Chapter 9
Disclaimer: The two cents of me not owning any of the characters or places from LotR, though Mirkwood is currently being painted on my bed room walls. Oh yes.Aronon is mine.keep your claws off 'im. I made him and I have a picture of him that I drew (not only can I write, I can draw too, at least everybody else says so.)
Comments on Reviews (Also known as: The only way I can respond to reviews that aren't signed and don't have an email address):
Lyn: (Sorry if I misunderstood your review but this is what I think you meant) I am not going to rewrite that nice little gruesome tidbit. (I don't do: 'He was mortally wounded and he died') Besides I've been known for my dark streak since the 6th grade, they tried to send me to a shrink for a poem I wrote.
Author babble:
Red Demon: Ack! Kara J quit beating on me! I'm writing author babble!
Kara J: You neglected your duty to keep me humored!
Red Demon: I know I know! I'm making up for it. Ack! Put away the pointy stick! Ack! I'm typing!
Legolas: (Peaks through door) I think that that Kara J is going to keep Red occupied for a while.
Aragorn: Good I don't think that I could take seeing Gimli with ribbons in his beard again.
Legolas: But it looked really good.
Gimli: Never trust an elf.
Red Demon: What did I tell you before? (Head sticks out of door way and smiles evilly)
Three LotR Characters: Ack!
Aronon: Yes you told them to never trust an elf but what about me?
Red Demon: You are the only exception and that is because you are a creation of my deranged imagination. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------
Fainu followed Aronon closely, she hated not being able run or fight back, and her hip hurt her enough that she didn't dare chance trying to find out how far she could push herself yet. The older prince glared at her over he shoulder, if she had been any younger she would have made a face at him she decided finally. Aronon stopped by a door and frowned at her.
"When we get in there we will both be announced by our proper titles." Aronon said coolly. "And you are to at least bow your head to my father." Aronon said holding out his hand for her to take. Fainu nodded and took his hand and allowed herself to be led like a proper 'princess' as they called her should be.
"Prince Aronon and Princess Fainu of the Dark Realms." Fainu tilted her chin up and looked down at the elves that whispered about her as she slowly descended the stairs. She could see Legolas standing with another elf beside a throne on which an older elf sat, his silvery robes added effect to the paleness of his hair and skin as with the silver and gold circlet that adorned his head. Legolas, Aronon and their other brother were dressed much the same but their circlets were simpler and only of silver. She caught Legolas' eye as she walked down the stairs, she could tell that he was silently telling her that he had not been allowed to retrieve her from her room.
Legolas frowned at the fact she was back into pants and a shirt but at least theses were new and not dirty from travel like her old clothing. Her shoes and legging were black and her shirt was made from the same material that his shirt was made from. She did not wear a circlet but she carried herself like a queen, he smirked at the way she glanced over the rest of the elves in the room that were watching her. He could tell that she was silently running a head count and she was memorizing the lay out of the room, he could tell by the look in her eyes when her gaze returned to him. The crowd parted so that the two elves could go directly to King Thranduil, not wanting to greet the dark elf.
Thranduil looked at the dark elf in shock; he did not think that she would be as regal looking as she was. He did not want to see how she would look if she were to be in a proper dress that would suit her high position of power. He could see how Legolas could fall in love with her she had a dangerous glint in her eyes that was hidden to most by her delicate looking body and her graceful, almost cat like movements. Aronon bowed his head to his father slightly before he took his place with his brothers, Fainu stood tall for a moment, defiance in her eyes before she finally bowed her head more out of trained etiquette than want. He watched her for a couple seconds; her dark hair was tucked behind her ears showing off the delicate tips announcing that she was truly an elf. "You may rise." He whispered so that only the closest could hear the soft command.
Fainu already hated this elf, she never bowed to any before and if it were not for her training when she was younger she was sure that she and the king would have had a silent battle of wills until one finally had snapped. As it was now it was still a possibility.
"Why have you traveled to our realm dark elf?" Thranduil finally asked realizing that this girl had a will to match that of Galadriel or any other of the powerful elves that had carried a ring of power and then returned to middle earth.
"I have traveled here partly because I was led here and because I have little knowledge of the lands that lie beyond the forest bordering our realm." Fainu answered allowing an edge to creep into her voice. She did not like being the center of attention. She would prefer to face the wrath of Aronon when he was allowed to lose his temper and she be able to strike back than stand before an audience being judged; on the way she carried herself, how she answered questions, and how she reacted to criticism from someone that thought they were above her.
"I see." Thranduil glanced over at Legolas and then back at the dark elf that did not lessen the intensity of her hard gaze. "Then you are welcome to stay here and leave when you like. But you will follow our laws while you stay here. Understood?" The king said calmly, glancing at Aronon who looked at the dark elf with disgust in his eyes, he knew that she had been set on edge before she had even arrived but his son had done a better job of hiding his distaste for the younger dark elf before.
"Clearly." She answered smoothly before bowing slightly to him, when she raised her head again she saw the king motion to Legolas to take her back to her room. She waited until the youngest of the princes took her arm gently and led her out of the grand room before almost collapsing.
"Are you all right?" Legolas asked as he caught her.
"The next time your father sends Aronon for me do not expect me to come. I hate your brother more than I hate Galadriel." She said as Legolas supported her as they walked back to her room.
"Why do you say that?" Legolas trusted his brother enough; he did not see what was so awful about him.
