-THE GAMES OF THE GODS-
-Disclaimer:-
CS: I own nothing, and do not claim to own anything, so shoo!
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CS: No, wait - that didn't come out right - I own nothing, and do not claim to own anything, so all the LAWYERS can shoo. All my readers can come back now!
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CS: Please?
Rachel: *shakes head* You need help.
CS: I already have help.
Rachel: You need more.
-19: Rivendell-
Late that same day, I was standing at the top of the citadel, in the court containing the White Tree, watching the sun set, when I felt Faramir approach. He stepped up beside me and watched the sun set in silence, but I could tell he dearly wanted to say something, and I waited for him to speak first. And as the sky slowly began to darken, he did speak.
"Why Boromir?" was all he asked, and I smiled slightly. I had expected this. Faramir was absolutely in awe of Elves, whereas Boromir couldn't care less about them. I knew this - and now that a chance had come to go see Elves, and I had been given the choice of which of them to take, I'd taken Boromir. It really didn't take a genius to realize that Faramir, at least, would want an explanation of why I chose who I chose.
"Because it is his fate." I said, continuing to watch the sun set.
"How do you know what his fate is?" Faramir asked, annoyance in his voice.
"You are not the only one who dreams, m'boy." I said, giving him a pointed look. "Boromir's fate is to go to Rivendell and receive the council of the Elves. Yours is to stay here and defend your kingdom."
"But why?" Faramir asked, his frustration clear. "Boromir would do a much better job of defending Gondor, and I would dearly love to go see the Elves!" I smiled kindly as I turned from the sunset and looked at Faramir.
"Who knows?" I replied. "Who knows why fate works in the way it does? Certainly not I. But I would not be so quick to assume that Boromir could defend Gondor better than you."
"Why wouldn't he? He has the skills, and the strategy - and father's blessing." Faramir said bitterly.
"And men will follow you to their death." I said. "You can make men follow you where Boromir would not dare to even try." Faramir sighed.
"I still do not see why Boromir gets to go to Rivendell when I do not." he said, then added as I opened my mouth, "Besides fate."
"I would think fate would be reason enough." I said, arching an eyebrow.
"It would, but...I have the strangest feeling that if Boromir goes, I shall never see him again." Faramir said with a sigh. "It makes no sense, as Boromir is one of the best warriors out there, but the feeling has set me on edge."
"Ah." I said, trying desperately to hide the emotions that stirred up. Judging from Faramir's curious look, however, I didn't succeed entirely. I sighed. "Who knows what fate has in store for Boromir? All I know is that it is his fate to go to Rivendell, not yours." There was silence for a moment, and then I turned and made to leave.
"He won't return, will he?" Faramir's question stopped me in my tracks halfway to the White Tree. I smiled sadly as I looked back at him - I never could lie to Faramir.
"No." I said simply, and immediately regretted the word - though I could have said nothing else - as I saw Faramir's grief. "But he will achieve great things." I added softly, and turned and quickly left. Faramir had asked for the knowledge, now he would have to come to grips with it himself. I had helped him with his grief over his mother, but this grief was his and his alone to deal with.
It took several days for Boromir and me to get ready to leave, and I stayed as far away from Denethor as I could manage in the days it took. Eventually, however, on July 4th - much to my amusement - Boromir and I set out from Minas Tirith. Everything went fine and dandy for the first few weeks of travel, but then we entered the north, and I discovered that Boromir and company had heard my statment about returnng to Rivendell.
"So where do we go now?" Boromir asked one morning just as we were to set out. He had long ago admitted that he had no idea where to go in the north.
"North?" I suggested.
"More specifics would be nice." Boromir said dryly.
"Well, I don't have any more specifics than you." I said in annoyance, still touchy on the subject of just where we were going.
"You've been there before; I'd hope you would have more specifics." Boromir said. I started, and looked at Boromir with alarm that I quickly changed into a strange look.
"I have not been to Rivendell before." I said.
"Then why did you say you'd rather go BACK to Rivendell?" Boromir asked, arching an eyebrow. I paled.
"You heard that?" I whispered. Boromir nodded impatiently.
"Yes, we all did." he said.
"Aw crap." I said, wrinkling my nose. "That wasn't supposed to happen." Boromir looked at me in amusement.
"You know, until this trip came along, I had never heard you swear before. Now you're swearing like a soldier. Wherever did you learn such language?" Boromir asked.
