Thank you for the
reviews. I decided to go with the movie, since I know the way she acts
and such, even though the real storyline is based on the game
Lara. *Short pause* Right.
Chapter two
I wish I could say that I was anticipating the travel to Middle Earth. But I wasn't. As much as I like these little escapades and all, I just was not in the mood for time traveling. Since the last meeting with my father.. I was a wreck. I stopped looking at the time for almost two months, and I though I would never lose this depression that always seemed to cling to me whenever I was on one of my tasks. It was horrible, and it still is.
"Are you ready?" I heard Mr. Banks ask, but I didn't reply. I was watching the world through a completely different perspective and I was not going to answer him. And I did not.
I have been quite ready for awhile now, and I do not know what has gotten into me, but I feel strangely different. Perhaps it was simply my nerves gaining up on me, but never had they been so clear before. I couldn't think of that yet. I had other things to handle. Such as this ring watch. I looked down at it thoughtfully, my fingers brushing against the intricate carvings and the
"Mr. Banks?" I asked, following him out of my house and towards his jeep.
"Hmm, my lady?" He popped open his trunk and placed inside a leather suitcase.
"Would this go wrong?" I hesitated, wondering if I should even ask this. "I mean- well, you see.."
He laughed gently, opening my car door for me and waited until I was inside to reply, "Do not worry yourself child, this won't be any different from any other adventures you have encountered. Just stay put and let Mr. Banks handle the driving, ai?" He winked and hoped inside the drivers seat.
I smiled. I didn't like the idea of telling someone I was nervous, yet worrying, but somehow I think Mr. Banks would keep his trap shut. If not, then I'd have to kill him. He pulled out of my drive way, and with a light wave of my hand to Brice and Hillary, we left behind my world. I was suddenly tired.
It took us a half hour to get to our destination. We passed tall woodland trees, some golden yellow from the change of the climate, and some completely leafless. It was a quiet spot somewhere in the woods, and all I could hear was the chirping of birds and the low rumble of car engines somewhere near a high way. But as we got closer to the large, oak trees, I noticed now that this was were I first discovered the ring watch. I smiled, turning to Mr. Banks.
"This is where the circle is?"
"Indeed." He kicked open his door and jumped out, walking to the back of the car. "Indeed, indeed, indeed."
"Some answer," I muttered, taking my sunglasses off my head and putting them on my face. "Bloody, it's sunny over here."
"You best not get use to it now, my lady." He came up from behind me, nudging me forwards. "Where you'll be going won't have much sun. The place is secluded.. Almost dead."
"Excellent." I exclaimed, worrying my lip again. Another force of habit I so gratefully picked up on.
"Follow me." He said, already walking through the gap between the trees. I sighed. This was going to be a long trip.
"How much further?" I asked, the sweat already leaking down my face, passed my mouth and on my clothes. "I feel like a cat in heat!"
He laughed, and suddenly stopped. "I was hoping you would remember."
"Remember what?" I stopped before bumping into him, my eyes narrowed. "What are you talking about, old man?"
"You've been here before."
"I've been outside the woods before." I corrected, my arms folding across my shirt. "Not this far in. Why?"
"Oh that's right." He gave me a knowing look before walking off again.
I sighed, throwing my hands up in the air. I give up. This old chap wasn't just a puzzle, he was also a big ass. And I followed him like a lost pup, knowing damn well that I was off to save the world once again.
And then there was the circle, spaced out between a very large gap between two very tall trees. One of them was a tall, dark tree with green leaves and yellow flowers, an immediate heat enflaming my eyes as I watched it closely. The other, a ghostly pale tree with a shade of gray trimmings around the green leaves, an almost morbid look to it. I looked at them in wonder, for I have never seen any trees like these in my life, but somehow they looked oddly familiar.
"Come." He ordered, his shaky hand reaching out for me.
Adjusting my pistol's strap around my waist, I grabbed his hand and stood close by him. "What shall I do now?" Quite honestly, I didn't know. He was my mentor.