"I did not simply walk like I did in the court room there alone. I walked all the way from my room." Fainu hissed softly, as she leaned against him.
"Why?" Legolas asked tempted to simply pick the dark elf up and carry her to her room.
"I was not offered his help, nor would I have wanted it after the way he had spoken to me if it had been offered." The dark elf looked up at Legolas before gritting her teeth and standing on her own strength again. With that the two elves made their way to her room slowly, when they arrived the healer that had been working on Fainu when she first arrived was opening the door to leave.
"And what are you doing on your feet M'Lady?" He asked looking at her with a disapproving expression.
"My father summoned her and she was in his courts. Forgive me for not carrying her but my father would not allow it." Legolas said smoothly before leading Fainu to her bed.
"I see." The healer gently put his hand on Fainu's hip, the dark elf tensed and glared at the older elf. "If I do not touch the wound then it will not heal." He said patiently waiting for the elf to relax before healing her.
Fainu glanced at Legolas before she finally relaxed, she had never known a healer to touch the wound, but then the only healers that she had ever dealt with were dark elves. Perhaps it was because this elf was Sindarin rather than dark, she watched the elf closely though. She could feel her hip slowly healing, and the pain that had been present slowly faded.
"You're completely healed, but I suggest staying in bed tomorrow, can that be done Prince Legolas?" The healer asked glancing to the prince that stood on the far side of the room.
"I will tell my father he will make sure that it is done." Legolas answered calmly.
"Good, I would not like to heal her again tomorrow." The healer smiled slightly before slipping out of the room.
Legolas sat beside Fainu. "How long do you think you will stay here?" He asked knowing that she already hated his home.
"No longer than I need to," She answered finally. "Though I think I will take you up in the offer that you gave when we first started to come to Mirkwood."
"You still want to learn how to use a bow properly." Legolas said smirking.
"Of course. If I have to use one again I prefer to not be hoping that the shot will be good, I want to know that the shot is good." Fainu answered calmly.
"Well when you're allowed out of bed again I will teach you." Legolas said calmly. "I'll have your servant bring you food later so that you don't have to go and find the kitchen." With that the prince left and Fainu was alone again. She laid back unsure of why she had to stay in bed for at least another day but didn't know enough of Sindarin healing to be able to make a judgment on it herself. She shut her eyes and listened to the noises outside her window, she could hear the faint sound of running water and birds, most of which she did not know. They sounded beautiful compared to the harsh calls that the birds near her realm made, she glanced towards the window, there were a few small birds perched on a nearby branch but they were not the ones making the calls. She knew that she would go crazy if she was going to stay in bed for almost a day and a half.
"Lady Fainu?" Elanor said as she quietly slipped into the room. "I heard that you have been ordered to bed, is there anything that you would like?" She asked softly.
Fainu stayed silent for a moment before she smiled her, "Could I have some parchment and something to write with?"
Elanor smiled, "Of course I'll be right back." With that the dainty elf slipped out of the door and went off to fulfill Fainu's request. It didn't take long for her to return, she carried a large stack of parchments two quills and ink pot.
"I don't know if I'll use all of those Elanor." Fainu laughed.
"I know but I am going to be staying with you." Elanor said softly. Fainu smiled and nodded. At least she would have someone that she trusted. "Do you mind if I sit on the bed with you?"
"No not at all." Fainu slid over to one side of the bed as Elanor set the papers down between them. Fainu took a small pile of the papers and a quill and began to sketch, Elanor watched as the quick strokes turned into a picture of the view through her window.
"You are quite good M'Lady." She said softly.
"Thank you Elanor." Fainu said glancing out the window, the birds were gone now but the sound of water still there. Elanor smiled and continued to write on her parchment. Fainu continued to draw until King Thranduil opened the door and looked at the two women on the bed. Fainu tensed instantly when he walked over to her, she didn't wish to deal with him now.
"I heard that you have been ordered to stay in bed for a while. Are you alright?" Thranduil could see that she was not happy to see him.
"As fine as a warrior can be when ordered to stay in bed." Fainu said calmly.
"I am sorry." Thranduil said softly. "What happened that you were ordered to bed?"
"Legolas had walked me back to my room when the healer was just leaving. He healed my hip fully before ordering me to stay in bed." Fainu answered quickly piling up the parchments that she had used.
"Your hip was not fully healed when you came to see me in my courts? I apologize; you should not have been forced to put on a show when you were still wounded." Thranduil frowned.
"I accept your apology." Fainu was confused; perhaps King Thranduil was lied to about her when he summoned her.
"Thank you princess; I will say this for you, you are well mannered and have proven that Aronon is not always right in his judgments of character." Thranduil nodded his head towards the bed-ridden elf. "I am sorry that you will not be able to enjoy my kingdom for a while yet. "
"I am sure that I will enjoy it when I am able to." Fainu smiled at Legolas' father as he turned to leave. Elanor smiled as well, she had not thought the king would do such a thing for a dark elf. Especially after everything that they had been told about Fainu by Aronon, she had known that Aronon wasn't always truthful but she had believed him at first about Fainu.
"Fainu, when you first got here I was told that you were a dark elf. And I was terrified that I had done something wrong and King Thranduil was punishing me, but you aren't anything like the Dark elves that were in the stories I was told when I was younger. Can you tell me about dark elves?" Elanor asked putting down her writing.
"What would you like to know?" Fainu asked frowning, she was no story teller.
