Faulkner: I just got back from softball practice. I ache all over!!!! The
coach made us run a lap for every ball that we missed, and the ditzy girls
on my team (God knows how they made it) missed like three balls each. We
had to run ten laps I think. I lost count around six.
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I knew I was acting childish, but the very same person who had ruined my life was standing right in front of me. I felt like doing so many things, but I didn't have the strength. I hated that woman....er....elf with every fiber in my body. She had taken all I ever had and wanted.
I heard the male speak, but I couldn't understand him. Probably talking in that dratted elvish. It was beautiful to listen to, but a pain to try to figure out.
A pair of strong arms picked me up and carried me off. I didn't know who it was, nor did I care. I just wanted them all to go away. I just wanted my powers to disappear and become a horrible nightmare that I had had.
I stopped crying after a few minutes and just laid in the elf's arms with my eyes closed. I felt like dirt. I felt worse than dirt. I just wanted to melt and be nothing. Or finally blend in with the people around me. I was sick and tired of being different.
I laid my head on the elf's chest and heard his heartbeat. The calm thumping and the familiar smell of forest and rain with the male muskness was what finally lulled me to sleep.
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I woke up to hear voices talking quietly in elvish. I didn't understand a word of what they were saying, but I thought that they were talking about me. I opened my eyes and saw that it was Haldir and some she-elf. I looked around without moving my head and saw that I was in a bed in some of room.
Haldir noticed that I was awake and came over to my side.
"Good. You are awake. The Lady wishes to speak to you after you eat and get dressed." he said, then left.
"Well, gee, good morning to you too." I grumbled. I was definately not a morning person. I had refrained from flaming his arrogant ass every morning only because there were too many witnesses.
I heard the she-elf mutter something, then turn to me. I sat up and noticed that I was in a nightgown of some sort. It was like silk, maybe because it probably WAS silk. I grimaced at it, and stood up. My legs were feeling pretty weak, but at least I could walk.
"There is a bath in the other room, my lady." the she-elf said. "There will be a dress waiting for you when you get out."
"A dress?" I almost squeeked.
"Yes. A dress." the she-elf confirmed with a nod.
"Uh, couldn't I just have a nice pair of pants and a shirt? Dresses aren't exactly my kind of clothes."
"Tunics and breeches are improper clothing for a lady. Especially since Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel wish to see you." she scolded.
"So? I'd rather where pants and a shirt." I said. I was definately NOT letting them get away with this.
The she-elf and I argued for about ten minutes before she finally relented. She threw up her hands and started muttering to herself as she went to get my clothes. I went into the other room and took off the nightgown and got into the steaming bath.
I let myself soak for a minute before grabbing some soap and scrubbing myself. After all the dirt was off my skin, I looked for some shampoo of some sort. I found some and washed my hair. Then grabbed what I thought was conditioner and went through my hair with that stuff.
When I was clean, I got out and dryed myself with a fluffy towel that had been set out. Then wrapped it around me and got a second one to dry my short hair. My hair seemed blacker than black when it was wet, and today was no exeption.
I peeked out and saw, to my relief, a nice pair of pants and a shirt was laying on the bed. I let the towel fall on the floor and I put the pants on first. They were a nice dark green color, and fit me pretty well. The shirt was a lighter green with long sleeves.
I looked around for my boots and found them next to the bed. Just as I finished putting them on, there was a knock on the door. I opened it and saw stick-up-the-ass. He frowned at my choice of clothes and was about to say something when I spoke.
"Yeah, yeah. I'm a girl and i'm supposed to be all lady-like and wear a dress. Well, just because i'm a lady doesn't mean that I have to dress like one. Besides, it was either this, or the clothes that I came here with." I grinned as he set his jaw and motioned for me to follow him.
As we walked, I noticed that all the elves were staring at me and whispering behind their hands in elvish. So much for trying to figure out what they were saying.
We went up the same steps, but this time we went through the doors. Inside was a giant throne room, with two thrones on a slightly raised dais. On the thrones were Galadriel and her husband. I gave Galadriel a hard look as we walked forward. She just gave me a small smile.
Her husband looked like he was about to say something, but thought better of it. Haldir stopped and bowed. I just stood there, staring at the two. He straightened up and sent me a look.
"Why?" I asked. Haldir gave me another look, but I ignored him. "Why me?"