"Give me the ring watch, Lady Croft." I reached into my pants and did as asked. He fingered it for a moment before turning back to me. "Can you tell me what needs to be done?"
I stared at him for a moment, and turned my gaze to the inner circle. "I've told you sir, I do not know." I turned back to see him smiling.
"Fear not, for I know." I smiled, more grateful than teasing. "Here, take the object and I will see you off."
Nodding, and knowing not of what he was up to, I grabbed the ring watch and stood as still as possible in the ridged circle. Well, this was nothing Lara. You've done worse, more dangerous things before. Bloody hell, you've slaughtered a two hundred foot dinosaur, which after all, are instinct. You'll get through this!
The distant voice brought me back from my thoughts. Mr. Banks was chanting something in some strange, musical language. Almost like opera. Only.. Only the words were different, and the way they were pronounced were different.
"Middle- earth." I heard him breath.
I closed my eyes only the slightest at the sweet breeze that was tickling my body. "Middle- earth." He repeated, his voice low and deadly, but I wasn't frightened, I've never been frightened. "Middle- earth." My smiled broadened at the heavy breeze now, engulfing me as Mr. Banks' voice lingered in the air, and all I heard was the big, heavy gush of wind.
And then I hit the ground, hard.
"Argh!" My agitated cry rung against the tall trees, all of them oak and the strange trees gone from my sight.
The woods were dead silent and on instinct, I grabbed the side of my gun and kicked myself off the ground. What I did realise now was that these were different woods. It was closed in with thick trees, blocking the sun with little gaps.
I sighed. This was what Mr. Banks was talking about. But what he hadn't had the chance to explain was what kind of Middle- earth society this was. Ah well, I better brace myself. I froze, listening intently on the sound of moving shrubs.
I loaded my pistol, backing up against an old tree, my head leaning back to check it out more. Ah yes, it was an old tree. The branches were low enough for me to grab, but I couldn't tell if they were sturdy. Another shrub moved, this time followed by a low growl.
Sighing and putting my pistols away, I kicked myself off the ground and grabbed onto the lowest branch. It swayed a little, but didn't brake. Thankfully. I swung myself to the higher branch besides it, letting my legs lock with it and pull me up. I froze again as the tall, dark shadow of my hunter appeared. Hmm, close timing.
"I smelt a woman." It snarled.
"It talks." I breathed, leaning forwards to get a better look. Grimacing, I turned away. "Ugly bugger!"
"I want to find that woman," There were two down there. "And I want to skin the blasted wretch!"
"Oh?" I went to grab the looser pistol at my side with a shaky hand when the bloody thing fell from its pouch. Holding my breath, I watched as it crashed to the floor and went off. The voices let out startled cries and looked up at the branch I was in. "Oh, just great."
"The woman!" The first one cried, grabbing a paring knife from his pouch. I raised my brow as he thrashed it in the air. "Get her, Shawnak!"
"Will do." Shawnak growled, his red eyes flashing upwards and towards me.
"Don't bother." I called down while I gripped the branch with both hands, throwing myself down from the tree. "I'll be glad to snap both of your necks, you ugly twigs."
When I touched the ground I came face to face with one of the things, and I had to take several steps back to rid the air of this horrid smell. Almost like a decaying person and old, ratty socks. Enough of that Lara, I scolded myself, grabbing the last pistol left at my side. These blasted things are ready to pounce on you. Though, not showing either of them that I was the least bit frightened, which I wasn't honestly, I went to aim my pistol at its head, but seeing competition, I lowered it and raised my hands into bowls of fists. The first one pounced, but instead of blocking it I let him come down on me.
Crying out, his long clawed hands grabbed my braid. He continued to pound my head into the ground as my hand trembled for my pistol. The problem was that his rather large leg was digging into my thigh. I groaned. This was IT!
With my jaw set tight I grabbed onto whatever was left of his shoulders and rammed my forehead against his. Even though the blow hurt, I was able to throw him off me and stand, a bit wobbly. Shawnak, a rather larger bugger than the other, came after me with his paring knife.