"Everything. What was it like where you lived?" Elanor asked sitting up looking at Fainu.
"Well the realm of the dark elves is on the border of Mordor, the trees outside of the entrance to our realms aren't very healthy looking, they are thin dying and it is almost always dark and cloudy. Then once you get to the edge of our realm all you can see is sear cliff face that seems to stretch on forever and it can't be climbed, then there is an entrance hidden in the rock wall and you have to be able to speak dark elvish in order to open it." Fainu looked at Elanor who was soaking up the information that she was being told. "Then there was a long tunnel, Legolas wasn't able to see at all but dark elves can see in the dark, the tunnel is long enough and has enough branches that unless you are a dark elf or have one guiding you, you get lost in the tunnel. Beyond the tunnel there are two huge chambers that have been hollowed out in the rock. The both chambers have massive trees, most are at least twice the size of the Mirkwood trees, and the main part of our civilization is in the canopy of the trees. In the middle of the second chamber there is a lake, it is spelled so that there isn't any fog, and it can't be swum in because of the spell." Fainu paused as Elanor when and lit the small lamps as the sun began to set.
"I'm sorry. I'll go get us some food and then you can finish describing the dark elf realm to me." Elanor smiled apologetically before slipping out of the room. Fainu smiled she hated telling about her home, she wasn't good at it, she frowned and looked at the door as it opened again, there was no way that Elanor was back already, she knew the rough distance to the kitchen and even if she had run it was impossible. She tensed as Aronon walked into the room, and she only relaxed when Legolas shut the door.
"Are you alright Fainu?" Legolas asked moving to her bedside.
"Yes I'm fine, Elanor has kept me company." Fainu answered sitting up a bit more. She didn't care to see Aronon, but if that was the only way she was going to see anybody else than she would make do.
"Your servant is keeping you company? Legolas asked slightly shocked.
"Yes she is, she is very nice." Fainu answered as she watched Legolas step aside to allow Aronon to speak. The older prince glared at her for a moment, his steel blue eyes narrowed and his mouth set in a slight frown.
"Forgive me Fainu for making you walk unaided for as far as you did. I did not know that you still wounded as bad as you were." The older prince carefully worded his apology, but seemed to not realize that Fainu did not believe him because of the expression on his face that only she could see.
Fainu watched him carefully and waited for a couple seconds after he had finished, preparing to mask the lie that she was about to say for Legolas' sake. She knew that he had made his brother come here to apologize, and that Aronon would not of done so otherwise.
"I forgive you Aronon, I realize that elves do normally heal faster than what I have been. I do not know why I am not healing like I normally do, so you can not be blamed." She hated saying those words but she would not flat out tell Aronon off in front of Legolas who seemed happy with how things seemed to be resolved. Aronon nodded slightly knowing she was simply acting her part for Legolas' sake and not truly meaning all of what she had said. He turned to Legolas, and smiled slightly.
"There brother I have apologized, now I'll be leaving." With that the older prince slipped out the door. He could see Elanor carefully making her way back to Fainu's room and knew that Legolas wasn't going to talk to the Dark elf long. With that he turned to go back to his room.
Elanor saw Aronon leaving Fainu's room and hurried her step, she knew that Aronon and Fainu did not get along well and feared for her charge's safety. She opened the door quickly to see Legolas sitting on the bed with Fainu talking about what she was going to do tomorrow since she would still be ordered to bed. She smiled and stepped into the room carrying the tray of food. "I hope you don't mind that I brought you water instead of wine, the chief said he prepared your dish especially for you and told me that you would not mind."
"No I don't mind at all, he knows my preferences when it comes to food." Fainu answered smiling. Legolas stood and moved aside so that Fainu would be able to eat comfortably.
"I shall be going now. Perhaps I will eat with you tomorrow at supper?" He asked looking to Elanor who looked up at him; she wanted to stay with the dark elf that offered her a friendship so openly. "Of course it would be to keep both of you company." He added seeing the look in the servants eyes.
"That would be nice wouldn't it Elanor?" Fainu asked turning her head towards her servant. Elanor smiled and nodded, she did not mind Legolas' company he was kind to all of the elves in his father's realm unlike Aronon who did not seem to understand that just because he was a prince it did not make him better than every other elf. Fainu turned back to Legolas, and smirked, "And when should we be expecting you?"
"I'll bring supper, though I'm afraid that that will be the only time that I will be able to see you." Legolas said frowning. "Now that you are well my father wants me to tell him everything about you and your home, though I don't think I'll do a very good job."
"Lady Fainu is telling me all about her home." Elanor said softly, "She doesn't like talking about her home much though do you?" Elanor smiled her dark blue eyes sparkled in the soft light given off by the lamps.
"No, I don't. I have never been one to tell stories though." Fainu said as she began to eat the small portion of meat that had been put on her plate.
"Good bye and good night, Fainu, Elanor." With that the pale elf prince slipped out of the door and Elanor sighed.
"You are so lucky Lady Fainu." Elanor said as she ate on the bed beside the dark elf.
"Why do you say that Elanor?" Fainu paused, her fork halfway to her mouth.
"It was every girls dream to have the eye of the youngest prince, and you have seem to not only have caught his eye but also his heart." The elven servant bubbled. Fainu set lowered her fork and half shut her eyes. "What's wrong M'Lady?"
