Disclaimer: Last time I checked, these two great characters weren't mine. (Though I do wish I were in Arwen's place... even with all the stuff I put her through, she ends up with Aragorn... right? *smiles evilly*)
Summary: AU. In a world where elves are hunted by men and taken as slaves, one man must learn to overcome what he has been taught and see things as theytruly are, with the help of two extraordinary people.
Companions
Chapter Nine - Part Two
*
The two ate in near silence, the only sound the clink of plates as each pondered the many questions they had of their companion. Her masters' actionsconfused Arwen greatly, while Aragorn knew there were things about this womanthat she was afraid of them learning, though he knew not why.
"Tell me something of your people. My father takes such joy in their customsand history, but tells me little of them, while others hate all elves, spreading horrid rumors that are too terrible to believe. I am torn betweenthe two. Please, will you help me to understand?" Aragorn looked at her withsuch pleading eyes that she found she could not resist, nor make any attemptto steer the subject from her master's choice.
Looking thoughtful, she was quiet a few moments before answering. "What of our cities? Har far does your knowledge of them extend?"
"Alas my lady, I cannot say I know much. The only information I have is that two lie within forests, each near opposite ends of the Misty Mountains, and athird supposedly lies hidden somewhere to the north."
A wistful smile crossed her face as she took in his words. "You are correct in you statement. There are three elven cities, with smaller settlements scattered nearby... Though I suppose they no longer stand. They were Mirkwood, Lothlorien, and Rivendell."
Memories of her capture crept out from the corners she had hidden them in, and a few silent tears slid down her cheeks. Yet, when she continued, her voice was as calm and smooth as always.
"The city to the north of the Misty Mountains was Mirkwood, formerly known as Greenwood the Great."
Eager to learn more, and feeling encouraged by her use of words, he could not help interrupting. "Forgive my interruption, my lady, but might I ask why the name changed?"
"There is nothing to forgive, my lord. Questions are a natural part of learning."
The smile that quickly formed upon his lips forced her to continue, thoughher heart was beginning to feel the seering pain of remembrance. "The forestwas called Mirkwood due to the evils that has taken residence there. Giant spiders, wolves, goblins, and other creatures of the like infested itsborders, though I do not know if such is still the case. It has been a greatmany years since last I visited."
She looked to him, asking, "Do you wish to know of the people there as well?"
"Yes, please! Anything you wish to tell me, I will gladly listen to."
A soft sigh filled the air. As her master, she was required to tell him whathe wished to know, but that did not mean that she had to tell him everything.As he had just stated, she must tell him 'anything she wished', not everything she knew. Arwen was determined not to divulge information concerning her family, or their posistion in the elven world. Who knew what would happen if Men discovered her identity, which had been the only thingshe withheld all these long years, forcing what little will remained to holdto the promise she made to herself when she was taken. She would not lead them to those she loved.
"The land of Mirkwood was best known for its warriors. They were often trained since childhood in the art of the bow. They were also taught to wieldknives, possessing great skill with both weapons, but those that learned thesword were few and far between.
"Also, the people there knew of the many uses for common plants and herbs, the sort found in most general areas. Because there were so many threatening,possibly poisonous creatures near their home, dozens, if not hundreds of antidotes and rememdies were created over the years, all easily and quicklymade, no matter the maker's skill. The elves of Mirkwood were quite proud ofthis accomplishment," she said with a small amused smile.
"To the south of the mountains lies Lothlorien, the Golden Wood. The mallorntrees grow there, the most beautiful and strong of all trees in Middle-earth.It was in the trees of this wood that my people lived, building talans upon the strong branches.
"The ruler of Lorien was the Lady of Light, a wonderful woman was cherished by all who set eyes upon her. She was a just ruler, a very kind woman, but to some of the outside world she was seen as a... witch because of her abilities. She was a healer beyond healers, one of the greatest in history. If one had an illness that could not be cured, they were sent to the Lady, who helped all who asked it as best she could.
"The warriors of Lothlorien were much like those of Mirkwood, relying heavily upon use of the bow. However, instead of using knies they prefered their elven swords, which they used with deadly accuracy."
"What of the third city? What was it called... Riverdale?"
His false guess made her have the urge to laugh, but she could never laugh ather master's expense. The consequences of such an action with past masters had been... unforgettable.
"Rivendell, my lord. It was known as the Last Homely House, a haven for all who were against evil and sought shelter, rest, comfort, no matter which racethey belonged to.
"Rivendell was governed by a half-elven lord who married Lady Galadriel's daughter."
Again, Aragorn interrupted. "Galadriel? From Lothlorien?"
