall we go?"
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Tadandader HalfElvenOut of the corner of my mind I saw Luitha walk off with Elrohir. What was she doing? I wondered.
"Tadan, as I have told you, you need to keep your mind clear as we go through your training."
"Sorry. Oh, is she learning archery? I want to!" He looked at me, and I accidentally heard his thoughts.
She was a lot calmer when she was ill.
I turned red, and he realized I had heard him. "I'm sorry." I concentrated on my walls.
"It's all right. You already are farther than most beginning students, as you can hear the thoughts of others. You now have partial shields, and no one who is not trying will hear your thoughts." He released my head, and I saw Glorfindel walk up.
"Perhaps Tadan would care to learn as well?" Glorfindel asked. He really had been much nicer since our talk. In his hands were two bows and a large quiver.
I was relieved when Elrond took the big bow, as I was pretty certain I wouldn't be able to bend it.
"After you," he said, waving me toward the range.
El luitha uren"Now here." Elrohir stopped in the middle of the woods and handed me one of the bows he was carrying. I looked around curiously. Weren't there supposed to be targets? Bullseyes?
"Bulls-eye?" Elrohir responded when I asked. "What do you need a target for when you can use a tree?" I remembered faintly that the Ents got rather annoyed at stinging arrows, but guessed it was safe to assume not all trees in Middle-earth were alive. Okay, fine by me.
Elrohir walked me through the steps of bending the bow and focusing on an object. He was a good teacher.
"Level your arm here... Pull back to your ear like so..." He stood behind me and covered my hands with his own, guiding me along. I suddenly realized that I was alone in the woods of Rivendell with the son of Elrond standing near with his arms around me. What my friends back home would have given to be in my place. I laughed out loud.
"Is something amusing?" Elrohir's mouth was right by my ear, and as he spoke, wisps of my hair flew right in. I heard him spitting and laughed even harder.
"Elrohir, if I didn't know better, I'd say you were hitting on me!"
"Hitting on you?" The Elf was very confused. "I am not hitting you."
"No," I laughed. "Flirting with me, trying to seduce me."
Elrohir finally got my meaning and laughed as well. "Luitha, I would not dare the wrath of a Ranger such as Estel, even for one such as you."
It was nice to joke around, I thought with a smile. I was taking life too seriously. With intensified concentration, I bent the bow back once more.
"Good!" Elrohir handed me an arrow. "Fit it here, between these fingers, yes that is right. Pull back..."
I let it fly. It hit the tree with a thunk. Wow. When I had practiced archery in high school I couldn't hit the broad side of a barn!
"Very good! You are a natural!" Elrohir praised. I smiled. This was going to be fun. I fitted another arrow and bent back the bow. Just as I was about to let it fly, something tapped the back of my knee. I turned my head slightly in surprise, and just as the arrow released, my hair got caught. The arrow went flying, I let out a shriek.
And I wasn't the only one. My aim had been diverted at the distraction, and I saw something go hopping around in the forest beyond the tree, squealing and screaming. Elrohir was bent over beside me in laughter.
"What was that? Did you do that?" I was slightly peeved, and holding my stinging head.
"You are not good at distractions, I'm afraid." Elrohir was gasping out words, he was laughing so hard. "And I think Telemandor has learned a lesson."
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Tadandader HalfElvenElrond and I walked over to a clearing that was ringed with trees.
"Let me see how you naturally hold the bow first," he instructed. I took the bow and held it as I had seen others doing.
"Good! Now, pull the arrow back." I did so, and he smiled. "You already have good form. Now try to shoot."
"Are you sure there's no one around?"
"Would you feel embarrassed if there was?"
"No, but I don't want to shoot anyone. I can fight with a sword, but I've always been, well, archaically challenged."
"There is no one else near. Aim for the tree with the ribbon tied around its trunk."
Easy for you to say, I thought, and carefully aimed and fired. Just as always, I hit a tree two down from the target.
There was a pause in which I waited for Elrond to say something. "Well, you did hit a tree. However, at the last minute you shifted weight from your front foot to the back one. You need to stay balanced in between your feet. Keep this in mind as you try again."
I concentrated as I took aim again. As I fired, I focused on my weight. And I hit the same tree.
