Okay now we're moving onto Carlita's story. As you remember is the last
Chapter the 3 split up. Talisar went with Frodo and Sam. Hendara went after
the Orcs that took Merry and Pippin. Carlita stayed with Aragorn, Gimli and
Legolas. Forgive my errors in the spelling of some of the Names of places
and things cause that's just me. LOL.
Disclaimer: I own not you sue not. Tolkien is the god here. I am just a
Lonely Australia tanned elf. LOL. BTW to those people who I have reviewed
stories for. You guys rock and it's because of you I have courage to write
my own story. Thanks guys. Anyway. On with the show. Most of this will be
from Carlita's point of view but it will change.
The Fellowship had broken. Carlita knew as she watched sadly as the boat that held Boromir's body travel over the falls. Her heart ached to sing the lament for the dead but she knew she could not. She heard Legolas' voice lift for a soft moment into the song and she was glad someone could. It eased the ache within her somewhat but not her guilt. She along with her brother and sister had been sent to help and protect the fellowship. They had not only failed Boromier but also Merry and Pippin. She knew Frodo and Sam would be safe from this moment. Her sister had revealed herself to them therefore making it easier for her to protect them. At least the Ring bearer would be safe. Perhaps she should have gone with her. The three she should nearby did not need protection. Aragorn was a skilled Ranger not to mention warrior. The Prince of Mirkwood was also the Best Archer of Mirkwood. Gimli was a stout and strong dwarf and nothing could get close so long as he held his axe. Hoping right some of her guilt she ran with the three warriors who were intent on rescuing the two hobbits. They had been running for some time. She felt her brother. He was nearly running himself into deaths door to follow Merry and Pippin. If they were in real danger of being killed he would go into battle to protect them but he knew that Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli followed. Tracking carefully. She also knew that the three were close to exhaustion. The dwarf was past that, into the point where he was running on pure will power. Sighing she came to the realisation of what she had to do. Just the doing was another question. She was tired as well. Hiding herself from their eyes was difficult having a Ranger and an elf but she had managed so far. She saw that Legolas had spotted the group that had the hobbits in the distance and she hoped her brother still had to sense to cloak himself from the elves eyes. Legolas called back to Aragorn and Gimli that he had them in his sights but Carlita missed what her said. Instead she closed her eyes and spread her fingers wide and let her strength flow into them. She hoped that they would not question where the strength came from seeing as only a burst coming from renewed determination from seeing their quarry. Silently she let her fall to her knees breathing heavily. Legolas looked up quickly his sharp ears hearing something other then the three of them, the look on his face was very wary. Controlling her breathing she waited until he moved to Aragorn before she stood again. Legolas spoke quietly to Aragorn.
"We are not alone Estel. What it is I do not know but we are not alone." The King of Men just nodded and Carlita smiled. He had spoken to her when he had sat in the tree thinking her to perhaps be a spirit. She also knew once when she had run to close to him he had smelt her. She had been concentrating hard to hide herself from Legolas. His senses were too acute to hide from him for much longer. Damn elves, she smiled without menace as they began moving again. Damning her own race. She sounded like a certain dwarf. What would her father think? He would most likely laugh with a humour only the elves of her home would, finding everything amusing. Night was falling as she followed behind the group. She should prepare herself to meet them face to face soon. She knew from her brother that the group had stopped. Something had happened but she was too far away to get details. She did know the half lings were safe. They rested for a few moments and Carlita instantly climbed a tree near the group. Aragorn also came up that same tree and again he seemed to feel her not see her.
"Your following us Spirit. I thank you for that. I felt you helping us. I do not wish to ask you but I need your peace again." Carlita smiled and offered it freely allowing herself to see in her mind the beauty of life and felt the waking dream touch her. She knew Legolas had been running while in the waking dream. She had also. That si why their strength was still with them. The man and the dwarf not so. She only had a few moment of the waking dream before Aragorn shifted.
