Chapter Three: Let The Rain Fall
We exited the hall in silence. I was almost collapsing in relief to still be alive through that experience. The elf with his arm linked in mine seemed oblivious to my emotions at this moment.
"May I escort you home?" he asked, breaking the silence and looking at me.
What was I going to say? 'I don't have one?' That wouldn't go over well.
"No thank you," I politely replied after some time. "I shall return to your quarters to retrieve my clothes and I shall be off."
He nodded and headed to his room. I quickly picked them up once we arrived and unable to change again in front of him, I bowed and told him I would return the dress at a later time.
"No, t'was a gift."
"I could not ever accept a gift of this stature," I insisted.
"Keep it," he told me.
I did not want to anger royalty . . . again, so I nodded, concocting a plan to return the dress before leaving.
Immediately, I headed to the public baths to change. The large room was vacant and I quickly struggled with the knot the elf had tied so firmly and shrugged the dress off. I had more trouble with the slip and let out several grunts of frustration before finally freeing myself from it and quickly slipping into my comfortable, yet wet clothes.
I folded the dress and slip before walking as quietly as I could to the prince's quarters and placing them on his door step.
It seemed to take forever to reach the main doors leading outside. It was still very loud in the dining hall as I passed, but this was expected on a rainy day such as this.
The fresh air was bliss and a blessing to my lungs. The large droplets fell on my face as I exited the castle. It was wonderful. Just minutes before I had thought I would never be able to enjoy these pleasures again.
'Life is a river, I want to keep flowing.' I thought as I closed my eyes and walked a bit further. I had mended my shirt with makeshift ties and found the transparency of my shirt did not bother me at the moment. My cloak concealed most of my body anyhow.
I was still in the palace view, but nothing in all of Middle-earth seemed to matter anymore. I was alive and it was raining. Life couldn't get any better.
I stopped walking and extended my arms out to my sides, welcoming the rain. Lightning flashed and thunder rolled. I closed my eyes and opened my senses. The longing to swim and immerse myself fully into the water faded and I became only human. For that moment, the fish in me was lost with the rain.
I twirled around and let the water droplets ricochet off me. A smile crossed my face as more rain poured down, caressing my face.
A song flowed from my lips, one I had never heard before, but it seemed perfect for the mood I was in.
"Ever close your eyes
ever stop and listen
ever feel alive
and you've nothing missing
you don't need a reason
let the day go on and on
"Let the rain fall down
everywhere around you
give into it now
let the day surround you
you don't need a reason
let the rain go on and on"
I hummed along with the tune for a moment before singing on.
"What a day
what a day to take to
what a way
what a way
to make it through
what a day
what a day to take to
a wild child.
"Every summer sun
every winter evening
every spring to come
every autumn leaving
you don't need a reason
let it all go on and on"
I sung the refrain a few more times before ending the song.
"What a day
what a day to take to
what a way
what a way
to make it through
what a day
what a day to take to
Da-da-da
Da-da-da-da-da-da
Da-da-da
what a way
what a way
to make it through
Da-da-da
Da-da-da-da-da-da
Da-da-da
Da-da-da-da-da-da
what a way
what a way
to make it through
what a day
what day to take to
a wild child
what a day
what a day to take to
a wild child."
I smiled once more as I stopped spinning, but waited before opening my eyes. My smile quickly disappeared and my breath caught. There, standing there just a few paces away was the last person I wanted to see.
Well, no perhaps the king and his army would be . . . but that's more than one person. My arms immediately fell to my sides.
The prince and amount of water seeping in his tunic, he had been there for quite some time. He had a large smile plastered to his face.
"My . . . uh . . . how. . ." I trailed off, not knowing exactly what to say.
He laughed lightly, "What are you doing?"
I sighed. "Enjoying the rain," I replied, my smile reappearing as my joy returned.
His laugh grew a little. "I can see that, but why?"
"Why? Why not?" I twirled around once more, then continued before he had a chance to reply. "It's a blessing; a miracle... how water could possibly form above us and fall from the sky."
"I am sure there is a very logical answer to how it occurs. I do not see how it is a miracle."
