The Red Elf

Chapter 3: She Whispered Softly in My Dream

          "What the hell are you talking about? Are you delirious or something; I'm not your brother. Azure is my one and only sister, you and her are best friends, and between you and me… well, the feeling is mutual." William started, still thinking that Zoë was under the influence of insanity.

          "Yes, I know. Azure is your sister and mine as well." Zoë stated calmly.

          "No she's not. I-I mean, look at you." He now had his back turned from Zoë, thoughts overflowing in his mind.

          "You have not noticed. In this place," she stood turning her head from side to side in amazement. "I look more like you than… anyone."

          "Look, I don't know what you're getting at but…" he stopped, her comment sinking in. She did look like him. Her hair and eyes were the same shade of brown as his. Acceptance engulfed him, however, he did not understand why they were siblings… no… they were twins only in this world.

           "We're twins, aren't we?" He asked, his voice becoming quieter at every word. Zoë did not answer this question she merely nodded and smiled. William was about to ask something else, but Zoë raised her hand cutting him off.

          "Our mother told me, she appeared in my dream and spoke of us three. She was beautiful; there are no other words to describe it. I tried to ask her, why and how we'd ended up in the, our other home. But she did not reply. She simply said we would find out in time."

          "Is that all?"

          "I am afraid so, it was then I woke." After these words left her lips all was silent, so they continued to walk. Neither of them said anything else to one another, though there was so much both of them desired to know. Several times William wanted to keep questioning Zoë, but her words ran cold through his mind 'we would find out in time'. Zoë took no notice to her brother's thoughts, though she knew he was having them. She simply kept a small smile on her face and remembered the voice, appearance and words that her mother had imprinted in her mind.

          They had not walked much further when the distant pounding of hoofs broke the wood's peace. Needless to say, Azure was on her way back, yet they were surprised to hear she was not alone.

          "There are two horses approaching; it isn't her or she's brought a 'friend'." William added indicating the quotation marks with both his index and middle fingers. Zoë suppressed a nervous feeling and stood tall at William's side.

Azure pulled to an abrupt stop, in front of the two companions, she had left them nearly an hour ago. The stranger also stopped; however he was quite a few feet behind Azure. Azure looked upon her friends, and sighed with relief knowing they were all right. However upon further inspection, she noticed the worry apparent in Zoë's eyes. Then it hit her; there was an un-introduced person behind her. She smiled slightly and turned to introduce him, but recalled that she too did not know whom he was. She didn't know what to do, she trusted him enough to allow him to follow her, yet she didn't want William and Zoë to get the wrong idea about her not knowing him.

"Well," Zoë started, somewhat annoyed "did I miss something? Who's the guy with the ears?" Azure didn't answer, she couldn't. Haldir, however, seemed to noticed the conflict in her mind and spoke up.

"I, milady, am Haldir. I keep guard at the gates of Lorien. It is there your friend brought the one she… injured" he paused slightly, not wanting to sound mean.

"Injured? What's he talking about Azure?" Zoë continued becoming more confused. Azure looked to Haldir.

"She was unconscious when it happened. Though I am sad to say, I am quite grateful for that, for she is much too protective to have let me go off and 'save' him." Haldir chuckled lightly at this, which confused Zoë even more, but she didn't even bother to ask. An awkward silence fell upon the wood and all that could be heard was the light ripple of the grass as the wind breezed through it. William began to shift uneasily on his feet and the horses became restless. To everyone's relief Haldir finally broke the silence, glancing up at the sky.

"It grows dark in this wood, we must make for the city of Galadrim. The Lord and Lady will wish to know of your presence." Azure noticed a knowing smile had appeared on his face, which puzzled her. 'What does he know, that I do not?' she thought to herself.

"Milady, may I offer you a ride atop my horse?" Haldir extended his hand in Zoë's direction so he might help her up. She hesitantly took a hold of his hand, and allowed him to pull her up behind him. She lightly put her hands about his waist, as he slowly began turning the horse around. William assumed his position behind Azure, and remained in silence. Both riders did full turns and again urged their rides on. On towards the city they'd both seen not too long ago. The twins, on either mounts, waited in anticipation for what was about to come. Wondering what kind of 'city' it was that they were heading towards. Surely just by looking at their garments, it would not be one like they were used to, or thought they were used to.