"Thank you." He slipped out of the tree and gathered what he had put on the ground. "We move again. Gimli are you okay?" The dwarf nodded and Aragorn looked to Legolas not needing to ask the question. He seemed impatient to be off. So they ran again. Carlita left her tree and joined them easily. Soon the night began to become day. They found themselves out in plains roughly scattered with large rocks. As they were about to crest a hill the sound of horse hooves began to pound around them. Carlita stayed with the group but felt the added strain of having to hold herself invisible to them all. Soon they had spoken and the three given a horse. Carlita knew she had to talk to this Eomer before he left and jumped onto his riderless horse who accepted her noiselessly. She moved back as Eomer mounted and let the ride for a bit before she jumped to the ground and ran to the side calling out to the group who immediately stopped. She allowed herself to be seen and she felt a great relief and weight lifted from her shoulders. Eomer looked surprised as he saw her. His men surrounded her as they had done with her three companions and he once more dismounted.
"This day is full of surprises it seems." Carlita smiled softly and the man stepped forward curiosity in his eyes. He reached up a hand to touch her face and Carlita stepped back feeling a lance at her back.
"What are you doing?" The man smiled under his beard slightly.
"It is rare for my people to see Elves My lady. She-Elves have not been seen for many lifetimes. I had heard about the beauty and softness of their skin. I merely wished to touch you for a moment." Carlita warily nodded her agreement and his rough had touched her cheek. She was used to the soft skin of elves even the callous of an archer. His hand felt different. He stepped back after a moment dropping his hand. "Indeed it is as soft as it has said to have been. Now what may I Do for you Lady..?" Carlita smiled to herself.
"The Three people you met earlier are friends of mine however I am on a mission that requires me to stay out of their sight. I need a horse if you can spare one. Elf I may be but keeping up with a horse after a long time running is hard even for my kind." Eomer nodded slowly and whistled up a horse while looking at her strangely.
"Very well. I can help you. It seems you are a warrior so I have a respect for you. Especially since those three do not seem to know you follow. Lady..?" he tired once again and as Carlita moved to take the saddle of the horse she supplied it.
"Carlita. No title is necessary. I thank you for the horse." She handed him the saddle whish he looked at strangely. "Elves do not ride with saddles. Does the mare have a name?" Eomer nodded.
"Jaluwin. The male elf rode with a saddle." Carlita nodded,
"Because he must carry the dwarf Gimli with him." Eomer nodded as Carlita nimbly leapt onto the back oh the horse. "I thank you Eomer and hope to see you soon." He looked surprised as she knew his name but she spurred Jaluwin away leaning in close to her neck urging her to speed with elfish words. Soon she saw the three ahead who had dismounted and were looking around the pile of Orc bodies. She asked the horse to slow and be silent as she cloaked them both and climbed from her urging her to go for now. Jaluwin bumped the she-elf with her soft nose then silently left. She heard the pure cry of anguish that Aragorn let loose and saw the pain and sorrow in both the elf and dwarf's eyes. Then Aragorn scrambled forward seeing tracks that he had not seen before and followed them describing the scene. He brother told her of a presence in the woods and Carlita tensed as his message was cut off. Aragorn saw the last of the tracks moving into the forest. He knelt at her feet at the last track. She had unconsciously moved closer to the woods and now she worried. This close she would not be able to hide. He looked up directly into her eyes before standing again.
"They ran into the forest." She knew he had seen her. She had stood right before him but he chose not to give her away.
"What madness drove them in there?" Gimli spoke up looking at the dark twisted depths of Fangorn Forrest. She moved to stand at Legolas' shoulder and spoke quietly to him in elfish.
"What do you think Elf Prince? You should go in there after them but beware, a white wizard walks within." He stiffened and turned quickly but she moved away to a safe distance so she could hide from his eyes. They moved into the forest and Gimli found the blood of an Orc. She heard Aragorn call Legolas to him as they spoke quietly. And in elfish so the dwarf didn't hear or understand.
"Aragorn it's here again." Aragorn smiled.
"She has been with us as far back as when we lost Boromir Legolas. Why I do not know but I saw her." The elf prince nodded.
"She spoke to me." Aragorn looked taken back.
"Twice now have I spoken to her but she has never spoken back. I had thought her to be a wandering elfish spirit." Legolas shook his head the blond length moving gently.
"No ghost is she Aragorn. She breathes just as us. She also warned me that a wizard lurks within the woods just as the Rohan rider did." Aragorn nodded and they parted Legolas feeling the emotions of the trees and Aragorn telling Gimli to lower his axe. "The White wizard approaches!" All three tensed as Carlita watched.