I lifted my leg and kicked his arm, the paring knife flying out of his hold.
He took a moment to realise what happened and stared at me. I grimaced. He was an ugly one, wasn't he? Rotted blasted teeth, oozing over his dark face and his beady green eyes gazing at me. I wanted to kill him now.
I went to grab my pistol again, but of course it never happened. Strong, brutal arms wrapped around my chest and dragged me back with them. Laughing rather hysterically from the contact, I grabbed onto his wrists and heaved him over my back and slammed him into the ground. Hard.
Now, thankfully, I grabbed my pistol and cocked it back before letting its bullet blow into his skull.
Laughing with the sweet sound of death to evil, I looked up at the same, low growl as the thing I just killed. It was Shawnak, his broad body pinned against the tree. His legs were twitching madly, his arms pinned down with two arrows. Two long, arrows. I narrowed my eyes at them, but I couldn't quite figure out where they came from.
SWISH!
I jumped back before the arrow hit me, barely cutting the side of my ear. I felt something
I looked up as a large shadow flew down from the sky, grabbing onto me and pinning me against the floor. Landing wasn't as painful as having whoever was on me being on top of me, my body being pushed further into the ground as his or her hands held me down. Annoyed with this now, I squeezed my eyes shut and laid my head back.
The body on top of me pinned me to the ground harder.
My eyes flew open. "What the hell do you think you're doing-" My eyes widened. It was a man! A bloody strange looking man, if I do say so myself. His long blonde hair was tickling my nose and neck. I regarded the arrow pressed against my neck and cringed. "Get off!"
"Who are you?" He demanded, pressing the arrow closer to my neck.
I attempted to get my pistol, but it was too far to reach. I gave up again, and laid my head back again. "If you don't get off me now, pretty boy.."
"Silence."
There was a pause. "That does it." I lifted my leg between his and just barely hit the spot where it was most sensitive. He doubled off me, his face scrunched up in pain. With my quick reflects, I grabbed my pistol and jumped on top of his chest, putting the cold end of the pistol against the side of his neck. "Now, don't you feel better?"
He looked up at me and frowned. "You killed that Orc with that... thing." He eyed my pistol and turned back to me. "I would kill you right now if weren't in such a most difficult position."
"I beg your pardon?" I pressed the pistol closer to his smooth, pale neck and frowned. "I've seen strange people in my days, but honestly, can't you English lads just dress like Americans?"
He laughed. "Ah, so you're the Earthling."
I raised my eyebrows. "What are you talking about? Aren't I in Middle- earth?"
He nodded, shifting under my weight. "My lady, your arm is digging into my stomach." I didn't move my arm away and he cringed. "My lady!"
"Will you answer my questions?" I asked softly, lifting the pistol away from his neck to rub my temple. "Honestly, I can't get a break these days. First I get on this secret mission nonsense, secondly I get attacked by some crazed gargoyle things, and thirdly I get tackled by some clean gay guy?"
He glared at me "Gay? I am not quite jolly with a strange woman a top of me with some sort of machinery that kills."
"Mr. Banks was right." I continued, ignoring his opinion. "This place is completely different. So, you're uncomfortable? Well, if you tell me your name and a reason why I shouldn't kill you for invading my space, I'll get off." I hesitated. "Deal?"
He nodded eagerly, sighing with relief when I pushed myself off from him. I fetched both my pistols and made to put them back into their pouches, but I caught glimpse of Shawnak, his body dangling helplessly against the tree I jumped from. He was in pain.
Glancing back at the man, I walked towards the beast angrily. He was startled at seeing me and curled up his lips, his yellow teeth quite visible from behind their black depths. "Bitch!" He spat in my face before growling and letting his head lay back. "Gah!"
I tutted him, letting my knee dig itself into his gut. He cried out, letting his eyes lock with mine. I smiled softly before cocking back both my pistols and laying them against his head.