"Nothing really. Prince Legolas has caught my eye as well but for a different reason, I do not know if he will ever catch my heart. For my heart was given to another long ago." Fainu whispered.
"Who is this? This elf that could take the heart of someone that seems so free what is his name? Was he a prince as well?" Elanor put her own food aside and looked to Fainu.
"He was no prince, he was a warrior and a poet at the same time." Fainu answered setting her own food aside knowing that she would not eat the rest with the questions that she knew Elanor was going to be asking her.
"A warrior and a poet? What was his name what did he look like?" Elanor knew that so far this elf sounded like a fairy tale to her, because only princes knew both but normally only succeed at one. Even Legolas was no exception to that, he was an excellent warrior and was well mannered but no one ever heard him saying poems to an elf that he had fallen in love with. Perhaps though he had not yet met one that he could speak of in such a way.
"His name was Kallieere, and he was definitely both a warrior and poet. To describe him though," She trailed off, picturing the elf that she had promised herself to centuries ago.
"Please tell me what he looks like. He sounds to good to be true, even for an elf." Elanor whispered excitedly.
"He looks," Fainu paused slightly before finally deciding that it did not matter more. "A lot like Legolas which is why Legolas caught my eye. Except Kallieere had my color hair and it was done differently, but other than that they are identical for looks."
"I can see why Prince Legolas may not get you heart. Is he going to come and get you when you finally decide to leave?" Elanor asked not noticing the tears that had started to form in Fainu's eye.
"He is not coming for me, he is waiting for me rather." Fainu whispered hanging her head slightly.
"Where is he waiting for you? Are you going to leave as soon as Legolas teaches you archery?"
"No I'm not going to leave as soon as Legolas teaches me to use a bow. I'll leave when it is time." Fainu struggled to keep the silent tears back.
"Time for what? Where is he?" Elanor frowned looking at Fainu she did not know what was so upsetting about what they were talking about.
"Kallieere is waiting for me, at the entrance to the Hall of Mandros." Fainu answered softly glancing up at her servant.
"He's dead?" Elanor gasped, she had felt a sadness on Fainu but she had thought that it was because she had been exhiled and she and her beloved could not be together as soon as they would like to but she had never thought that Kallieere would be dead. "When did he die?"
"You will think I am being foolish." Fainu whispered.
"No not at all M'Lady. Elves normally marry for life so I understand that your heart still belongs to Kallieere." Elanor gently put her hand on Fainu's arm.
"He died almost five hundred years ago defending me." Fainu said softly.
"He died for you?" Elanor bit her lip, and gently ran her hand down the dark elf's arm; "Did you promise you heart to him before he died?"
Fainu nodded, "I promised him my heart long before that day. He had my heart for years before that." She leaned towards the gentle touch.
Elanor wrapped an arm around the dark elf, the sadness that had been over Fainu lessened slightly and Elanor felt be about asking Fainu about her beloved. "Perhaps we should finish your description of your home tomorrow?" Fainu nodded as Elanor quickly gathered the papers and the trays that were on the bed before helping Fainu slip under the covers on the bed. She backed out of the room carrying the two trays, and left the pile of parchments and the quills and ink on the wooden table across from the bed.
Fainu curled up slightly and shut her eyes, she felt drained and she did not want to wake up tomorrow but she knew that she would. Elanor silently came back into the room and blew out the lamps; she smiled sadly at the dark elf before disappeared into the hall.
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More Author Babble for Kara J's sanity (Or is it insanity?):
Red Demon: Must finish ninth chapter.(Eyes shut and head falls forward hitting computer monitor waking up the caffeine deprived author.)
Legolas: (Watches Red Demon from perch on couch.) Wow. I never thought that I would see Red Demon run out of steam like that.
Aragorn: (Sitting between Legolas and Gimli but holding a hand over Gimli's mouth to keep the dwarf from saying something that would wake the half dead author up.) Your right, normally Gimli would have said something that would have got her attention by now and she would still be typing up a storm.
Legolas: (Nods grimly)
Kara J: (Wanders into computer room with extremely huge curlers in hair) Is the chapter finished yet?
Legolas Aragorn and Gimli: Ack! (Lunge towards Red Demon not knowing what was happening with Kara J)
Red Demon: (Turns slowly towards Kara J preparing to tell older author off.sees hair and jaw drops.) You.are...using...hair.rollers? (Starts to giggle softly before falling off computer chair laughing hysterically)
Kara J: (Glares at Legolas who has also started to giggle) yes. Your point is? Lots of people use them!
Red Demon: (Points at Kara J) Lots of OLD people use them!
Kara J: I'm only using them to keep the bottom of my hair nicely curled under since I cut it, besides more than just old people use them.
Red Demon: Like who? (Sits up, looking extremely serious.)
Kara J: (Motions to people behind her.Out come Frodo, Sam, Merry, and Pippin, their hair in tiny rollers.)
Red Demon, Legolas, Aragorn, and Gimli: (Stare at four hobbits for an instant, their eyes getting bigger and bigger by the second) Bwahahahahahahahaha! (Fall over on each other laughing.)
Kara J: (Narrows eyes and walks over to Red Demon picking her up by the back of the neck and shaking her.) Don't you have a tenth chapter to type?
Red Demon: (Nods wide eyed) But then you have a chapter to type for your Cookies and Beer Story or whatever it's called story with the hobbits.
Kara J: (Growls curses under breath before dropping smaller author on top of the three LotR characters) I hate you. I really hate you.
