-New Friends-
"Who or what was that?" two voices said in unison. Both Liz and Hermione were standing in the doorway of the room.
"Oh, nothing" Saira stammered
"It looked like something," Liz said
Saira sighed. She'd have to tell someone about her mission and they would find out sooner or later."That was my brother"
"How on earth was he able to do that? There's no fireplace or anything," Hermione asked now examining the wall.
"It's Elven magic. Well, sort of. It's a mix between Elven and Hylian magic"
"Wow" Liz said interest perked, "That's amazing. I'm a full blood moon elf and I never knew you could do that"
"Um, do either one of you have the time?"
"Uh, yeah," Hermione said, "It's almost 7:00. Dinner is about to start"
Saira wanted to tell them about her missions. She wanted to get it off her chest. They started walking out.
"Wait," Saira blurted out, "If I tell you something, do you promise not to tell anyone?"
"Yeah"
"Of course" they agreed quickly.
"Ok" Saira pulled out her necklace with the locket and ring. "This is why I'm here"
Hermione and Liz looked at each other.
"Have any of you guys heard of the Three Treasures?"
Liz looked as if she might know but didn't want to say anything unless she was wrong and Hermione had no idea what Saira was talking about.
"Um, well, there's a legend that is passed down to all the Elves and those who possess a high magnitude of magic. A long time ago a prophet foretold the coming of a great darkness that would spread across the three worlds. It was also foretold of heroes chosen by destiny that would ensure the defeat of the darkness. My brother and I are the chosen ones from Hyrule," Saira said, "which I only found out about a few days ago," she added with a hint of resentment. " Unfortunately I don't know who the others are"
"So, what's your part in all this?" Hermione asked
"Apparently I was chosen to find and unleash the power of all three treasures. I've been sent here by Lady Galadriel of Lothlorien to find the piece Earth lost and when the time comes, combine them and rid the worlds of evil blah, blah, blah."
"Wow" Liz said
"Now remember, you can't tell anyone. You could be putting me and yourselves in danger"
"Don't worry" Hermione said, "Your secret's safe with us"
"Thanks"
"Ok, well dinner should be starting now. Ron and Harry are saving our seats."
They began to walk out
"You know you have teach us how you did that now that we know your secret" Liz joked
"Anytime"
They were in front of the Great Hall when Saira noticed Draco.
"Hey" she waved
"Hey, I'm glad to see you're feeling better" he said as they neared.
"Yeah" Saira said
"I also didn't realize you were in Gryffindor" he said with again, the tiny hint of disappointment.
"Yeah. Are you waiting for someone?"
"Well, actually, I was waiting for you"
"Saira" Hermione tapped her shoulder "Saira, come here"
They walked far enough away so that he couldn't hear them.
"Are you crazy?" They said in unison
"Hanging with Malfoy"
"The scum of the Earth"
"What?" Saira said laughing "Draco? You must be thinking of someone else. He's been nothing but nice to me"
"Saira" Liz said, "From one elf to another and from one friend to another, trust me, he's bad news"
"Look I appreciate your concern, but he hasn't done anything for me to think less of him. Anyway, I can take care of myself. I've had lots of practice over the years"
"Alright" Hermione said, "But we warned you"
"You guys go ahead," Saira said. They did. Saira caught up with Draco at the door and they walked in together. About two seconds later, Harry and Ron walked up and said, "Is he giving you any trouble Saira?"
"No, I'm fine" she said quickly
'Jeez' Saira thought 'He doesn't have a very good reputation'
"Hey, Draco, if you don't mind, I'd like to sit with Hermione and Liz."
"Yeah, no problem. See you Sunday" Draco tried to say goodbye in Elvish making Saira laugh before she joined her friends.
"Um, if this is dinner, why are all the plates empty?" Saira asked seeing the empty dinnerware.