"Bye, bye." I said, pulling back the trigger and turning away before the flesh of his head came at me, splattering against my face. "Awfully terrible thing isn't- wasn't he?" I turned around to find the man standing only a couple of inches away from me. "Bloody hell! How did you sneak up on people like that!"
"Is that a question, my lady? For I do not know the answer."
I rolled my eyes and then remembered our little deal. I pulled out the knife at my ankle and gripped it tightly. "Let's make our deal final. Who are you?"
"I asked you first." He pointed out, his dark brow raising.
"And I asked you second."
He frowned and shifted his weapon in his arms. "My name is Legolas Greenleaf, I am Prince here in Mirkwood, but we aren't near Mirkwood are we? Yes, you are in Middle- earth, and yes you must find it different from… wherever you came from." He eyed my tank top, my loose pants and my boots. "What is that contraption on your thighs?"
"Don't look at my thighs," I warned him with a grin. "Relax. They're only my weapons. Like your bow." I ran my fingers down it, getting a jerk from Legolas over here. My grin softened and I smiled; he did give me his name, after all. "The name's Lara, by the way. Lara Croft. And some people get away with calling me by Lady, but don't get use to it."
He nodded slowly and his gaze tightened as he turned to Shawnak. "You killed him."
"Well spotted." I snapped, letting my eyes linger on his smooth frame. "Did you say you're a Prince?"
He nodded, turning back to me. "Aye. Prince of the Elves, to be more exact."
"Oh!" I smiled, nodding my head at his ears. "So, you are an Elf. Interesting."
"And what are you?" He pulled me away from the dead bodies of the Orcs and led me through the Woods. "I know you are a human." He added, seeing the look on my face. "But, where have you come from?"
I smiled. Now that I did not mind answering. And as I answered his questions, I made careful choices as to not mention anything of the ring watch. Mr. Banks had reminded me not to go blurting out my condition to unknown strangers just yet, and I wasn't so certain if this Prince was someone to be trusted. After all, I was in a different place. And what I've just found out, I was attacked by Orcs. And I began my journey with the Prince of Mirkwood at my side. And hell, he was annoying.
Chapter two
I wish I could say that I was anticipating the travel to Middle Earth. But I wasn't. As much as I like these little escapades and all, I just was not in the mood for time traveling. Since the last meeting with my father.. I was a wreck. I stopped looking at the time for almost two months, and I though I would never lose this depression that always seemed to cling to me whenever I was on one of my tasks. It was horrible, and it still is.
"Are you ready?" I heard Mr. Banks ask, but I didn't reply. I was watching the world through a completely different perspective and I was not going to answer him. And I did not.
I have been quite ready for awhile now, and I do not know what has gotten into me, but I feel strangely different. Perhaps it was simply my nerves gaining up on me, but never had they been so clear before. I couldn't think of that yet. I had other things to handle. Such as this ring watch. I looked down at it thoughtfully, my fingers brushing against the intricate carvings and the
"Mr. Banks?" I asked, following him out of my house and towards his jeep.
"Hmm, my lady?" He popped open his trunk and placed inside a leather suitcase.
"Would this go wrong?" I hesitated, wondering if I should even ask this. "I mean- well, you see.."
He laughed gently, opening my car door for me and waited until I was inside to reply, "Do not worry yourself child, this won't be any different from any other adventures you have encountered. Just stay put and let Mr. Banks handle the driving, ai?" He winked and hoped inside the drivers seat.
I smiled. I didn't like the idea of telling someone I was nervous, yet worrying, but somehow I think Mr. Banks would keep his trap shut. If not, then I'd have to kill him. He pulled out of my drive way, and with a light wave of my hand to Brice and Hillary, we left behind my world. I was suddenly tired.
It took us a half hour to get to our destination. We passed tall woodland trees, some golden yellow from the change of the climate, and some completely leafless. It was a quiet spot somewhere in the woods, and all I could hear was the chirping of birds and the low rumble of car engines somewhere near a high way. But as we got closer to the large, oak trees, I noticed now that this was were I first discovered the ring watch. I smiled, turning to Mr. Banks.