Galadriel gave me another small smile. "Because you have the inner strength to save us all." she answered. I stared at her blankly.
"Your spirit is strong and courageous. Even when you were young I could sense it. All you needed was a little push. I gifted you with those powers because with them, you could help save our world. Our world needs someone like you to help save it from the Great Evil." she continued. Oh boy, this just got more confusing.
I looked up at Haldir, and he seemed just as confused as me. He looked back at me and our eyes met. I shrugged at his silent question, saying I was just as confused. After a couple seconds we returned our gaze back to Galadriel.
Then my memory decided to kick in. I remembered a lot of what Rumil had said about the Lady and that her husbands name was Celeborn. Then I also remembered the parting words that Galadriel had said to me all the years before.
"One day, you will be able to save the future. Learn well, Narya."
I had been so small and unsure. I hadn't understood what she had said then, and I don't understand it today. What idiot would put a teenager in charge of the future of the world? Apparently, Galadriel was that idiot.
I scowled at Galadriel. "You're crazy to think that I can help save a world. You're even more crazy to try to make me save a world. After what you've done to me, i'd be happy to sit back and watch you die."
This was obviously too much for Haldir. He grabbed my arm made me meet his eyes. They were now a dark blue, clouded with anger.
"Take it back!" he hissed at me.
"Haldir!" Celeborn stood up and called to the rabid elf that was currently trying to dislocate my shoulder.
"Take it back!" he hissed again.
"Bite me." I whispered. This was the chance that I was waiting for. I concentrated and brought up my right hand and gently touched his hand. The heat was enough to make him jump back in pain and let go of me. I turned and ran from there as fast as I could.
"Bring her back!" I heard Celeborn yell at the guards. I knew they would catch me if I just ran. They had longer and more powerful legs. I may not have been short, but I couldn't match the elves. But you'd be amazed what desperation and adrenalin could do for ya.
I had a little bit of a head start, and I used it to its fullest. I dodged around trees and bushes, putting as many objects between us as possible.
Elves watched me fly past, none tried to stop me. For that, I was grateful. When I looked behind me I didn't see the chasing elven guards, but I knew they were there. I kept on running, ignoring the growing stitch in my side. My legs were still weak from all the marching, but I wasn't going to give up.
Not without a fight.
I eventually came across a river with a waterfall a little ways upstream. By that time I was getting my breath in short gasps. I jumped into the river and waded upstream. I was actually thinking today. Go me!
I reached the deeper end where the waterfall was and dove. I know, I was soaking wet already, so what was a little more water going to do? I swam under the waterfall and resurfaced behind it. The water coming down sufficiently hid me. My luck was also good enough to have a ledge. I hauled myself up on it and waited.
I hadn't hid a moment too soon. The elves had stopped at the riverbank and I guess were confused. They eventually crossed and fanned out, looking for my tracks. When I was positive that I wouldn't be seen, I curled up into a ball and closed my eyes and slept. The pounding of the waterfall the only noise.
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My eyes flew open as I got the feeling that someone was nearby. I looked around, but didn't see anyone. But the feeling didn't leave, and I was freezing my ass off. I hugged myself and tried to get warm. My clothes were still wet, and my hair was being a pain again, getting in my eyes.
I pushed it out of my face and looked more closely. Still, no one. 'Oh stop it! You're being paranoid again!' I told myself. But I couldn't shake the feeling. I tried to go back to sleep, but the cold was keeping me awake. Then I smacked my forhead in annoyance.
Duh! I could use my fire ability!
I cupped my hands and concentrated. A small ball of fire appeared and instantly started to warm me. I sighed and pulled it closer. Ooooh, bonus! It was also drying my clothes. Hallelujah!
As soon as all of me was warm and dry (except for my hair) I settled against the wall and got ready for sleep. But my senses started screaming at me that someone was close. I looked around again and saw it.
There was a body in the water. I couldn't tell who it was, but it was probably an elf. I held my breath and became as quiet as possible. Maybe he hadn't noticed me.
Fat chance.
He came out of the water and up on the ledge so fast that all I could do was watch. He shoved me down and pinned my hands and feet to the ground. I blinked and recognized the elf that had me pinned. Dammit, it was stick-up- the-ass Haldir. He was as wet as I had been and his clothes were sticking to his skin. I could see that he had a muscled chest, flat stomach, and powerful arms and legs. Amazing, he was so lean, and all of him was pure muscle! Not even the best athletes on earth could boast that!