Disclaimer: The two cents of me not owning any of the characters or places from LotR, though Mirkwood is currently being painted on my bed room walls. Oh yes.Aronon is mine.keep your claws off 'im. I made him and I have a picture of him that I drew (not only can I write, I can draw too, at least everybody else says so.)
Comments on Reviews (Also known as: The only way I can respond to reviews that aren't signed and don't have an email address):
Lyn: (Sorry if I misunderstood your review but this is what I think you meant) I am not going to rewrite that nice little gruesome tidbit. (I don't do: 'He was mortally wounded and he died') Besides I've been known for my dark streak since the 6th grade, they tried to send me to a shrink for a poem I wrote.
Author babble:
Red Demon: Ack! Kara J quit beating on me! I'm writing author babble!
Kara J: You neglected your duty to keep me humored!
Red Demon: I know I know! I'm making up for it. Ack! Put away the pointy stick! Ack! I'm typing!
Legolas: (Peaks through door) I think that that Kara J is going to keep Red occupied for a while.
Aragorn: Good I don't think that I could take seeing Gimli with ribbons in his beard again.
Legolas: But it looked really good.
Gimli: Never trust an elf.
Red Demon: What did I tell you before? (Head sticks out of door way and smiles evilly)
Three LotR Characters: Ack!
Aronon: Yes you told them to never trust an elf but what about me?
Red Demon: You are the only exception and that is because you are a creation of my deranged imagination. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------
Fainu followed Aronon closely, she hated not being able run or fight back, and her hip hurt her enough that she didn't dare chance trying to find out how far she could push herself yet. The older prince glared at her over he shoulder, if she had been any younger she would have made a face at him she decided finally. Aronon stopped by a door and frowned at her.
"When we get in there we will both be announced by our proper titles." Aronon said coolly. "And you are to at least bow your head to my father." Aronon said holding out his hand for her to take. Fainu nodded and took his hand and allowed herself to be led like a proper 'princess' as they called her should be.
"Prince Aronon and Princess Fainu of the Dark Realms." Fainu tilted her chin up and looked down at the elves that whispered about her as she slowly descended the stairs. She could see Legolas standing with another elf beside a throne on which an older elf sat, his silvery robes added effect to the paleness of his hair and skin as with the silver and gold circlet that adorned his head. Legolas, Aronon and their other brother were dressed much the same but their circlets were simpler and only of silver. She caught Legolas' eye as she walked down the stairs, she could tell that he was silently telling her that he had not been allowed to retrieve her from her room.
Legolas frowned at the fact she was back into pants and a shirt but at least theses were new and not dirty from travel like her old clothing. Her shoes and legging were black and her shirt was made from the same material that his shirt was made from. She did not wear a circlet but she carried herself like a queen, he smirked at the way she glanced over the rest of the elves in the room that were watching her. He could tell that she was silently running a head count and she was memorizing the lay out of the room, he could tell by the look in her eyes when her gaze returned to him. The crowd parted so that the two elves could go directly to King Thranduil, not wanting to greet the dark elf.
Thranduil looked at the dark elf in shock; he did not think that she would be as regal looking as she was. He did not want to see how she would look if she were to be in a proper dress that would suit her high position of power. He could see how Legolas could fall in love with her she had a dangerous glint in her eyes that was hidden to most by her delicate looking body and her graceful, almost cat like movements. Aronon bowed his head to his father slightly before he took his place with his brothers, Fainu stood tall for a moment, defiance in her eyes before she finally bowed her head more out of trained etiquette than want. He watched her for a couple seconds; her dark hair was tucked behind her ears showing off the delicate tips announcing that she was truly an elf. "You may rise." He whispered so that only the closest could hear the soft command.
Fainu already hated this elf, she never bowed to any before and if it were not for her training when she was younger she was sure that she and the king would have had a silent battle of wills until one finally had snapped. As it was now it was still a possibility.
"Why have you traveled to our realm dark elf?" Thranduil finally asked realizing that this girl had a will to match that of Galadriel or any other of the powerful elves that had carried a ring of power and then returned to middle earth.
"I have traveled here partly because I was led here and because I have little knowledge of the lands that lie beyond the forest bordering our realm." Fainu answered allowing an edge to creep into her voice. She did not like being the center of attention. She would prefer to face the wrath of Aronon when he was allowed to lose his temper and she be able to strike back than stand before an audience being judged; on the way she carried herself, how she answered questions, and how she reacted to criticism from someone that thought they were above her.
"I see." Thranduil glanced over at Legolas and then back at the dark elf that did not lessen the intensity of her hard gaze. "Then you are welcome to stay here and leave when you like. But you will follow our laws while you stay here. Understood?" The king said calmly, glancing at Aronon who looked at the dark elf with disgust in his eyes, he knew that she had been set on edge before she had even arrived but his son had done a better job of hiding his distaste for the younger dark elf before.
"Clearly." She answered smoothly before bowing slightly to him, when she raised her head again she saw the king motion to Legolas to take her back to her room. She waited until the youngest of the princes took her arm gently and led her out of the grand room before almost collapsing.
"Are you all right?" Legolas asked as he caught her.
"The next time your father sends Aronon for me do not expect me to come. I hate your brother more than I hate Galadriel." She said as Legolas supported her as they walked back to her room.
"Why do you say that?" Legolas trusted his brother enough; he did not see what was so awful about him.