I stole a glance at him. He was looking at me thoughtfully as I stood in the rain. I opened a hand and held it out a few inches away from me. "But don't you see how wonderful it really is? Forget that it is everywhere and just simply water. It is magnificent! You can't make water. It is continually given to us. Without it we would perish from this land." I paused for a second watching the drops on my fingers.
I cupped my hands together and the water began to collect. "We are made up from this mysterious substance. This element everyone knows, yet no one can explain. . ."
"You speak these things even after this is the very substance that almost killed you."
"Elves," I muttered as I exhaled a deep sigh and turned away.
"Your kind takes even more pride in your weaponry and it kills more frequently!" I said harshly, before closing my eyes and taking a breath. "Why can you not see? Your kind enjoys nature yet those who see it today do not see it how those who lived before us did. Forget what you have been educated. Let yourself think like a child. Be in awe of what is around you!"
"It has been several millennia since I was an elfling," he replied.
I turned to him again. "Do you not remember what it is like to be curious, yet not pursue logically and scientific answers?"
He paused before shaking his head. "Nay, I do not."
"That is too bad," I whispered as I turned my eyes to the sky. "Then I cannot explain to you what I am doing."
The only sound was the rain hitting the leaves of trees and splashing upon the puddles forming under us. I turned my eyes from the sky and his eyes met me.
"Was there something I could help you with, my lord, or did you come here for the free show?"
"You have a very nice voice," he commented, clearly avoiding the question.
"Don't humor yourself."
"You do."
"Mmmhmm." I turned away, not appreciating being mocked.
"Are all humans as unpredictable, amazing, and intelligent as you?"
This question hit a nerve and my mood immediately turned sour. "I wouldn't know," I whispered.
I felt him step closer. "Where did you reside before coming here? I am almost certain you were not born here."
I had hoped would not be around him enough for this question to come up, "How would you know if humans came here or not?" I asked looking away.
"You forget I am the prince. I know of all who come here, especially humans for my father sees them as a threat."
"I noticed," I mumbled. "Then why did you not know me?"
"My lady?"
"I do not know the answers to your questions, my lord. I have been here as long as I can remember. It was only a few years ago, less than a decade, that realized I was not like anyone here. One of the king's aids fathered me and educated me about my kin. So, if you do not wish to hassle me further about topics I know nothing on, I shall bid leave." I turned, slightly angered at the nosy prince, but was stopped when a familiar hand grasped my forearm.
"Please, my lady, I meant no offense. Do not let my careless question ruin the wondrous mood you were in." Sincerity laced his voice and shown in his eyes.
I nodded and turned to him, once again attempting to get my earlier question answered. "My lord, was there a reason you came out? I hardly believe you enjoy my company, and do not try to sway my mind."
He looked at me closely for a second before raising both eyebrows ever so slightly. "You underestimate yourself," he replied before answering my question. "You returned the dress even when I told you it was a gift. I sought you out to see why."
I let the rain be the only sound for a few moments and chose my words wisely. "I am most gracious to be lent such a lovely piece of clothing, but I cannot accept it to the extent you are willing to give it. Thank you, but am not worthy of such a gift."
"That is not true"
"Yes it is and you know it," I continued, raising my voice a little. "I am an outcast. I do not belong here. Your father would rather see me dead. If I owned anything I would wager that most elves here would want me out. Thank you for your hospitality, my lord. I am sure you have better tasks to attend to than hang around a dirty human." I bowed and a weak, sarcastic half smile. "Good day." I turned and walked away.
As I walked, I fought the urge to look back and see if he was still standing there. I chewed on my upper lip as my emotions raged through me. I had no idea where I was going to go, but I knew exactly what I wanted to do.
'If I'm going to be banished then I shall enjoy this while I can.' I thought as I slipped off my outer clothing and slid into the water wearing my make-shift swim suit. I felt my body slowly start to change. My fingers became restricted by extra skin webbing each together. Slits appeared on the sides of my lower throat and enabled me to take a deep breath of water.
It was magnificent. Although it had only been a little over a day since I had my last swim, it had been too long. I loved how the cool liquid felt against my bare skin, how the bubbles brushed against my collarbone and they exited my gills. My hair waved around me as I turned, twisted, and swam. I loved the water because it simply made me happy and caused me to push aside all the other happenings of the day.