"I thought I might find you here after the guards didn't find your tracks." he growled. He was sitting on me, and he wasn't exactly light. Even after being in the freezing water he was warm. Damn him.
"Let go of me Haldir. Unless you want me to burn you again." I smirked.
"You do that and i'll throw you in the river and let you drown."
"You'd be doing me a favor."
He sorta did a double-take and glared at me. "Why do you hate the Lady?" he asked.
"You let me up i'll tell ya. You aren't exactly feather-light."
He slowly got off of me and watched me carefully. I got up and rubbed my wrists. His grip was really tight, and kinda hurt. I settled myself against the wall and said simply, "She ruined my life."
Haldir raised an eyebrow in a silent question to elaborate. I sighed, and started telling him the story. For the life of me, I don't get why. I had only told two other people what had happened that night. But they thought me crazy. I guess I just needed someone to know and understand.
"A long time ago," I had the urge to say 'in a galaxy far, far away' but continued with the real story. "When I was only four years old, the strangest and most horrible thing happened to me. My parents had left me all alone. They had gone to a party at a friends house, and trusted that I would be fine. I was fine for most of the night too. But around midnight, I had a horrible nightmare that woke me up."
I was reliving all this just as I talked about it. It was like I was back home in my old house.
"I got up and went downstairs to find my dog BJ. He was a ten year old Golden Retriever and my best friend. I looked all around the house but couldn't find him. Then I heard some growling and barking. I went outback and saw old Beej snarling at the edges of the woods. I ran over to him and petted him and asked him what was wrong. Suddenly, I saw this bright light coming from the woods. I knew I wasn't supposed to go in the woods unless an adult was with me, but I was extremely curious and afraid the light would go away."
I dimly noticed that Haldir was paying close attention. His body was leaning forward slightly and a wee bit too close to me. But the ledge that we were on was a bit small for a girl and an elf.
"I grabbed BJ's collar and pulled him with me towards the white light. As we walked towards it, the light got dimmer, almost as if it was moving away. We reached a clearing and there, standing in the middle of it, was this magnificent lady. She was tall, with long wavy blond hair that went to her waist and bright blue eyes. She had on a simple, yet gorgeous white dress and was just standing there, watching me and BJ. BJ kept growling, but he didn't move away from me. He was a very protective old dog."
I sighed at the memory of old BJ. He had been the best dog any self respecting person could have.
"The lady greeted me and asked me what I was doing out in the woods so late at night. I told her that I had had a nightmare and was looking for BJ when I saw the pretty white light. The lady smiled and said that the light had come from her and that I should probably go back home and get some sleep. I asked her what she was doing there, and she said that she was waiting for someone. I asked her who, and she said a little girl about my age named Ashley McClane. I said that was my name, I was Ashley."
Haldir wasn't blinking, and it was kinda freaking me out.
"The lady smiled at me again and kinda glided over the grass to where I was. BJ showed his teeth and growled even louder. The lady held out a hand and suddenly BJ stopped growling and started whining. Then he just laid down on the grass and slept. I should have known to get out of there after that, but I didn't. The lady reached out to touch me, but then my legs started to work, and I turned to run. But the lady grabbed my arm," I rolled up my sleeve and showed him my arm. "and her touch was like fire and burned me. I screamed and she pulled away, saying that she was sorry it had to be like this. She said she wanted me to give in willingly, but obviously she had to do it forcefully. I started to cry, and hugged my arm."
I rememberd this part the clearest. I remember the smell of the forest, the burning of my skin, the sound of her voice and the silence of the trees.
"She started chanting something and held her hands over my head. I looked up at her, scared out of my wits. Then I felt a tingling sensation in my hands, and the burning of my arm disappeared slowly. Then I felt like a fire had been set on my back. I jumped up and cried out, and tried to reach my back to stop the burning. But it quickly stopped on its own, and was exchanged with a feeling of ice on my skin. I whimpered at the feeling, and looked up at the lady with fear. She had moved back to the center of the clearing and was staring up at the sky. I heard her murmur that the stars were beautiful tonight, then she looked at me. I backed away from her towards BJ. The last thing she said before disappearing was, 'One day, you will be able to save the future. Learn well, Narya.' And then, she was gone."