"That's odd. You kept your weight steady this time. Here." He set down his bow and came up from behind me. Smoothly he reached around me and took my hands in his. "Now, follow my movements." He aimed the bow and fired. Then he stepped back and looked expectantly at me.
"Here goes." I tried to remember what he'd done, only to realize that I'd been slightly distracted when he had shown me. Sometimes I hated being a blonde. I aimed, fired, and was utterly shocked when I hit the right tree. "Yes!" I shouted, and pumped my fist in the air.
"Good. Now hit the ribbon." I looked at him. Surely he wasn't serious? That thin green ribbon, maybe at best a fourth of an inch across? "Try."
I decided it couldn't hurt to try. I drew back, and fired, just as someone staggered in front of the tree. "No!!" I stood there stupidly, in shock, as the arrow hit the figure. Elrond was already running toward him. As soon as Elrond reached him, I came to my senses and bolted after him, only to discover I had shot Telemandor. And somehow I had done it twice, as there were two arrows in the Elf.
After a moment Elrond looked up, the arrows in his hands. "Telemandor will be fine," he said.
"How did he get shot twice?" I asked, ever the curious one.
"The markings on the one that hit him first are my son Elrohir's. I would assume either he or Luitha accidentally shot Telemandor. Considering the way the two of you work together, I would assume Luitha shot him. Come, think of it as a lesson. Luitha would not be the first female he has stalked, nor the first to shoot him. I also doubt that you will be the last." He smiled, looking close to laughter, and led me out of the clearing.
"Is my lesson done for the day?" I felt a twinge of regret, as I had enjoyed the short time alone with him.
"Lessons often end when someone is shot." Now he was grinning ear to ear. "My Lady," he added. I turned red. Was he going to remember my slip of the tongue forever? It seemed he was. Time to change the subject.
"When are we going to work on my telepathy next?"
"Ii was thinking we could continue your lessons in my room." I glanced at him. He met my eyes, and drew me to him with a very strong arm.
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El luitha urenI was a little annoyed at Elrohir's amusement and was going to rush forward and help the staggering Telemandor, but he was gone by the time I looked up from my companion, now kneeling over he was laughing so hard.
I sighed and waited for Elrohir to finish. Suddenly I heard another shriek in the distance, a pause, and Tadan asking "I shot him twice?"
Elrohir was off again.
He recovered several moments later. With a final wipe of the tears from his eyes, he stood next to me once more. "Do you see that knot in the tree? About a height off the ground? Hit that." He handed me another arrow.
I pulled the string back, focused, and released. With another thunk, the arrow held quivering in the center of the knot. I looked at it in surprise. How had I done that?
Elrohir grinned. "Some Elves are naturals, others need practice. I do not think it is hard to tell which one you are." He handed me another arrow. "Now hit your arrow."
"What?" I gave him a very skeptical look.
"Just do it." I pulled the string taunt, my hand next to my ear, and focused on the still quivering arrow. The target was so small, and squinting did not help. I relaxed my eyes...
The arrow in the tree seemed to zoom towards me, and this time I managed not to start in surprise. Concentrating on not letting my breathing shake the bow, I release.
With a thwap, my first arrow was cut in half by my second. No way. I trotted forward to inspect it.
"Well done!" Elrohir congratulated. "I think you are good enough at steady shots. Now I will teach you to fire rapidly and a horseback."
I smiled. "Do you have any little green feathered hats I could have?" Elrohir stared blankly at me. I sighed. "Sorry, joke from where I'm from. Never mind." I whistled and Asfaloth came galloping up. I leapt up on his back, bow in hand.
"Where to, oh teacher?"
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Tadandader HalfElvenHe kissed me beside the musical waters of the river, underneath the warm sun. I decided right then that I had just enjoyed a perfect moment. However, perfect moments tempt fate, and thus they are always short lived.
I slipped. On the mud, beside the river. As he went to kiss me again, I completely lost my footing. It really wouldn't have been so bad if I hadn't knocked him in too. And it also wouldn't have been as bad if Glorfindel and Elladan hadn't been watching.
I swallowed a mouthful of water before something grabbed me. I realized it was Elladan's arm as he hauled me out expertly. He set me on the bank, away from the mud, and I realized he was laughing while I coughed up all of the water that had invaded my system.
