Disclaimer: I own nothing.
Lady Tolwen: Don't worry. I believe you. Truth is I love it when people share their views or thoughts, good or bad, on the story. It allows me to see it from a different perceptive and points out where some of my weak spots are. Allowing me to go back and make them better at some point.
As for your comments…thank you.
In Lindreal there is probably some nobles which are 'nice', but keep in mind that the info about those nobles come from Lillian's point of view, so it may not be fully true as a whole. In Lillian's past, there could be some nobles which had treated her with kindness, but they are few and far in between. Most likely, those memories are pushed back far enough where she doesn't recall them, yet. She is more or less in a certain mind state at the moment. Nobles=evil. Not always true but it keeps her out of trouble. Personally, I can't see her thinking something like- nobles are cruel, but there was that one that was nice- only in different words. She's hurt and scared right now so her thought progress reflects it. When she's heals more, different aspect of Lindreal and it's nobles will be revealed.
It does become a little repetitive after awhile, doesn't it? Some of it is done on purpose, but I might eventually go back at a later date and see what I can do to make it a little less repetitive.
As for her thinking that she deserved better… She does, it just not very strong at the moment. I had hinted it a couple of times in chapter 1, 3, and in this chapter as well. They are no mean obvious. Some of them are ones you need to read in between the lines to see or they are hinted in a small action. But like with the noble concept, with her healing it will change/grow. It will become more obvious that she want to be treated better, but it will comes in strides. Can't exactly have her jump from point A to Z without the in between steps, can I? However, things have a way of becoming worst before they get better. And that is true here. In the old version, I keep her true reaction to Elrond's decision out, and in the process made the story lighter then it was. That won't happen this time. Lillian's dark thoughts at the beginning couldn't have just disappear after roughly a month or less of being in Rivendell—even with Elrohir around. So, her increase and decrease in healing will be show more clearly.
As for her nobility…She is use to hiding it, no way around that. But part of her doesn't want to accept it, not truly, which ties back up with wanting to be treated better. With her past, comes fears—some I have revealed, some I haven't. In a way her accepting her birthright and admitting it to others is part of her healing. Something, at this point, she is not ready for.
Oi, this is the longest reply I have ever written. I did ramble on a bit, sorry about that. I sometimes do that when I'm talking about something I love. Well, I'll shut up now. Till next time.
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Note: Like the pervious chapters, not much has change. I was mainly getting rid of head hopping. However, next chapter will be brand new. I'm just not sure when it will be out.
Chapter 4: The day the elves forget their grace.
Lillian awoke from her slumber with a slight smile. Yesterday was one of the most interesting days of her life, but also the most stressful. The hobbits were amazing creatures. It seemed as if each race on this strange world was different in its own special way.
It took her awhile to get use to the different physical characteristic that the hobbits had, from the hairy feet to the large ears. And from what she had seen of them thus far, the hobbits were joyous beings with a strong love for food. Lillian still didn't quite understand how such small beings could eat so much.
And how they could talk! She was amazed at how long they could speak on one subject alone. Their favorite topic so far was the proper way to drink ale at some Green Dragon inn. The love of their home and families showed clearly in their voice and eyes. And it touched Lillian. It was nice to be with happy people.
And Lillian wished that she could be more like these fascinating beings. But fear had been deeply implanted in her. She wanted to live life like she chose—to talk and discuss any and every topic with anyone who would listen. But her blood father took that dream away. Perhaps, in this world she would finally get the chance to be as she wished.
But she was afraid. For the last eleven years she labored to go unnoticed—being seen in her home world hurt. But as the days passed that old fear was starting to slip away. The nobles in this world had been nothing but nice to her. But she had met only a few people, and just because some were nice didn't mean all them were. And, she still had to be sure that these nobles meant what they said. She was used to nobles putting up charades to gain what they wanted.