"Drinking binge in the 6th ring of the city." I replied honestly. "And numerous other taverns." Boromir's eyebrows shot up.
"Why do I suddenly get the feeling that there's more to you then meets the eye?" Boromir asked ruefully.
"There is." I replied. "And not all of it is pleasant. Come, let's go. Might as well get to Rivendell and get this over with." So we headed for Rivendell, taking the most direct route I knew - which was, of course, through Bree. Resigned, now, to where I was going, I took some morbid amusement in staying at the Prancing Pony. Boromir didn't understand my amusement, and I just told him I'd explain later. If I got the chance. Amused with myself once again, I started chuckling, and Boromir was left to look at me in utter confusion.
We stayed at the Prancing Pony one night, and then set off for Rivendell at first light, on new horses from the Liltalen Ranch. Yep, it was still around. Some things endure far too long. It was the 20th of September when we left the Prancing Pony, and we arrived in Rivendell on the 6th of October - several weeks early, but I doubted it would make a difference.
I was resigned to meeting someone I knew in Rivendell, so I made no effort to hide my face when we arrived, but to my amazement, I was spared - at least for the first night. When Boromir and I dined with Lord Elrond, I found out that Elladan and Elrohir were out with the Rangers, Kari was in Lothlorien, and Glorfindel was incredibly busy with work. This set me to grinning the entire evening, which started Boromir complaining that I wasn't telling him anything. I ignored him.
I knew if I could just stay away from Glorfindel for the next three days, I wouldn't have to worry about him until Frodo arrived in Rivendell. My luck, however, was tired of holding. The next day, Boromir and I were invited to the main hall of Rivendell for supper, and the instant I stepped in, I knew I was in trouble. Sitting next to Elrond, frowning thoughtfully at his food, was a very familiar golden-haired Elf-Lord. I unconsciously sucked in a breath, half because I suddenly realized how hard it was going to be to keep up my swear-off of the Hot Guys of Middle-Earth, and half out of fear.
"Asira?" Boromir asked with curiosity.
"Come, let us take our seats." I said briskly, hoping to get to our seats before Glorfindel could look up and notice me. Unfortunately, at that moment, Glorfindel looked up, and after glancing over Boromir, looked straight at me. Even across the room, I could see him stiffen, and we locked eyes. I saw his lips move, and I knew he had said my name, especially when Elrond turned to his friend with concern. Boromir, oblivious to what was going on, nudged me forward, and at that point, Elrond pulled his attention away from Glorfindel and directed it towards us.
"Ah, Lord Boromir, Lady Asira. Come, you must meet Lord Glorfindel." Elrond said solemnly.
"Indeed." Glorfindel said, a strange look in his eyes. "I am very eager to meet our guests from Gondor." I followed Boromir as he made his way towards the head table, doing my best to hide in his shadow. Glorfindel was still looking at me, and it was making me nervous. Regardless of Glorfindel and me, Elrond introduced Boromir and me to Glorfindel, and then we took our seats.
Throughout the rest of the meal, I could practically feel Glorfindel's eyes burning into me, and several times Boromir had to pointedly ask me if my chair was uncomfortable, as I squirmed so much. I felt as if the meal couldn't end soon enough, and yet, at the same time, I never wanted it to end, as I knew that Glorfindel would corner me afterwards. I decided to stick by Boromir and hope Glorfindel wouldn't approach me around the man.
After the meal, I hoped to make a quick getaway, but Boromir, not understanding my rush, was very slow, stopping to talk to what seemed like every Elf in the room. And suddenly, Glorfindel was standing in front of Boromir and me, smiling politely, though the smile did not reach his eyes.
"If I may, Lord Boromir, do you think it would be possible for me to steal the Lady Asira away from you for a short while?" Glorfindel asked politely.
"I see no problem with it. Asira?" Boromir looked at me questioningly as I gripped his arm tightly.
"I would rather stay with you, Boromir." I said tightly. Boromir looked at me in surprise.
"Asira..." he started, frowning, but Glorfindel cut him off.
"I do not have time for games." he snapped. "Rachel, come." I pursed my lips and glared at Glorfindel. Boromir was looking thoroughly confused, and slightly affronted that Glorfindel had the nerve to command me to do anything. For, though Glorfindel had used a different name than Boromir knew, there was no doubt that the command was directed to me.
