I took deep breaths as the depths of Legolas's eyes searched mine. Finally,
with a hesitant nod, I agreed.
"Fine." I said firmly. "But I have some questions, and I want answers."
Legolas nodded slightly. "As do I."
Strider grabbed the packs they were carrying, and pulled them over his shoulder. Silently, I followed them, stumbling a few times in my shoes as we moved further to the outskirts of the forest, away from where I thought the hotel was. I wondered briefly if Michael was sober enough to realize I was gone. I wondered if my parents would care, then I forced my mind to stop working and to focus on following them.
Legolas would look back ever few minutes to make sure I was okay. I didn't look at him, as I slipped and landed on my knees, staining my dress as I fell. I cursed under my breath. When he reached for me, I snatched my arm away and stood up hastily. "I'm fine." I said coolly. His eyes showed surprise, but he nodded icily and turned away. Soon enough, though it felt like an eternity for me, we arrived at a clearing in the trees. Bright stars provided decent light, and Strider put his bags down in a pile of leaves. I stood hesitant, unsure of what to do.
I hated being loose baggage and the damsel in distress, but the worlds a stage and that was my only role right now, so I decided to go with it.
I shivered involuntarily as the two made camp. "Is there anything I can do?" I asked Strider, who was going about making a fire. He smiled, looking pointedly at my goosed up attire and I shrugged. "Just thought I'd ask."
When they had the fire going merrily, and I had eased myself down to the ground against a tree, my eyes wary, Legolas glanced up at me.
"Would you like something to eat?"
I shook my head. "No."
He said nothing, but I saw his frown at my rudeness. What, I wasn't hungry, shoot me later.
I saw him adjusting his razor sharp arrows in his quiver as he swung it off his shoulder and changed my mind. Never mind. Don't shoot me, I thought wryly as I remembered the way the spider's repulsive grip had loosened on me as Legolas's arrow soared true past my head.
Turning to me, Strider passed me his cloak wordlessly as I shivered again. The trees above seemed to lace together and mask the dim light the stars were trying to shine on us. They looked a bit like spider webs, and I shuddered again, though this time not from the cold.
No one said anything for a moment, and finally I ventured a word.
"Where am I again?" I asked loudly, my fear making me louder than I intended.
Legolas's gaze held mine. "You are in Mirkwood, my lady."
I raised an eyebrow. My lady?
"Why do you talk like that?" I asked curiously, not meaning to sound rude. He looked surprised, and Strider shrugged.
"Why do you talk the way you do?" he countered finally.
"That's how everybody talks." I informed him.
He nodded. "That's how everybody talks here than, perhaps."
"What were those-- things?" I asked suppressing a shudder. I had a feeling the picture of those eyes would never leave me. "Never mind that, young one. Let us talk about--"Legolas began condescendingly.
I rolled my eyes. "I thought we understood this: I am not young. I'm 18, and that means I'm an adult. How old are you? You don't look more than 20." I challenged a defiant glare in my eyes.
Legolas smiled triumphantly, his grin just visible in the dim light. "I am 2 thousands, 4 hundred and 13 years old."
My jaw dropped before I shook my head. "Funny. How old are you really?"
He nodded and though there was a note of humor in his eyes, there was no trace of deceit. "I swear to you, Lady, I am."
I glanced at Strider. "And are you a million years old too?" I asked wryly.
He smirked. "No- I'm 24."
I raised an eyebrow again. "Odd traveling companions," I said deciding Legolas was lying and about to continue questioning him when I caught a side glance of him. "Why the hell do you glow?"
They seemed taken aback by my language and Legolas shrugged. "'Tis the way of my people. Why do you speak so crudely?" He countered.
I narrowed my eyes. "'Tis the way of New Yorkers." I mimicked nastily.
"Is that where you're from?" Strider questioned.
I nodded. "New York. How far is that from here?"
Legolas shot me a look and then looked questioningly at Aragorn. "I've never heard of it, my lady." Strider answered.
