A/N Once again, another long wait for a chapter. I apologize. We are a busy person. School… sports… plot bunnies mysteriously disappearing… but, not to worry, for I have brought forth from the pits a new chapter. Big thank ya to Kaminari for helping me a LOT with this chapter. All of the really good quotes in this chapter, yeah, all her brain. I'm jealous. While I'm on the subject, Kaminari also wrote a fic about Sárie. Its very AU from this fic, but VERY well written. You should all go check it out. Its called Two Paths Diverged in a City.
This chapter contains some of the following: angst, humor and fluff. Very well rounded. Now, you may read. Enjoy.*~
Enque (Six)
Sárie wished the night
would never end. She buried her face in her arms. Perhaps the new day would
never come if she did not see the sun rise fully. How nice it would be, to
never have to leave her perch on the bough of an ancient oak tree. She would
never have to cause trouble for Mehtar, nor look upon Legolas whom she
would admit; she had grown fond of, though nothing farther.
Running away was not going to solve anything, and Sárie knew that quite well. After all, she had tried it before. Sárie cast a glance back at the sun, now burning strongly and rising in the sky. Day had arrived, and no amount of wishing could change that.
She looked about her, sorely shifting her weight. Spending the night in a tree was certainly not the most comfortable thing that she had ever done. but this tree was special: it was the "thinking tree." For as long as she could remember, Sárie would always come to this spot when something was bothering her, or when she just needed to be alone. She looked around, at the end of the branch with its young foliage, to the stream that trickled just below, weaving through the tree's roots, and the small erratic boulder that she had memories of playing on as a child. Although back then, her secret spot had been different: the stream had been quite a bit wider, and the tree no more than a sapling.
Thoughts fro earlier again flooded her head. Why did that wretched Ailin find so much joy in tormenting Sárie? Ailin must wake up every morning with new methods of torture for me. Sárie shivered at the thought. What had she ever done?
She hated herself for allowing Ailin to speak to her in such a way. I am so weak, so foolish. She told herself sadly. I cannot do this forever.
Sárie stood up, walking the length of the bough, and then returning to the trunk in a sort of balancing-act.
"I cannot let Ailin push me around! I will not let her! She cannot be allowed to get away with doing something as heartless as destroying my bow!" she stated resolutely, in an attempt to encourage herself.
"No. No." Sárie said, shaking her head. "Be serious, I would be best off just keeping to myself for the time being. It is always easier to be alone."
"But I hate being alone," Sárie admitted bitterly. She balanced on a thin branch clumsily. Sarie frowned, "I do not even have a good center of balance!" Sárie let out a deep sigh. "I sound like a child, talking to myself in such a away. It is pitiful. Who ever heard of an Elf like me? I am even sillier than those Hobbit creatures Mehtar speaks of occasionally. All I need is a love of food and drink, and I'd fit right in. It is just foolish."
"Well, who have you got to talk to? No one. So it seems as if speaking to yourself is perfectly acceptable." the more rational part of herself reminded. Sárie scowled, the branch she was standing on cracking with strain, her arms flailed wildly.
"I best move," she said, leaping back to the thicker bough. "Would not want to fall into the stream." letting out another sigh, she slumped back against the trunk of the tree.
"Now, what am I to do about this?" Sárie sighed again, her brow creasing with worry. "I cannot do nothing, though I fear if I do, Ailin could think of something far worse." She let out a snort remembering the previous night's events. "Pray to the Valar for a gender change. Who does that wretched, no good, rank, bottom-dwelling poor excuse for an Elf think she is anyway?" Sárie paused for a moment. "Feh. She is much better off than I."
Sárie squinted, looking up at the sun, which had risen considerably since she'd last seen it. No, she would do nothing. It did not matter; things would be resolved in their own time. Hopefully with some luck, Ailin would get married, pregnant, and have no time to torment Sárie. She immediately let out a small smirk at the thought of seeing Ailin look anything less than perfect.
"No Sárie, do not wish misery on others. It is unkind."
"So is she!"
"Simple. It's too simple." Sárie said, nodding her head. She sighed. "I am hopeless. Just hopeless…"
"I would not say that!"
Sárie leaped up, immediately recognizing the new voice to be that of Legolas. She lost her footing on the branch, and fell, reaching and holding on with one hand. Luckily, the branch was low enough that she could let go and land shakily on her feet, though in ankle deep water. Sárie looked at Legolas with a certain expression of dignity, which made it appear as though she had landed in such a way many times before.
"How long have you been there?" Sárie demanded curtly.
"Not long," Legolas answered.
"What did you hear?"
"Nothing," Legolas insisted firmly. Sárie's cheeks puffed out in a sign of obvious irritation. "Now, who was this Elf you were going on about?"