I felt the weight of the world had been removed from my shoulders and sighed. I felt better, a lot better. I looked up at Haldir and saw that he was watching me closely.
"She gave me four things that night Haldir. None of them I asked for. A burn in the shape of a hand, a giant tattoo on my back, the power to control and make fire, and the power to heal even the most severe wounds. You would think I wouldn't mind these new abilities. But these abilities scared my mom and dad. They decided that I was crazy, and sent me to a mental institute. A place where crazy people are put and forgotten. I was only four Haldir. FOUR! That's even younger in elvish years than in human years. What right did Galadriel have of burdening me with something like this and ruining my life? Tell me Haldir."
I stared into his bright blue eyes and saw that same thing that had seen in his eyes that night when I had woken up from a nightmare. I knew what it was, I just couldn't put a name to it. It had been a long time since I had seen that in someones eyes.
"No one has that right." he answered quietly.
Then, for the first time in years, I cried. Not the bawling like babies, but quiet sobs. It was just so much, I couldn't take the strain.
I felt a pair of strong arms grab me by my waist and gently pull me into a lap. I knew it was Haldir, who else could it be? I was slightly surprised, since he was always so cold, but I welcomed the comfort anyway.
He held me and I cried on his chest, letting it all go. Haldir whispered nonsense like how everything was okay and rocked me back and forth. He held me and tried to soothe me for I don't know how long. All I know was that I eventually stopped crying, but sniffled a little still. Yet he kept on whispering in my ear and running his hands down my back.
When I was finally completely under control, I turned and faced him. He was looking at me with that look, but he blinked and it was gone. And at that moment, I was happy to be in his company.
I looked into the water and watched it swirl around.
"Thanks Halidr. Thanks a lot."
"Your welcome. Now go to sleep." He leaned back and stared at the ceiling.
"Here? In your...um...lap?" I swallowed.
"Unless you would prefer sleeping on the cold stone." was his answer. "It is too late to go back to the city. Night has already fallen."
As much as I didn't like him, I figured it was a small price to pay for a good nights sleep. So, after shifting slightly and laying my head on his shoulder, I fell asleep.
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Faulkner: Sweet chapter, ne? Cookies and brownies to all that have reviewed this story so far. Thankies! I live off your reviews and the crazy nonsense my friends and I say.
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I knew I was acting childish, but the very same person who had ruined my life was standing right in front of me. I felt like doing so many things, but I didn't have the strength. I hated that woman....er....elf with every fiber in my body. She had taken all I ever had and wanted.
I heard the male speak, but I couldn't understand him. Probably talking in that dratted elvish. It was beautiful to listen to, but a pain to try to figure out.
A pair of strong arms picked me up and carried me off. I didn't know who it was, nor did I care. I just wanted them all to go away. I just wanted my powers to disappear and become a horrible nightmare that I had had.
I stopped crying after a few minutes and just laid in the elf's arms with my eyes closed. I felt like dirt. I felt worse than dirt. I just wanted to melt and be nothing. Or finally blend in with the people around me. I was sick and tired of being different.
I laid my head on the elf's chest and heard his heartbeat. The calm thumping and the familiar smell of forest and rain with the male muskness was what finally lulled me to sleep.
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I woke up to hear voices talking quietly in elvish. I didn't understand a word of what they were saying, but I thought that they were talking about me. I opened my eyes and saw that it was Haldir and some she-elf. I looked around without moving my head and saw that I was in a bed in some of room.
Haldir noticed that I was awake and came over to my side.
"Good. You are awake. The Lady wishes to speak to you after you eat and get dressed." he said, then left.
"Well, gee, good morning to you too." I grumbled. I was definately not a morning person. I had refrained from flaming his arrogant ass every morning only because there were too many witnesses.
I heard the she-elf mutter something, then turn to me. I sat up and noticed that I was in a nightgown of some sort. It was like silk, maybe because it probably WAS silk. I grimaced at it, and stood up. My legs were feeling pretty weak, but at least I could walk.
"There is a bath in the other room, my lady." the she-elf said. "There will be a dress waiting for you when you get out."
"A dress?" I almost squeeked.
"Yes. A dress." the she-elf confirmed with a nod.
"Uh, couldn't I just have a nice pair of pants and a shirt? Dresses aren't exactly my kind of clothes."