"You can stop with the 'my lady' stuff." I said tiredly, ignoring the fact he didn't know where New York was. If he truly didn't know, that was a bad, bad sign. Who didn't know where New York was?
"You can stop being so defensive." Strider told me knowingly as I stared.
"I'm not being defensive. I just want to go home."
"I've never heard of it at all...how did you end up in the woods?" The human asked me again. I shrugged.
"I was at the prom, with Michael - my boyfriend, I guess - and decided to take a stroll in the woods. I have a lot on my mind," I added when Legolas glanced suspiciously at me. "I fell asleep against one of the trees, and when I woke up, you two came along about 20 minutes later."
"That all?" Legolas expression was doubtful.
"No, I lied." I snapped. "Yes, that's all."
Strider said something to Legolas in a language I had never heard before, and my eyes snapped up. What were they saying?
"What?" I asked confused glancing at the two of them. "What language is that?"
"Elvish." Legolas answered truthfully. "How come he speaks it?" I asked, nudging towards Strider.
"It's the--"
"No wait," I interrupted. "Lemme guess. It's the way of your people?" I asked the human. He smiled. "You learn quickly, Lady-- You still have yet to tell us your name."
"It's an odd name...though I guess compared to yours-- I'm Krystal." I answered, stopping myself before I insulted them more.
"That is a beautiful name." Legolas said softly, his eyes unreadable. Strider nodded.
I snuggled against Strider's cloak, my eyes suddenly very heavy. I did my best to keep my eyes open, but they fluttered and eventually Strider saw my struggles. "You can sleep easy," he assured me, smiling. "We will keep watch." I nodded, but had no intention of sleeping. However, the two continued conversing in elvish and the beautiful flowing sound of the words soon lulled me into an uneasy sleep.
Legolas's POV
My eyes strayed to where Krystal, the young wayward female human we had found, was snuggled up against Aragorn's cloak. I could not figure her out. She spoke so rudely, and her dress was very revealing as was uncommon in women. In the beginning, she had seemed to welcome our help, but now she seems to resent it. Her questions were probing and somewhat personal, but she had managed to conceal a lot about herself. I did not consider her a threat at all, indeed she was lost and alone.
"What do we do with her?" I asked Aragorn, continuing in elvish to hide our speech.
He thought for a moment, before answering. "Forgive me, nin mellon, but I feel it best we take her to Elrond rather than Thranduil. He has just begun to accept me, we best not try our luck."
I smiled at his indirect description of my father, King Thranduil of Mirkwood. My father could be outright cold towards strangers, even strange elves, and especially humans. And this human, despite her vulnerability, was indeed the strangest of them all.
Elrond, who was Aragorn's adopted elven father, had a far more tolerant policy. Indeed, he had taken Aragorn in when his family had been killed; he raised the child in the way of the elves, with his own sons becoming like brothers to the human. In the elven tongue, his name was Estel- hope. It was a suitable name for the young human, who, though young, was a light of hope for many. The ranger was heir to the throne of Gondor, the Kingdom of Men. He was more than able to seize his heritage and the crown, but was wary, and unwilling. There was a hidden weakness in himself, in his very blood that had allowed evil, in the form of the One Ring to remain in the world, an evil that now evaded the dark forests of Mirkwood in the forms of spiders and shadow. But that was a different story.
"When your right, you're right." I answered with a shrug. "And you're so seldom right- I'd hate to deny it now." I teased the young human, who had become so close to his own heart.
They had first met on a night like this one, long ago when Estel was just 18, on his first journey through the treacherous forests of Mirkwood on his way to the palace. Legolas had happened to be in the area, had rescued the human, and during the night, had battled to save his life. It had been the beginning of a strong, heartfelt bond that was not soon about to be broken, and was strengthened by there constant teasing.
Aragorn rolled his eyes. "Oh, yes, oh mighty elf. You are forever correct, and I as a lowly human, am usually indeed wrong..."
I grinned brilliantly. "So glad to see you've caught on so fast."
He chuckled and cuffed my head roughly as I leapt into the tree besides him. "I'll take first watch." I said settling in above him, my eyes already scanning the area.