Sárie scowled at him. "You lie through your teeth. It is none of your business." Legolas just shrugged and leaned against Sárie's tree. "What do you want anyway?"
Legolas glanced a moment at Sárie, then quickly turned away. "Your brother told me I could find you here. He is worried about you."
"He needn't be. I am quite capable of looking after myself. You tell him that," Sárie snapped. She moved to the side of the tree opposite Legolas and leaned against it in exasperation.
"You are a difficult one," Legolas commented with a chuckle. Sárie snorted in reply. His voice softened a bit, and he turned his head to look at the back of her head. "Why did you leave so soon yesterday?"
"Because."
"That is an old woman's answer."
"That was an old man's question," Sárie spat back, her words like venom. Legolas was silent. "If you don't mind me asking, why are you even here? In Rivendell, I mean."
"I am here as a messenger to my father. We were told Gandalf the Grey was a visitor to this city. He recently came to Mirkwood, asking for any news of the creature called Gollum. I came here to bring news of his capture. Gollum now resides deep in Mirkwood. He it quite a pitiful creature. Why do you not call Rivendell by it's Elven name, Imladris. We sound like a pack of Dwarves," Legolas asked.
"I had not thought about it. Perhaps I should call you Greenleaf, as that is your name in the Common Speech," Sárie joked.
"And what would you be?"
"Bitter."
"Pardon me?" Legolas asked, moving slowly towards the other Elf.
"Bitter. My name comes from the root sára, meaning bitter. It is oddly fitting, don't you agree?" Sárie said, folding her arms with a stifled laugh and a weak smile. It was obvious that this was all she could do to keep from crying.
"Yes, it does suit you. Your name is very pretty, just like the person it was given too," Legolas said good-naturedly.
"You are too kind," Sárie replied, her cheeks burning in embarrassment.
"I speak the truth, Lady," Legolas said, hesitating before putting a hand gently on her shoulder.
Sárie jerked away in surprise. "What do you want?" she asked, her tone was pleading.
"Sárie…" Legolas trailed off softly, his brow creased in worry. "What happened to you? You are not the same person I was with yesterday."
Sárie paused for a moment, before glaring at the Elf. "What do you care to begin with? I was never the person you thought you saw. But what should that matter to you? Who are you even to ask me such a thing?"
"I hope to be a friend."
"Friend? I do not know such a thing. From what I have heard, it is a great deal over-rated," Sárie said bitterly her words stabbed.
"What madness is this?!" Legolas cried out in anger. "Who are you to say such a thing? You poor, spoiled child, you know not of what you have."
"Oh, and what pray tell, would that be, since you are so wise!" Sáre spat out, her arms crossed.
"You have a brother who cares deeply for you, and who is sitting in your home, blaming himself for your temper-tantrum. You have a friend who was willing to trudge through the depths of the forest to find you. You also have an amazing talent as a marksman, and I refuse to allow you to sit here and feel sorry for yourself! Your eyes are co clouded with your own disgusting self pity, you forget those around you who suffer." He paused for a moment, taking a look at the She-Elf who was now had shrunk away from him, looking determined to take the verbal beating. "My only advice," he said in a deadly whisper, " is to watch your mouth, or you just may lose what little you already have."
Sárie's eyes darkened, the words which Legolas had spoken, painful like a slap across the face. "You know not of what you speak," she said softly, her voice trembling. Sárie's face contorted as she tried her best not to cry.
Legolas smiled mockingly. "Oh, dearest Sárie, do not act like a child now. If you want respect, I suggest you grow up for good."
It was more than Sárie could take. Tears streamed down her face, as she gasped for air.
Legolas's face softened. "Now, now," he scolded. "What I am saying to you now should not matter. Learn to rise above it, and you shall be victorious."
Sárie struggled to dry her eyes on a dirty sleeve, letting out a soft whimper. Why did he have to be right? Though she was sure Legolas was unaware of her current situation, he spoke as if he knew exactly that ailed her. Sárie wished she could see the world with such clarity.
Staring uncomfortably at her feet, Sárie refused to speak, and more so, would not allow herself to look at the Elf standing next to her. Every few moments Sárie felt a sob rise in her throat, which she quickly swallowed down before it could escape and show proof of her own weakness Sárie felt disgusted. She knew that her actions had been very self-centered, and that she had to stop allowing things to happen, and for once shape her own fate.
How many times have I told you that before? A small voice piped up. Do not let people hurt you, stand up for yourself, and stop being akin to a block of ice.
I know.
Then what is stopping you?
I do not know.
I suggest you figure it out.
"Sárie. Sárie?" Legolas said, a hand gently shaking her shoulder.
"What?" Sárie snapped, coming out of a spell.
"The day is getting late. Will you not come with me?" Legolas asked. Indeed, he was correct. The sun was beginning to slide down in the sky; the patches of light on the forest floor had migrated a few inches.