But… Lillian's thoughts continued as she rose out of bed, ignoring the twinge in her side. These nobles had no reason to carry on such a thing, did they? From what she had observed of the elves she met, they were truly caring souls. But, a handful of days were not enough to judge a race, much less trust them. She was still wary. However, with every day she was around this mystical race, that dread was slowly slipping away.
Lillian stopped before a gown laid across the dressing table. It was breathtaking—an eggshell blue gown with butterfly sleeves and navy blue embroidery decorating a v-shaped neckline and empire waistline. Lillian still didn't understand why these people treated her like they did.
Like she was an equal.
Beside the dress was a note. The woman was grateful that she had been taught how to read and write. In her blood father's home, it was forbidden for servants to read or be found writing. Lillian suspected her blood father feared that if servants communicated through the written word they would incite one of his enemies to rise against him. Tyrants always had an enemy. Or perhaps the fear was that the servants themselves would find a loophole in the laws and overthrow him.
One of those loopholes was her. After all, she was of blood. And any one of blood was a threat to Kalin's rule. It was common knowledge that he had ordered to have her killed at birth. Yet, six years later he merely forced her into servitude. Why? Did he believe that by breaking her spirit the threat of her Claim would disappear?
Whatever his reasoning, this strange world elicited a new hope. Lillian's walls had begun to crumble. And the reason started with Elrohir.
There was no romance between them Lillian knew that. They were strangers and people don't fall in love at first glance. But when she stopped fearing him, she started to feel safe around him. Part of the reason was that it was getting harder to see him as a noble as the days passed. But the main reason was he reminded her of Galen.
The palace guard; a flirt, a charlatan, but who did everything that he could to help the servants. In her blood father's home he was one of the few people she would trust with her life.
Lillian just prayed that he was all right.
Shaking her head to clear it, she set the note back on the table before heading to the side room where her bath was ready.
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Two hours later, Lillian stood dressed in the new gown, her waist length hair pulled back in a loose tail, ready to go to breakfast. Well, she looked ready. Inside she was a nervous wreck. Yesterday had been the first day she was allowed to get out of her bed to move around, but she still ate her meals in private.
Today, she was to dine with everyone else, and she was not sure how she was supposed to act. Back home a servant was never allowed to dine at table. But it seemed that many bylaws that existed in Kalin's court, were not enforced. After four days, Lillian still wasn't sure of the rules in this strange place. And that made her uncomfortable and scared.
A knock at the door interrupted, her thoughts. Taking a calming breath, Lillian opened the door.
"Good Morning, Lady Lillian," the fresh face chirped jovially.
"Good morning, Lord Elrohir," she replied softly.
"Shall we go to breakfast?" Seeing her small nod, Elrohir started out. "By the way, Lady Lillian, you look stunning today." A blush on her cheeks was her only answer.
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Ten minutes later, as they approached the High Table where Elrond and his family dined, Elrohir placed Lillian's hand in the crook of his arm. She looked up at him with fright, careful to avoid eye contact, and he squeezed her fingers. "It is proper and right for a Lady to be escorted to her seat."
She opened her mouth to speak, but was interrupted by Gandalf, still wearing his gray robe. "It is good to see you again, Lady Lillian," he rumbled. "We have been eager to talk with you."
"I did not mean to be late." Lillian dropped her eyes before she could take in the rest of his features.
"You are not late, child." The man waved his hand in dismissal. She did not see the amusement that sparkled in his eyes. "You have been injured, and were not allowed to be tormented by an Old Fool."
"Elrohir," an agitated voice said. "Stop monopolizing the lady and introduce her." Lillian glanced at this new voice, and stopped dead. It was another Elrohir. If this one was anything like the original, she would never have a moment's peace.
"Patience brother, patience," Elrohir said as he escorted Lillian to the table. The mischief in his eyes shone brightly as he continued. "I understand that you are jealous of such beautiful company; but if everyone will sit down, I will introduce this lovely lady." Elladan rolled his eyes at his brother's antics, but smiled at the lady while taking his seat.