"I did not simply walk like I did in the court room there alone. I walked all the way from my room." Fainu hissed softly, as she leaned against him.
"Why?" Legolas asked tempted to simply pick the dark elf up and carry her to her room.
"I was not offered his help, nor would I have wanted it after the way he had spoken to me if it had been offered." The dark elf looked up at Legolas before gritting her teeth and standing on her own strength again. With that the two elves made their way to her room slowly, when they arrived the healer that had been working on Fainu when she first arrived was opening the door to leave.
"And what are you doing on your feet M'Lady?" He asked looking at her with a disapproving expression.
"My father summoned her and she was in his courts. Forgive me for not carrying her but my father would not allow it." Legolas said smoothly before leading Fainu to her bed.
"I see." The healer gently put his hand on Fainu's hip, the dark elf tensed and glared at the older elf. "If I do not touch the wound then it will not heal." He said patiently waiting for the elf to relax before healing her.
Fainu glanced at Legolas before she finally relaxed, she had never known a healer to touch the wound, but then the only healers that she had ever dealt with were dark elves. Perhaps it was because this elf was Sindarin rather than dark, she watched the elf closely though. She could feel her hip slowly healing, and the pain that had been present slowly faded.
"You're completely healed, but I suggest staying in bed tomorrow, can that be done Prince Legolas?" The healer asked glancing to the prince that stood on the far side of the room.
"I will tell my father he will make sure that it is done." Legolas answered calmly.
"Good, I would not like to heal her again tomorrow." The healer smiled slightly before slipping out of the room.
Legolas sat beside Fainu. "How long do you think you will stay here?" He asked knowing that she already hated his home.
"No longer than I need to," She answered finally. "Though I think I will take you up in the offer that you gave when we first started to come to Mirkwood."
"You still want to learn how to use a bow properly." Legolas said smirking.
"Of course. If I have to use one again I prefer to not be hoping that the shot will be good, I want to know that the shot is good." Fainu answered calmly.
"Well when you're allowed out of bed again I will teach you." Legolas said calmly. "I'll have your servant bring you food later so that you don't have to go and find the kitchen." With that the prince left and Fainu was alone again. She laid back unsure of why she had to stay in bed for at least another day but didn't know enough of Sindarin healing to be able to make a judgment on it herself. She shut her eyes and listened to the noises outside her window, she could hear the faint sound of running water and birds, most of which she did not know. They sounded beautiful compared to the harsh calls that the birds near her realm made, she glanced towards the window, there were a few small birds perched on a nearby branch but they were not the ones making the calls. She knew that she would go crazy if she was going to stay in bed for almost a day and a half.
"Lady Fainu?" Elanor said as she quietly slipped into the room. "I heard that you have been ordered to bed, is there anything that you would like?" She asked softly.
Fainu stayed silent for a moment before she smiled her, "Could I have some parchment and something to write with?"
Elanor smiled, "Of course I'll be right back." With that the dainty elf slipped out of the door and went off to fulfill Fainu's request. It didn't take long for her to return, she carried a large stack of parchments two quills and ink pot.
"I don't know if I'll use all of those Elanor." Fainu laughed.
"I know but I am going to be staying with you." Elanor said softly. Fainu smiled and nodded. At least she would have someone that she trusted. "Do you mind if I sit on the bed with you?"
"No not at all." Fainu slid over to one side of the bed as Elanor set the papers down between them. Fainu took a small pile of the papers and a quill and began to sketch, Elanor watched as the quick strokes turned into a picture of the view through her window.
"You are quite good M'Lady." She said softly.
"Thank you Elanor." Fainu said glancing out the window, the birds were gone now but the sound of water still there. Elanor smiled and continued to write on her parchment. Fainu continued to draw until King Thranduil opened the door and looked at the two women on the bed. Fainu tensed instantly when he walked over to her, she didn't wish to deal with him now.
"I heard that you have been ordered to stay in bed for a while. Are you alright?" Thranduil could see that she was not happy to see him.
"As fine as a warrior can be when ordered to stay in bed." Fainu said calmly.
"I am sorry." Thranduil said softly. "What happened that you were ordered to bed?"
"Legolas had walked me back to my room when the healer was just leaving. He healed my hip fully before ordering me to stay in bed." Fainu answered quickly piling up the parchments that she had used.
"Your hip was not fully healed when you came to see me in my courts? I apologize; you should not have been forced to put on a show when you were still wounded." Thranduil frowned.
"I accept your apology." Fainu was confused; perhaps King Thranduil was lied to about her when he summoned her.
"Thank you princess; I will say this for you, you are well mannered and have proven that Aronon is not always right in his judgments of character." Thranduil nodded his head towards the bed-ridden elf. "I am sorry that you will not be able to enjoy my kingdom for a while yet. "
"I am sure that I will enjoy it when I am able to." Fainu smiled at Legolas' father as he turned to leave. Elanor smiled as well, she had not thought the king would do such a thing for a dark elf. Especially after everything that they had been told about Fainu by Aronon, she had known that Aronon wasn't always truthful but she had believed him at first about Fainu.
"Fainu, when you first got here I was told that you were a dark elf. And I was terrified that I had done something wrong and King Thranduil was punishing me, but you aren't anything like the Dark elves that were in the stories I was told when I was younger. Can you tell me about dark elves?" Elanor asked putting down her writing.
"What would you like to know?" Fainu asked frowning, she was no story teller.