"Dumbledore must have an announcement if he's delaying dinner" Harry said
Sure enough he did. "I have something to say before we commence with our usual fine meal" Saira noticed Legolas was sitting with the other teachers at the staff table. "I would like to introduce Legolas Greenleaf. He will be here observing our school for the remainder of the year"
The room applauded and Dumbledore sat down. Soon the plates were filled with food. Everyone dug in. It was 8:30 before everyone finished. Legolas came over to the table where Saira was sitting and talking with her friends.
"Vedui. Sinome sana sina" --Here take this-- He handed her a book. "Sina a parma ista" –This is a book of spells-- "Memorize them"
"Mankoi?" --Why? -- She replied
"Ten vara" –For protection—
"Diola lle" –Thank you—
"Namaarie" he said
"Namaarie" she said as he left
"Who was that?" Liz and Hermione said together watching Legolas go.
"Huh?" Saira wasn't paying attention. She too was watching Legolas walk away and it seemed to be taking all her attention away from everything else. "Oh, Legolas?"
"Yeah" Hermione said
"How do you know him?" Liz asked knowing his reputation.
"Remember what I told you earlier?" Saira asked them "Well, he's my bodyguard sort of"
"How lucky can you get?" Liz said, "I can't believe the only elf of the Fellowship is here protecting you. I just couldn't believe it's actually him"
"Neither could I"
Saira noticed that Harry and Ron were glaring at Legolas. "Are you guys jealous?" Saira said giggling
Almost immediately they said 'no' but they didn't refrain from glaring.
"Uh huh. Then why are you still glaring at the gorgeous blonde elf that is walking away?" Hermione asked
"Huh?" The said turning around when Legolas was out of sight
All the girls started laughing. Saira Liz and Hermione started back up to the dormitory.
"Hermione?" Liz said, "We'll meet you upstairs in a minute. I want to introduce Saira to some people"
"Ok. See you guys later" Hermione went upstairs but Liz took Saira down a passage to the right
"Where are we going?" Saira asked
"Me and you are not the only elves here at Hogwarts" she replied, "The other elves don't come to dinner a lot though. They're not as social as myself."
"Ok, why do you want me to meet them?"
"Well their parents have connections with people who might know about the third treasure."
They walked outside and the next thing Saira saw was just amazing. There was a courtyard but it was surrounded with walls of silent water. It glittered beautifully and the serenity hypnotized her.
Liz waved her hand in front of it and an opening appeared. She put her hand forth telling Saira to walk in. She did and saw three elves sitting around doing schoolwork. There was one to the far left with long light brown hair and hazel eyes to match. Her face gave her a very young look, one that didn't fit the persona she gave off. On the middle bench was a handsome elf that had black hair with red tips that was spiked in all directions. He had deep red eyes that matched his hair. His face was hard but gentle at the same time and Saira couldn't help but stare for a moment.
The last elf was another girl with dark burgundy hair and green eyes. Her face shone of confidence as if she were a princess. Her eyes reminded Saira of Liz's but they were nowhere near as bright. She held a presence that she knew exactly what she was.
"Vedui mellonamin" Liz said. Every word spoke in here was in Elvish. They all looked up but didn't speak. "Saira, I would like to introduce you to Isilwen, Ita'istar, and Aranel" She named them off in the order Saira had seen them.
"Vedui" Saira said with a nervous wave
"Everyone, this is Saira or Alatariel"
Their eyes widened as most did hearing Saira's Elven name.
"Truly?" The boy, Ita'istar said unconvinced.
"No lies are told here," The burgundy haired girl named Aranel said sternly. "Not among us"
"I know," he said with a roll of his eyes showing the two were quite the friends.
"Liz" the last girl said. (Isilwen in case you haven't figured it out)
"Hmm?"
"Have you really brought the Seer?"
"Ask her directly. Not to me"
Isilwen walked up to Saira.
"Are you truly the Hylian Seer foretold?"
"Unless the head-splitting visions I have are just my imagination then yes I am"
"I can't believe it," she said quietly but somehow relieved.