"Oh fine." I said finally, and I let go and stalked after Glorfindel - who was also stalking. I imagined we must have made quite the sight, both stalking across the hall of Rivendell. Elrond certainly noticed and followed. Glorfindel gave the Elf-lord a glare to clear off, but Elrond determinedly fell into step behind us as we headed through the winding halls of Rivendell. It took us so long to get to where we were going, I wondered if we were going to Glorfindel's study. My wondering was proved to be fact as we passed behind a familiar wall hanging, and shortly thereafter, arrived in the familiar greenhouse/arena/study.
"Glorfindel, what -" Elrond started once we were stopped, but Glorfindel cut him off, turning his burning gaze on me, apparently not even noticing that Elrond was talking.
"WHY?" Glorfindel demanded.
"Why what?" I asked calmly in reply.
"Why did you do it? Why did you leave?" Glorfindel elaborated impatiently.
"Because." I said.
"That is not an answer!" Glorfindel snapped.
"You wouldn't believe the answer if I told you!" I snapped back.
"Try me!" Glorfindel said. I snorted.
"That has to be the most predictable line ever." I said. Glorfindel rolled his eyes.
"Stop changing the subject. WHY DID YOU LEAVE?" Glorfindel practically roared the last part, and I couldn't help but flinch.
"Ai, I think you picked up a few things from that Balrog." I said. Glorfindel shot me a scathing look.
"I will show you just how much I picked up if you do not answer." he said.
"How about if I say I was afraid of becoming a monster of unbelievable proportions that could cause the collapse of your entire universe?" I asked, cocking my head to one side. Glorfindel stared at me. At this point, Elrond chose to butt in.
"What are you two going on about?" he asked. Glorfindel shot Elrond an annoyed look, and opened his mouth to answer, but I beat him to it.
"I'm afraid I haven't been totally honest with you, Lord Elrond, on my current visit, or on my previous one." I said.
"Previous visit? I do not recall you ever visiting Rivendell before." Elrond said in surprise.
"Ah, that's because of the afore mentioned dishonesty." I replied with a smile, and then swept Elrond a low curtsey. "Miss Rachel Taherity of Australia, Earth, recently immigrated to Middle-Earth and Elf-ized, at your service." Elrond blinked.
"What?" he asked.
"Surely you remember Rachel, m'Lord?" Glorfindel asked with amusement. Elrond turned to Glorfindel and blinked again.
"Of course I do. How can I forget the one Elf to ever commit suicide in Rivendell?" Elrond said blankly.
"See, that's where you're wrong." I said with a frown. "Though I must say, I'm flattered I managed to convince you I was dead. I didn't think I'd be able to pull it off." Poor Elrond was getting very pale.
"What?" he asked again. I sighed.
"Elrond, I am the one and very same Rachel that arrived in Rivendell over 800 years ago with Kari." I said.
"You can not be." Elrond said automatically. "You do not even look the same."
"Ah yes, that was a result of some...interesting events." I said with a frown. "But Glorfindel, and Kari, can attest that I am indeed Rachel." Silence fell.
"Glorfindel, don't you keep a flask of miruvor somewhere in here?" Elrond asked, slowly turning his head to look at Glorfindel. Amused, Glorfindel nodded. "Would you be so kind as to get it for me?" Glorfindel complied, and Elrond promptly downed just about the entire flask in five seconds flat. "I am going to bed. Sort this out and explain it to me in the morning." Elrond announced, and then left the room. Glorfindel and I watched him go with equal amusement. Once he was gone, however, we turned back to each other solemnly.
"A monster that can destroy the universe?" Glorfindel asked curiously, and with a sigh, I set about explaining Mary-Sues.
"So you left because you were afraid of becoming one of these 'Mary-Sue' creatures?" Glorfindel asked with a frown once I was finished.
"Yep." I said with a nod. "Still am afraid of becoming one, in fact. I plan on leaving here as quickly as I can and getting away from Elves, who, since I am one, I am quite sure are the cause for me turning into a Mary-Sue."
"Why?" Glorfindel asked.
"I believe we've established that? Mary-Sues are horrible creatures that can destroy a universe, remember?" I replied, arching an eyebrow.
