*A/N*: I do not own Lord of the Rings or any of the names or characters
used in Tolkien's wonderful stories (though none have been used...yet), but
Calathi and all other characters are copyright 2002 Meghan.
*Thanks for your reviews; to 000 (if you ever read this again), I write about Lord of the Rings because writing is fun, and it takes my mind off of things. Lord of the Rings is an awesome story, and so much can branch off of it, but why do you read fanfiction about it if you want to read something "real?" Of course, everyone is entitled to their own opinions…
Anyway, to Winterfox, I appreciate your review as well, though I have a few things to say to it. Yes, you were definitely right about the whole wearing-a-dress-while-traveling thing, I don't know what I was thinking…I guess I just wanted something for her to complain about while on her journey…anyway, I am in the process of rewriting all of chapter four, and I hope to have that up soon. Second of all, I didn't say anything about arranged marriages, I don't know where that came from, though I should probably study elfin customs a bit more anyway. I have been thinking about the details thing, and I'm working on that too. If you care to check, I did change the she-elf statement, I didn't know that anyone had a problem with that. Sorry! This is my first fanfiction, as I have said, and I'm trying to work out the kinks in my writing. Of course, a major drawback is that it is not original, though I'm thinking of maybe altering the ending I have planned to make it more so. I am probably going to write another story after this, one that is *completely* original, so if you care to wait that long, I'd appreciate your reviews for the next one too. Thanks again!
And now, sorry to dawdle, back to the story…
Chapter Six
"Come back to us Calathi," a voice whispered. "Open your eyes."
Calathi did not want to open her eyes. The scene that she had closed them to horrified her, and she feared that that is what she would see when she did open them. "No," she whimpered.
"Calathi, it is all right. You are safe now. Open your eyes," the strange voice called again.
The voice was soothing and gentle, and she slowly did as she was told. She looked up into pure blue eyes. "Who are you?" she asked. The stranger helped her sit up, and she noticed that she was in a bright room filled with the scent of flowers. Calathi grimaced as the pain on the back of her head increased. "Where am I?" she moaned, face tight with pain.
"I am King Thranduil, child. You are in the palace of Mirkwood, and out of harm's way." Calathi gasped and struggled to stand so that she could greet the king properly, but he pushed her back down.
"Rest now," he continued. "There will be plenty of time for proper introductions later."
"Yes, your highness," Calathi was finally able to say, after a brief silence. He handed her a steaming cup.
"Drink this," he ordered. She did, and instantly felt the pain ease. Her eyelids grew heavy.
"How-"
"No more talk," he whispered, putting his finger to his lips. "You can ask your questions later. Sleep now." Calathi could only nod before falling fast asleep.
* * * * *
When Calathi next awoke, she was alone in her room, and she barely noticed the ache of her head. She saw that her things were unpacked, and a fresh gown was draped over an ornately carved chair. The curtains across her balcony billowed in the light breeze.
A basin had been set on her bedside table for her to wash with, so she stood and did so. Then she stepped into her rose gown, brushed her hair, and walked onto the balcony to look at her new surroundings.
Calathi could see across the forest of Mirkwood, with its dark trees and dangerous shadows. *Oh no, * she realized. *Telmon must have brought me the entire two-day journey here! * She would have to thank him later, for traveling through the woods was no light task, especially if one was busy carrying someone else.
To her left, she saw more of the palace of Mirkwood, elegant against the ominous forest. "You're awake!" someone said, making her jump. She whirled.
"Nora!" The two female elves embraced.
"Are you alright?" Calathi's friend asked, concern showing in her delicate face. She looked worn out, and her eyes, slightly dull, were edged with creases.
"I feel better." Nora let out a sigh of relief.
"Oh, I was so worried Calathi! When you collapsed there, after being threatened by the orc, and your blood everywhere, I thought…I thought…" she trailed off, tears coming to her eyes, soon falling.
Calathi comforted her and said soothingly, "I am all right now. Please, stop worrying."
"I couldn't sleep, with you in that condition. I should have done something; I should have stopped that orc."
"You couldn't have, Nora. This wasn't your fault."
"I could never have done what you did," Nora sobbed. "You killed that horrible creature, with no weapons, while he held you prisoner." Her sobs eased, and she seemed to calm herself, blushing pink with embarrassment. "Well, you are well now, and I am glad." She turned to leave.
"Nora, wait. Would you like to go for a walk?" Nora smiled gratefully, linking arms with her friend.
"I would love that. Are you sure you are well enough?"