Aragorn nodded. "Wake me if you see something. You'll need my help, with your sword abilities."
It was a running joke between the two of them that they were each others weaknesses. Aragorn was almost useless with a bow, but masterful with a sword, while Legolas was a legacy with a bow, but weak with a sword.
"Oh yes, and don't forget to bring your bow. That way, if we should see an orc, you can spare him the trouble by shooting *yourself* in the foot-- like last time."
"That was different, you snuck up on me!" The human objected loudly.
Legolas smirked. "Excuses, Estel. Accept your fate like a man."
The human sighed dramatically, before leaning back against the tree and letting his eyes close as he drifted into sleep.
Krystal's POV
The sun was a few hours from rising, when I opened my eyes, with a sigh. It was still dark, but the forest did not seem as threatening, as dark.
From last night, I could tell that Legolas and Strider were at a loss with what to do with me. I would save them the trouble, I decided as I stirred soundlessly. Legolas must be looking for food, I decided as I spotted on Strider asleep. Picking up the humans cloak, and folding it gently and leaning it against his chest, I gathered my dress up so it would make less noise. Scanning the area, I saw no one or anything moving in the early morning, and I glanced at the food left over from last night. It smelled edible, and resembled bread. Grabbing several pieces, I stuffed them into a nearby cloak. I knew Legolas wouldn't need it; he had several in his pack. I paused as my hands found his extra quiver. I didn't know how to use a bow, but a few arrows could come in handy. I tried to take the worn ones, but they all seemed to be in perfect condition. Sighing, I added them to my cloak. Wrapping a spare canteen in it as well, I softly began walking in the direction we had came, towards where I knew the hotel to be.
I had a distinct impression someone was watching me as I trekked as quietly as I could through the forest. It was still dark enough for shadows, but light enough that I could see my way through the forest. Sighing at the fact that I had missed my senior prom, I continued walking calmly, ducking from tree to tree should Strider wake and scan the area.
I stopped suddenly as the tree branch in front of me drooped a little from sudden weight. The trees around me seemed to hold their breath and I stopped at my thoughts.
Trees didn't have breath. Well, I mean they did breathe with the photosynthesis and all and-- shut up, Krystal, shut up.
I turned behind me to check to see if I was being followed, and when I turned back around, my hand flew to my mouth.
Legolas frowned at me.
"You seemed smarter than to wander off in the weak hours of the morning, young maiden." He said firmly. "Give me my things and come back to camp."
"I didn't think you'd mind with the things; You have enough extras."
"Give me my arrows." He ordered tightly, and I was surprised to see pure anger spark in his clear eyes.
I hesitated for a moment, clutching the pack tightly as I realized he had been watching me ever since I had woken up. "I need them."
"Fool- you do not even have a bow, you cannot use them. Give them to me, thief." His voice was so low it almost came out a hiss. Without waiting, he snatched it from my hands. My eyes widened in shock as he unrolled it, and threw his arrows back in the quiver on his back before snatching my arm and dragging me back to camp.
Aragorn was still in a light sleep as he tossed me to the ground.
"Are you stupid?" he asked me angrily. "You saw the spiders, you were almost dead by them? Why would you go back out there?"
"It's better than staying with you." I fired back, attempting to stand again. He was at my side in an instant.
"Oh, no. I will not let you kill yourself in *my* forests." He said harshly. The words soon began to awake Aragorn.
"These aren't your forests; you don't own them." I snapped angrily as he snatched my arm back.
"On the contrary, *Lady*- I am Prince of Mirkwood, my father Thranduil is King of this area and you would best watch your tounge. And your hands- if I catch you going through my things again--"
My eyes were wide and terrified and for a moment, he stopped his tirade as he glanced in them. I didn't understand what I did to upset him so, but he grasped my hands behind the tree and tied them loosely, but still so I could not slip it off.
"I'm not a prisoner," I said angrily, my eyes flashing as I struggled.