The swim was far too short for my tastes, but with the royalty now keeping a closer eye on me I knew I should refrain from my law breaking habits, even though my mere existence was cutting close to the line.
Throughout the next week, I tried to fill my time by taking long walks in the woods, short swims in the lake, and avoiding my new shadows—including the prince—whenever possible.
It wasn't that he was an annoyance, but I was afraid everything I told him went straight to his father. I spoke little when I could help it, but it was hard to ignore his questions all the same.
I was sitting at my usual place at the bank when the prince walked over and sat next to me.
"Good morn, my lady."
"Good morn, my lord. What brings you to my company?"
"You."
I turned to look at him for the first time, "Me?"
"Yes. Your company is enjoyable."
I looked and hoped he wasn't really sent to say that by his father or to spy on me and drag information out of me. I snorted at his comment.
"You do not believe me?"
"Nope."
"What is so absurd about it?"
"Why would someone like you go out of their way to be with someone like me?"
"I have befriended many friends of the human race. You are different. I cannot pinpoint the aspect, but your soul is so free. You have no worries: something I would like to have."
I stared into the pooling water between my feet. I definitely had worries: worries about him, his father, elves, and the cloaked women. I had heard nothing about them for some time, although the raven almost seemed to be following me. I had seen it more and more over the week. I was starting to wonder if somehow they were connected, but it was probably just my paranoia.
Something about his words gave me peace. They didn't seem to be something someone set up by their father would say. I hoped the peace was true.
"Have you really befriended humans?"
"Yes, a man in Imladaris. He was adopted by Elrond Half-Elven when he was very young. He is one of my best and most trusted companions. Someday, I will introduce you."
"I would like that." I replied, wondering if his friend was treated as I was in the other elven kingdom.
"My lady?" his voice broke my thought and I turned to meet his startling blue eyes. "Are you occupied this evening?"
'Am I occupied this evening? Why . . . oh no.' Tonight was the first night of Ehtele'mele, the vernal equinox, where there would be festivities, dancing, and feasting. Everyone would be there—coupled—and I was hoping to catch a swim.
"Yes, I am sorry. I have other matters that need attending to."
"Surely you are coming to the feast tonight?"
"Nay, I am not," was the reply I gave.
"What other matters could be more pressing?"
I couldn't tell him the truth nor could I lie. I cursed inwardly and sadly admitted the fact I would be feasting tonight. Originally I was to attend with my father, but I figured I was on my own since he abandoned me. "Nothing, nothing is more pressing. I am not doing anything significant tonight. Why do you ask, my lord?"
"Would you do me the honor of allowing me to escort you to the feast tonight?"
It startled me that he would offer such a thing. There were countless she-elves begging for him. "Why do you ask me, my lord? Surely you would rather escort an elf. I wouldn't see your father allowing you to escort a measly human"
"My father has no say in my decision and what would make you 'measly?'"
"Look at me," I hung my head looking at my browning attire.
"It is not your appearance, but your soul." He stood, pulling me up. "Now come, we shall get you bathed and dressed." I opened my mouth to object, but found nothing to say.
"My race. What about it?"
"Your race is no matter."
"You do not care what people think?"
"Nay, I do not." This answer was worthy so I let him drag me toward the palace.
Oddly, I saw no elves on our way to the palace. Presumably, they were readying for the ball. Within the castle was a completely different atmosphere than I had thought. Elves were busying themselves all around. If I wasn't with the prince—who servants were clearing a path for—then I surely would either be road kill or stranded at the entrance until dusk. It was amazing how it was like this and there was still more than a few until sun down.
After a few more minutes of walking, we reached a room connected to the prince's. He held the door open and I stepped into the room. It was much like his in color and style except for a vanity in the corner of the room.
I turned when he spoke from the doorway. "Please, make yourself comfortable. I will have the maid come right away."
"Thank you, my lord," I said as I curtsied.
He walked a few paces toward me and placed a hand under my chin, lifting my eyes to look directly into his. His face was so close, only an inch or two separating my nose from his.
"It is Legolas. No more of these formalities you seem so fond of. Treat me as you would treat a friend."
"A friend?" I had never had friends. A human amongst elves isn't the most popular person.