"This is where the circle is?"
"Indeed." He kicked open his door and jumped out, walking to the back of the car. "Indeed, indeed, indeed."
"Some answer," I muttered, taking my sunglasses off my head and putting them on my face. "Bloody, it's sunny over here."
"You best not get use to it now, my lady." He came up from behind me, nudging me forwards. "Where you'll be going won't have much sun. The place is secluded.. Almost dead."
"Excellent." I exclaimed, worrying my lip again. Another force of habit I so gratefully picked up on.
"Follow me." He said, already walking through the gap between the trees. I sighed. This was going to be a long trip.
"How much further?" I asked, the sweat already leaking down my face, passed my mouth and on my clothes. "I feel like a cat in heat!"
He laughed, and suddenly stopped. "I was hoping you would remember."
"Remember what?" I stopped before bumping into him, my eyes narrowed. "What are you talking about, old man?"
"You've been here before."
"I've been outside the woods before." I corrected, my arms folding across my shirt. "Not this far in. Why?"
"Oh that's right." He gave me a knowing look before walking off again.
I sighed, throwing my hands up in the air. I give up. This old chap wasn't just a puzzle, he was also a big ass. And I followed him like a lost pup, knowing damn well that I was off to save the world once again.
And then there was the circle, spaced out between a very large gap between two very tall trees. One of them was a tall, dark tree with green leaves and yellow flowers, an immediate heat enflaming my eyes as I watched it closely. The other, a ghostly pale tree with a shade of gray trimmings around the green leaves, an almost morbid look to it. I looked at them in wonder, for I have never seen any trees like these in my life, but somehow they looked oddly familiar.
"Come." He ordered, his shaky hand reaching out for me.
Adjusting my pistol's strap around my waist, I grabbed his hand and stood close by him. "What shall I do now?" Quite honestly, I didn't know. He was my mentor.
"Give me the ring watch, Lady Croft." I reached into my pants and did as asked. He fingered it for a moment before turning back to me. "Can you tell me what needs to be done?"
I stared at him for a moment, and turned my gaze to the inner circle. "I've told you sir, I do not know." I turned back to see him smiling.
"Fear not, for I know." I smiled, more grateful than teasing. "Here, take the object and I will see you off."
Nodding, and knowing not of what he was up to, I grabbed the ring watch and stood as still as possible in the ridged circle. Well, this was nothing Lara. You've done worse, more dangerous things before. Bloody hell, you've slaughtered a two hundred foot dinosaur, which after all, are instinct. You'll get through this!
The distant voice brought me back from my thoughts. Mr. Banks was chanting something in some strange, musical language. Almost like opera. Only.. Only the words were different, and the way they were pronounced were different.
"Middle- earth." I heard him breath.
I closed my eyes only the slightest at the sweet breeze that was tickling my body. "Middle- earth." He repeated, his voice low and deadly, but I wasn't frightened, I've never been frightened. "Middle- earth." My smiled broadened at the heavy breeze now, engulfing me as Mr. Banks' voice lingered in the air, and all I heard was the big, heavy gush of wind.
And then I hit the ground, hard.
"Argh!" My agitated cry rung against the tall trees, all of them oak and the strange trees gone from my sight.
The woods were dead silent and on instinct, I grabbed the side of my gun and kicked myself off the ground. What I did realise now was that these were different woods. It was closed in with thick trees, blocking the sun with little gaps.
I sighed. This was what Mr. Banks was talking about. But what he hadn't had the chance to explain was what kind of Middle- earth society this was. Ah well, I better brace myself. I froze, listening intently on the sound of moving shrubs.
I loaded my pistol, backing up against an old tree, my head leaning back to check it out more. Ah yes, it was an old tree. The branches were low enough for me to grab, but I couldn't tell if they were sturdy. Another shrub moved, this time followed by a low growl.