"No; you are a foolish girl and I will not let your blood be on my hands."
And with that, he walked away.
"Fine." I said firmly. "But I have some questions, and I want answers."
Legolas nodded slightly. "As do I."
Strider grabbed the packs they were carrying, and pulled them over his shoulder. Silently, I followed them, stumbling a few times in my shoes as we moved further to the outskirts of the forest, away from where I thought the hotel was. I wondered briefly if Michael was sober enough to realize I was gone. I wondered if my parents would care, then I forced my mind to stop working and to focus on following them.
Legolas would look back ever few minutes to make sure I was okay. I didn't look at him, as I slipped and landed on my knees, staining my dress as I fell. I cursed under my breath. When he reached for me, I snatched my arm away and stood up hastily. "I'm fine." I said coolly. His eyes showed surprise, but he nodded icily and turned away. Soon enough, though it felt like an eternity for me, we arrived at a clearing in the trees. Bright stars provided decent light, and Strider put his bags down in a pile of leaves. I stood hesitant, unsure of what to do.
I hated being loose baggage and the damsel in distress, but the worlds a stage and that was my only role right now, so I decided to go with it.
I shivered involuntarily as the two made camp. "Is there anything I can do?" I asked Strider, who was going about making a fire. He smiled, looking pointedly at my goosed up attire and I shrugged. "Just thought I'd ask."
When they had the fire going merrily, and I had eased myself down to the ground against a tree, my eyes wary, Legolas glanced up at me.
"Would you like something to eat?"
I shook my head. "No."
He said nothing, but I saw his frown at my rudeness. What, I wasn't hungry, shoot me later.
I saw him adjusting his razor sharp arrows in his quiver as he swung it off his shoulder and changed my mind. Never mind. Don't shoot me, I thought wryly as I remembered the way the spider's repulsive grip had loosened on me as Legolas's arrow soared true past my head.
Turning to me, Strider passed me his cloak wordlessly as I shivered again. The trees above seemed to lace together and mask the dim light the stars were trying to shine on us. They looked a bit like spider webs, and I shuddered again, though this time not from the cold.
No one said anything for a moment, and finally I ventured a word.
"Where am I again?" I asked loudly, my fear making me louder than I intended.
Legolas's gaze held mine. "You are in Mirkwood, my lady."
I raised an eyebrow. My lady?
"Why do you talk like that?" I asked curiously, not meaning to sound rude. He looked surprised, and Strider shrugged.
"Why do you talk the way you do?" he countered finally.
"That's how everybody talks." I informed him.
He nodded. "That's how everybody talks here than, perhaps."
"What were those-- things?" I asked suppressing a shudder. I had a feeling the picture of those eyes would never leave me. "Never mind that, young one. Let us talk about--"Legolas began condescendingly.
I rolled my eyes. "I thought we understood this: I am not young. I'm 18, and that means I'm an adult. How old are you? You don't look more than 20." I challenged a defiant glare in my eyes.
Legolas smiled triumphantly, his grin just visible in the dim light. "I am 2 thousands, 4 hundred and 13 years old."
My jaw dropped before I shook my head. "Funny. How old are you really?"
He nodded and though there was a note of humor in his eyes, there was no trace of deceit. "I swear to you, Lady, I am."
I glanced at Strider. "And are you a million years old too?" I asked wryly.
He smirked. "No- I'm 24."
I raised an eyebrow again. "Odd traveling companions," I said deciding Legolas was lying and about to continue questioning him when I caught a side glance of him. "Why the hell do you glow?"
They seemed taken aback by my language and Legolas shrugged. "'Tis the way of my people. Why do you speak so crudely?" He countered.
I narrowed my eyes. "'Tis the way of New Yorkers." I mimicked nastily.
"Is that where you're from?" Strider questioned.
I nodded. "New York. How far is that from here?"
Legolas shot me a look and then looked questioningly at Aragorn. "I've never heard of it, my lady." Strider answered.
"You can stop with the 'my lady' stuff." I said tiredly, ignoring the fact he didn't know where New York was. If he truly didn't know, that was a bad, bad sign. Who didn't know where New York was?
