A/N: Submitted before the holy alter of Fanfiction.Net's Reviewers:
Disclaimer: We do not own Saruman, Legolas, Middle Earth, Mirkwood, Greenwood, Isengard, or anything else created by the wondrous J.R.R. Tolkein. They belong to him. However, we lay claim to all rights to Fuinixë and Lissëyelen (Sabbrielle's character and Lady V's character, respectively).
Prologue: Lissëyelen and Fuinixë were students of Saruman for some years before they came to Mirkwood. Under his tutelage, they learned the arts of healing and spellcasting, and many other useful skills, becoming the best-educated Elves under the age of three thousand Middle Earth had ever known. Slowly and subtly, however, Saruman began adding Dark magic to their lessons, seeking to corrupt them and use them for his own purposes as he himself slipped further into the Dark Arts. They took part in acts that involved the torturing of other Elves and worse. Indeed, though it was not revealed until centuries later, Saruman had taken up the will of the dark lords before him and made alliances with the Orcs in the event that he might need them when his plans unfolded. Saruman sought the three Elven rings above all else, and thus hoped for the she-Elves who were his students to be able to infiltrate those who held them, and capture them for him.
However, Lissëyelen and Fuinixë began to fight back against Saruman's will, keeping each other sane in their dark hours. Through the strong bond they created, the two became "sisters" and learned the art of telepathy. When they felt they were strong enough and ready, they fled Isengard. Even though the two managed to escape, their minds were shattered with the effort it took to free themselves of Saruman's strong hold upon their minds and souls. They forgot most of their lessons after they left, and sought refuge in Greenwood—later to become Mirkwood. Both fell in love with the Elven-prince of the realm, Legolas, and he with them.
Saruman found the two Elves several years later, and found out about their new lives. He sent a threat that if they ever told a soul of his treachery, he would slaughter all they held dear—including the prince. They never spoke a word of the torments they had endured at his hands, or of his betrayal.
Sabbrielle: So what do you think? We've been warned of giving our original characters gifts, and so we know to tread lightly in that arena. They've forgotten everything but minimal healing, which most Elves can do anyway, and telepathy with each other and any others that they share the bond with (i.e. Legolas).
Lady V: Okay, quick note here—although "Lissëyelen" is the same name that I have as a screen name, she isn't me. She's the character that I made, and I only use her name as my screen name because searches on "Lady V" brought up way too many "Lady this's and Lady that's." So yeah! And review too, please? Because...
Sabbrielle: This is what will determine whether we continue posting chapters of this story or not. Otherwise, we'll be selfish and keep our insanely high-caliber writing genius to ourselves. ;);) You have the chance to make fanfiction history, here, people.
And a big thanks for your time.
Lady V: *shrug* What can I say? She's my editor.
Sabbrielle: Aye, and never forget it.