"No, why are you so afraid of becoming one?" Glorfindel asked, frowning once again. "I mean, I can understand the destroying the universe being a large part of it, but you say that many others from your world would jump at the chance to become these 'Mary-Sue's, despite the consequences. So why do you not?" I sighed.
"Because, Glorfindel, I want to be accepted for who I am. I have also always loved Middle-Earth and all relating to it, and do not want to see it destroyed." I said. Glorfindel paused.
"If that is true, then somehow I find it very hard to believe that you would turn into one of these 'Mary-Sue' creatures. Unless someone is put to torture, they cannot become a thing of evil unless they choose to." he said.
"See, that's the problem. Mary-Sues aren't TECHNICALLY evil. What they do, they do out of love...no, scratch that, they do it out of lust, as well as admiration, and are completely unaware that they are doing it." I replied. Glorfindel blinked.
"So these Mary-Sues destroy the world with their lust for it?" he asked eventually, arching an eyebrow.
"Or those in it, yep." I answered.
"So why is Middle-Earth still here?" Glorfindel asked.
"Pardon?" I asked with a blink.
"From what you have told me, according to your standards, Alkarisil has become the very epitome of a Mary-Sue. So why is Middle-Earth still here?" Glorfindel elaborated.
"Because..." I paused, thinking, and then frowned slightly. "You know, I really don't know."
"Perhaps she is not actually a Mary-Sue?" he suggested.
"First you say she is a Mary-Sue, and then you suggest she isn't. Make up your mind." I complained after a moment spent trying to figure out what on earth he meant.
"I am saying that perhaps what you regard as a Mary-Sue is not exactly true." Glorfindel said. "Or that perhaps what you view as a Mary-Sue is correct, but what Kari has turned into, and you were turning into, is NOT a Mary-Sue."
"You lost me, buddy." I said blankly. Glorfindel sighed.
"Is it possible that perhaps all these 'Mary-Sue' occurrences that you mention are nothing more than the Valar trying to help you and Kari fit into Middle-Earth?" he said. "That perhaps your journey to Middle-Earth was not just some random 'freak accident', as you called it, but a carefully planned transference of you and Kari from one world to another, executed by the Valar?" I spent several minutes staring at Glorfindel.
"Did Elrond finish that miruvor?" I asked finally.
"Not quite." Glorfindel said with amusement. I snatched the flask from the ground where Elrond had dropped it and downed the remaining contents.
"Now, repeat that?" I asked, plunking myself down on the ground. Glorfindel sat down across from me and repeated what he'd said, as requested.
"Life is far too confusing." I said wearily when Glorfindel finished. "And I imagine it doesn't start making any more sense no matter how long you live."
"No, it doesn't." Glorfindel said with a small smile. "Though you do learn a few things."
"Like?" I asked.
"Drinking Dorwinnian wine in great quantities is not smart." Glorfindel replied seriously, and then added thoughtfully, "But it is fun." I looked at him for a moment, and then started cackling. Glorfindel watched me with amusement.
"You're great, Glory." I said when I had calmed down somewhat, hoisting myself to my feet. I swayed unsteadily for a moment while Glorfindel looked amused that I'd remembered the nickname I'd given him all those many years ago, but then I got my balance back, and nodded emphatically in approval at doing so. "I'm going to bed."
"Can you find your way to your room?" Glorfindel asked, also standing.
"Nope." I replied cheerfully. "But I should get there if I wander around and ask for directions enough. Might take a few hours, though."
"I'll walk you back." Glorfindel said.
"Once again, you're great." I said, and latched onto Glorfindel's arm as we went through the corridors of Rivendell.
----To be continued...with lots and lots of talking...----
(Blasted soon-to-be pin-cushions and Elf-lord's sons, all needing explainations...)
-Authors Note:-
Hey, I actually managed to update today! I wasn't sure I was going to be able to, even though I had this chapter finished. I am SO darn busy it's not funny. I am never letting my mother sign me up for so many classes ever again. . I have no time to reeeeeeeead! And barely any to write! All I can say is, thank GOD for spell-check...
Anyways, y'all know the drill - thank you for reviewing, even if I have to sneak onto the computer and get my mother mad at me to do so, I always love reading each and every review I get. So, be good sports and review some more! If you do, I'll try and update two more chapters this week...depending on whether I get the time to upload.
~Crimson Starlight
-Revision's Author's Note:-
Added a little scene with Faramir at the beginning!