After everyone had taken his or her seat, Elrohir introduced Lillian. "Ladies and Gentlemen. It is my pleasure to introduce to you, Lillian, daughter of Lylia." Elrohir pulled out Lillian's chair and assisted her in sitting down as he continued the introductions. "Lady Lillian as you already know, the elf at the head of the table, is my good Father: Elrond Halfelvin, Lord of Rivendell. To his right is my twin, Elladan. Unfortunately he didn't take after my personality." She sighed in relief, bringing chuckles to those around. Lillian cringed at the attention; instead she focused her attention to Elrohir.
"Next to my boring brother, is my sister Arwen, beside her is the love her life, Aragorn of Gondor." At Aragorn and Arwen's look of horror he replied in monotone. "Brother, sister. Father knew since the first time you made eyes at each other." Lillian bit her lip to keep from laughing while everyone else chuckled at the couple's blush. "Next to Aragorn is Glorfindel and the love of his life..." Elrohir trailed off at Glorfindel's glare. Shrugging the jester continued, "Well, no one really knows..." Bending down he whispered in her ear, "It is his horse, Asfaloth. So far, no maiden has swayed his heart." Pointedly ignoring Glorfindel's glare, he straightened and continued his introductions.
"Beside him, is Leggy..." Elrohir trailed off again at Legolas's glare and then continued with mock innocence, "I forgot, he doesn't like that nickname. You see he received that name during his childhood when..."
"Elrohir," Legolas interrupted sharply, an unsaid warning in his voice.
"Right, shutting up." Elrohir said quickly, mocking like one in fright. Turning towards Lillian he wink and said, "I'll tell you the story later, when Leggy is not around to interrupt."
Rubbing his forehead, Legolas muttered, "Elrohir ... what did I do to be cursed with a friend like you?"
"You were born," Elrohir replied without missing a beat, causing chuckles around the table. "Anyway, Leggy's real name is Legolas Thrandullion. He's the Prince of Mirkwood. He has a wonderful sense of humor, which is probably the only reason I'm not dead yet."
When Lillian looked up at him in alarm, catching his eyes, Elrohir winked. "But he is a good friend. One of the best I have, in fact. Even when he pushed me into a mud hole a hundred years ago and I had to wait three days before I could get to a stream to wash up." Elrohir crinkled his noise at the memory while the table irrupted in laughter.
Legolas grinned mirthfully and said, "Not to mention the time by the lake when I…"
Looking up sharply, Elrohir interrupted "Don't you dare, Legolas..." Stopping in mid sentence when a thought struck him. Elrohir grinned. "Never mind. Continue on with your story..." Looking at him suspiciously, Legolas opened his mouth to continue when Elrohir interrupted, smiley sweetly, "If you want me to tell the Ladies about Mirkwood and our seven hundreds."
Closing his mouth Legolas sent Elrohir a glare, before he smiled to himself and muttered, "I'll let the bout go to you this time, Elrohir. Valar knows you need it."
Elrohir waved his hand in dismissal. "No, I don't. I'm only ten points behind. I am catching up and will soon surpass you if you do not keep on your toes, Leggy."
Glaring, once more, Legolas asked, "When will you stop calling me by that accursed name?"
Plopping into his seat with grace, Elrohir answered smugly. "Never." Legolas groaned while the others chuckled. "Besides it is Aragorn who needs the extra help." Leaning back in his seat Elrohir asked, "What are the currant scores?"
Thinking for a moment, Legolas answered, "I am in the lead with 230 points. As you already stated, Elrohir, you are 10 points behind with 220. Elladan is third, 218, and Aragorn is last with 210."
"You're falling behind, Estel. You used to lead this competition, little brother. Not losing your touch, now are we?" Elrohir commented before eating a slice of apple.
"If I am losing my touch, brother…" Aragorn started with a raise eyebrow, "then why is there a pink bow in your hair?"