She nodded silently. "Yes, the same. With this union the two lands had an unbreakable bond, resulting in them being quite similar in some ways, though just as different in many others.
"The hidden city was known for the arts. Musicians, painters, poets, artists of all sorts journeyed to the city to both gain inspiration for their art from the beautiful landscape, and to experience the warm hospitality of the Lord of Rivendell.
"The Lord was a great healer, bested only by Lady Galadriel. He was the kindest person I have ever met; all those in Rivendell welcomed visitors with open arms, eager to hear of the world around them. If anything, elves cherish knowledge above all else."
A look she could not decipher passed across his face, and for a moment she felt fear course through her body. Had she said something wrong?
His words were unexpected. Maybe there was more to this man than she thought.
"In that way we are the same."
***
Aragorn's thougths drifted to other conversations, passing the hours so quickly he almost missed the town entirely.
Speaking with local merchants he learned that a new "shipment" of slaves was due in the next day, and that supposedly they had a few "fiesty ones" in the group.
The man felt a spark of hope when he heard this. If possible, he hoped to find one of those who had not yet been broken, for maybe then they would remember some way to save Arwen.
He prayed to any god listening that he would have the strength to make it through the next day. He had to be strong.
For Arwen.
********
A/N: I would like to send a huge shout of thanks to elvenprincess, who helpedme come up with some of the ideas for this chapter. She graciously let me bounce them off of her, while throwing in some of her own (though I have to confess that I was stupid and did not save the notes as I had planned - resulting in the present fact that I can't remember some of what she said!*smacks self on head* ooowwwww.....)
Also, I am SO SORRY!!! It's been almost six months since my last update. I feel so terrible for keeping you all waiting like this...
My only excuses are: Real life got hold of me and wouldn't let go! I HATE real life! It always gets in the way! Besides, whenever I would try and work on this, something would come up, or my inspiration would suddenly leave this story for another one and no matter how hard I tried I couldn't write anything decent for this one. I will never give you guys anything that could be labeled as "crap".
I hope that with summer vacation being two weeks away, I'll have more time to work on this. I will be getting a part-time job, but that shouldn't hinder this much, if at all.
Thank you all for the support. You guys are the best. I bow to you in gratitude for staying with me through this past year, for joining me on this journey that promises to last for quite a while.
Until next time, when Legolas pops up again! (And wait till you see what he has to say to our favorite king-to-be!)
*
Nathronoelei
"Weaver of Dreams"
May 19, 2003
Summary: AU. In a world where elves are hunted by men and taken as slaves, one man must learn to overcome what he has been taught and see things as theytruly are, with the help of two extraordinary people.
Companions
Chapter Nine - Part Two
*
The two ate in near silence, the only sound the clink of plates as each pondered the many questions they had of their companion. Her masters' actionsconfused Arwen greatly, while Aragorn knew there were things about this womanthat she was afraid of them learning, though he knew not why.
"Tell me something of your people. My father takes such joy in their customsand history, but tells me little of them, while others hate all elves, spreading horrid rumors that are too terrible to believe. I am torn betweenthe two. Please, will you help me to understand?" Aragorn looked at her withsuch pleading eyes that she found she could not resist, nor make any attemptto steer the subject from her master's choice.
Looking thoughtful, she was quiet a few moments before answering. "What of our cities? Har far does your knowledge of them extend?"
"Alas my lady, I cannot say I know much. The only information I have is that two lie within forests, each near opposite ends of the Misty Mountains, and athird supposedly lies hidden somewhere to the north."
A wistful smile crossed her face as she took in his words. "You are correct in you statement. There are three elven cities, with smaller settlements scattered nearby... Though I suppose they no longer stand. They were Mirkwood, Lothlorien, and Rivendell."
Memories of her capture crept out from the corners she had hidden them in, and a few silent tears slid down her cheeks. Yet, when she continued, her voice was as calm and smooth as always.
"The city to the north of the Misty Mountains was Mirkwood, formerly known as Greenwood the Great."
Eager to learn more, and feeling encouraged by her use of words, he could not help interrupting. "Forgive my interruption, my lady, but might I ask why the name changed?"
"There is nothing to forgive, my lord. Questions are a natural part of learning."
The smile that quickly formed upon his lips forced her to continue, thoughher heart was beginning to feel the seering pain of remembrance. "The forestwas called Mirkwood due to the evils that has taken residence there. Giant spiders, wolves, goblins, and other creatures of the like infested itsborders, though I do not know if such is still the case. It has been a greatmany years since last I visited."
She looked to him, asking, "Do you wish to know of the people there as well?"
"Yes, please! Anything you wish to tell me, I will gladly listen to."