"Everything. What was it like where you lived?" Elanor asked sitting up looking at Fainu.
"Well the realm of the dark elves is on the border of Mordor, the trees outside of the entrance to our realms aren't very healthy looking, they are thin dying and it is almost always dark and cloudy. Then once you get to the edge of our realm all you can see is sear cliff face that seems to stretch on forever and it can't be climbed, then there is an entrance hidden in the rock wall and you have to be able to speak dark elvish in order to open it." Fainu looked at Elanor who was soaking up the information that she was being told. "Then there was a long tunnel, Legolas wasn't able to see at all but dark elves can see in the dark, the tunnel is long enough and has enough branches that unless you are a dark elf or have one guiding you, you get lost in the tunnel. Beyond the tunnel there are two huge chambers that have been hollowed out in the rock. The both chambers have massive trees, most are at least twice the size of the Mirkwood trees, and the main part of our civilization is in the canopy of the trees. In the middle of the second chamber there is a lake, it is spelled so that there isn't any fog, and it can't be swum in because of the spell." Fainu paused as Elanor when and lit the small lamps as the sun began to set.
"I'm sorry. I'll go get us some food and then you can finish describing the dark elf realm to me." Elanor smiled apologetically before slipping out of the room. Fainu smiled she hated telling about her home, she wasn't good at it, she frowned and looked at the door as it opened again, there was no way that Elanor was back already, she knew the rough distance to the kitchen and even if she had run it was impossible. She tensed as Aronon walked into the room, and she only relaxed when Legolas shut the door.
"Are you alright Fainu?" Legolas asked moving to her bedside.
"Yes I'm fine, Elanor has kept me company." Fainu answered sitting up a bit more. She didn't care to see Aronon, but if that was the only way she was going to see anybody else than she would make do.
"Your servant is keeping you company? Legolas asked slightly shocked.
"Yes she is, she is very nice." Fainu answered as she watched Legolas step aside to allow Aronon to speak. The older prince glared at her for a moment, his steel blue eyes narrowed and his mouth set in a slight frown.
"Forgive me Fainu for making you walk unaided for as far as you did. I did not know that you still wounded as bad as you were." The older prince carefully worded his apology, but seemed to not realize that Fainu did not believe him because of the expression on his face that only she could see.
Fainu watched him carefully and waited for a couple seconds after he had finished, preparing to mask the lie that she was about to say for Legolas' sake. She knew that he had made his brother come here to apologize, and that Aronon would not of done so otherwise.
"I forgive you Aronon, I realize that elves do normally heal faster than what I have been. I do not know why I am not healing like I normally do, so you can not be blamed." She hated saying those words but she would not flat out tell Aronon off in front of Legolas who seemed happy with how things seemed to be resolved. Aronon nodded slightly knowing she was simply acting her part for Legolas' sake and not truly meaning all of what she had said. He turned to Legolas, and smiled slightly.
"There brother I have apologized, now I'll be leaving." With that the older prince slipped out the door. He could see Elanor carefully making her way back to Fainu's room and knew that Legolas wasn't going to talk to the Dark elf long. With that he turned to go back to his room.
Elanor saw Aronon leaving Fainu's room and hurried her step, she knew that Aronon and Fainu did not get along well and feared for her charge's safety. She opened the door quickly to see Legolas sitting on the bed with Fainu talking about what she was going to do tomorrow since she would still be ordered to bed. She smiled and stepped into the room carrying the tray of food. "I hope you don't mind that I brought you water instead of wine, the chief said he prepared your dish especially for you and told me that you would not mind."
"No I don't mind at all, he knows my preferences when it comes to food." Fainu answered smiling. Legolas stood and moved aside so that Fainu would be able to eat comfortably.
"I shall be going now. Perhaps I will eat with you tomorrow at supper?" He asked looking to Elanor who looked up at him; she wanted to stay with the dark elf that offered her a friendship so openly. "Of course it would be to keep both of you company." He added seeing the look in the servants eyes.
"That would be nice wouldn't it Elanor?" Fainu asked turning her head towards her servant. Elanor smiled and nodded, she did not mind Legolas' company he was kind to all of the elves in his father's realm unlike Aronon who did not seem to understand that just because he was a prince it did not make him better than every other elf. Fainu turned back to Legolas, and smirked, "And when should we be expecting you?"
"I'll bring supper, though I'm afraid that that will be the only time that I will be able to see you." Legolas said frowning. "Now that you are well my father wants me to tell him everything about you and your home, though I don't think I'll do a very good job."
"Lady Fainu is telling me all about her home." Elanor said softly, "She doesn't like talking about her home much though do you?" Elanor smiled her dark blue eyes sparkled in the soft light given off by the lamps.
"No, I don't. I have never been one to tell stories though." Fainu said as she began to eat the small portion of meat that had been put on her plate.
"Good bye and good night, Fainu, Elanor." With that the pale elf prince slipped out of the door and Elanor sighed.
"You are so lucky Lady Fainu." Elanor said as she ate on the bed beside the dark elf.
"Why do you say that Elanor?" Fainu paused, her fork halfway to her mouth.
"It was every girls dream to have the eye of the youngest prince, and you have seem to not only have caught his eye but also his heart." The elven servant bubbled. Fainu set lowered her fork and half shut her eyes. "What's wrong M'Lady?"