"A friend," he whispered. I tensed, wondering what he was going to do. His eyes locked on me and mine on his. There was something about him that was different; something that comforted me yet frightened me.
He opened his mouth to speak when there was a soft knock at the door.
"That will be her," he announced, stepping away.
He turned his back to me and opened the door allowing an elf with a large bundle in her arms entrance. Turning back to me, a smile spread across his face.
"I will return to escort you an hour before sunset."
The door shut behind him leaving me staring at the wood wondering what had happened.
"My lady?" the maid voiced, breaking my thoughts.
"Sorry."
I wasn't given anymore time for my mind to drift to Legolas for aids were constantly measuring and sewing and telling me to do this and that. I realized during that time why we had started to get ready so early in the day. I wasn't putting a dress on just as I thought; I was being made a dress.
It was a few hours after noon when I finished my bath and a maid informed me that my dress was complete. My time in the water was not enjoyed for I was paranoid in fear of my fish qualities being discovered. I shut the door telling them I could wash myself, but they kept sticking their heads in to make sure I was doing all right.
I thanked the maid and slipped into the undergarments I received, with help lacing the back which brought back memories from the last time I dressed in the castle. Returning to the room, I was met by only one maid. Quickly ushering me into the room, the next thing I knew, I had the dress thrown over my head. It was a soft velvet material and as she pulled it down I noticed it would be very form fitting which might not have been the greatest idea on the elves part. She pulled on the laces forcefully, but gently so as not to rip the seams. At the top, I felt her tie a snug knot, then proceed to inspect the dress, smoothing wrinkles with her hands.
I was guided to a chair where a comb was roughly pulled through my wet hair. This portion took close to another hour and was the most excruciating yet.
Finally, the sound I never thought I'd hear sounded on the door. The maid jumped and walked around me to survey her work.
"Perfect and just on time," she said before going to answer the door. I stood and followed slowly behind.
She opened the door and curtsied before the blond elf on the other side. As she moved out of the way I cursed him in my head for his planned attire. His pale green, silk tunic matched my velvet dress perfectly. No doubt this was intended on the elf's part. Now wasn't the time to wonder why, though.
I accepted his offered hand and he led me from the room. His eyes looked directly into mine and I noticed how brightly they contrasted with his outfit. The door shut behind me and he stopped just outside it.
"You look beautiful," he commented, his eyes not straying from my face.
I smiled politely and told him he did also. He reached up and intertwined his index finger in one of the curls on my temple, before smiling and offering his arm. I accepted and we walked without another word to the dining hall.
I was relieved to find there was no procession or any standing when we entered. The hall was crowded with elves all clad in their best attire.
Legolas pulled out the familiar seat two places down from the king's and sat beside me.
"Hello, Legolas. My lady," he greeted bowing his head to each of us.
"My lord," I returned the gesture. I looked over and an elf sitting alone caught my eye. I vaguely heard the king ask Legolas to introduce me before I turned and spoke to both elves. "Would you please excuse me for one moment, my lords?"
"Certainly," Legolas stood and I quickly curtsied before heading over to the familiar elf.
He did not look up when I stopped before him and slid into a seat across from him.
"Aluhin," he greeted softly, eyes still on his plate. "What can I do for you? No, what am I saying, you do not need me. I see you are getting along plenty well without me, being acquainted with the royal family."
"Mailin, please."
"I knew I was just holding you back," he continued.
"Ada!" his eyes met mind.
"You. . ." he trailed off in confusion.
"But you are. I wanted to thank you again for your services and I wanted to apologize for being a burden to you. I want to wish you luck on finding a lovely maiden."
"Alu" he started.
"Wait. I think this might be the last time I see you. The king is accusing me of attracting thieves to the city and I think he made he son pamper me tonight to strengthen the blow. Please, I am sorry. I must go. I just wanted to tell you that I will repay you,—or would have—thank you again, and I hope to live through this night." I leaned over and pecked a kiss on his cheek. "Namarrie, ada."
I returned to my seat at the head table and apologized for my absence. Luckily, the king did not ask again for my title. I wondered if Legolas told him. This thought caused a smile to cross my face as I realized I had not yet told him my name.
Food had been placed before me and I took this time now to place my napkin in my lap and greedily eat the meal. Not long after, music started to play. The dance floor remained empty and I brushed off this oddity for the elves still finishing their meals.
