Authors' Note: Here is my second chapter. Thank you so much for the reviews I have received so far. As one of you pointed out, Figwit is not really his name. Yes, I was aware of that. He does have an elvish name; it is something along the lines of Melpomaen. I put Figwit instead because he is known by that. And this is also a comedy so I wanted to give him a more humorous name. Thanks again for the reviews. I hope you enjoy it!
Disclaimer: I do not own Lord of the Rings.
Chapter 2 The Maiden Has a Name
Minyoiel turned on her heel and marched silently out of the extensive Imladris library. Her trained elven ears picked up the sound of the book clattering to the floor once more and a rather girlish gasp. She smirked in an amused manner as she recalled the face of the young advisor. He had been outright gaping at her. The Lorien elf flung open the heavy wooden door and prayed to the Valar that some soft breeze would play upon her sun burnt cheeks. This was going to be a long summer. The elleth sauntered down the sweltering hall until she caught her reflection in a hanging mirror. A small frown graced her lips as she took in her rather unusual appearance. A week or two of riding in the blazing sun had taken its effect on her. The elf's nails were chipped and dirty from their constant hold on her horse's mane. Her face was pink from the heat and her delicate ears were peppered with mosquito bits. Ai Elbereth they itched! And over this past three days, Minyoiel had not ceased to find a twig embedded somewhere in her golden crown of hair. Though she had these few defects, the beauty of the elves still shone through her. Yet, why did the Lady have to send her to Imladris for the summer? Lord Elrond knew very well that the orcs were increasing in number; he did not need her to tell him. But why she thought he needed more soldiers was quite beyond the maiden. Now she would have to spend the entire season in this hot elven refuge instead of under the great mellyrn in the arms of her beloved. The female turned from her mirror gazing and continued to walk down the hall. Oh, she was missing Haldir already! They both got along very well before their engagement considering that they had very similar childhoods. Both of their parents had sailed across the sea leaving them to fend for themselves. Both served on the guard, in fact Minyoiel was a commander like him. The only difference was their number of siblings. Haldir had two brothers, while Minyoiel was an only child. Her parents had wanted more children (hence her name, first daughter) but were unable to conceive. Still, the maiden had found happiness in the arms of the March Warden and they were to be married in several months, or as soon as she returned from Imladris, which ever came first. The elf had never wondered why her and her fiancé had gotten along so well, for they had many other things in common besides their childhood. Minyoiel thought these things over as she wheeled around a sharp corner and bumped straight into a younger elf.
"Mind yourself!" she cried looking down her nose at him. "Do you even know who I am?" The male shook his head. "I am Minyoiel, commander of Lorien's forces," the maiden responded as though she were Elbereth herself. "You had best step aside and let me pass!" The elf stepped aside.
Figwit stood in the middle of the library, still dazed from his encounter with the maiden. His hands tingled at the mere memory that they had been inches away from hers. It was not until he heard a slight snigger from behind him that he finally came back into reality. The young advisor whipped around to see Lindir, one of the many librarians. At first, Figwit was insulted. How dare this mere keeper of books laugh at him! But then a thought came upon him. Lindir spent almost all of his time in this large room. His ears were even better trained than that of the Lorien archers. He heard all sorts of whispered conversations and wonderful details. So now, the young councilor approached the other elf with a kind attitude.
"Oh, Figwit," Lindir wiped the tears from his blue eyes. "You are quite amusing my dear lad." The young elf winced upon hearing this. Did the maiden think he was a fool now too? "You seem so strange in presence when you are around that young commander of Lorien. Why?" Figwit swallowed hard. It was obvious then.
"Never mind that," he struggled to appear casual. "Would you happen to know who she is?"
"Ah!" Lindir drew out his exclamation and leaned over the desk he was standing behind. "It's as I thought!"
"What? What is it that you speak of?" the younger elf was losing his patience now. But the librarian just smiled slyly. He truly treasured his job. It allowed him to study the inhabitants of Imladris for many hours when they were in his domain. And since Figwit was a regular, he could, well, read him like a book. The male was clearly head over heels for the maiden. Oh, how he would love torturing him! Lindir may have seemed cruel, but in reality he was not. The elf just had too much time on his hands. He leaned far back away from the other and looked him straight in his brown eyes.
"I speak of nothing," Lindir's answer was indifferent. Figwit sighed in relief, good it was not noticed.
"Well, would you happen to know the answer to my question then? Who is she?" He waited with bated breath for his inquiry to be fulfilled.
"Hmm," Lindir scratched his chin. Oh, this was going to make the hot summer all the more enjoyable. The councilor seemed ready to fall to floor in a dead faint. No, that wouldn't do, he didn't feel like dragging him to the houses of healing at the moment. "Her name is Minyoiel from what I know and she is one of the commanders of Lothlorien's forces. Oh, and yes she'll be here for the entire summer." Figwit drew in his breath sharply. For the entire summer! That would be perfect. During this time in Imladris, many festivals and dances were held to celebrate the season. He would have plenty of time to gather up his courage and ask her to one. But then he mustn't forget the festival that celebrated the close of summer. It was the biggest one of the year. Many elves plighted their troth during this. The advisor sighed happily. It would be the perfect opportunity.
"Thank you mellon nin," he bowed to the librarian and headed out of the room. Lindir turned his back on the other elves. His smile grew wide and he chuckled evilly. Yes, he had told Figwit as much as he knew about the maiden, but he had withheld one piece of vital information. And that was the fact that she was already taken, by none other than the March Warden himself! Oh, this would truly be a good summer!
Mellon nin: My friend
Elleth: female elf