"We must move swiftly." They readied themselves and moved to attack as he appeared but were disarmed. The wizard spoke and Carlita smiled. Soon all three wore shocked expressions as Gandalf was revealed. She nodded as he looked to her and soon they began to move to out of the forest. When they exited Gandalf called the great Shadowfax to him. The horse gladly accepted his weight and she hard him asking for him to also bear Carlita. The horse assented and she lithely jumped to sit behind the wizard as the others sat upon their horses.
*Gandalf's POV (briefly)*
Gandalf smiled slightly as he felt Carlita settle behind him and as Shadowfax took off. As they rode he murmured to her quietly.
"You fare well?" A small laugh could be heard.
"I'm exhausted Gandalf but yes I far well. My heart rejoices that you have been returned to us." He knew how much hiding herself cost her but he also understood why she had too. He had been part of the decision to call the three and send them with the Fellowship. Originally they were going to follow the ring but them to Fellowship her been formed.
"Your brother fares well also child. He follows Merry and Pippin with an Ent friend of mine so he no longer needs to conceal himself. They two half lings seemed very surprised upon seeing him but they have become fast friends as long as they behave." He felt her smile at those words. "Your sister is beyond even my considerable sight." Carlita smiled.
"Talisar fares well Gandalf but more then that I cannot know. However so far while the burden wears on him Frodo fares well also." He nodded his thanks at her information. They rode through the night and into and soon the city of Rohan came into view.
*Carlita's POV*
Carefully slipping for Shadowfax as he ran she landed on her feet and stood. She must not have been careful enough because Legolas turned in his saddle to stare at her. She smiled and raised a hand waving him off and his eyes widened for a moment before they disappeared into Rohan. She walked the rest of the way and once she had caught up she saw Legolas had dismounted and helped Gimli down before moving to Aragorn's side. Once more he spoke in rapid Elfish.
"She was riding behind Gandalf the entire way. She jumped off just before the walls. You are right she is an elf." Gimli came swaggering up behind them.
"Stop usin' that elfish stuff and speak plain. I know about the elf woman. Unlike you two she doesn't hide from me. I wonder way that is?" A smirk could be seen inside his beard and Legolas' automatically went for his dagger at the implied suggestion that the she-elf wanted Gimli to see her. Aragorn laid a hand on Legolas' arm to stop him and lifting his eyes they touched Carlita's and she frowned seeing the upset. Swiftly she moved into the middle of the three and allowed them a brief glimpse before she spoke in common tongue.
"I mean you no harm. Perhaps when we get time I shall explain. Now, I believe, you are being called." She stepped back and once again disappeared from view. Even Gimli's. She had misjudged to dwarves perception before not again.
*Legolas' POV (YA!!! ALL BOW DOWN TO LEGOLAS!!!) Also partly Authors POV*
She may have disappeared but Legolas heard her footsteps now. She must be very tired and using the footsteps her herded her up the steps in front of them. He felt her standing at his side as they handed their weapons over. When she had allowed them to see her, he had seen the bow slung over her shoulder and two blades similar to his own. It made him more comfortable to know one of their party was still armed within the halls of men. As they entered a foul little excuse for a man hissed something at them about Gandalf's staff and as they went froward some men tried to take him. With help from Aragorn and Gimli he fended them off and ended up holding the foul smelling man to the ground. Legolas had seen the she-elf take down some guards and he saw their confusion at not even seeing their attacker. Looking down he froze when although Gimli now pinned him the man aptly named Wormtongue watched Carlita move. The look in his eyes made him wish to kill him. After the King expelled Wormtongue Legolas sort the she-elf out. He wished Aragorn had not stopped the King from killing the little beast. The lust in Grima Wormtongue's eyes for the she-elf had enraged him inside. His eyes flicked up as she saw her in a corner leaning back against the wall. She watched the Children that had appeared on the Horizon not long ago. She was dressed in a similar fashion to himself, muted greens and earthy browns. Her skin was as his, pale smooth with a glow that seemed to come from within that lite all elves until they died it was the same with the pale blond hair as luminescent as his own. If it wasn't for her eyes she could have been a wood elf. But her eyes were green, not blue. A gentle forest green that seemed hazy right now, as if mists like the one that descended over the trees of Mirkwood early morn. Delicately pointed ears lifted up through the intricate braids that circled back from her temples. He gave her a quick hand signal for her to follow him and he saw her eyes loose the mist as if she had come from a waking dream. She nodded and vanished from his view. Silently he walked down the hallway and found what he assumed to be a reception room that was empty of occupants. As he stepped in he heard the door close behind him and felt a slight stir of air as she passed him. He decided to sit so she would not feel as threatened and was about to lower himself to the armrest of one of the chairs when he heard a sound directly behind him. He jumped and quickly spun about to face the sound. Slowly she became visible to him as if layers of fog where being lifted, and he saw she had one hand up to cover her mouth muffling the laughter. He had just about sat in her lap. He bowed slightly as the tips of his ears went a little red.