~CS
-Disclaimer:-
CS: I own nothing, and do not claim to own anything, so shoo!
.
.
.
CS: No, wait - that didn't come out right - I own nothing, and do not claim to own anything, so all the LAWYERS can shoo. All my readers can come back now!
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
CS: Please?
Rachel: *shakes head* You need help.
CS: I already have help.
Rachel: You need more.
-19: Rivendell-
Late that same day, I was standing at the top of the citadel, in the court containing the White Tree, watching the sun set, when I felt Faramir approach. He stepped up beside me and watched the sun set in silence, but I could tell he dearly wanted to say something, and I waited for him to speak first. And as the sky slowly began to darken, he did speak.
"Why Boromir?" was all he asked, and I smiled slightly. I had expected this. Faramir was absolutely in awe of Elves, whereas Boromir couldn't care less about them. I knew this - and now that a chance had come to go see Elves, and I had been given the choice of which of them to take, I'd taken Boromir. It really didn't take a genius to realize that Faramir, at least, would want an explanation of why I chose who I chose.
"Because it is his fate." I said, continuing to watch the sun set.
"How do you know what his fate is?" Faramir asked, annoyance in his voice.
"You are not the only one who dreams, m'boy." I said, giving him a pointed look. "Boromir's fate is to go to Rivendell and receive the council of the Elves. Yours is to stay here and defend your kingdom."
"But why?" Faramir asked, his frustration clear. "Boromir would do a much better job of defending Gondor, and I would dearly love to go see the Elves!" I smiled kindly as I turned from the sunset and looked at Faramir.
"Who knows?" I replied. "Who knows why fate works in the way it does? Certainly not I. But I would not be so quick to assume that Boromir could defend Gondor better than you."
"Why wouldn't he? He has the skills, and the strategy - and father's blessing." Faramir said bitterly.
"And men will follow you to their death." I said. "You can make men follow you where Boromir would not dare to even try." Faramir sighed.
"I still do not see why Boromir gets to go to Rivendell when I do not." he said, then added as I opened my mouth, "Besides fate."
"I would think fate would be reason enough." I said, arching an eyebrow.
"It would, but...I have the strangest feeling that if Boromir goes, I shall never see him again." Faramir said with a sigh. "It makes no sense, as Boromir is one of the best warriors out there, but the feeling has set me on edge."
"Ah." I said, trying desperately to hide the emotions that stirred up. Judging from Faramir's curious look, however, I didn't succeed entirely. I sighed. "Who knows what fate has in store for Boromir? All I know is that it is his fate to go to Rivendell, not yours." There was silence for a moment, and then I turned and made to leave.
"He won't return, will he?" Faramir's question stopped me in my tracks halfway to the White Tree. I smiled sadly as I looked back at him - I never could lie to Faramir.
"No." I said simply, and immediately regretted the word - though I could have said nothing else - as I saw Faramir's grief. "But he will achieve great things." I added softly, and turned and quickly left. Faramir had asked for the knowledge, now he would have to come to grips with it himself. I had helped him with his grief over his mother, but this grief was his and his alone to deal with.
It took several days for Boromir and me to get ready to leave, and I stayed as far away from Denethor as I could manage in the days it took. Eventually, however, on July 4th - much to my amusement - Boromir and I set out from Minas Tirith. Everything went fine and dandy for the first few weeks of travel, but then we entered the north, and I discovered that Boromir and company had heard my statment about returnng to Rivendell.
"So where do we go now?" Boromir asked one morning just as we were to set out. He had long ago admitted that he had no idea where to go in the north.
"North?" I suggested.
"More specifics would be nice." Boromir said dryly.
"Well, I don't have any more specifics than you." I said in annoyance, still touchy on the subject of just where we were going.
"You've been there before; I'd hope you would have more specifics." Boromir said. I started, and looked at Boromir with alarm that I quickly changed into a strange look.
"I have not been to Rivendell before." I said.
"Then why did you say you'd rather go BACK to Rivendell?" Boromir asked, arching an eyebrow. I paled.
"You heard that?" I whispered. Boromir nodded impatiently.
"Yes, we all did." he said.
"Aw crap." I said, wrinkling my nose. "That wasn't supposed to happen." Boromir looked at me in amusement.
"You know, until this trip came along, I had never heard you swear before. Now you're swearing like a soldier. Wherever did you learn such language?" Boromir asked.