Sárie, still not trusting herself enough to speak, nodded in reply. Legolas patted her lightly on the shoulder, almost affectionately, before walking off towards civilization.
Neither Elf spoke a word to the other as they walked. The tension was like a deep fog, too thick to work one's way through it. Sárie followed Legolas, lost in her own thoughts. It was doubtful had Legolas been speaking to her, if she would answer.
Legolas because very alert for a moment, his blonde head looking in every direction.
"Someone is coming," he said softly. "An Elf."
Out of the brush came the familiar figure of Elrond's son, Elladan. As he got closer, Sárie could make out a distinctive smile. He immediately recognized the two elves and greeted Legolas, before turning to Sárie with a grin.
"Oh! It is the wonderful mysterious wome--elven maiden--of my dreams!" Elladan cried, taking hold of Sárie's hand and gently kissing it. Sárie's eyes widened in shock at his gesture, and her cheeks dramatically darkened.
"Erm… hello." Sárie looked over to Legolas, who was glaring in Elladan's direction.
"It must have slipped my mind yesterday, fair lady, for I had forgotten to ask for your name!" Elladan said, now holding her hand between his and smiling kindly.
"It's Sárie," she said stiffly, looking over at Legolas for help. Legolas had folded his arms across his chest and was now shooting a warning look at Elladan.
"I could not have imagined such a lovely name for such a charming Elf!" Elladan said, looking delighted at the knowledge.
"Lord, you are too kind," Sárie said stiffly, pulling her hand away. Legolas reached out and took Sárie by the elbow.
"If you will excuse us Elladan, I have promised to escort the Lady to her home," Legolas said rather abruptly.
"Oh, I see, are you her protector?" Elladan asked with an amused grin.
"Indeed I am," Legolas said while nodding. "I must protect her from any shady creature that lurks after dark."
Elladan frowned and folded his arms across his chest, the grin wiped off his countenance. "I do hope that you are not implying anything rash."
After making a quick and certainly undignified exit, Sárie and Legolas made a direct beeline to Sárie's cottage.
"I would not have believed a Prince could be quite so rude!" Sárie exclaimed.
"You laughed, did you not? I do believe it was the first time all day I saw your smile," Legolas replied, amused at the slight tint of Sárie's cheeks.
The twilight was now upon them, casting magnificent deep reds, purples and navy blue, the sun now only an orange orb in the sky. Sárie paused to a moment to admire the glory of nature itself.
Legolas heard the footsteps behind him stop, and looked to see why Sárie had paused. The reddish haze of light reflected against her skin, causing Sárie's complexion to become rosy, her flaxen hair also catching some of the red tone, it became amber in shade. She cast her gaze for a split second on Legolas, her grey eyes meeting his blue.
Legolas did could not understand what have come over him at that moment. It was as if Sárie has momentarily transformed into some fairytale creature. He blinked madly, staring again at the She-Elf. Once more, his friend had returned to her original appearance. Legolas shook it off, telling himself that he saw nothing special, nothing stunning. Only Sárie. Only his good friend Sárie.
A/N Just because I feel guilty for taking so long, here are my thank-you's!
To: Tap-dancing Hobbit(glad you like it! Thanks for the review!), Maria (well, I try. ^^ thanks for the review!), Eleclya (Thanks! I'm glad you like it!) , coolkidkc (humour- one of the few things I do well. Thanks for the review), The Reviewer (All in good time, my friend. ^^ Thanks for the review!), NandalftheYello (You. Know. I. Can't. Spell. I luv ya Nii-chan! Thanks!), Vanyaer( Nope, I didn't get the elvish from Tigerbabe. I have an Elvish/English dictionary. I try ^^* Thanks for the review!), U-chan (In time, things will be explained. Ha ha, don't you love my cruelness? ^^ Thanks for the review!) , MaggieGirl (Lol! Yes, that was original! Well, hope this meets your expectations!), Alias (they lost 'cause A) Elladan and Elrohir were farther from the target, and 2) I got bored of writing that scene. ^^* Thanks for the review!) Kaminari (You. See top of page, that should suffice), Lauralanthalasa Starbreez (Well, but it had to be long. If the grudge wasn't, I wouldn't have anything to work from. ^^ Thanks for the review!), Kierin (See? I wrote more! Be happy! Thanks for the review!), Anumati (RED-chan, I bow to your almighty powers of the English language. You are my god. Teach me all you know. Jk, but thanks for the help!) , bulldogchik05 (well, yeah, I know its been a while. . so, here one is. Hope you enjoy.) and bluedolphin4612 (yaay~ You finially reviewed! How long did I have to pester you? Oof, and the quote, its actually a Hand Puppet Theater reference, thank for Kaminari)
Phew. With that said, don't forget to flame. ^^