"My Pardons Lady." She smiled gently no longer laughing
"Easily Forgiven. My Guess is you have some questions?" Legolas nodded and decided to stay standing before her, as she seemed comfortable around him.
"Your correct. You've been with us as far back as when Frodo left us, is what Aragorn said, perhaps even before?" She watched him for a moment her face solemn before she spoke moving to elfish.
"I was there at the Council when you stood up for Estel and chose to lend your bow to the protection of the Ring Bearer. That day I also pledged myself to his and the Fellowship's protection. With two others. That was why I was there. I followed you all from that day. To protect you all." Legolas looked at her with a spark of anger in his blue eyes.
"If your here what of the Ring bearer? The vow was to protect him. And protecting us? We lost Boromier. Nearly lost Gandalf. Apart from that, Merry and Pippin were taken and Frodo left us. You should be 'protecting' them." She merely waited until he was finished then stood.
"This is my vow. And Frodo and Sam are being protected. I said there were two others. One of which nearly died keeping pace to watch over Merry and Pippin. One I care for greatly. My twin brother. My sister followed the Ring bearer. You spoke of your loses? Elfin siblings who have never been separated did so for people we do not know. It nearly killed us to do so. Boromir I had no control over. Even one elf is not even for the hoard that attacked. We did fight with you. Weather you knew it or not. As for Gandalf..we could not follow you into the mines. We travelled above and met you at the exit. Besides that Gandalf had to do what he did. It was his destiny Elf. And not even my and mine could interfere with destiny. So now that we are done I will leave now." She was clearly much angrier then Legolas had been and he wondered at her pain. He knew of another set of Elfin twins. Elrohir and Elladan. And they could not be separated for long. He regretted his harsh words and as she went to pass him he gently took her small hand in his feeling the callus's that marked her as an archer.
"Forgive my words. Please. I was upset and angered by.." He stopped remembering why he had been angry about but not wanting to worry her. Her soft voice cut through the silence and his hand still held hers.
"What Legolas? Maybe I can help. If you are uncomfortable amongst so many men we may go out and run in the forest not far from here." Legolas shook his head unable to lie to her.
"No I am angered and worried. Grima Wormtongue saw you. What I saw within his eyes is what causes this storm to rise within me. He wanted you." The woman nodded
"True I was unable to hide myself from his view. What you saw however, I did not. Either way it worries me not." Legolas took a half step towards her.
"Please I ask of you stay near me while we reside within the halls of men. They look at me with Lust in their eyes. I do not know what the sight of a female elf would do to them, should you be revealed to them." Her green eyes grew sombre
"It's true men do not see the difference in our kind between beauty of men and women but that is because they do not find times in their lives to study as we do. Perhaps you should be worrying about your on violation rather them mine Legolas Prince of Mirkwood." Legolas shook his head squeezing her hand in his gently.
"I am safe. I have been around men long enough to know what I need to do to protect myself. You knew my name perhaps it is time I should know yours?" The she-elf closed her eyes for a moment as if she didn't want this moment to come and was trying to slow it down. How ever opened them and provided the answer.
"Carlita Mithrilborn of The Undying Lands." Legolas choked.
"Princess." He hastily released her hand and stepped back bowing low to her. She took hold of his shoulders and forced him to stand straight. His blue eyes clashed with her green ones.
