Disclaimer: Don't own 'em, just borrowing them to pay my homage to Tolkien and Pratchett.
AN: I've started re-reading Lords and Ladies, so I can remember how ME elves and Disc elves compare, so the chapters may come a little more slowly, I apologize. Oh, and more gold stars to elinor (again) and to justso.
elinor: Don't worry, I have plans for Death. Oh yes, I have plans. evil laughter
justso: thanks for info, I think I'll keep 'firen' because I'm too lazy right now to go change it. I will definitely go to that website if I try to attempt more sindarin. Bah, I swear, I read through the chapters like 3 times, but I never catch all the typos, sigh
This chapter is brought to you by cherry coke, which I haven't had in months and so I'm a wee bit caffeinated at the moment. By which I mean: GO SUGAR GOOOOO!!!! runs of giggling.
Agnes and the Elves
Chapter 4 – Of Wizards and Mind-Readings
"Um… hi?" Agnes stammered.
The old man turned and spoke to Glorfindel and El-pond. Glorfindel began speaking, presumably about finding Agnes in the woods and dragging her here.
Why didn't he see us before the old man pointed us out? Perdita asked.
I have no idea. Maybe he wasn't concentrating right. Agnes said. Speaking of concentrating…
Granny had told Agnes once that reading minds wasn't simple or easy, people's thoughts are too scattered to make any sense. However, if one had good sight, they could look at what a person was concentrating on the most (i.e. words they are about to say, emotions or images that the words are triggered by, etc.)
Agnes looked at the old man, letting her eyes become unfocused as Granny had taught her. She sensed… curiosity and worry. With the worry came an image of the child lying on the bed… and a golden ring? That made no sense.
Agnes felt the man become aware of her looking at his thoughts, and suddenly she could no longer see them. He had forced her out of her mind, more easily than even Granny could have done.
How did he do that? Is he a wizard?
He can't be, Perdita said dismissively, no glitter or sequins. And his hat isn't very pointy. No self-respecting wizard would dress like that.
Agnes wanted to agree with Perdita's assessment. With the exception of the beard, this man looked nothing like a wizard. He looked intelligent, for one thing. (Wizards and witches had a tendency to not get along. It was one of those Things.) However…
Agnes could feel amusement, and it wasn't hers. Perdita?
It's not me! He's in here! Hey, old guy, this is my spot! Get out!
Agnes concentrated, attempting to push his mind out. Surprisingly, Perdita started concentrating as well (Perdita normally liked to distract Agnes whenever possibly, usually resulting in Granny or Nanny mad at Agnes, and providing Perdita with endless amusment).
Despite Agnes' and Perdita's best efforts, the gentle presence of the old man remained.
I guess he is a wizard after all. muttered Perdita.
Gandalf said the presence.
What did he say?
I think it's his name.
From Gandalf came a query. Agnes got the impression of… identity, and a question.
I think he wants to know my name… Agnes hazarded. She tried to project an image of herself: Agnes.
Perdita projected an image of a Agnes with a savagely grinning ghost huddling inside: Perdita.
Gandalf retreated from her mind in confusion.
Perdita! Oh bugger, now he's going to think I'm crazy.
Who's to say you aren't?
Agnes thought a rude word, and watched as Gandalf spoke to El-pond and Glorfindel (who had just finished his tale of finding Agnes). El-Pond and Glorfindel turned to her, and suddenly they were both in her mind.
Elrond said one.
Glorfind-
Glorfindel didn't get to finish identifying himself, because right about then is when Agnes panicked. (Agnes wasn't normally prone to panicking, but she'd been living her nightmare for maybe a half an hour now, and the elves entering her mind were the last straw.)
AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!! GetoutgetoutgetoutgetoutGETOUT!!!!! Agnes fled the room in much the same fashion as the elves fled her mind (very quickly). She dashed into the room where the elves had left her and hurled herself back into her body.
As Agnes felt unconsciousness actually claim her at last, she distantly heard Perdita remark: just slightly overreacting, don't you think?
And then there was darkness.
By the time Agnes regained consciousness, it was late in the evening.
Ah, you're finally awake. Perdita commented. I thought we would be asleep forever.
Sod off, Perdita.
Tsk tsk, such language!
Agnes sat up, surveying the room. The fading sunlight left the corners of the room in deep shadow, but clearly illuminated the furniture: her bed, a small desk with a basin sitting on it, a chair, and the door.
Agnes walked over to the door and attempted to open it, but it was locked. Like elves would let me wander about as I pleased.
Like anyone who discovered someone come out of nowhere and couldn't understand a word they said would just let them walk around on their own. Remember, they probably think you're crazy.
And whose fault is that?
There was no response.
Agnes walked back to her bed and sat, thinking about the events of the day. The minds of elves were supposed to be cold, cruelly intelligent, and predatory. Agnes had felt nothing like that when Glorfindel and Elrond (not El-Pond) had touched her mind. Then (despite her panic) she had felt… warmth, and wisdom. The capacity for great power, yes, but also a reluctance to use it. It reminded Agnes very strongly of Granny Weatherwax.
Where was she that elves were not elves, but instead were the things that most people wished they were? Was this the Star People as they were supposed to be?
Agnes stared at the wall, thinking, for a long time.
And somewhere far away, a figure sat alone in a hugely disproportionate study, and decided he needed to take a vacation.
AN: Ah, alas that I can no longer get away with calling Elrond El-pond. It gave me much more amusement than the gag was worth.
