DISCLAIMERS: I own this story and the character called the Killer.  The Killer's name is not Teruwyn, that's just the name she uses in this story.  Yes, she's female.  Her actual name means 'to shine sun daughter-of.'  That's just a coincidence, actually.  I made up her name, and then translated it just for the heck of it, and it happened to mean something.  I shouldn't have been surprised—my life is full of weird coincidences, as are my fics.  I'm one of the luckiest people alive, and I was born on Friday, May 13th.  If this sounds familiar, it's probably because you've read my fic Chaos at Hogwarts.  In that one, I determined the year Mera was born before I decided on her birthday.  I'll shut up now . . .

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            Call me the Killer, for that is the name given me by the enemy; I shall not tell you my true name, in case you are one of them.

            I am a shadow in the night, silent and deadly.  My mother and father, both royal elves, have long since left Middle-earth on the journey across the Sea.  Well do I remember the day of our parting: I stood by the shore, defying the Sea's call.  My father handed me a plain gold ring, telling me that the Sea would not hold the One Ring forever.  'When the One Ring comes again to Middle-earth, it must be destroyed,' he said.  'The Dark Lord's attention must be drawn away from the true Ring-bearer.  Place upon this ring a web of deceit, so that the Nazgûl will believe it is the One Ring.'

            I returned to Mirkwood, the place I call home.  Prince Legolas was glad to see me.  Apparently he had been worried that I would go across the Sea with my parents.

            'It's good to see you, too,' I said, rushing over to give him a hug.

            Several years later, I saw him at the Council of Elrond.  I was spying, as was my wont, for I am cursed with curiosity to rival that of Peregrin Tûk.  Mostly, I watched Legolas.  However, I do remember Mithrandir telling about his adventures.  ('Ass!  Fool!  Thrice worthy and beloved Barliman!')  And I remember that Froda volunteered to be the Ringbearer.  That was mostly to prevent bloodshed, I think.  Legolas and the Dwerrow—Gimli was the name—had gotten rather worked up about the Ring.  ('I'll be dead before I see the Ring in the hands of an Elf!  Never trust an Elf!')

            Lovely.  I made a mental note never to let Gimli see me.

            Then Elrond made both Gimli and Legolas members of the Fellowship of the Ring.  Just one more proof that common sense isn't.  At least Mithrandir was also part of the Fellowship.

            So I left, and wandered about, keeping my distance from Rivendell.