"I'm an equal here. Do not bow." His eyes rebelled and she sighed. "Please Legolas." Reluctantly he nodded. He had many questions to ask to he directed her to one of the chairs and then sat in one himself. Where to start?
Ahahahah I am evil. Revelations to come in the next chapter. For now I am tired. And I have no idea how it works in the undying lands but just thought this would be cool. LOL.
The Fellowship had broken. Carlita knew as she watched sadly as the boat that held Boromir's body travel over the falls. Her heart ached to sing the lament for the dead but she knew she could not. She heard Legolas' voice lift for a soft moment into the song and she was glad someone could. It eased the ache within her somewhat but not her guilt. She along with her brother and sister had been sent to help and protect the fellowship. They had not only failed Boromier but also Merry and Pippin. She knew Frodo and Sam would be safe from this moment. Her sister had revealed herself to them therefore making it easier for her to protect them. At least the Ring bearer would be safe. Perhaps she should have gone with her. The three she should nearby did not need protection. Aragorn was a skilled Ranger not to mention warrior. The Prince of Mirkwood was also the Best Archer of Mirkwood. Gimli was a stout and strong dwarf and nothing could get close so long as he held his axe. Hoping right some of her guilt she ran with the three warriors who were intent on rescuing the two hobbits. They had been running for some time. She felt her brother. He was nearly running himself into deaths door to follow Merry and Pippin. If they were in real danger of being killed he would go into battle to protect them but he knew that Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli followed. Tracking carefully. She also knew that the three were close to exhaustion. The dwarf was past that, into the point where he was running on pure will power. Sighing she came to the realisation of what she had to do. Just the doing was another question. She was tired as well. Hiding herself from their eyes was difficult having a Ranger and an elf but she had managed so far. She saw that Legolas had spotted the group that had the hobbits in the distance and she hoped her brother still had to sense to cloak himself from the elves eyes. Legolas called back to Aragorn and Gimli that he had them in his sights but Carlita missed what her said. Instead she closed her eyes and spread her fingers wide and let her strength flow into them. She hoped that they would not question where the strength came from seeing as only a burst coming from renewed determination from seeing their quarry. Silently she let her fall to her knees breathing heavily. Legolas looked up quickly his sharp ears hearing something other then the three of them, the look on his face was very wary. Controlling her breathing she waited until he moved to Aragorn before she stood again. Legolas spoke quietly to Aragorn.
"We are not alone Estel. What it is I do not know but we are not alone." The King of Men just nodded and Carlita smiled. He had spoken to her when he had sat in the tree thinking her to perhaps be a spirit. She also knew once when she had run to close to him he had smelt her. She had been concentrating hard to hide herself from Legolas. His senses were too acute to hide from him for much longer. Damn elves, she smiled without menace as they began moving again. Damning her own race. She sounded like a certain dwarf. What would her father think? He would most likely laugh with a humour only the elves of her home would, finding everything amusing. Night was falling as she followed behind the group. She should prepare herself to meet them face to face soon. She knew from her brother that the group had stopped. Something had happened but she was too far away to get details. She did know the half lings were safe. They rested for a few moments and Carlita instantly climbed a tree near the group. Aragorn also came up that same tree and again he seemed to feel her not see her.
"Your following us Spirit. I thank you for that. I felt you helping us. I do not wish to ask you but I need your peace again." Carlita smiled and offered it freely allowing herself to see in her mind the beauty of life and felt the waking dream touch her. She knew Legolas had been running while in the waking dream. She had also. That si why their strength was still with them. The man and the dwarf not so. She only had a few moment of the waking dream before Aragorn shifted.
"Thank you." He slipped out of the tree and gathered what he had put on the ground. "We move again. Gimli are you okay?" The dwarf nodded and Aragorn looked to Legolas not needing to ask the question. He seemed impatient to be off. So they ran again. Carlita left her tree and joined them easily. Soon the night began to become day. They found themselves out in plains roughly scattered with large rocks. As they were about to crest a hill the sound of horse hooves began to pound around them. Carlita stayed with the group but felt the added strain of having to hold herself invisible to them all. Soon they had spoken and the three given a horse. Carlita knew she had to talk to this Eomer before he left and jumped onto his riderless horse who accepted her noiselessly. She moved back as Eomer mounted and let the ride for a bit before she jumped to the ground and ran to the side calling out to the group who immediately stopped. She allowed herself to be seen and she felt a great relief and weight lifted from her shoulders. Eomer looked surprised as he saw her. His men surrounded her as they had done with her three companions and he once more dismounted.