"Tunics and breeches are improper clothing for a lady. Especially since Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel wish to see you." she scolded.
"So? I'd rather where pants and a shirt." I said. I was definately NOT letting them get away with this.
The she-elf and I argued for about ten minutes before she finally relented. She threw up her hands and started muttering to herself as she went to get my clothes. I went into the other room and took off the nightgown and got into the steaming bath.
I let myself soak for a minute before grabbing some soap and scrubbing myself. After all the dirt was off my skin, I looked for some shampoo of some sort. I found some and washed my hair. Then grabbed what I thought was conditioner and went through my hair with that stuff.
When I was clean, I got out and dryed myself with a fluffy towel that had been set out. Then wrapped it around me and got a second one to dry my short hair. My hair seemed blacker than black when it was wet, and today was no exeption.
I peeked out and saw, to my relief, a nice pair of pants and a shirt was laying on the bed. I let the towel fall on the floor and I put the pants on first. They were a nice dark green color, and fit me pretty well. The shirt was a lighter green with long sleeves.
I looked around for my boots and found them next to the bed. Just as I finished putting them on, there was a knock on the door. I opened it and saw stick-up-the-ass. He frowned at my choice of clothes and was about to say something when I spoke.
"Yeah, yeah. I'm a girl and i'm supposed to be all lady-like and wear a dress. Well, just because i'm a lady doesn't mean that I have to dress like one. Besides, it was either this, or the clothes that I came here with." I grinned as he set his jaw and motioned for me to follow him.
As we walked, I noticed that all the elves were staring at me and whispering behind their hands in elvish. So much for trying to figure out what they were saying.
We went up the same steps, but this time we went through the doors. Inside was a giant throne room, with two thrones on a slightly raised dais. On the thrones were Galadriel and her husband. I gave Galadriel a hard look as we walked forward. She just gave me a small smile.
Her husband looked like he was about to say something, but thought better of it. Haldir stopped and bowed. I just stood there, staring at the two. He straightened up and sent me a look.
"Why?" I asked. Haldir gave me another look, but I ignored him. "Why me?"
Galadriel gave me another small smile. "Because you have the inner strength to save us all." she answered. I stared at her blankly.
"Your spirit is strong and courageous. Even when you were young I could sense it. All you needed was a little push. I gifted you with those powers because with them, you could help save our world. Our world needs someone like you to help save it from the Great Evil." she continued. Oh boy, this just got more confusing.
I looked up at Haldir, and he seemed just as confused as me. He looked back at me and our eyes met. I shrugged at his silent question, saying I was just as confused. After a couple seconds we returned our gaze back to Galadriel.
Then my memory decided to kick in. I remembered a lot of what Rumil had said about the Lady and that her husbands name was Celeborn. Then I also remembered the parting words that Galadriel had said to me all the years before.
"One day, you will be able to save the future. Learn well, Narya."
I had been so small and unsure. I hadn't understood what she had said then, and I don't understand it today. What idiot would put a teenager in charge of the future of the world? Apparently, Galadriel was that idiot.
I scowled at Galadriel. "You're crazy to think that I can help save a world. You're even more crazy to try to make me save a world. After what you've done to me, i'd be happy to sit back and watch you die."
This was obviously too much for Haldir. He grabbed my arm made me meet his eyes. They were now a dark blue, clouded with anger.
"Take it back!" he hissed at me.
"Haldir!" Celeborn stood up and called to the rabid elf that was currently trying to dislocate my shoulder.
"Take it back!" he hissed again.
"Bite me." I whispered. This was the chance that I was waiting for. I concentrated and brought up my right hand and gently touched his hand. The heat was enough to make him jump back in pain and let go of me. I turned and ran from there as fast as I could.
"Bring her back!" I heard Celeborn yell at the guards. I knew they would catch me if I just ran. They had longer and more powerful legs. I may not have been short, but I couldn't match the elves. But you'd be amazed what desperation and adrenalin could do for ya.
I had a little bit of a head start, and I used it to its fullest. I dodged around trees and bushes, putting as many objects between us as possible.
Elves watched me fly past, none tried to stop me. For that, I was grateful. When I looked behind me I didn't see the chasing elven guards, but I knew they were there. I kept on running, ignoring the growing stitch in my side. My legs were still weak from all the marching, but I wasn't going to give up.
Not without a fight.