However, Ita'istar wasn't convinced.
"How do we know this isn't a ruse of some sort?"
"You accuse Alatariel of lying?" Aranel demanded.
"Everyone is capable but no. I just question her validity."
Saira pulled out her necklace.
"Does this convince you?" Saira said coldly by accident.
"It can't be!" he yelled. "The High Elf Ring?"
"None other."
Ita'istar's mood quickly changed. He bowed and asked forgiveness, which surprised Saira.
"Isilwen, your cousin is Arwen Undomiel, no?" Liz asked
"Yes, why?"
"Saira is on a quest and needs help"
"My father is a member of the Tel' anor Arator, the Sun Champions." Ita'istar said, "I'll send an owl to him. He gets around"
"I'm most appreciative" Saira said feeling better about the whole thing now.
For a long while, they all sat and talked about stupid things and told stories about their lives. Like a lot of boys, Ita'istar insisted on sitting next to Saira.
"Does anyone have the time?" Saira asked
"It's nearly 9:30," Ita'istar said
"We should be getting back, you guys," Liz said after awhile.
"What houses are you in?" Saira asked
"We are in Ravenclaw" Aranel said about herself and Isilwen.
"I'm in Gryffindor," Ita'istar said
"I haven't see you before" Saira said giving him a curious look.
"I don't usually mingle in the crowds and I go to bed once everyone is already asleep"
"Understandable, but have you ever tried talking to the other Gryffindors?"
"I prefer the company you're with now," he said though Saira wouldn't have thought that after speaking with him. He seemed rather opinionated.
"C'mon guys. Let's go" Liz said
She was about to create an opening in the water wall when Ita'istar interrupted.
"Let Saira try" he said with a grin.
"Oh, no. I couldn't" Saira blushed
"Sure you can. It's easy if you're elf" he guided her closer. He stepped behind her and grabbed her hand and guided it towards the water. She was happy a vision didn't spark. Liz and the others looked at each other trying to keep from laughing.
"Close your eyes" he said, "Just think you can do it"
Slowly an opening appeared. Saira opened her eyes and smiled at Ita'istar.
"C'mon you love birds. I don't need to get a detention from Filch" Liz said pushing them through
"Did Dumbledore make that for you?" Saira asked stumbling forward
"No, but he gave us permission to do it" Isilwen said going between the two.
"I don't know if you noticed but it's much quieter in there. It expels unnecessary sounds and clairvoyant energies. Only elves can make it and only elves can enter it" Aranel said with a hint of vindictiveness, "any other race would nearly die just trying to open it"
"Amazing" Saira said, "Um, do any of you know where the South wall is?"
"I do" Ita'istar said, "Why?"
"I was told to meet a friend there," she answered
"I'll take you. C'mon"
"I'll see you back at the dorm Liz" Saira said as she and Ita'istar walked off.
It was ten minutes until 10:00 when they arrived.
"You better get back before Filch can get you in trouble" she said to Ita'istar.
"Can't I meet you friend?" Saira noted a sound of jealousy.
"No, but if you were at dinner, you would have seen him" she said teasingly/
"Well, I should start going"
"That you should"
"Namaarie. Cormamin niuve tenna' ta elea lle au'" He spoke a different dialect that Saira didn't understand.
"What does that mean?"
"It means, 'My heart shall weep until it sees thee again'"
Saira was flattered but told him to go nonetheless.
"Namaarie, Cormamin lindua de lle" –Farewell, my heart sings to thee—
Ita'istar left just as Legolas appeared. They continued speaking in Elvish.
"Saira, follow me" She did. He led her through many halls until they arrived at a portrait of a young girl holding a bouquet of flowers. Saira had passed it many times but never thought anything of it.
"Open" he said making the portrait swing open to reveal a hall.