Sighing and putting my pistols away, I kicked myself off the ground and grabbed onto the lowest branch. It swayed a little, but didn't brake. Thankfully. I swung myself to the higher branch besides it, letting my legs lock with it and pull me up. I froze again as the tall, dark shadow of my hunter appeared. Hmm, close timing.
"I smelt a woman." It snarled.
"It talks." I breathed, leaning forwards to get a better look. Grimacing, I turned away. "Ugly bugger!"
"I want to find that woman," There were two down there. "And I want to skin the blasted wretch!"
"Oh?" I went to grab the looser pistol at my side with a shaky hand when the bloody thing fell from its pouch. Holding my breath, I watched as it crashed to the floor and went off. The voices let out startled cries and looked up at the branch I was in. "Oh, just great."
"The woman!" The first one cried, grabbing a paring knife from his pouch. I raised my brow as he thrashed it in the air. "Get her, Shawnak!"
"Will do." Shawnak growled, his red eyes flashing upwards and towards me.
"Don't bother." I called down while I gripped the branch with both hands, throwing myself down from the tree. "I'll be glad to snap both of your necks, you ugly twigs."
When I touched the ground I came face to face with one of the things, and I had to take several steps back to rid the air of this horrid smell. Almost like a decaying person and old, ratty socks. Enough of that Lara, I scolded myself, grabbing the last pistol left at my side. These blasted things are ready to pounce on you. Though, not showing either of them that I was the least bit frightened, which I wasn't honestly, I went to aim my pistol at its head, but seeing competition, I lowered it and raised my hands into bowls of fists. The first one pounced, but instead of blocking it I let him come down on me.
Crying out, his long clawed hands grabbed my braid. He continued to pound my head into the ground as my hand trembled for my pistol. The problem was that his rather large leg was digging into my thigh. I groaned. This was IT!
With my jaw set tight I grabbed onto whatever was left of his shoulders and rammed my forehead against his. Even though the blow hurt, I was able to throw him off me and stand, a bit wobbly. Shawnak, a rather larger bugger than the other, came after me with his paring knife.
I lifted my leg and kicked his arm, the paring knife flying out of his hold.
He took a moment to realise what happened and stared at me. I grimaced. He was an ugly one, wasn't he? Rotted blasted teeth, oozing over his dark face and his beady green eyes gazing at me. I wanted to kill him now.
I went to grab my pistol again, but of course it never happened. Strong, brutal arms wrapped around my chest and dragged me back with them. Laughing rather hysterically from the contact, I grabbed onto his wrists and heaved him over my back and slammed him into the ground. Hard.
Now, thankfully, I grabbed my pistol and cocked it back before letting its bullet blow into his skull.
Laughing with the sweet sound of death to evil, I looked up at the same, low growl as the thing I just killed. It was Shawnak, his broad body pinned against the tree. His legs were twitching madly, his arms pinned down with two arrows. Two long, arrows. I narrowed my eyes at them, but I couldn't quite figure out where they came from.
SWISH!
I jumped back before the arrow hit me, barely cutting the side of my ear. I felt something
I looked up as a large shadow flew down from the sky, grabbing onto me and pinning me against the floor. Landing wasn't as painful as having whoever was on me being on top of me, my body being pushed further into the ground as his or her hands held me down. Annoyed with this now, I squeezed my eyes shut and laid my head back.
The body on top of me pinned me to the ground harder.
My eyes flew open. "What the hell do you think you're doing-" My eyes widened. It was a man! A bloody strange looking man, if I do say so myself. His long blonde hair was tickling my nose and neck. I regarded the arrow pressed against my neck and cringed. "Get off!"
"Who are you?" He demanded, pressing the arrow closer to my neck.
I attempted to get my pistol, but it was too far to reach. I gave up again, and laid my head back again. "If you don't get off me now, pretty boy.."
"Silence."
There was a pause. "That does it." I lifted my leg between his and just barely hit the spot where it was most sensitive. He doubled off me, his face scrunched up in pain. With my quick reflects, I grabbed my pistol and jumped on top of his chest, putting the cold end of the pistol against the side of his neck. "Now, don't you feel better?"