"Did you enjoy your swim?" Glorfindel sounded as if he was about to laugh too. Kicking myself mentally, I looked at him. He was drenched, and it appeared that he had jumped in to pull Elrond out.
And what of Elrond? I asked myself, and got to my knees still shaking from adrenaline. He was soaked from head to toe. Why, oh why was I such a klutz? I hadn't been a klutz in my world! It was just when I was around him, I got a little weak.
The mighty Elf Lord of Rivendell did not look so mighty anymore, dripping all over the place. He actually looked quite amused. "Tadan, are you all right?"
"Yes." I got up, intent on heading to my room and trying to see if Elves wore makeup so I could hide the now almost permanent scarlet flush on my cheeks.
"Today has been quite eventful already, and it is just barely lunchtime!" I sincerely hoped Elrond would stop there, but, like all men, he didn't catch the look I gave him. "First you accidentally reveal a bit of the future. Then you shoot an Elf. Then you nearly drown! What next?" Glorfindel was now chuckling, and Elladan was barely able to stand as he laughed.
I glared at all three, but it had no affect. I began to walk off, feeling very hurt. I hadn't meant to do any of those things. I was two steps down the path when Elrond caught my arm.
"I'm sorry," he said softly, and pushed my drenched bangs away from my face. "I did not mean to mock you. Come, I will go with you to dry off." He held out his hand, and I took it, forgiving him instantly. It was hard to stay mad when someone apologized so sincerely.
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El luitha urenElrohir gracefully slid onto the back of his stallion, and the two horses matched paces as they trotted through the trees. Asfaloth curved his neck and neighed. I was hard pressed to keep him from breaking out into a gallop. The sunshine seemed to fill he and I alike with energy, and I desired to feel the wind blowing through my air and against my face.
Elrohir came to a sudden halt and swung around. He dismounted, looking at me expectantly. "Stay there. When I drop the leaf, hit it."
What? I watched the Elf leap lightly onto a tree branch and soon disappear among the branches. Sitting on Asfaloth, now very restless, I waited.
An oak leaf began a steady spiral toward the ground. I drew my arrow back, knowing I would hit it. How strange my luck had been. Where had my talent come from? Was it part of my new Elvish body? I released, and the leaf was now pinned to a tree. Elrohir leaped to the ground in delight.
"You are the best archer I've seen yet!" I smiled weakly. This was getting dull. Asfaloth pranced beneath me. Elrohir laughed and leapt back onto his stallion. "Asfaloth seems to have better things to do. Let us ride!" The two horses took off in a flash, and I clutched a handful of mane in my hands, holding on for dear life.
We flew through the trees and past the rising sun. Exiting the valley, the horses tore through the forest, neighing to each other in delight. The wind whipped against my face, the sweet smell of honeysuckles filled my nose, and I breathed in deep the clean air of the morning.
It was over too soon. Far from the valley we had traveled. I did not recognize the forest. The peaceful air of Rivendell was gone. The morning was quiet and still.
"Why have we stopped? Where are we?" I trotted up to Elrohir, his body tense in concentration. He held up a hand to silence me.
"Listen." I did as he commanded. There were voices not far away. Not the musical tones of the Elves, but the gruff voice of Men. The ground sloped down a few hundred feet away, and Elrohir rode silently to the top of that ridge, peering down.
"There are five Men. They are arguing about something, I cannot tell what." At my bidding, Asfaloth moved to stand quietly at Elrohir's flank. I could hear the voices as though I was standing next to the Men.
"We're too close. They'll find us." One was saying.
"We're past their borders. Them Elves don't leave 'less they have to." Another sneered.
"'Sides, Elves aren't lookin' for us anyways. We'll be long outta here 'for them Bree-folk catch up. Elves'll catch them 'steada us!" This one seemed delighted with his plan, and chuckled. It sounded like he was wheezing and not laughing.
"Who are they?" I whispered to Elrohir.
"Outlaws from around Bree, most likely," he answered. They come to our woods expecting to escape, underestimating the watchfulness of the Elves. Elrond will need to know about this. Come." He quietly turned his horse and made ready to ride off.
A twig snapped behind me.
Blackness.
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Tadandader HalfElvenWe walked back to his house, still dripping. The sun was helping a bit, but not nearly enough. I felt my face go red again as I walked through the Elves who watched us pass.