"That's an original password," However, Legolas didn't smile or laugh making Saira know he had bad news. He led her inside and into an enormous room. It was about the size of the Charms classroom but instead of desks and books there was a bed against the far wall and a table with two chairs near it. There was a dresser for his things and many necessities for living somewhere such as a fireplace and a desk. There was a lot of space for him to do whatever he wanted.
"Sit, please" he said. She sat in one of the armchairs in front of the fireplace. "Saira, I hate to be the bearer of bad news but something has come up"
"What is it?"
Legolas didn't answer right away. "Now know this first. I will let no harm come to you if I can prevent it, and you are in no immediate danger."
"You're scaring me"
"Saira, the Morimaikarea have joined with Ganondorf. He is in the process of compromising with the Shadow Alliance."
"Morimaikarea? The dark demi-gods?" he voice trembled
"You don't have to fear. Ganondorf does not know you are here"
Saira sat quiet. Life was horrible when she had to keep running form Ganondorf in Hyrule.
"I can't do it anymore. I'm sick of running. I've been here 2 days and I, for the first time, have friends. Plural. Not just one."
"I will do everything I can. You don't have to worry. You are far too protected here for him to try anything."
Saira smiled because she had a feeling he was right, or for the moment at least; or maybe it because Legolas was saying it. If it were anyone else she probably wouldn't believe them.
"Just keep your guard up"
"I will"
"Saira, I know it has passed but Yavieba was last week. Do you know what that is?"
"Um, I think it's the autumn solstice. We didn't celebrate many Elven holidays, so I'm not sure. Dmitri and I led a carefree life. Half the time we didn't even know what day it was. But was I right?"
"It's one of few." He said nodding. "It's a time to remember our loved ones we've lost. I thought you might want to remember your parents. Perhaps your brother as you have lost him in a way."
"Yeah…. I wish I'd known them." She felt a tear fall down her cheek at the thought of her parents.
"I know." He hugged her. "You better get back"
"Yeah." They both got up and he escorted her back. As they walked down the hall, someone yelled at them
"Hey!" Filch yelled. "What are you doing out this late? Good thing you found her. C'mon little lady, you've got a detention."
"Ya naa tanya?" Legolas asked --Who is that? –
"Argus Filch. Holma" –Human—
"Ah, Mr. Filch. I asked her to see me."
Filch was confused, then there was a huge crash down the hall.
"PEEVES!" Filch yelled following the sound of the crash
"Come" Legolas said
They reached the portrait of the fat lady. Legolas began to leave but Saira called him back because she wanted to ask him something.
"Hmm?"
"Um, I've noticed that a lot of boys have taken a liking to me. More than usual anyway."
Legolas smiled. Apparently this amused him
"Mani?" –What? —
"I thought this might happen" he said with a smile
"Mani?"
Legolas spoke in Elvish, "since you are a Hylian elf, you aura is very powerful. Plus with all the stress you've been under, it's even stronger. Men and elves have trouble resisting it. It doesn't mean the feelings are false but it means they will act upon it more. Also, the fact that you're quite beautiful may be a big part too."
"So," she said playfully, "Are you drawn to my aura and beauty?"
He laughed less than wholeheartedly. "I'm afraid my own aura does not fall to yours."
"Oh, well. Namaarie." Saira said hiding a bit of disappointment from his statement but unless she was mistaken he didn't sound quite sure about it himself.
"Namaarie"
Saira walked into the common room and saw Ita'istar asleep on the couch. She walked over and gently woke him up.
"You know, the beds are much more comfortable"
"I know," he said trying to act cool. "I was hoping to catch you before you went up"
"Mankoi?" –Why? —
"Well," he started speaking Elvish too. "Has anyone told you about the Yule Ball?"
"No"
"Um well, it's a ball in two weeks I think, anyway, and I was wondering if you'd like to go with me"
Saira was flattered, "Sure"
"Oh, great. Well, Namaarie" he said happily as he went upstairs.
"Namaarie" she said walking up the opposite stairs and slept a dreamless sleep.