He looked up at me and frowned. "You killed that Orc with that... thing." He eyed my pistol and turned back to me. "I would kill you right now if weren't in such a most difficult position."
"I beg your pardon?" I pressed the pistol closer to his smooth, pale neck and frowned. "I've seen strange people in my days, but honestly, can't you English lads just dress like Americans?"
He laughed. "Ah, so you're the Earthling."
I raised my eyebrows. "What are you talking about? Aren't I in Middle- earth?"
He nodded, shifting under my weight. "My lady, your arm is digging into my stomach." I didn't move my arm away and he cringed. "My lady!"
"Will you answer my questions?" I asked softly, lifting the pistol away from his neck to rub my temple. "Honestly, I can't get a break these days. First I get on this secret mission nonsense, secondly I get attacked by some crazed gargoyle things, and thirdly I get tackled by some clean gay guy?"
He glared at me "Gay? I am not quite jolly with a strange woman a top of me with some sort of machinery that kills."
"Mr. Banks was right." I continued, ignoring his opinion. "This place is completely different. So, you're uncomfortable? Well, if you tell me your name and a reason why I shouldn't kill you for invading my space, I'll get off." I hesitated. "Deal?"
He nodded eagerly, sighing with relief when I pushed myself off from him. I fetched both my pistols and made to put them back into their pouches, but I caught glimpse of Shawnak, his body dangling helplessly against the tree I jumped from. He was in pain.
Glancing back at the man, I walked towards the beast angrily. He was startled at seeing me and curled up his lips, his yellow teeth quite visible from behind their black depths. "Bitch!" He spat in my face before growling and letting his head lay back. "Gah!"
I tutted him, letting my knee dig itself into his gut. He cried out, letting his eyes lock with mine. I smiled softly before cocking back both my pistols and laying them against his head.
"Bye, bye." I said, pulling back the trigger and turning away before the flesh of his head came at me, splattering against my face. "Awfully terrible thing isn't- wasn't he?" I turned around to find the man standing only a couple of inches away from me. "Bloody hell! How did you sneak up on people like that!"
"Is that a question, my lady? For I do not know the answer."
I rolled my eyes and then remembered our little deal. I pulled out the knife at my ankle and gripped it tightly. "Let's make our deal final. Who are you?"
"I asked you first." He pointed out, his dark brow raising.
"And I asked you second."
He frowned and shifted his weapon in his arms. "My name is Legolas Greenleaf, I am Prince here in Mirkwood, but we aren't near Mirkwood are we? Yes, you are in Middle- earth, and yes you must find it different from… wherever you came from." He eyed my tank top, my loose pants and my boots. "What is that contraption on your thighs?"
"Don't look at my thighs," I warned him with a grin. "Relax. They're only my weapons. Like your bow." I ran my fingers down it, getting a jerk from Legolas over here. My grin softened and I smiled; he did give me his name, after all. "The name's Lara, by the way. Lara Croft. And some people get away with calling me by Lady, but don't get use to it."
He nodded slowly and his gaze tightened as he turned to Shawnak. "You killed him."
"Well spotted." I snapped, letting my eyes linger on his smooth frame. "Did you say you're a Prince?"
He nodded, turning back to me. "Aye. Prince of the Elves, to be more exact."
"Oh!" I smiled, nodding my head at his ears. "So, you are an Elf. Interesting."
"And what are you?" He pulled me away from the dead bodies of the Orcs and led me through the Woods. "I know you are a human." He added, seeing the look on my face. "But, where have you come from?"
I smiled. Now that I did not mind answering. And as I answered his questions, I made careful choices as to not mention anything of the ring watch. Mr. Banks had reminded me not to go blurting out my condition to unknown strangers just yet, and I wasn't so certain if this Prince was someone to be trusted. After all, I was in a different place. And what I've just found out, I was attacked by Orcs. And I began my journey with the Prince of Mirkwood at my side. And hell, he was annoying.