I eventually came across a river with a waterfall a little ways upstream. By that time I was getting my breath in short gasps. I jumped into the river and waded upstream. I was actually thinking today. Go me!
I reached the deeper end where the waterfall was and dove. I know, I was soaking wet already, so what was a little more water going to do? I swam under the waterfall and resurfaced behind it. The water coming down sufficiently hid me. My luck was also good enough to have a ledge. I hauled myself up on it and waited.
I hadn't hid a moment too soon. The elves had stopped at the riverbank and I guess were confused. They eventually crossed and fanned out, looking for my tracks. When I was positive that I wouldn't be seen, I curled up into a ball and closed my eyes and slept. The pounding of the waterfall the only noise.
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My eyes flew open as I got the feeling that someone was nearby. I looked around, but didn't see anyone. But the feeling didn't leave, and I was freezing my ass off. I hugged myself and tried to get warm. My clothes were still wet, and my hair was being a pain again, getting in my eyes.
I pushed it out of my face and looked more closely. Still, no one. 'Oh stop it! You're being paranoid again!' I told myself. But I couldn't shake the feeling. I tried to go back to sleep, but the cold was keeping me awake. Then I smacked my forhead in annoyance.
Duh! I could use my fire ability!
I cupped my hands and concentrated. A small ball of fire appeared and instantly started to warm me. I sighed and pulled it closer. Ooooh, bonus! It was also drying my clothes. Hallelujah!
As soon as all of me was warm and dry (except for my hair) I settled against the wall and got ready for sleep. But my senses started screaming at me that someone was close. I looked around again and saw it.
There was a body in the water. I couldn't tell who it was, but it was probably an elf. I held my breath and became as quiet as possible. Maybe he hadn't noticed me.
Fat chance.
He came out of the water and up on the ledge so fast that all I could do was watch. He shoved me down and pinned my hands and feet to the ground. I blinked and recognized the elf that had me pinned. Dammit, it was stick-up- the-ass Haldir. He was as wet as I had been and his clothes were sticking to his skin. I could see that he had a muscled chest, flat stomach, and powerful arms and legs. Amazing, he was so lean, and all of him was pure muscle! Not even the best athletes on earth could boast that!
"I thought I might find you here after the guards didn't find your tracks." he growled. He was sitting on me, and he wasn't exactly light. Even after being in the freezing water he was warm. Damn him.
"Let go of me Haldir. Unless you want me to burn you again." I smirked.
"You do that and i'll throw you in the river and let you drown."
"You'd be doing me a favor."
He sorta did a double-take and glared at me. "Why do you hate the Lady?" he asked.
"You let me up i'll tell ya. You aren't exactly feather-light."
He slowly got off of me and watched me carefully. I got up and rubbed my wrists. His grip was really tight, and kinda hurt. I settled myself against the wall and said simply, "She ruined my life."
Haldir raised an eyebrow in a silent question to elaborate. I sighed, and started telling him the story. For the life of me, I don't get why. I had only told two other people what had happened that night. But they thought me crazy. I guess I just needed someone to know and understand.
"A long time ago," I had the urge to say 'in a galaxy far, far away' but continued with the real story. "When I was only four years old, the strangest and most horrible thing happened to me. My parents had left me all alone. They had gone to a party at a friends house, and trusted that I would be fine. I was fine for most of the night too. But around midnight, I had a horrible nightmare that woke me up."
I was reliving all this just as I talked about it. It was like I was back home in my old house.
"I got up and went downstairs to find my dog BJ. He was a ten year old Golden Retriever and my best friend. I looked all around the house but couldn't find him. Then I heard some growling and barking. I went outback and saw old Beej snarling at the edges of the woods. I ran over to him and petted him and asked him what was wrong. Suddenly, I saw this bright light coming from the woods. I knew I wasn't supposed to go in the woods unless an adult was with me, but I was extremely curious and afraid the light would go away."
I dimly noticed that Haldir was paying close attention. His body was leaning forward slightly and a wee bit too close to me. But the ledge that we were on was a bit small for a girl and an elf.
"I grabbed BJ's collar and pulled him with me towards the white light. As we walked towards it, the light got dimmer, almost as if it was moving away. We reached a clearing and there, standing in the middle of it, was this magnificent lady. She was tall, with long wavy blond hair that went to her waist and bright blue eyes. She had on a simple, yet gorgeous white dress and was just standing there, watching me and BJ. BJ kept growling, but he didn't move away from me. He was a very protective old dog."