"This day is full of surprises it seems." Carlita smiled softly and the man stepped forward curiosity in his eyes. He reached up a hand to touch her face and Carlita stepped back feeling a lance at her back.
"What are you doing?" The man smiled under his beard slightly.
"It is rare for my people to see Elves My lady. She-Elves have not been seen for many lifetimes. I had heard about the beauty and softness of their skin. I merely wished to touch you for a moment." Carlita warily nodded her agreement and his rough had touched her cheek. She was used to the soft skin of elves even the callous of an archer. His hand felt different. He stepped back after a moment dropping his hand. "Indeed it is as soft as it has said to have been. Now what may I Do for you Lady..?" Carlita smiled to herself.
"The Three people you met earlier are friends of mine however I am on a mission that requires me to stay out of their sight. I need a horse if you can spare one. Elf I may be but keeping up with a horse after a long time running is hard even for my kind." Eomer nodded slowly and whistled up a horse while looking at her strangely.
"Very well. I can help you. It seems you are a warrior so I have a respect for you. Especially since those three do not seem to know you follow. Lady..?" he tired once again and as Carlita moved to take the saddle of the horse she supplied it.
"Carlita. No title is necessary. I thank you for the horse." She handed him the saddle whish he looked at strangely. "Elves do not ride with saddles. Does the mare have a name?" Eomer nodded.
"Jaluwin. The male elf rode with a saddle." Carlita nodded,
"Because he must carry the dwarf Gimli with him." Eomer nodded as Carlita nimbly leapt onto the back oh the horse. "I thank you Eomer and hope to see you soon." He looked surprised as she knew his name but she spurred Jaluwin away leaning in close to her neck urging her to speed with elfish words. Soon she saw the three ahead who had dismounted and were looking around the pile of Orc bodies. She asked the horse to slow and be silent as she cloaked them both and climbed from her urging her to go for now. Jaluwin bumped the she-elf with her soft nose then silently left. She heard the pure cry of anguish that Aragorn let loose and saw the pain and sorrow in both the elf and dwarf's eyes. Then Aragorn scrambled forward seeing tracks that he had not seen before and followed them describing the scene. He brother told her of a presence in the woods and Carlita tensed as his message was cut off. Aragorn saw the last of the tracks moving into the forest. He knelt at her feet at the last track. She had unconsciously moved closer to the woods and now she worried. This close she would not be able to hide. He looked up directly into her eyes before standing again.
"They ran into the forest." She knew he had seen her. She had stood right before him but he chose not to give her away.
"What madness drove them in there?" Gimli spoke up looking at the dark twisted depths of Fangorn Forrest. She moved to stand at Legolas' shoulder and spoke quietly to him in elfish.
"What do you think Elf Prince? You should go in there after them but beware, a white wizard walks within." He stiffened and turned quickly but she moved away to a safe distance so she could hide from his eyes. They moved into the forest and Gimli found the blood of an Orc. She heard Aragorn call Legolas to him as they spoke quietly. And in elfish so the dwarf didn't hear or understand.
"Aragorn it's here again." Aragorn smiled.
"She has been with us as far back as when we lost Boromir Legolas. Why I do not know but I saw her." The elf prince nodded.
"She spoke to me." Aragorn looked taken back.
"Twice now have I spoken to her but she has never spoken back. I had thought her to be a wandering elfish spirit." Legolas shook his head the blond length moving gently.
"No ghost is she Aragorn. She breathes just as us. She also warned me that a wizard lurks within the woods just as the Rohan rider did." Aragorn nodded and they parted Legolas feeling the emotions of the trees and Aragorn telling Gimli to lower his axe. "The White wizard approaches!" All three tensed as Carlita watched.