"You can stop being so defensive." Strider told me knowingly as I stared.
"I'm not being defensive. I just want to go home."
"I've never heard of it at all...how did you end up in the woods?" The human asked me again. I shrugged.
"I was at the prom, with Michael - my boyfriend, I guess - and decided to take a stroll in the woods. I have a lot on my mind," I added when Legolas glanced suspiciously at me. "I fell asleep against one of the trees, and when I woke up, you two came along about 20 minutes later."
"That all?" Legolas expression was doubtful.
"No, I lied." I snapped. "Yes, that's all."
Strider said something to Legolas in a language I had never heard before, and my eyes snapped up. What were they saying?
"What?" I asked confused glancing at the two of them. "What language is that?"
"Elvish." Legolas answered truthfully. "How come he speaks it?" I asked, nudging towards Strider.
"It's the--"
"No wait," I interrupted. "Lemme guess. It's the way of your people?" I asked the human. He smiled. "You learn quickly, Lady-- You still have yet to tell us your name."
"It's an odd name...though I guess compared to yours-- I'm Krystal." I answered, stopping myself before I insulted them more.
"That is a beautiful name." Legolas said softly, his eyes unreadable. Strider nodded.
I snuggled against Strider's cloak, my eyes suddenly very heavy. I did my best to keep my eyes open, but they fluttered and eventually Strider saw my struggles. "You can sleep easy," he assured me, smiling. "We will keep watch." I nodded, but had no intention of sleeping. However, the two continued conversing in elvish and the beautiful flowing sound of the words soon lulled me into an uneasy sleep.
Legolas's POV
My eyes strayed to where Krystal, the young wayward female human we had found, was snuggled up against Aragorn's cloak. I could not figure her out. She spoke so rudely, and her dress was very revealing as was uncommon in women. In the beginning, she had seemed to welcome our help, but now she seems to resent it. Her questions were probing and somewhat personal, but she had managed to conceal a lot about herself. I did not consider her a threat at all, indeed she was lost and alone.
"What do we do with her?" I asked Aragorn, continuing in elvish to hide our speech.
He thought for a moment, before answering. "Forgive me, nin mellon, but I feel it best we take her to Elrond rather than Thranduil. He has just begun to accept me, we best not try our luck."
I smiled at his indirect description of my father, King Thranduil of Mirkwood. My father could be outright cold towards strangers, even strange elves, and especially humans. And this human, despite her vulnerability, was indeed the strangest of them all.
Elrond, who was Aragorn's adopted elven father, had a far more tolerant policy. Indeed, he had taken Aragorn in when his family had been killed; he raised the child in the way of the elves, with his own sons becoming like brothers to the human. In the elven tongue, his name was Estel- hope. It was a suitable name for the young human, who, though young, was a light of hope for many. The ranger was heir to the throne of Gondor, the Kingdom of Men. He was more than able to seize his heritage and the crown, but was wary, and unwilling. There was a hidden weakness in himself, in his very blood that had allowed evil, in the form of the One Ring to remain in the world, an evil that now evaded the dark forests of Mirkwood in the forms of spiders and shadow. But that was a different story.
"When your right, you're right." I answered with a shrug. "And you're so seldom right- I'd hate to deny it now." I teased the young human, who had become so close to his own heart.
They had first met on a night like this one, long ago when Estel was just 18, on his first journey through the treacherous forests of Mirkwood on his way to the palace. Legolas had happened to be in the area, had rescued the human, and during the night, had battled to save his life. It had been the beginning of a strong, heartfelt bond that was not soon about to be broken, and was strengthened by there constant teasing.
Aragorn rolled his eyes. "Oh, yes, oh mighty elf. You are forever correct, and I as a lowly human, am usually indeed wrong..."
I grinned brilliantly. "So glad to see you've caught on so fast."
He chuckled and cuffed my head roughly as I leapt into the tree besides him. "I'll take first watch." I said settling in above him, my eyes already scanning the area.