"Nothing really. Prince Legolas has caught my eye as well but for a different reason, I do not know if he will ever catch my heart. For my heart was given to another long ago." Fainu whispered.
"Who is this? This elf that could take the heart of someone that seems so free what is his name? Was he a prince as well?" Elanor put her own food aside and looked to Fainu.
"He was no prince, he was a warrior and a poet at the same time." Fainu answered setting her own food aside knowing that she would not eat the rest with the questions that she knew Elanor was going to be asking her.
"A warrior and a poet? What was his name what did he look like?" Elanor knew that so far this elf sounded like a fairy tale to her, because only princes knew both but normally only succeed at one. Even Legolas was no exception to that, he was an excellent warrior and was well mannered but no one ever heard him saying poems to an elf that he had fallen in love with. Perhaps though he had not yet met one that he could speak of in such a way.
"His name was Kallieere, and he was definitely both a warrior and poet. To describe him though," She trailed off, picturing the elf that she had promised herself to centuries ago.
"Please tell me what he looks like. He sounds to good to be true, even for an elf." Elanor whispered excitedly.
"He looks," Fainu paused slightly before finally deciding that it did not matter more. "A lot like Legolas which is why Legolas caught my eye. Except Kallieere had my color hair and it was done differently, but other than that they are identical for looks."
"I can see why Prince Legolas may not get you heart. Is he going to come and get you when you finally decide to leave?" Elanor asked not noticing the tears that had started to form in Fainu's eye.
"He is not coming for me, he is waiting for me rather." Fainu whispered hanging her head slightly.
"Where is he waiting for you? Are you going to leave as soon as Legolas teaches you archery?"
"No I'm not going to leave as soon as Legolas teaches me to use a bow. I'll leave when it is time." Fainu struggled to keep the silent tears back.
"Time for what? Where is he?" Elanor frowned looking at Fainu she did not know what was so upsetting about what they were talking about.
"Kallieere is waiting for me, at the entrance to the Hall of Mandros." Fainu answered softly glancing up at her servant.
"He's dead?" Elanor gasped, she had felt a sadness on Fainu but she had thought that it was because she had been exhiled and she and her beloved could not be together as soon as they would like to but she had never thought that Kallieere would be dead. "When did he die?"
"You will think I am being foolish." Fainu whispered.
"No not at all M'Lady. Elves normally marry for life so I understand that your heart still belongs to Kallieere." Elanor gently put her hand on Fainu's arm.
"He died almost five hundred years ago defending me." Fainu said softly.
"He died for you?" Elanor bit her lip, and gently ran her hand down the dark elf's arm; "Did you promise you heart to him before he died?"
Fainu nodded, "I promised him my heart long before that day. He had my heart for years before that." She leaned towards the gentle touch.
Elanor wrapped an arm around the dark elf, the sadness that had been over Fainu lessened slightly and Elanor felt be about asking Fainu about her beloved. "Perhaps we should finish your description of your home tomorrow?" Fainu nodded as Elanor quickly gathered the papers and the trays that were on the bed before helping Fainu slip under the covers on the bed. She backed out of the room carrying the two trays, and left the pile of parchments and the quills and ink on the wooden table across from the bed.
Fainu curled up slightly and shut her eyes, she felt drained and she did not want to wake up tomorrow but she knew that she would. Elanor silently came back into the room and blew out the lamps; she smiled sadly at the dark elf before disappeared into the hall.
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More Author Babble for Kara J's sanity (Or is it insanity?):
Red Demon: Must finish ninth chapter.(Eyes shut and head falls forward hitting computer monitor waking up the caffeine deprived author.)
Legolas: (Watches Red Demon from perch on couch.) Wow. I never thought that I would see Red Demon run out of steam like that.
Aragorn: (Sitting between Legolas and Gimli but holding a hand over Gimli's mouth to keep the dwarf from saying something that would wake the half dead author up.) Your right, normally Gimli would have said something that would have got her attention by now and she would still be typing up a storm.
Legolas: (Nods grimly)
Kara J: (Wanders into computer room with extremely huge curlers in hair) Is the chapter finished yet?
Legolas Aragorn and Gimli: Ack! (Lunge towards Red Demon not knowing what was happening with Kara J)
Red Demon: (Turns slowly towards Kara J preparing to tell older author off.sees hair and jaw drops.) You.are...using...hair.rollers? (Starts to giggle softly before falling off computer chair laughing hysterically)
Kara J: (Glares at Legolas who has also started to giggle) yes. Your point is? Lots of people use them!
Red Demon: (Points at Kara J) Lots of OLD people use them!
Kara J: I'm only using them to keep the bottom of my hair nicely curled under since I cut it, besides more than just old people use them.
Red Demon: Like who? (Sits up, looking extremely serious.)
Kara J: (Motions to people behind her.Out come Frodo, Sam, Merry, and Pippin, their hair in tiny rollers.)
Red Demon, Legolas, Aragorn, and Gimli: (Stare at four hobbits for an instant, their eyes getting bigger and bigger by the second) Bwahahahahahahahaha! (Fall over on each other laughing.)
Kara J: (Narrows eyes and walks over to Red Demon picking her up by the back of the neck and shaking her.) Don't you have a tenth chapter to type?
Red Demon: (Nods wide eyed) But then you have a chapter to type for your Cookies and Beer Story or whatever it's called story with the hobbits.
Kara J: (Growls curses under breath before dropping smaller author on top of the three LotR characters) I hate you. I really hate you.