"It is all right," came a soft whisper to my ear. I looked at Elrond, and he slipped an arm around my shoulders as we entered the building.
Quietly we walked up the stairs, and to his room. "Here," he said, and walked to a closet in the wall. He pulled out a long green dress, very similar to the ones I had been wearing. I tried not to show my frustration. After all, one of the many things Luitha and I had in common was our hate of dresses. I took it from him, and then noticed the small stones set into the collar. My first thought was that they would be heavy, but then I realized they were miniature emeralds. I decided I wouldn't mind wearing this dress.
Then I froze. Where was I to change? Elrond smiled, and gestured to a small partitioned area that I hadn't noticed before. Smiling gratefully, I went back there and slipped my dress off. Or tried to slip my dress off. It was stuck. The waters had caused it to shrink. This was rich. I tried not to make too much noise as I wrestled with it. Now I really hated dresses.
"Are you all right?" Elrond's voice called from the other side of the partition.
"Fine!" Stuck! Stuck, stuck, stuck! Suddenly I had two more hands. One pulled the dress over my head, and the other went around my waist.
"Are you sure you're fine?" Oh dear. Well, it kind of was what I had been hoping for. His lips grazed my neck, and I leaned back, my heart pounding. It was as his hand went through my short hair that all cognizant thought left me.
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El luitha urenMy head was throbbing. I tasted blood on my lip. I felt the hard ground beneath me, felt a rock jabbing up into my shoulder blade. And I heard the sounds of yelling men and clashing blades above me. I did not move, but I cracked open my eyes, hoping that the men were otherwise occupied and I was free to move.
Elrohir had a short knife out and was using it to hold off against his opponent's much longer sword. His movements were graceful compared to the bulky jerking of the Men he faced, but the odds were heavily against him. He fought with four, another one was down, unconscious on the ground beside me.
No one was paying attention to me. My heart was pounding, and I could taste the fear in my mouth. But I stood up slowly and picked up my bow where it had fallen. Arrows- where had Elrohir dropped them? I heard a gasp, and looked over to see blood trickling down the Elf's arm. The Men circled closer, desperation written clearly across their faces.
Quickly now, for a sense of urgency had taken over, I scanned the ground for Elrohir's fallen quiver, praying to Elbereth the men had not noticed me yet. Ah, there it was. All the way around on the other side of the fight. There was only one thing to do. I swallowed my fear and charged around the combatants. They were distracted and with a wild yell, turned to face this new opponent they sensed. Elrohir's blade dropped one more to the ground. One man reached for me and grabbed my arm as I passed, swinging me around. I kicked the back of his knee and he went down with a curse. I spun, catching him in the back with my foot, and he fell to the ground.
I grabbed the quiver off the ground, swung it across my back, and before I could blink I had released an arrow. A third man moaned and dropped to the ground, the shaft sticking out of his leg above the knee. The fourth was down even before he could react.
I was sure the look on my face was priceless. My breathing had been reduced to short gasps, my heart was pounding so hard I was sure they could hear it back in Rivendell. I had not killed anyone, but I had never intentionally shot anyone before either. I closed my eyes to keep from seeing the men before me. My head was pounding from when I had been knocked off Asfaloth.
Elrohir had been leaning against a tree, scanning the forest around us. Now I felt him beside me, taking the bow from my hand. "Luitha... Luitha, are you all right?" His hand touched my forehead. I opened my eyes and swallowed. He smiled gently. "It is over. Are you hurt?" I shook my head, unable to talk. "Luitha I need your help. Can you ride back to Rivendell?"
"Yes." How did my voice manage to come out so steadily?
"Good. Find Glorfindel. Bring him and an escort here. We cannot bring them back to Rivendell by ourselves. I will watch these men until help arrives."
Leave him alone? "If they..."
Elrohir seemed to sense my worry. "Do not fear. I will not let them catch me by surprise again. Ride back Luitha, hurry." He whistled, and the horses came galloping back, their voices trumpeting through the air. I grabbed hold of Asfaloth's mane and hauled myself up, ignoring the fresh stab of pain in my head.
"Noro lim!" The stallion took off, racing through the woods. I closed my eyes and held on for dear life. "Noro lim, Asfaloth!"