The first song ended and there was a pause. Everyone went silent. Although I was not looking, I could feel everyone's attention on the center of the head table. My fork froze between my lips for a moment before drawn out and set on the plate.
"My lady?" the prince's voice sounded from beside me. I turned to see him standing offering his hand to me. "Will you join me in this dance?"
The blood ran from my face and I almost choked on the food in my mouth. How could I forgotten? The prince and his guest always danced first! He didn't wait for my answer, but took my hand and helped me stand. I quickly swallowed the food fully. We made our way down to the center of the hall, not a sound in the room; even my bare feet made virtually no noise.
He turned to face me and slipped an arm around my waist. The music started and he pulled close to me.
"Relax," he whispered quietly in my ear.
How could I relax? Every elf in the wood was staring at me. Not to mention I was uncomfortably close to the prince.
"I can't dance," I whispered quickly and harshly in his ear. He chuckled in response.
"Relax and follow me."
'Relax. . .relax. . ' I repeated in my head. It wasn't working. He seemed to sense this.
"Forget about everyone in the room. Clear your mind of everything. Let go."
I was tempted to take his last two words seriously and let go of his hand. My eyes wandered to our clasped hands. My fingers were white from my fierce grip on his. I immediately loosened it and the one on his shoulder.
"Sorry," I mumbled. I looked up and his green eyes met mine.
'Green eyes?' I thought as I stared into them. 'When we met they were brown, earlier they were light blue, and now they were green. What is up?'
I stared back into them. They were enchanting. A deep emotion I could not name burned inside him and showed in his eyes. I never understood how you could see someone's emotions through their eyes until now. I desperately wanted to know what he was thinking. The song ended and applause filled the room. A smile spread across his lips.
"That was no so bad, was it?" he asked over the noise. I weakly smiled and wondered how long the dance had really been.
Instead of returning to our seats, he led me outside. I had forgotten all about my conspiracy theory of the prince's plans of the night, and they did not return for several hours thereafter.
Once we exited the large oak doors, Legolas invited me to join him on a walk. I agreed and he guided me toward the main entrance.
It was past dusk and the stars shone brightly in the sky. No rain would fall on us tonight. I looked up and for the first time enjoyed the stars.
We spoke little as we circled the palace, just enjoying each other's company and the night. He led the way and I was soon met by familiar surroundings. We had arrived at the lake.
"Care to sit?" he asked when we closed in on its shores.
"Sure," I replied sitting next to him, not thinking about the dress.
"I have been meaning to ask you a question since the first time I ran into you on that rainy morning," he said as soon as we were comfortable.
"Yes?" I asked, slightly nervous.
"Your name, my lady. Would you honor me with your name? I feel we are good friends and I still do not know."
It was too bad I couldn't avoid the question any longer. I really wanted to trust him, but I wasn't too sure yet. "I apologize, Legolas, forgive me. The elves here call me Aluhin."
"Aluhin." My name rolled off his tongue. It felt odd for him to be saying it. "No wonder you reside here, water child."
"Aye. My close friend who I consider a father named me thus when he saw my attraction to the water. It was considered more of a nickname, but I use it as my title." I was glad he did not ask of my real name. I was in much too good of a mood to get into that.
"Aluhin," I heard him whisper.
"Yes?" I asked with a smile, turning to look at him.
"I love your name. I have to admit it was not what I expected. It sounds so. . .exotic. . .elvish. It fits your character. Your friend did well."
"I know. I only wish he could see that."
We talked through most of the night. Nothing of importance passed through our lips, but I know he enjoyed the time as much as I.
The next morning arrived. I cleaned the dress as best as I could and set off to the palace to return it and retrieve my clothes. I had no problem returning to the room I was transformed in yesterday. Sitting, waiting for me on the bed were my clothes, cleaned and repaired.
I was struggling out of the dress when I heard raised voices in the coupled room, undoubtedly Legolas and his father.
"I cannot believe you escorted that human last night. Legolas, you had all the elves in Mirkwood to choose from and you chose her!"
"I do not see the problem. She is a magnificent lady. She inspires me and is so free minded. I cannot"
"She is a human! Elves have such qualities and more. Wh"
"I do not see why you have such a problem with her. You never acted like this about Aragorn."