"Drinking binge in the 6th ring of the city." I replied honestly. "And numerous other taverns." Boromir's eyebrows shot up.
"Why do I suddenly get the feeling that there's more to you then meets the eye?" Boromir asked ruefully.
"There is." I replied. "And not all of it is pleasant. Come, let's go. Might as well get to Rivendell and get this over with." So we headed for Rivendell, taking the most direct route I knew - which was, of course, through Bree. Resigned, now, to where I was going, I took some morbid amusement in staying at the Prancing Pony. Boromir didn't understand my amusement, and I just told him I'd explain later. If I got the chance. Amused with myself once again, I started chuckling, and Boromir was left to look at me in utter confusion.
We stayed at the Prancing Pony one night, and then set off for Rivendell at first light, on new horses from the Liltalen Ranch. Yep, it was still around. Some things endure far too long. It was the 20th of September when we left the Prancing Pony, and we arrived in Rivendell on the 6th of October - several weeks early, but I doubted it would make a difference.
I was resigned to meeting someone I knew in Rivendell, so I made no effort to hide my face when we arrived, but to my amazement, I was spared - at least for the first night. When Boromir and I dined with Lord Elrond, I found out that Elladan and Elrohir were out with the Rangers, Kari was in Lothlorien, and Glorfindel was incredibly busy with work. This set me to grinning the entire evening, which started Boromir complaining that I wasn't telling him anything. I ignored him.
I knew if I could just stay away from Glorfindel for the next three days, I wouldn't have to worry about him until Frodo arrived in Rivendell. My luck, however, was tired of holding. The next day, Boromir and I were invited to the main hall of Rivendell for supper, and the instant I stepped in, I knew I was in trouble. Sitting next to Elrond, frowning thoughtfully at his food, was a very familiar golden-haired Elf-Lord. I unconsciously sucked in a breath, half because I suddenly realized how hard it was going to be to keep up my swear-off of the Hot Guys of Middle-Earth, and half out of fear.
"Asira?" Boromir asked with curiosity.
"Come, let us take our seats." I said briskly, hoping to get to our seats before Glorfindel could look up and notice me. Unfortunately, at that moment, Glorfindel looked up, and after glancing over Boromir, looked straight at me. Even across the room, I could see him stiffen, and we locked eyes. I saw his lips move, and I knew he had said my name, especially when Elrond turned to his friend with concern. Boromir, oblivious to what was going on, nudged me forward, and at that point, Elrond pulled his attention away from Glorfindel and directed it towards us.
"Ah, Lord Boromir, Lady Asira. Come, you must meet Lord Glorfindel." Elrond said solemnly.
"Indeed." Glorfindel said, a strange look in his eyes. "I am very eager to meet our guests from Gondor." I followed Boromir as he made his way towards the head table, doing my best to hide in his shadow. Glorfindel was still looking at me, and it was making me nervous. Regardless of Glorfindel and me, Elrond introduced Boromir and me to Glorfindel, and then we took our seats.
Throughout the rest of the meal, I could practically feel Glorfindel's eyes burning into me, and several times Boromir had to pointedly ask me if my chair was uncomfortable, as I squirmed so much. I felt as if the meal couldn't end soon enough, and yet, at the same time, I never wanted it to end, as I knew that Glorfindel would corner me afterwards. I decided to stick by Boromir and hope Glorfindel wouldn't approach me around the man.
After the meal, I hoped to make a quick getaway, but Boromir, not understanding my rush, was very slow, stopping to talk to what seemed like every Elf in the room. And suddenly, Glorfindel was standing in front of Boromir and me, smiling politely, though the smile did not reach his eyes.
"If I may, Lord Boromir, do you think it would be possible for me to steal the Lady Asira away from you for a short while?" Glorfindel asked politely.
"I see no problem with it. Asira?" Boromir looked at me questioningly as I gripped his arm tightly.
"I would rather stay with you, Boromir." I said tightly. Boromir looked at me in surprise.
"Asira..." he started, frowning, but Glorfindel cut him off.
"I do not have time for games." he snapped. "Rachel, come." I pursed my lips and glared at Glorfindel. Boromir was looking thoroughly confused, and slightly affronted that Glorfindel had the nerve to command me to do anything. For, though Glorfindel had used a different name than Boromir knew, there was no doubt that the command was directed to me.