"Perfectly sure. Now let's be off, before night comes." The two strolled arm-in-arm toward the gardens.
* * * * *
Prince Legolas of Mirkwood sat grandly on his throne in the banquet hall. He was fair-skinned, with long, glossy blond hair and perfect, royal blue eyes. He wore a tunic of velvety, dark green, and he was holding a goblet of pure gold, inlaid with jewels. He toyed with it, his sensitive, nimble fingers gliding over the engravings, and he obviously looked bored.
A feast had been prepared, for a new lady was to be presented. The elf sighed, wondering if this one would be as dull as the last one. Most elfin ladies, he had found, were like that: spoiled, though gracious, and caring only for his crown. He knew, however, that that could not be helped.
Of course, he had heard the story of her trip to the palace. The Prince found it hard to believe that a mere lady from an isolated area of Mirkwood could escape from an outraged orc. It was just a rumor, and rumors were seldom true. He would have to wait and ask her himself.
The servants milled around, offering appetizers to the other nobles. Legolas waved them on when they reached him; he was sick of the rich, extravagant meals, and wished only for simple food. He was surrounded by various ladies, which were fawning over him and talking aimlessly about insignificant details of their lives.
Suddenly King Thranduil stood, and the hall hushed. "It is time to begin," he said. "I present to this court Lady Calathi of Ilinar."
Calathi entered the room, and suddenly everyone was completely silent. She was dressed in an exquisite silk gown of deep blue, emphasizing her own eyes. It flowed behind her, like water, as she stepped toward the king.
The lady's dark hair cascaded down her back in lavish curls, almost to her waist. Her figure seemed to glow, her beauty radiating in every direction. All eyes followed her as she approached Thranduil and curtsied gracefully. "Your Highness," she said, her head bowed in respect.
"My Lady Calathi, welcome to my palace," he said, nodding to her, as she straightened.
Legolas then stood and bowed. "My Lady Calathi, thank you for bestowing the wonderful gift of your presence on this court. I am at your service," he said politely.
Calathi gazed at him a moment, surprised at his own words. The Prince of Mirkwood, at her service? She could hardly believe it, but she realized that he was probably only saying this because it was necessary. "I am honored, my Lord," she finally managed to say.
"Let the feast begin," Thranduil said to the quiet crowd. The room erupted in conversation once again as platters were brought to each table.
*Thanks for your reviews; to 000 (if you ever read this again), I write about Lord of the Rings because writing is fun, and it takes my mind off of things. Lord of the Rings is an awesome story, and so much can branch off of it, but why do you read fanfiction about it if you want to read something "real?" Of course, everyone is entitled to their own opinions…
Anyway, to Winterfox, I appreciate your review as well, though I have a few things to say to it. Yes, you were definitely right about the whole wearing-a-dress-while-traveling thing, I don't know what I was thinking…I guess I just wanted something for her to complain about while on her journey…anyway, I am in the process of rewriting all of chapter four, and I hope to have that up soon. Second of all, I didn't say anything about arranged marriages, I don't know where that came from, though I should probably study elfin customs a bit more anyway. I have been thinking about the details thing, and I'm working on that too. If you care to check, I did change the she-elf statement, I didn't know that anyone had a problem with that. Sorry! This is my first fanfiction, as I have said, and I'm trying to work out the kinks in my writing. Of course, a major drawback is that it is not original, though I'm thinking of maybe altering the ending I have planned to make it more so. I am probably going to write another story after this, one that is *completely* original, so if you care to wait that long, I'd appreciate your reviews for the next one too. Thanks again!
And now, sorry to dawdle, back to the story…
Chapter Six
"Come back to us Calathi," a voice whispered. "Open your eyes."
Calathi did not want to open her eyes. The scene that she had closed them to horrified her, and she feared that that is what she would see when she did open them. "No," she whimpered.
"Calathi, it is all right. You are safe now. Open your eyes," the strange voice called again.
The voice was soothing and gentle, and she slowly did as she was told. She looked up into pure blue eyes. "Who are you?" she asked. The stranger helped her sit up, and she noticed that she was in a bright room filled with the scent of flowers. Calathi grimaced as the pain on the back of her head increased. "Where am I?" she moaned, face tight with pain.
"I am King Thranduil, child. You are in the palace of Mirkwood, and out of harm's way." Calathi gasped and struggled to stand so that she could greet the king properly, but he pushed her back down.
"Rest now," he continued. "There will be plenty of time for proper introductions later."