Aragorn nodded. "Wake me if you see something. You'll need my help, with your sword abilities."
It was a running joke between the two of them that they were each others weaknesses. Aragorn was almost useless with a bow, but masterful with a sword, while Legolas was a legacy with a bow, but weak with a sword.
"Oh yes, and don't forget to bring your bow. That way, if we should see an orc, you can spare him the trouble by shooting *yourself* in the foot-- like last time."
"That was different, you snuck up on me!" The human objected loudly.
Legolas smirked. "Excuses, Estel. Accept your fate like a man."
The human sighed dramatically, before leaning back against the tree and letting his eyes close as he drifted into sleep.
Krystal's POV
The sun was a few hours from rising, when I opened my eyes, with a sigh. It was still dark, but the forest did not seem as threatening, as dark.
From last night, I could tell that Legolas and Strider were at a loss with what to do with me. I would save them the trouble, I decided as I stirred soundlessly. Legolas must be looking for food, I decided as I spotted on Strider asleep. Picking up the humans cloak, and folding it gently and leaning it against his chest, I gathered my dress up so it would make less noise. Scanning the area, I saw no one or anything moving in the early morning, and I glanced at the food left over from last night. It smelled edible, and resembled bread. Grabbing several pieces, I stuffed them into a nearby cloak. I knew Legolas wouldn't need it; he had several in his pack. I paused as my hands found his extra quiver. I didn't know how to use a bow, but a few arrows could come in handy. I tried to take the worn ones, but they all seemed to be in perfect condition. Sighing, I added them to my cloak. Wrapping a spare canteen in it as well, I softly began walking in the direction we had came, towards where I knew the hotel to be.
I had a distinct impression someone was watching me as I trekked as quietly as I could through the forest. It was still dark enough for shadows, but light enough that I could see my way through the forest. Sighing at the fact that I had missed my senior prom, I continued walking calmly, ducking from tree to tree should Strider wake and scan the area.
I stopped suddenly as the tree branch in front of me drooped a little from sudden weight. The trees around me seemed to hold their breath and I stopped at my thoughts.
Trees didn't have breath. Well, I mean they did breathe with the photosynthesis and all and-- shut up, Krystal, shut up.
I turned behind me to check to see if I was being followed, and when I turned back around, my hand flew to my mouth.
Legolas frowned at me.
"You seemed smarter than to wander off in the weak hours of the morning, young maiden." He said firmly. "Give me my things and come back to camp."
"I didn't think you'd mind with the things; You have enough extras."
"Give me my arrows." He ordered tightly, and I was surprised to see pure anger spark in his clear eyes.
I hesitated for a moment, clutching the pack tightly as I realized he had been watching me ever since I had woken up. "I need them."
"Fool- you do not even have a bow, you cannot use them. Give them to me, thief." His voice was so low it almost came out a hiss. Without waiting, he snatched it from my hands. My eyes widened in shock as he unrolled it, and threw his arrows back in the quiver on his back before snatching my arm and dragging me back to camp.
Aragorn was still in a light sleep as he tossed me to the ground.
"Are you stupid?" he asked me angrily. "You saw the spiders, you were almost dead by them? Why would you go back out there?"
"It's better than staying with you." I fired back, attempting to stand again. He was at my side in an instant.
"Oh, no. I will not let you kill yourself in *my* forests." He said harshly. The words soon began to awake Aragorn.
"These aren't your forests; you don't own them." I snapped angrily as he snatched my arm back.
"On the contrary, *Lady*- I am Prince of Mirkwood, my father Thranduil is King of this area and you would best watch your tounge. And your hands- if I catch you going through my things again--"
My eyes were wide and terrified and for a moment, he stopped his tirade as he glanced in them. I didn't understand what I did to upset him so, but he grasped my hands behind the tree and tied them loosely, but still so I could not slip it off.
"I'm not a prisoner," I said angrily, my eyes flashing as I struggled.
"No; you are a foolish girl and I will not let your blood be on my hands."
And with that, he walked away.