"Oh fine." I said finally, and I let go and stalked after Glorfindel - who was also stalking. I imagined we must have made quite the sight, both stalking across the hall of Rivendell. Elrond certainly noticed and followed. Glorfindel gave the Elf-lord a glare to clear off, but Elrond determinedly fell into step behind us as we headed through the winding halls of Rivendell. It took us so long to get to where we were going, I wondered if we were going to Glorfindel's study. My wondering was proved to be fact as we passed behind a familiar wall hanging, and shortly thereafter, arrived in the familiar greenhouse/arena/study.
"Glorfindel, what -" Elrond started once we were stopped, but Glorfindel cut him off, turning his burning gaze on me, apparently not even noticing that Elrond was talking.
"WHY?" Glorfindel demanded.
"Why what?" I asked calmly in reply.
"Why did you do it? Why did you leave?" Glorfindel elaborated impatiently.
"Because." I said.
"That is not an answer!" Glorfindel snapped.
"You wouldn't believe the answer if I told you!" I snapped back.
"Try me!" Glorfindel said. I snorted.
"That has to be the most predictable line ever." I said. Glorfindel rolled his eyes.
"Stop changing the subject. WHY DID YOU LEAVE?" Glorfindel practically roared the last part, and I couldn't help but flinch.
"Ai, I think you picked up a few things from that Balrog." I said. Glorfindel shot me a scathing look.
"I will show you just how much I picked up if you do not answer." he said.
"How about if I say I was afraid of becoming a monster of unbelievable proportions that could cause the collapse of your entire universe?" I asked, cocking my head to one side. Glorfindel stared at me. At this point, Elrond chose to butt in.
"What are you two going on about?" he asked. Glorfindel shot Elrond an annoyed look, and opened his mouth to answer, but I beat him to it.
"I'm afraid I haven't been totally honest with you, Lord Elrond, on my current visit, or on my previous one." I said.
"Previous visit? I do not recall you ever visiting Rivendell before." Elrond said in surprise.
"Ah, that's because of the afore mentioned dishonesty." I replied with a smile, and then swept Elrond a low curtsey. "Miss Rachel Taherity of Australia, Earth, recently immigrated to Middle-Earth and Elf-ized, at your service." Elrond blinked.
"What?" he asked.
"Surely you remember Rachel, m'Lord?" Glorfindel asked with amusement. Elrond turned to Glorfindel and blinked again.
"Of course I do. How can I forget the one Elf to ever commit suicide in Rivendell?" Elrond said blankly.
"See, that's where you're wrong." I said with a frown. "Though I must say, I'm flattered I managed to convince you I was dead. I didn't think I'd be able to pull it off." Poor Elrond was getting very pale.
"What?" he asked again. I sighed.
"Elrond, I am the one and very same Rachel that arrived in Rivendell over 800 years ago with Kari." I said.
"You can not be." Elrond said automatically. "You do not even look the same."
"Ah yes, that was a result of some...interesting events." I said with a frown. "But Glorfindel, and Kari, can attest that I am indeed Rachel." Silence fell.
"Glorfindel, don't you keep a flask of miruvor somewhere in here?" Elrond asked, slowly turning his head to look at Glorfindel. Amused, Glorfindel nodded. "Would you be so kind as to get it for me?" Glorfindel complied, and Elrond promptly downed just about the entire flask in five seconds flat. "I am going to bed. Sort this out and explain it to me in the morning." Elrond announced, and then left the room. Glorfindel and I watched him go with equal amusement. Once he was gone, however, we turned back to each other solemnly.
"A monster that can destroy the universe?" Glorfindel asked curiously, and with a sigh, I set about explaining Mary-Sues.
"So you left because you were afraid of becoming one of these 'Mary-Sue' creatures?" Glorfindel asked with a frown once I was finished.
"Yep." I said with a nod. "Still am afraid of becoming one, in fact. I plan on leaving here as quickly as I can and getting away from Elves, who, since I am one, I am quite sure are the cause for me turning into a Mary-Sue."
"Why?" Glorfindel asked.
"I believe we've established that? Mary-Sues are horrible creatures that can destroy a universe, remember?" I replied, arching an eyebrow.