"We must move swiftly." They readied themselves and moved to attack as he appeared but were disarmed. The wizard spoke and Carlita smiled. Soon all three wore shocked expressions as Gandalf was revealed. She nodded as he looked to her and soon they began to move to out of the forest. When they exited Gandalf called the great Shadowfax to him. The horse gladly accepted his weight and she hard him asking for him to also bear Carlita. The horse assented and she lithely jumped to sit behind the wizard as the others sat upon their horses.
*Gandalf's POV (briefly)*
Gandalf smiled slightly as he felt Carlita settle behind him and as Shadowfax took off. As they rode he murmured to her quietly.
"You fare well?" A small laugh could be heard.
"I'm exhausted Gandalf but yes I far well. My heart rejoices that you have been returned to us." He knew how much hiding herself cost her but he also understood why she had too. He had been part of the decision to call the three and send them with the Fellowship. Originally they were going to follow the ring but them to Fellowship her been formed.
"Your brother fares well also child. He follows Merry and Pippin with an Ent friend of mine so he no longer needs to conceal himself. They two half lings seemed very surprised upon seeing him but they have become fast friends as long as they behave." He felt her smile at those words. "Your sister is beyond even my considerable sight." Carlita smiled.
"Talisar fares well Gandalf but more then that I cannot know. However so far while the burden wears on him Frodo fares well also." He nodded his thanks at her information. They rode through the night and into and soon the city of Rohan came into view.
*Carlita's POV*
Carefully slipping for Shadowfax as he ran she landed on her feet and stood. She must not have been careful enough because Legolas turned in his saddle to stare at her. She smiled and raised a hand waving him off and his eyes widened for a moment before they disappeared into Rohan. She walked the rest of the way and once she had caught up she saw Legolas had dismounted and helped Gimli down before moving to Aragorn's side. Once more he spoke in rapid Elfish.
"She was riding behind Gandalf the entire way. She jumped off just before the walls. You are right she is an elf." Gimli came swaggering up behind them.
"Stop usin' that elfish stuff and speak plain. I know about the elf woman. Unlike you two she doesn't hide from me. I wonder way that is?" A smirk could be seen inside his beard and Legolas' automatically went for his dagger at the implied suggestion that the she-elf wanted Gimli to see her. Aragorn laid a hand on Legolas' arm to stop him and lifting his eyes they touched Carlita's and she frowned seeing the upset. Swiftly she moved into the middle of the three and allowed them a brief glimpse before she spoke in common tongue.
"I mean you no harm. Perhaps when we get time I shall explain. Now, I believe, you are being called." She stepped back and once again disappeared from view. Even Gimli's. She had misjudged to dwarves perception before not again.
*Legolas' POV (YA!!! ALL BOW DOWN TO LEGOLAS!!!) Also partly Authors POV*
She may have disappeared but Legolas heard her footsteps now. She must be very tired and using the footsteps her herded her up the steps in front of them. He felt her standing at his side as they handed their weapons over. When she had allowed them to see her, he had seen the bow slung over her shoulder and two blades similar to his own. It made him more comfortable to know one of their party was still armed within the halls of men. As they entered a foul little excuse for a man hissed something at them about Gandalf's staff and as they went froward some men tried to take him. With help from Aragorn and Gimli he fended them off and ended up holding the foul smelling man to the ground. Legolas had seen the she-elf take down some guards and he saw their confusion at not even seeing their attacker. Looking down he froze when although Gimli now pinned him the man aptly named Wormtongue watched Carlita move. The look in his eyes made him wish to kill him. After the King expelled Wormtongue Legolas sort the she-elf out. He wished Aragorn had not stopped the King from killing the little beast. The lust in Grima Wormtongue's eyes for the she-elf had enraged him inside. His eyes flicked up as she saw her in a corner leaning back against the wall. She watched the Children that had appeared on the Horizon not long ago. She was dressed in a similar fashion to himself, muted greens and earthy browns. Her skin was as his, pale smooth with a glow that seemed to come from within that lite all elves until they died it was the same with the pale blond hair as luminescent as his own. If it wasn't for her eyes she could have been a wood elf. But her eyes were green, not blue. A gentle forest green that seemed hazy right now, as if mists like the one that descended over the trees of Mirkwood early morn. Delicately pointed ears lifted up through the intricate braids that circled back from her temples. He gave her a quick hand signal for her to follow him and he saw her eyes loose the mist as if she had come from a waking dream. She nodded and vanished from his view. Silently he walked down the hallway and found what he assumed to be a reception room that was empty of occupants. As he stepped in he heard the door close behind him and felt a slight stir of air as she passed him. He decided to sit so she would not feel as threatened and was about to lower himself to the armrest of one of the chairs when he heard a sound directly behind him. He jumped and quickly spun about to face the sound. Slowly she became visible to him as if layers of fog where being lifted, and he saw she had one hand up to cover her mouth muffling the laughter. He had just about sat in her lap. He bowed slightly as the tips of his ears went a little red.