I sighed at the memory of old BJ. He had been the best dog any self respecting person could have.
"The lady greeted me and asked me what I was doing out in the woods so late at night. I told her that I had had a nightmare and was looking for BJ when I saw the pretty white light. The lady smiled and said that the light had come from her and that I should probably go back home and get some sleep. I asked her what she was doing there, and she said that she was waiting for someone. I asked her who, and she said a little girl about my age named Ashley McClane. I said that was my name, I was Ashley."
Haldir wasn't blinking, and it was kinda freaking me out.
"The lady smiled at me again and kinda glided over the grass to where I was. BJ showed his teeth and growled even louder. The lady held out a hand and suddenly BJ stopped growling and started whining. Then he just laid down on the grass and slept. I should have known to get out of there after that, but I didn't. The lady reached out to touch me, but then my legs started to work, and I turned to run. But the lady grabbed my arm," I rolled up my sleeve and showed him my arm. "and her touch was like fire and burned me. I screamed and she pulled away, saying that she was sorry it had to be like this. She said she wanted me to give in willingly, but obviously she had to do it forcefully. I started to cry, and hugged my arm."
I rememberd this part the clearest. I remember the smell of the forest, the burning of my skin, the sound of her voice and the silence of the trees.
"She started chanting something and held her hands over my head. I looked up at her, scared out of my wits. Then I felt a tingling sensation in my hands, and the burning of my arm disappeared slowly. Then I felt like a fire had been set on my back. I jumped up and cried out, and tried to reach my back to stop the burning. But it quickly stopped on its own, and was exchanged with a feeling of ice on my skin. I whimpered at the feeling, and looked up at the lady with fear. She had moved back to the center of the clearing and was staring up at the sky. I heard her murmur that the stars were beautiful tonight, then she looked at me. I backed away from her towards BJ. The last thing she said before disappearing was, 'One day, you will be able to save the future. Learn well, Narya.' And then, she was gone."
I felt the weight of the world had been removed from my shoulders and sighed. I felt better, a lot better. I looked up at Haldir and saw that he was watching me closely.
"She gave me four things that night Haldir. None of them I asked for. A burn in the shape of a hand, a giant tattoo on my back, the power to control and make fire, and the power to heal even the most severe wounds. You would think I wouldn't mind these new abilities. But these abilities scared my mom and dad. They decided that I was crazy, and sent me to a mental institute. A place where crazy people are put and forgotten. I was only four Haldir. FOUR! That's even younger in elvish years than in human years. What right did Galadriel have of burdening me with something like this and ruining my life? Tell me Haldir."
I stared into his bright blue eyes and saw that same thing that had seen in his eyes that night when I had woken up from a nightmare. I knew what it was, I just couldn't put a name to it. It had been a long time since I had seen that in someones eyes.
"No one has that right." he answered quietly.
Then, for the first time in years, I cried. Not the bawling like babies, but quiet sobs. It was just so much, I couldn't take the strain.
I felt a pair of strong arms grab me by my waist and gently pull me into a lap. I knew it was Haldir, who else could it be? I was slightly surprised, since he was always so cold, but I welcomed the comfort anyway.
He held me and I cried on his chest, letting it all go. Haldir whispered nonsense like how everything was okay and rocked me back and forth. He held me and tried to soothe me for I don't know how long. All I know was that I eventually stopped crying, but sniffled a little still. Yet he kept on whispering in my ear and running his hands down my back.
When I was finally completely under control, I turned and faced him. He was looking at me with that look, but he blinked and it was gone. And at that moment, I was happy to be in his company.
I looked into the water and watched it swirl around.
"Thanks Halidr. Thanks a lot."
"Your welcome. Now go to sleep." He leaned back and stared at the ceiling.
"Here? In your...um...lap?" I swallowed.
"Unless you would prefer sleeping on the cold stone." was his answer. "It is too late to go back to the city. Night has already fallen."
As much as I didn't like him, I figured it was a small price to pay for a good nights sleep. So, after shifting slightly and laying my head on his shoulder, I fell asleep.
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Faulkner: Sweet chapter, ne? Cookies and brownies to all that have reviewed this story so far. Thankies! I live off your reviews and the crazy nonsense my friends and I say.