A soft sigh filled the air. As her master, she was required to tell him whathe wished to know, but that did not mean that she had to tell him everything.As he had just stated, she must tell him 'anything she wished', not everything she knew. Arwen was determined not to divulge information concerning her family, or their posistion in the elven world. Who knew what would happen if Men discovered her identity, which had been the only thingshe withheld all these long years, forcing what little will remained to holdto the promise she made to herself when she was taken. She would not lead them to those she loved.
"The land of Mirkwood was best known for its warriors. They were often trained since childhood in the art of the bow. They were also taught to wieldknives, possessing great skill with both weapons, but those that learned thesword were few and far between.
"Also, the people there knew of the many uses for common plants and herbs, the sort found in most general areas. Because there were so many threatening,possibly poisonous creatures near their home, dozens, if not hundreds of antidotes and rememdies were created over the years, all easily and quicklymade, no matter the maker's skill. The elves of Mirkwood were quite proud ofthis accomplishment," she said with a small amused smile.
"To the south of the mountains lies Lothlorien, the Golden Wood. The mallorntrees grow there, the most beautiful and strong of all trees in Middle-earth.It was in the trees of this wood that my people lived, building talans upon the strong branches.
"The ruler of Lorien was the Lady of Light, a wonderful woman was cherished by all who set eyes upon her. She was a just ruler, a very kind woman, but to some of the outside world she was seen as a... witch because of her abilities. She was a healer beyond healers, one of the greatest in history. If one had an illness that could not be cured, they were sent to the Lady, who helped all who asked it as best she could.
"The warriors of Lothlorien were much like those of Mirkwood, relying heavily upon use of the bow. However, instead of using knies they prefered their elven swords, which they used with deadly accuracy."
"What of the third city? What was it called... Riverdale?"
His false guess made her have the urge to laugh, but she could never laugh ather master's expense. The consequences of such an action with past masters had been... unforgettable.
"Rivendell, my lord. It was known as the Last Homely House, a haven for all who were against evil and sought shelter, rest, comfort, no matter which racethey belonged to.
"Rivendell was governed by a half-elven lord who married Lady Galadriel's daughter."
Again, Aragorn interrupted. "Galadriel? From Lothlorien?"
She nodded silently. "Yes, the same. With this union the two lands had an unbreakable bond, resulting in them being quite similar in some ways, though just as different in many others.
"The hidden city was known for the arts. Musicians, painters, poets, artists of all sorts journeyed to the city to both gain inspiration for their art from the beautiful landscape, and to experience the warm hospitality of the Lord of Rivendell.
"The Lord was a great healer, bested only by Lady Galadriel. He was the kindest person I have ever met; all those in Rivendell welcomed visitors with open arms, eager to hear of the world around them. If anything, elves cherish knowledge above all else."
A look she could not decipher passed across his face, and for a moment she felt fear course through her body. Had she said something wrong?
His words were unexpected. Maybe there was more to this man than she thought.
"In that way we are the same."
***
Aragorn's thougths drifted to other conversations, passing the hours so quickly he almost missed the town entirely.
Speaking with local merchants he learned that a new "shipment" of slaves was due in the next day, and that supposedly they had a few "fiesty ones" in the group.
The man felt a spark of hope when he heard this. If possible, he hoped to find one of those who had not yet been broken, for maybe then they would remember some way to save Arwen.
He prayed to any god listening that he would have the strength to make it through the next day. He had to be strong.
For Arwen.
********
A/N: I would like to send a huge shout of thanks to elvenprincess, who helpedme come up with some of the ideas for this chapter. She graciously let me bounce them off of her, while throwing in some of her own (though I have to confess that I was stupid and did not save the notes as I had planned - resulting in the present fact that I can't remember some of what she said!*smacks self on head* ooowwwww.....)
Also, I am SO SORRY!!! It's been almost six months since my last update. I feel so terrible for keeping you all waiting like this...
My only excuses are: Real life got hold of me and wouldn't let go! I HATE real life! It always gets in the way! Besides, whenever I would try and work on this, something would come up, or my inspiration would suddenly leave this story for another one and no matter how hard I tried I couldn't write anything decent for this one. I will never give you guys anything that could be labeled as "crap".
I hope that with summer vacation being two weeks away, I'll have more time to work on this. I will be getting a part-time job, but that shouldn't hinder this much, if at all.
Thank you all for the support. You guys are the best. I bow to you in gratitude for staying with me through this past year, for joining me on this journey that promises to last for quite a while.
Until next time, when Legolas pops up again! (And wait till you see what he has to say to our favorite king-to-be!)
*
Nathronoelei
"Weaver of Dreams"
May 19, 2003