"My Pardons Lady." She smiled gently no longer laughing
"Easily Forgiven. My Guess is you have some questions?" Legolas nodded and decided to stay standing before her, as she seemed comfortable around him.
"Your correct. You've been with us as far back as when Frodo left us, is what Aragorn said, perhaps even before?" She watched him for a moment her face solemn before she spoke moving to elfish.
"I was there at the Council when you stood up for Estel and chose to lend your bow to the protection of the Ring Bearer. That day I also pledged myself to his and the Fellowship's protection. With two others. That was why I was there. I followed you all from that day. To protect you all." Legolas looked at her with a spark of anger in his blue eyes.
"If your here what of the Ring bearer? The vow was to protect him. And protecting us? We lost Boromier. Nearly lost Gandalf. Apart from that, Merry and Pippin were taken and Frodo left us. You should be 'protecting' them." She merely waited until he was finished then stood.
"This is my vow. And Frodo and Sam are being protected. I said there were two others. One of which nearly died keeping pace to watch over Merry and Pippin. One I care for greatly. My twin brother. My sister followed the Ring bearer. You spoke of your loses? Elfin siblings who have never been separated did so for people we do not know. It nearly killed us to do so. Boromir I had no control over. Even one elf is not even for the hoard that attacked. We did fight with you. Weather you knew it or not. As for Gandalf..we could not follow you into the mines. We travelled above and met you at the exit. Besides that Gandalf had to do what he did. It was his destiny Elf. And not even my and mine could interfere with destiny. So now that we are done I will leave now." She was clearly much angrier then Legolas had been and he wondered at her pain. He knew of another set of Elfin twins. Elrohir and Elladan. And they could not be separated for long. He regretted his harsh words and as she went to pass him he gently took her small hand in his feeling the callus's that marked her as an archer.
"Forgive my words. Please. I was upset and angered by.." He stopped remembering why he had been angry about but not wanting to worry her. Her soft voice cut through the silence and his hand still held hers.
"What Legolas? Maybe I can help. If you are uncomfortable amongst so many men we may go out and run in the forest not far from here." Legolas shook his head unable to lie to her.
"No I am angered and worried. Grima Wormtongue saw you. What I saw within his eyes is what causes this storm to rise within me. He wanted you." The woman nodded
"True I was unable to hide myself from his view. What you saw however, I did not. Either way it worries me not." Legolas took a half step towards her.
"Please I ask of you stay near me while we reside within the halls of men. They look at me with Lust in their eyes. I do not know what the sight of a female elf would do to them, should you be revealed to them." Her green eyes grew sombre
"It's true men do not see the difference in our kind between beauty of men and women but that is because they do not find times in their lives to study as we do. Perhaps you should be worrying about your on violation rather them mine Legolas Prince of Mirkwood." Legolas shook his head squeezing her hand in his gently.
"I am safe. I have been around men long enough to know what I need to do to protect myself. You knew my name perhaps it is time I should know yours?" The she-elf closed her eyes for a moment as if she didn't want this moment to come and was trying to slow it down. How ever opened them and provided the answer.
"Carlita Mithrilborn of The Undying Lands." Legolas choked.
"Princess." He hastily released her hand and stepped back bowing low to her. She took hold of his shoulders and forced him to stand straight. His blue eyes clashed with her green ones.
"I'm an equal here. Do not bow." His eyes rebelled and she sighed. "Please Legolas." Reluctantly he nodded. He had many questions to ask to he directed her to one of the chairs and then sat in one himself. Where to start?
Ahahahah I am evil. Revelations to come in the next chapter. For now I am tired. And I have no idea how it works in the undying lands but just thought this would be cool. LOL.