"Aragorn is not the subject of this matter, but now that you bring him up: I only treated Aragorn like an elf because he was raised by El"
"She was also raised by elves!"
"and I did not want to get involved in a war with Gondor when he accepts his crown."
"Aragorn would not"
"That is enough about Aragorn. This girl, have you seen what she has attracted? Those thieves are here. Here! She is clearly their reason to be here. They are linked to her past!"
"You have no proof of such matters! How do you know they are not here to rob your precious gold?"
"Legolas, this isn't like you to cross me. She is a liar and a thief like them!"
Legolas' voice rose, "I will not stand here and listen to you tell lies about a woman you know nothing about! I refuse to believe anything you are saying. I have become acquainted with her and her company is much better than you describe it to be."
At this point, I was fully changed and had heard enough. My mind was twisting in fear and peace. I hurried quietly from the room and the castle, hoping I would not have been discovered eves dropping.
I slowed my walk once I had reached the palace grounds. There wasn't an order for my death yet, but I did receive some awful glares from the guards. Instead of stopping at the lake as usual, I kept walking, heading into the forest. I needed to clear my head, think things through a little. A walk in the woods seemed the perfect remedy for my confused mind. The threat of the growing shadow did not even cross my mind. I would rather be killed by wild beasts than a public torture and ridicule.
The good news was the prince was on my side. I had no idea why, but I wasn't objecting to it. His words startled me. The king noticed the change in his son, as had I. Legolas was not one to cross others or raise his voice unless he was very passionate about a matter. My own thoughts shocked me. 'The prince was passionate about me? No, he's just passionate about the matter including me,' I forced myself to believe.
Aragorn. I had heard the name before. Aragorn, son of Arathorn. I wasn't exactly sure who he was, but I knew he was human and raised by elves from what I had heard. 'He must be a friend of Legolas.' I thought I might have heard him mention the name before.
The king wanted me dead, that much was clear. He mentioned a link to my past. The thieves. He seemed confident I was linked to them. Did he have proof of the matter or was he just looking for reasons to get rid of me? My musing took me deep into the forest. My feet stopped when I realized I was far from the lake. Trees stretched in all directions as far as I could see. I decided it would be best if I stopped, but found myself unwilling to return. I took a seat beneath a large tree and tried to sort my thoughts.
Hours stretched and all of them had been useless. I had no idea what to do. I could return to face whatever wrath the king had waiting, continue on deeper into the woods. . .Other ideas consisted of stealing a sword and cloak to become a ranger or asking the prince for his aid. I had never stolen anything and wasn't about to. I also doubted Legolas would allow me to leave.
My head shot to the right when I heard voices. Two pairs, whispering not so far off. I looked back down at the forest floor, but continued to listen contentedly.
The more I heard, the more I was convinced it was not elvish I was hearing. My best guess was Westron, the language of travelers. I stole a glance and saw a swish of black and red. The voiced stopped and I guessed they had realized my presence and fled.
Sighing I stood. It was late in the afternoon and my stomach was churning in hunger. I had no other choice; I had to return and at least thank the prince, if anything, for his efforts.
On my walk back , I though about the voices I had heard. Was it possible they belonged to the rumored cloaked women?
By the time I reached the river, I had made up my mind. I needed to learn Westron. The question was how.
A/N: Thank you to my three reviewers so far. I appreciate you taking your time to let me know what you think.
SpiderLegs&FairyWings: Thank you. I do hope the future of this story has the action and chase scenes you are looking forward to. Although I am sorry to say no man-eating squirrels, I hope the chase scenes flying from trees…if I decide to keep that scene…and jail scenes suit your needs. Almost the entire book is a flashback. You must understand she does not remember it in the detail I describe it to be, but for the sake of your and my interest in the book, the details are needed and no this is not her entire life. Only about four or five weeks of it are told in this story. Chapter Two is long and yes most of them will be. I have made short chapters in the past and I am trying something new with this story to see if one or the other is preferred more. I like the story to have less than fifteen chapters, so in order to condense the 122 pages I have typed into that space, I will have long chapters.
Thank you for your review! I hope you like this chapter. Silent readers please make your presence known and let me know. Thanks!