Shaking his head, Elrohir replied, "Nice try, Estel. You had not the opportunity. I will not fall for your bluff."
Smiling, Aragorn leaned back, countering easily, "Am I bluffing? I may not have had the opportunity, but my allies certainly did."
"Allies?" Looking around the table, Elrohir noticed two people returning to their seats, Arwen and his beloved Father. Slowly Elrohir reached up, feeling his head and then with a swift tug, brought the bow unraveling from his hair.
Nodding to his brother, he said, "Well done, Estel. Two points I believe are in order. One point for this little trinket and another for the flowers in Legolas's hair. Who was the culprit?"
Legolas's eyes widen slightly as he yanked the white lilies out of his hair. "Who," he demanded.
"The flowers were mine." Glorfindel stated.
Sighing, Legolas muttered, "No wonder I didn't notice. I was too busy watching Lady Arwen and Lord Elrond." Smirking, Legolas commented, "By the way, Elladan, the bow in your hair matches your brother's nicely."
Groaning, Elladan swiftly removed the offending object from his hair, muttering, "Ada, you traitor."
"Which then, leaves Arwen responsible for my own decoration." Elrohir said. Arwen smiled and nodded while Elrohir continued talking. "Which is another point for Estel. However, because of agreement, he gains ten points for each ally. Which means he earned a total of 33 points, putting him at 243 and back in the lead."
"Brother, just wait until your next birthday," Elrohir warned. "I will have a new way of waking you at unearthly hours."
Resting his forehead in his hand, Aragorn muttered, "Dear Valar, someone save me." Chuckles followed the statement.
"I would brother…." Elladan teased "but I'm still trying to save myself."
Holding a hand to his heart, Elrohir mocked, "Brothers, you wound me so with your words. My heart shall forever hurt with the pain." Chuckles followed his statement.
"Oh, and I forgot about the old wizard to your right, Lady Lillian. As you already know, he is Gandalf the Gray. I would tell you some very interesting things about him, but I do not feel like becoming a toad today." During the accompanying laughter, Elrohir leaned towards Lillian and whispered into her ear, "Beside there are none to be told."
Her lips twitched in amusement. She was amazed at the atmosphere; she had never seen such light heartedness. Back home, the only conversation among the aristocracy was made of subtle insults and arguments. Her mental barrier was far from cracking, but she felt contentment now. She might finally be able to have freedom.
She would still have to learn their rules. Lillian understood that. If she didn't, then the little freedom she had might be taken away. As nice as these people were, she didn't know them and would not trust blindly.
"Lady Lillian, what do you think of your stay in Rivendell? My brother hasn't been bothering you too much, has he," asked Elladan a slight teasing note at the end.
Swallowing a bite of food, Lillian replied, quietly, "It has been very pleasant, Lord Elladan, and no, Lord Elrohir has been very helpful." Lillian could feel everyone's eyes on her and she shifted uncomfortably. She knew they were curious about her, and rightly so. She was a stranger in their home after all. But she still wished that she could disappear from sight.
Seeing her discomfort, Elrohir decided to step in. "A bother? Really Elladan, you should know better than that."
"We do, Elrohir," interrupted Glorfindel. "That is why we asked."
"I cannot help myself," he said with great flair. "Whenever I am in the company of a beauteous woman," he leaned over to Lillian, "I inevitably play the scoundrel." This statement was followed by the expected blush. If it were possible, the former servant shrank even further into herself.
"Elrohir," Legolas warned, dangerously close to uncivil. "That is enough," he said in Elvish.
"You needn't be so rough with me," he laughed, leaning over the table a thoughtful look on his face.
Elrohir reached for his wine goblet while locking glances with Legolas trying to converse with him silently. And then with a silent 'Forgive me' and a quick glance to his twin he 'accidentally' knocked the goblet over.