"Yes, your highness," Calathi was finally able to say, after a brief silence. He handed her a steaming cup.
"Drink this," he ordered. She did, and instantly felt the pain ease. Her eyelids grew heavy.
"How-"
"No more talk," he whispered, putting his finger to his lips. "You can ask your questions later. Sleep now." Calathi could only nod before falling fast asleep.
* * * * *
When Calathi next awoke, she was alone in her room, and she barely noticed the ache of her head. She saw that her things were unpacked, and a fresh gown was draped over an ornately carved chair. The curtains across her balcony billowed in the light breeze.
A basin had been set on her bedside table for her to wash with, so she stood and did so. Then she stepped into her rose gown, brushed her hair, and walked onto the balcony to look at her new surroundings.
Calathi could see across the forest of Mirkwood, with its dark trees and dangerous shadows. *Oh no, * she realized. *Telmon must have brought me the entire two-day journey here! * She would have to thank him later, for traveling through the woods was no light task, especially if one was busy carrying someone else.
To her left, she saw more of the palace of Mirkwood, elegant against the ominous forest. "You're awake!" someone said, making her jump. She whirled.
"Nora!" The two female elves embraced.
"Are you alright?" Calathi's friend asked, concern showing in her delicate face. She looked worn out, and her eyes, slightly dull, were edged with creases.
"I feel better." Nora let out a sigh of relief.
"Oh, I was so worried Calathi! When you collapsed there, after being threatened by the orc, and your blood everywhere, I thought…I thought…" she trailed off, tears coming to her eyes, soon falling.
Calathi comforted her and said soothingly, "I am all right now. Please, stop worrying."
"I couldn't sleep, with you in that condition. I should have done something; I should have stopped that orc."
"You couldn't have, Nora. This wasn't your fault."
"I could never have done what you did," Nora sobbed. "You killed that horrible creature, with no weapons, while he held you prisoner." Her sobs eased, and she seemed to calm herself, blushing pink with embarrassment. "Well, you are well now, and I am glad." She turned to leave.
"Nora, wait. Would you like to go for a walk?" Nora smiled gratefully, linking arms with her friend.
"I would love that. Are you sure you are well enough?"
"Perfectly sure. Now let's be off, before night comes." The two strolled arm-in-arm toward the gardens.
* * * * *
Prince Legolas of Mirkwood sat grandly on his throne in the banquet hall. He was fair-skinned, with long, glossy blond hair and perfect, royal blue eyes. He wore a tunic of velvety, dark green, and he was holding a goblet of pure gold, inlaid with jewels. He toyed with it, his sensitive, nimble fingers gliding over the engravings, and he obviously looked bored.
A feast had been prepared, for a new lady was to be presented. The elf sighed, wondering if this one would be as dull as the last one. Most elfin ladies, he had found, were like that: spoiled, though gracious, and caring only for his crown. He knew, however, that that could not be helped.
Of course, he had heard the story of her trip to the palace. The Prince found it hard to believe that a mere lady from an isolated area of Mirkwood could escape from an outraged orc. It was just a rumor, and rumors were seldom true. He would have to wait and ask her himself.
The servants milled around, offering appetizers to the other nobles. Legolas waved them on when they reached him; he was sick of the rich, extravagant meals, and wished only for simple food. He was surrounded by various ladies, which were fawning over him and talking aimlessly about insignificant details of their lives.
Suddenly King Thranduil stood, and the hall hushed. "It is time to begin," he said. "I present to this court Lady Calathi of Ilinar."
Calathi entered the room, and suddenly everyone was completely silent. She was dressed in an exquisite silk gown of deep blue, emphasizing her own eyes. It flowed behind her, like water, as she stepped toward the king.
The lady's dark hair cascaded down her back in lavish curls, almost to her waist. Her figure seemed to glow, her beauty radiating in every direction. All eyes followed her as she approached Thranduil and curtsied gracefully. "Your Highness," she said, her head bowed in respect.
"My Lady Calathi, welcome to my palace," he said, nodding to her, as she straightened.
Legolas then stood and bowed. "My Lady Calathi, thank you for bestowing the wonderful gift of your presence on this court. I am at your service," he said politely.
Calathi gazed at him a moment, surprised at his own words. The Prince of Mirkwood, at her service? She could hardly believe it, but she realized that he was probably only saying this because it was necessary. "I am honored, my Lord," she finally managed to say.
"Let the feast begin," Thranduil said to the quiet crowd. The room erupted in conversation once again as platters were brought to each table.