"No, why are you so afraid of becoming one?" Glorfindel asked, frowning once again. "I mean, I can understand the destroying the universe being a large part of it, but you say that many others from your world would jump at the chance to become these 'Mary-Sue's, despite the consequences. So why do you not?" I sighed.
"Because, Glorfindel, I want to be accepted for who I am. I have also always loved Middle-Earth and all relating to it, and do not want to see it destroyed." I said. Glorfindel paused.
"If that is true, then somehow I find it very hard to believe that you would turn into one of these 'Mary-Sue' creatures. Unless someone is put to torture, they cannot become a thing of evil unless they choose to." he said.
"See, that's the problem. Mary-Sues aren't TECHNICALLY evil. What they do, they do out of love...no, scratch that, they do it out of lust, as well as admiration, and are completely unaware that they are doing it." I replied. Glorfindel blinked.
"So these Mary-Sues destroy the world with their lust for it?" he asked eventually, arching an eyebrow.
"Or those in it, yep." I answered.
"So why is Middle-Earth still here?" Glorfindel asked.
"Pardon?" I asked with a blink.
"From what you have told me, according to your standards, Alkarisil has become the very epitome of a Mary-Sue. So why is Middle-Earth still here?" Glorfindel elaborated.
"Because..." I paused, thinking, and then frowned slightly. "You know, I really don't know."
"Perhaps she is not actually a Mary-Sue?" he suggested.
"First you say she is a Mary-Sue, and then you suggest she isn't. Make up your mind." I complained after a moment spent trying to figure out what on earth he meant.
"I am saying that perhaps what you regard as a Mary-Sue is not exactly true." Glorfindel said. "Or that perhaps what you view as a Mary-Sue is correct, but what Kari has turned into, and you were turning into, is NOT a Mary-Sue."
"You lost me, buddy." I said blankly. Glorfindel sighed.
"Is it possible that perhaps all these 'Mary-Sue' occurrences that you mention are nothing more than the Valar trying to help you and Kari fit into Middle-Earth?" he said. "That perhaps your journey to Middle-Earth was not just some random 'freak accident', as you called it, but a carefully planned transference of you and Kari from one world to another, executed by the Valar?" I spent several minutes staring at Glorfindel.
"Did Elrond finish that miruvor?" I asked finally.
"Not quite." Glorfindel said with amusement. I snatched the flask from the ground where Elrond had dropped it and downed the remaining contents.
"Now, repeat that?" I asked, plunking myself down on the ground. Glorfindel sat down across from me and repeated what he'd said, as requested.
"Life is far too confusing." I said wearily when Glorfindel finished. "And I imagine it doesn't start making any more sense no matter how long you live."
"No, it doesn't." Glorfindel said with a small smile. "Though you do learn a few things."
"Like?" I asked.
"Drinking Dorwinnian wine in great quantities is not smart." Glorfindel replied seriously, and then added thoughtfully, "But it is fun." I looked at him for a moment, and then started cackling. Glorfindel watched me with amusement.
"You're great, Glory." I said when I had calmed down somewhat, hoisting myself to my feet. I swayed unsteadily for a moment while Glorfindel looked amused that I'd remembered the nickname I'd given him all those many years ago, but then I got my balance back, and nodded emphatically in approval at doing so. "I'm going to bed."
"Can you find your way to your room?" Glorfindel asked, also standing.
"Nope." I replied cheerfully. "But I should get there if I wander around and ask for directions enough. Might take a few hours, though."
"I'll walk you back." Glorfindel said.
"Once again, you're great." I said, and latched onto Glorfindel's arm as we went through the corridors of Rivendell.
----To be continued...with lots and lots of talking...----
(Blasted soon-to-be pin-cushions and Elf-lord's sons, all needing explainations...)
-Authors Note:-
Hey, I actually managed to update today! I wasn't sure I was going to be able to, even though I had this chapter finished. I am SO darn busy it's not funny. I am never letting my mother sign me up for so many classes ever again. . I have no time to reeeeeeeead! And barely any to write! All I can say is, thank GOD for spell-check...
Anyways, y'all know the drill - thank you for reviewing, even if I have to sneak onto the computer and get my mother mad at me to do so, I always love reading each and every review I get. So, be good sports and review some more! If you do, I'll try and update two more chapters this week...depending on whether I get the time to upload.
~Crimson Starlight
-Revision's Author's Note:-
Added a little scene with Faramir at the beginning!
~CS