For a moment, time stood still as the red liquid flew towards Legolas. Splashing against his blinking face, running down his neck into his fine gray tunic. For a moment they sat there in silence before Legolas pursed his lips in anger while narrowing his eyes.
"Elrohir, Elladan. May I speak with you two, in private?" Legolas said while wiping his face. His tone of voice revealed that it was a command, not a request.
Without missing a beat, Elrohir replied cheerfully, "Oh of course, my friend." Turning to the side he sent Lillian a warm smile. His smile widened when he saw her lips tremble from silent laughter. Grabbing her right hand he raised it to his lips, saying, "My lady. Please honor me and wait here while I deal with this jealous elf." Ignoring Legolas's glare, he kissed Lillian's hand. Elrohir watched Lillian shake her head before her mouth opened, only to snap shut.
With a soothing voice, Elrohir said, "You can speak your mind, Lady Lillian. You do not need permission. Now what were you going to say?" From the corner of his eye, Elrohir could see part of Legolas's anger melting to confusion as the girl bowed her head.
"He is angry with you, not jealous, my lord," Lillian whispered softly. "I don't want you to be hurt." Tipping her chin up with a finger, Elrohir looked into her sad, scared eyes and shook his head, slowly. "Why do you think I will be hurt, Lady Lillian," he asked, knowingly.
Her eyes drifted to the side of his face as Lillian focused on his ear. "I have seen that look upon many a man's face before, Lord Elrohir."
Elrohir smiled. "Legolas is a Prince of Mirkwood. He would not sink to blows with me over something so trivial."
Not convinced, but rather trained she nodded. "I shall await your return, then, my lord."
Raising her hand to his lips once more, he placed a gentle kiss upon it and replied, "Thank you my lady. And worry not. All will be well, you will see." Releasing her hand he turned towards his brother and friends. "Let us go to the library to hold this discussion." With a shared nod, the trio left the room.
"Lillian, what was your home like?" Arwen asked in the new silence.
"Miserable." Lillian replied softly, as she started to retreat into herself. Though, surprised at her answer the companions at the table began a conversation, and every once in a while asked Lillian her opinion. As the talk lengthened, Lillian stopped retreating and began to join the discussion herself.
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"I am willing to risk that," Elrohir said simply. "Quite frankly, I don't see what damage any of us could do that would be worse than what her manner tells me she has seen."
"She has not spoken of her experiences then?" Elladan murmured.
"No." Elrohir said. "I fear that will be her most difficult obstacle."
Studying his brother, Elladan commented, "You believe that there is something in her past that she doesn't want to admit?" Elrohir nodded.
"I do. I have tried to engage her in a conversation about her family. She avoids talking about her father, as if she fears his memory." The three sat in silence, mulling over what they knew. Finally, a low growl of frustration pierced the air.
"Agh," Elladan grumbled. "How does one heal the mind? We know how to heal the body, but the mind, and the soul..." He drifted off, pinching his nose.
"Language," the Prince of Mirkwood answered after a long pause. "She must unburden her mind through that. But how can she do so," he continued, "if she fears the very beings that wish to help her?"
"Perhaps," Elrohir grinned, "the Hobbits."
Raising an eyebrow, Legolas questioned, "What about the hobbits?"
Slightly smiling at the memory, Elrohir answered him. "Yesterday, Lillian met Pippin and Merry. It was they that made her 'come out of her shell.' "
"How so," questioned Elladan.
"She brightened almost immediately when she discovered that they didn't have the title 'lord.'" Elrohir answered.
Sighing, Legolas uncross his armed and looked to Elrohir. "If that is true, then I may not be much use. You already introduced me as a prince. Thus she knows my title and her ingrained fears might not let me help her. I ask you, Elrohir, what do you want me to do?"
"Just be your normal self. Only, try not to let the Lady fall for your youthful charm," a smirk grew across his face. "We want her to be comfortable around the nobility, not overcome."
Legolas just rolled his eyes.
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